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Jiang YC, Dou JY, Xuan MY, Gao C, Li ZX, Lian LH, Cui ZY, Nan JX, Wu YL. Raspberry Ketone Attenuates Hepatic Fibrogenesis and Inflammation via Regulating the Crosstalk of FXR and PGC-1α Signaling. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024. [PMID: 38970822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.4c03286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a compensatory response to chronic liver injury and inflammation, and dietary intervention is recommended as one of the fundamental prevention strategies. Raspberry ketone (RK) is an aromatic compound first isolated from raspberry and widely used to prepare food flavors. The current study investigated the hepatoprotection and potential mechanism of RK against hepatic fibrosis. In vitro, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation was stimulated with TGF-β and cultured with RK, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) agonist or inhibitor, respectively. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with thioacetamide (TAA) at 100/200 mg/kg from the first to the fifth week. Mice were intragastrically administrated with RK or Cur once a day from the second to the fifth week. In activated HSCs, RK inhibited extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation, inflammation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. RK both activated FXR/PGC-1α and regulated their crosstalk, which were verified by their inhibitors and agonists. Deficiency of FXR or PGC-1α also attenuated the effect of RK on the reverse of activated HSCs. RK also decreased serum ALT/AST levels, liver histopathological change, ECM accumulation, inflammation, and EMT in mice caused by TAA. Double activation of FXR/PGC-1α might be the key targets for RK against hepatic fibrosis. Above all, these discoveries supported the potential of RK as a novel candidate for the dietary intervention of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (State Ethnic Affairs), College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Jia-Yi Dou
- Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (State Ethnic Affairs), College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Mei-Yan Xuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, Sakado, Saitama 350-0295, Japan
| | - Chong Gao
- Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (State Ethnic Affairs), College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Zhao-Xu Li
- Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (State Ethnic Affairs), College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Li-Hua Lian
- Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (State Ethnic Affairs), College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Zhen-Yu Cui
- Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (State Ethnic Affairs), College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
- Jilin Vocational and Technical College, Longjing, Jilin Province 133400, China
| | - Ji-Xing Nan
- Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (State Ethnic Affairs), College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - Yan-Ling Wu
- Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (State Ethnic Affairs), College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
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Yan W, Rao D, Fan F, Liang H, Zhang Z, Dong H. Hepatitis B virus X protein and TGF-β: partners in the carcinogenic journey of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1407434. [PMID: 38962270 PMCID: PMC11220127 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1407434] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection is substantially associated with the development of liver cancer globally, with the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases exceeding 50%. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) encodes the Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein, a pleiotropic regulatory protein necessary for the transcription of the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) microchromosome. In previous studies, HBV-associated HCC was revealed to be affected by HBx in multiple signaling pathways, resulting in genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has dichotomous potentials at various phases of malignancy as it is a crucial signaling pathway that regulates multiple cellular and physiological processes. In early HCC, TGF-β has a significant antitumor effect, whereas in advanced HCC, it promotes malignant progression. TGF-β interacts with the HBx protein in HCC, regulating the pathogenesis of HCC. This review summarizes the respective and combined functions of HBx and TGB-β in HCC occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dean Rao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feimu Fan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission (NHC), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zunyi Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hanhua Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Lv Z, Song J, Xiang Y, Chen Z, Lu Z, Zhou Q, Wang K, Dahong HT, Zheng J, Zhang C, Gao S, Qin C, Chang J. Structural characterization and therapeutic effect of Alhagi honey oligosaccharide on liver fibrosis in mice. Fitoterapia 2024; 175:105974. [PMID: 38663563 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105974] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Alhagi honey is derived from the secretory granules of Alhagi pseudoalhagi Desv., a leguminous plant commonly known as camelthorn. Modern medical research has demonstrated that the extract of Alhagi honey possesses regulatory properties for the gastrointestinal tract and immune system, as well as exerts anti-tumor, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and hepatoprotective effects. The aim of this study was to isolate and purify oligosaccharide monomers (referred to as Mel) from camelthorn and elucidate their structural characteristics. Subsequently, the impact of Mel on liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice was investigated. The analysis identified the isolated oligosaccharide monomer (α-D-Glcp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Fruf-(2 → 1)-α-D-Glcp), with the molecular formula C18H32O16. In a mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, Mel demonstrated significant therapeutic effects by attenuating the development of fibrosis. Moreover, it enhanced anti-oxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) in liver tissues, thereby reducing oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species). Mel also improved serum albumin levels, lowered liver enzyme activities (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and decreased inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6). Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blotting analyses confirmed the ability of Mel to downregulate hepatic stellate cell-specific markers (collagen type I alpha 1 chain, alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-beta 1. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed the influence of Mel on metabolic pathways related to glutathione, niacin, pyrimidine, butyric acid, and amino acids. In conclusion, the results of our study highlight the promising potential of Mel, derived from Alhagi honey, as a viable candidate drug for treating liver fibrosis. This discovery offers a potentially advantageous option for individuals seeking natural and effective means to promote liver health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Lv
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Jianzhong Song
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China; Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Yang Xiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, China
| | - Zhanghao Chen
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Zinan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunotherapy and Radiotherapy, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Quanqian Zhou
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Kaizhen Wang
- College of Engineering, China Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Hailiqian Taoer Dahong
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Jiarui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Chunyu Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, China
| | - Shuang Gao
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China
| | - Chunjun Qin
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Lihu Avenue 1800, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Junmin Chang
- The Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Active Components and Drug Release Technology, College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, China.
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Zhu D, Sun Z, Wei J, Zhang Y, An W, Lin Y, Li X. BMP7-Loaded Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis by Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3475-3495. [PMID: 38623080 PMCID: PMC11018131 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s450284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hucMSC)-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are natural nanocarriers with promising potential in treating liver fibrosis and have widespread applications in the fields of nanomedicine and regenerative medicine. However, the therapeutic efficacy of natural hucMSC-sEVs is currently limited owing to their non-specific distribution in vivo and partial removal by mononuclear macrophages following systemic delivery. Thus, the therapeutic efficacy can be improved through the development of engineered hucMSC-sEVs capable to overcome these limitations. Patients and Methods To improve the anti-liver fibrosis efficacy of hucMSC-sEVs, we genetically engineered hucMSC-sEVs to overexpress the anti-fibrotic gene bone morphogenic protein 7 (BMP7) in parental cells. This was achieved using lentiviral transfection, following which BMP7-loaded hucMSC-sEVs were isolated through ultracentrifugation. First, the liver fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneal injection of 50% carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) twice a week for 8 weeks. These mice were subsequently treated with BMP7+sEVs via tail vein injection, and the anti-liver fibrosis effect of BMP7+sEVs was validated using small animal in vivo imaging, immunohistochemistry (IHC), tissue immunofluorescence, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Finally, cell function studies were performed to confirm the in vivo results. Results Liver imaging and liver histopathology confirmed that the engineered hucMSC-sEVs could reach the liver of mice and aggregate around activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) with a significantly stronger anti-liver fibrosis effect of BMP7-loaded hucMSC-sEVs compared to those of blank or negative control-transfected hucMSC-sEVs. In vitro, BMP7-loaded hucMSC-sEVs promoted the phenotypic reversal of aHSCs and inhibited their proliferation to enhance the anti-fibrotic effects. Conclusion These engineered BMP7-loaded hucMSC-sEVs offer a novel and promising strategy for the clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhu
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zongbin Sun
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiayun Wei
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenjing An
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Lin
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xun Li
- First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Gansu Province Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
- General Surgery Department, First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, People’s Republic of China
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5
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Raghunandhakumar S, Ezhilarasan D, Shree Harini K. Thymoquinone protects thioacetamide-induced chronic liver injury by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 axis in rats. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2024; 38:e23694. [PMID: 38504479 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23694] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury due to various etiological factors results in excess secretion and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to scarring of liver tissue and ultimately to hepatic fibrosis. If left untreated, fibrosis might progress to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Thymoquinone (TQ), an active compound of Nigella sativa, has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Therefore, the effect of TQ against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis was assessed in rats. Fibrosis was induced with intraperitoneal administration of TAA (250 mg/kg b.w.) twice a week for 5 weeks. TQ (20 mg/kg b.w.) and silymarin (50 mg/kg b.w.) were orally administered daily for 5 weeks separately in TAA administered groups. Liver dysfunction was reported by elevated liver enzymes, increased oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis upon TAA administration. Our study demonstrated that TQ inhibited the elevation of liver marker enzymes in serum. TQ administration significantly increased antioxidant markers, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in the liver tissue of rats. Further, TQ significantly attenuated liver fibrosis, as illustrated by the downregulation of TAA-induced interleukin-β, tumour necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase and fibrosis markers like transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin, collagen-1, Smad3 and 7. Therefore, these findings suggest that TQ has a promising hepatoprotective property, as indicated by its potential to effectively suppress TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation via TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramanian Raghunandhakumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Hepatology & Molecular Medicine Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Hepatology & Molecular Medicine Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Karthik Shree Harini
- Department of Pharmacology, Hepatology & Molecular Medicine Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India
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Xin X, Cheng X, Zeng F, Xu Q, Hou L. The Role of TGF-β/SMAD Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: from Mechanism to Therapy and Prognosis. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:1436-1451. [PMID: 38385079 PMCID: PMC10878151 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.89568] [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: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with high incidence and mortality, accounting for approximately 90% of liver cancer. The development of HCC is a complex process involving the abnormal activation or inactivation of multiple signaling pathways. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) signaling pathway regulates the development of HCC. TGF-β activates intracellular SMADs protein through membrane receptors, resulting in a series of biological cascades. Accumulating studies have demonstrated that TGF-β/SMAD signaling plays multiple regulatory functions in HCC. However, there is still controversy about the role of TGF-β/SMAD in HCC. Because it involves different pathogenic factors, disease stages, and cell microenvironment, as well as upstream and downstream relationships with other signaling pathways. This review will summary the regulatory mechanism of the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway in HCC, involving the regulation of different pathogenic factors, different disease stages, different cell populations, microenvironments, and the interaction with microRNAs. In addition, we also introduced small molecule inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and traditional Chinese medicine extracts based on targeting the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway, which will provide future research direction for HCC therapy targeting the TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xin
- The College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiyu Cheng
- The College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Fanxin Zeng
- Department of Clinical Research Center, Dazhou Central Hospital, Dazhou, Sichuan province, China
| | - Qing Xu
- The College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingling Hou
- The College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing, China
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7
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Ghafouri‐Fard S, Askari A, Shoorei H, Seify M, Koohestanidehaghi Y, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Samsami M. Antioxidant therapy against TGF-β/SMAD pathway involved in organ fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18052. [PMID: 38041559 PMCID: PMC10826439 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18052] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to excessive build-up of scar tissue and extracellular matrix components in different organs. In recent years, it has been revealed that different cytokines and chemokines, especially Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. It has been shown that TGF-β is upregulated in fibrotic tissues, and contributes to fibrosis by mediating pathways that are related to matrix preservation and fibroblasts differentiation. There is no doubt that antioxidants protect against different inflammatory conditions by reversing the effects of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur-based reactive elements. Oxidative stress has a direct impact on chronic inflammation, and as results, prolonged inflammation ultimately results in fibrosis. Different types of antioxidants, in the forms of vitamins, natural compounds or synthetic ones, have been proven to be beneficial in the protection against fibrotic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we reviewed the role of different compounds with antioxidant activity in induction or inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway, with regard to different fibrotic conditions such as gastro-intestinal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, skin fibrosis, renal fibrosis and also some rare cases of fibrosis, both in animal models and cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri‐Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Arian Askari
- Phytochemistry Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamed Shoorei
- Cellular and Molecular Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr HospitalTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Mohammad Seify
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences InstituteShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | - Yeganeh Koohestanidehaghi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences InstituteShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of PharmacyHawler Medical UniversityErbilIraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human GeneticsJena University HospitalJenaGermany
- Urology and Nephrology Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Loghman Hakim HospitalShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Chang J, Huang C, Li S, Jiang X, Chang H, Li M. Research Progress Regarding the Effect and Mechanism of Dietary Polyphenols in Liver Fibrosis. Molecules 2023; 29:127. [PMID: 38202710 PMCID: PMC10779665 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29010127] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of liver fibrosis is a result of chronic liver injuries may progress to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. In recent years, liver fibrosis has become a major global problem, and the incidence rate and mortality are increasing year by year. However, there are currently no approved treatments. Research on anti-liver-fibrosis drugs is a top priority. Dietary polyphenols, such as plant secondary metabolites, have remarkable abilities to reduce lipid metabolism, insulin resistance and inflammation, and are attracting more and more attention as potential drugs for the treatment of liver diseases. Gradually, dietary polyphenols are becoming the focus for providing an improvement in the treatment of liver fibrosis. The impact of dietary polyphenols on the composition of intestinal microbiota and the subsequent production of intestinal microbial metabolites has been observed to indirectly modulate signaling pathways in the liver, thereby exerting regulatory effects on liver disease. In conclusion, there is evidence that dietary polyphenols can be therapeutically useful in preventing and treating liver fibrosis, and we highlight new perspectives and key questions for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayin Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Congying Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Siqi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Xiaolei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
| | - Minhui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014040, China; (J.C.); (C.H.); (S.L.); (X.J.)
- Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hohhot 010020, China
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Characteristic Geoherbs Resources Protection and Utilization, Baotou 014040, China
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9
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Ma M, Chen L, Tang Z, Song Z, Kong X. Hepatoprotective effect of total flavonoids from Carthamus tinctorius L. leaves against carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver injury in mice. Fitoterapia 2023; 171:105605. [PMID: 37437698 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105605] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Carthamus tinctorius L. leaves, a waste product after Carthami flos production, are rich in flavonoids. Total flavonoids from C. tinctorius L. leaves (TFCTLL) exhibited the protective effect on acute liver injury in mice in previous studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of TFCTLL on chronic liver injury (CLI) and investigate the underlying mechanism. The chemical components of TFCTLL were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, and their migration into blood was evaluated. The protective effect of TFCTLL on CLI was evaluated by antioxidative and anti-inflammatory experiments in vitro, network pharmacology and a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced CLI mouse model. We indentified 18 chemical components in the TFCTLL samples and 4 components in plasma. TFCTLL showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant capacity in vitro and in vivo. TFCTLL administration prominently improved the liver function and structure, decreased the mRNA expression levels of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, IRF3, AKT1, TRIF, PI3K, MyD88, IL-1β and TNF-α and inhibited the protein expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in mice with CLI. The molecular docking results showed that components in plasma had high binding affinity for the targets TLR4, PI3K and AKT1. Therefore, TFCTLL has a protective effect against CCl4-induced CLI, and the underlying mechanisms may be related to antioxidation, anti-inflammation and modulation of the TLRs/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengge Ma
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi & Education Ministry, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 712083, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Lin Chen
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi & Education Ministry, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 712083, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China.
| | - Zhishu Tang
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi & Education Ministry, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 712083, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China; China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, 100700 Beijing, PR China.
| | - Zhongxing Song
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi & Education Ministry, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 712083, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Xin Kong
- Co-construction Collaborative Innovation Center for Chinese Medicine Resources Industrialization by Shaanxi & Education Ministry, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Innovative Drug Research Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, 712083, Xianyang, Shaanxi, PR China
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10
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Shu G, Lei X, Li G, Zhang T, Wang C, Song A, Yu H, Wang X, Deng X. Ergothioneine suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation via promoting Foxa3-dependent potentiation of the Hint1/Smad7 cascade and improves CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Food Funct 2023; 14:10591-10604. [PMID: 37955610 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03643j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Ergothioneine (EGT) is a bioactive compound derived from certain edible mushrooms. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is critically involved in the etiology of liver fibrosis (LF). Here, we report that in LX-2 HSCs, EGT upregulates the expression of Hint1 and Smad7 and suppresses their activation provoked by TGFβ1. The EGT-triggered inhibition of HSC activation is abolished by knocking down the expression of Hint1. Overexpression of Hint1 increases Smad7 and represses TGFβ1-provoked activation of LX-2 HSCs. In silico predictions unveiled that in the promoter region of the human Hint1 gene, there are two conserved cis-acting elements that have the potential to interact with the transcription factor Foxa3 termed hFBS1 and hFBS2, respectively. The knockdown of Foxa3 obviously declined Hint1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Transfection of Foxa3 or EGT treatment increased the activity of the luciferase reporter driven by the Hint1 promoter in an hFBS2-dependent manner. The knockdown of Foxa3 eliminated EGT-mediated upregulation of Hint1 promoter activity. Additionally, EGT triggered the nuclear translocation of Foxa3 without obviously affecting its expression level. Molecular docking analysis showed that EGT has the potential to directly interact with the Foxa3 protein. Moreover, Foxa3 played a critical role in EGT-mediated hepatoprotection. EGT modulated the Foxa3/Hint1/Smad7 signaling in mouse primary HSCs and inhibited their activation. The gavage of EGT considerably relieved CCl4-induced LF in mice. Our data provide new insights into the anti-LF activity of EGT. Mechanistically, EGT triggers the nuclear translocation of Foxa3 in HSCs, which promotes Hint1 transcription and subsequently elevates Smad7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xiao Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Guangqiong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Chuo Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Anning Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Huifan Yu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xukun Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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11
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Mohammed OS, Attia HG, Mohamed BMSA, Elbaset MA, Fayed HM. Current investigations for liver fibrosis treatment: between repurposing the FDA-approved drugs and the other emerging approaches. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES : A PUBLICATION OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, SOCIETE CANADIENNE DES SCIENCES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2023; 26:11808. [PMID: 38022905 PMCID: PMC10662312 DOI: 10.3389/jpps.2023.11808] [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: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Long-term liver injuries lead to hepatic fibrosis, often progressing into cirrhosis, liver failure, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is currently no effective therapy available for liver fibrosis. Thus, continuous investigations for anti-fibrotic therapy are ongoing. The main theme of anti-fibrotic investigation during recent years is the rationale-based selection of treatment molecules according to the current understanding of the pathology of the disease. The research efforts are mainly toward repurposing current FDA-approved drugs targeting etiological molecular factors involved in developing liver fibrosis. In parallel, investigations also focus on experimental small molecules with evidence to hinder or reverse the fibrosis. Natural compounds, immunological, and genetic approaches have shown significant encouraging effects. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety of current under-investigation antifibrosis medications targeting various molecular targets, as well as the properties of antifibrosis medications, mainly in phase II and III clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omima S. Mohammed
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hany G. Attia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassim M. S. A. Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marawan A. Elbaset
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hany M. Fayed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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12
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Liao X, Ruan X, Yao P, Yang D, Wu X, Zhou X, Jing J, Wei D, Liang Y, Zhang T, Qin S, Jiang H. LncRNA-Gm9866 promotes liver fibrosis by activating TGFβ/Smad signaling via targeting Fam98b. J Transl Med 2023; 21:778. [PMID: 37919785 PMCID: PMC10621198 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04642-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The exact mechanism and target molecules of liver fibrosis have remained largely elusive. Here, we investigated the role of long noncoding RNA Gm9866(lncRNA-Gm9866) on liver fibrosis. METHODS The transcription of lncRNA-Gm9866 in activated cells and mouse fibrotic livers was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effects of lentivirus-mediated knockdown or overexpression of lncRNA-Gm9866 in liver fibrosis were examined in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, cell samples validation, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) co-localization, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), actinomycin D test and Western blot (WB) were carried out to explore the potential mechanism of lncRNA-Gm9866. RESULTS The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen I (COL-1) and lncRNA-Gm9866 were significantly increased in tissues and cells. Overexpressing lncRNA-Gm9866 promoted the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Silencing lncRNA-Gm9866 inhibited the activation of HSCs and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) induced fibrosis. Overexpressing lncRNA-Gm9866 promoted hepatocytes (HCs) apoptosis and the expression of pro-fibrogenic genes, inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCs. Knockdown of lncRNA-Gm9866 inhibited the apoptosis of HCs, the expression of pro-fibrogenic genes, TGFβ1 induced fibrosis and the occurrence of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, and promoted the proliferation and migration of HCs. Mechanistically, lncRNA-Gm9866 may directly bine with Fam98b. Silencing Fam98b in stably overexpressing lncRNA-Gm9866 cell lines reversed the increase of pro-fibrogenic genes and pro-apoptotic genes, fibrosis related pathway protein TGFβ1, Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3 and Notch3 induced by overexpressing lncRNA-Gm9866. CONCLUSIONS LncRNA-Gm9866 may regulate TGFβ/Smad and Notch pathways by targeting Fam98b to regulate liver fibrosis. LncRNA-Gm9866 may be a new target for diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xianxian Ruan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Peishan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianbin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Wuming Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- Department of Emergency, People's Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jie Jing
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dafu Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yaodan Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Taicheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shanyu Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Haixing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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13
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Xu X, Guo Y, Luo X, Shen Z, Sun Z, Shen B, Zhou C, Wang J, Lu J, Zhang Q, Ye Y, Luo Y, Qu Y, Cai X, Dong H, Lu L. Hydronidone ameliorates liver fibrosis by inhibiting activation of hepatic stellate cells via Smad7-mediated degradation of TGFβRI. Liver Int 2023; 43:2523-2537. [PMID: 37641479 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing reaction that eventually leads to cirrhosis. Hydronidone is a new pyridine derivative with the potential to treat liver fibrosis. In this study, we explored the antifibrotic effects of hydronidone and its potential mode of action. METHODS The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of hydronidone were studied in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )- and 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)- induced animal liver fibrosis. The antifibrotic mechanisms of hydronidone were investigated in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The antifibrotic effect of hydronidone was further tested after Smad7 knockdown in HSCs in mouse models of fibrosis. RESULTS In animal models, hydronidone attenuated liver damage and collagen accumulation, and reduced the expression of fibrosis-related genes. Hydronidone decreased the expression of fibrotic genes in HSCs. Impressively, hydronidone significantly upregulated Smad7 expression and promoted the degradation of transforming growth factor β receptor I (TGFβRI) in HSCs and thus inhibited the TGFβ-Smad signalling pathway. Specific knockdown of Smad7 in HSCs in vivo blocked the antifibrotic effect of hydronidone. CONCLUSION Hydronidone ameliorates liver fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs activation via Smad7-mediated TGFβRI degradation. Hydronidone is a potential drug candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuecheng Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyang Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongshang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huaian First People's Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Huaian, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cui Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Ye
- Continent Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Continent Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Ying Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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14
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Ma R, Liu Q, Liu Z, Sun X, Jiang X, Hou J, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Cheng M, Dong Z. H19/Mir-130b-3p/Cyp4a14 potentiate the effect of praziquantel on liver in the treatment of Schistosoma japonicum infection. Acta Trop 2023; 247:107012. [PMID: 37659685 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107012] [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: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schistosomiasis is a prevalent infectious disease caused by the parasitic trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ), a safe and affordable drug, is the recommended oral treatment for schistosomiasis. The main pathologic manifestation of schistosomiasis is liver injury. However, the role and interactions of various RNA molecules in the effect of PZQ on the liver after S. japonicum infection have not been elucidated. RESULTS In this study, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group, infection group, and PZQ treatment group. Total RNA was extracted from the livers of the mice. High-throughput whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to detect the RNA expression profiles in the three groups. A co-expression gene-interaction network was established based on the significant differentially expressed genes in the PZQ treatment group; messenger RNA (mRNA) Cyp4a14 was identified as a critical hub gene. Furthermore, competitive endogenous RNA networks were constructed by predicting the specific binding relations between mRNA and long noncoding (lnc) RNA and between lncRNA and microRNA (miRNA) of Cyp4a14, suggesting the involvement of the H19/miR-130b-3p/Cyp4a14 regulatory axis. Dual luciferase reporter assay result proved the specific binding of miR-130b-3p with Cyp4a14 3'UTR. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate the involvement of the H19/miR-130b-3p/Cyp4a14 axis in the effect of PZQ on the liver after S. japonicum infection. Moreover, the expression of mRNA Cyp4a14 could be regulated by the bonding of miR-130b-3p with 3'UTR of Cyp4a14. The findings of this study could provide a novel perspective to understand the host response to PZQ against S. japonicum in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Department of Health and Disease Management, School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Anesthesia, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, 256600, China
| | - Zimo Liu
- Electrocardiogram Room, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Xu Sun
- Department of Health and Disease Management, School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Xinze Jiang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Jiangshan Hou
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Yumei Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China
| | - Yulong Wu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China.
| | - Mei Cheng
- Department of Health and Disease Management, School of Nursing, Binzhou Medical University, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China.
| | - Zhouyan Dong
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University, Guanhai Road 346, Yantai, Shandong, 264000, China.
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15
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Shi X, Jiang W, Yang X, Ma H, Wang Z, Ai Q, Dong Y, Zhang Y, Shi Y. Aucubin inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation through stimulating Nrf2/Smad7 axis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:176002. [PMID: 37607604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM Liver fibrosis may develop into end-stage liver disease if left unprevented. The study is attempting to identify a compound to ameliorate liver fibrosis progression with high efficiency and low toxicity, as well as to analyze its potential molecular mechanism. METHODS The drug screening was performed using human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 for identifying the compound as collagen I inhibitor. Primary Human hepatic stellate cells and LX-2 cell line were used to detect the antifibrotic function activity and molecular mechanism analysis in vitro. The CCl4-induced mouse experimental model was used to measure the amelioration in liver fibrosis. RESULTS This study identified Aucubin, a natural compound, as a candidate for anti-liver fibrosis. Besides, Aucubin could inhibit the collagen I and α-SMA expressions in LX-2 cells and primary human hepatic stellate cells, as well as the cell proliferation. In terms of mechanism, Aucubin could upregulate Smad7 in hepatic stellate cells in a dose-dependent manner and block TGF-β signaling. We also found that Nrf2 might be a direct target for the action of Aucubin, whose activation was necessary for Smad7 upregulation. In an in-vivo mouse model, Aucubin efficiency ameliorated the progression of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, and reduced the hepatic levels of collagen deposition, transaminase and inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION Capable of inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro and in vivo, Aucubin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis, which is dependent on the suppression of TGF-β signaling through stimulating Nrf2/Smad7 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, Jilin, China
| | - Wenyan Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - XiaoGuang Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - HeMing Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Zhongfeng Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Qing Ai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, Jilin, China
| | - YuTong Dong
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - YingYu Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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16
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Abubakr S, Hazem NM, Sherif RN, Elhawary AA, Botros KG. Correlation between SDF-1α, CD34 positive hematopoietic stem cells and CXCR4 expression with liver fibrosis in CCl4 rat model. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:323. [PMID: 37730560 PMCID: PMC10512633 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02932-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most frequent disorders is liver fibrosis. An improved understanding of the different events during the process of liver fibrosis & its reversibility could be helpful in its staging and in finding potential therapeutic agents. AIM The goal of this research was to evaluate the relationship among CD34 + HPSCs, SDF-1α, and CXCR4 receptor expression with the percentage of the area of hepatic fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into the control group, liver injury group & spontaneous reversion group. The liver injury was induced by using 2 ml/kg CCl4 twice a week. Flow cytometric examination of CD34 + cells in the blood & liver was performed. Bone marrow & liver samples were taken for evaluation of the SDF-1α mRNA by PCR. Liver specimens were stained for histopathological and CXCR4 immuno-expression evaluation. RESULTS In the liver injury group, the hepatic enzymes, fibrosis area percentage, CXCR4 receptor expression in the liver, CD34 + cells in the blood and bone marrow & the level SDF-1α in the liver and its concentration gradient were statistically significantly elevated with the progression of the liver fibrosis. On the contrary, SDF-1α in the bone marrow was statistically significantly reduced with the development of liver fibrosis. During the spontaneous reversion group, all the studied parameters apart from SDF-1α in the bone marrow were statistically substantially decreased compared with the liver injury group. We found a statistically substantial positive correlation between fibrosis area and all of the following: liver enzymes, CXCR4 receptor expression in the liver, CD34 + cells in the blood and liver, and SDF- 1α in the liver and its concentration gradient. In conclusion, in CCl4 rat model, the fibrosis area is significantly correlated with many parameters in the blood, bone marrow, and liver, which can be used during the process of follow-up during the therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Abubakr
- Human Anatomy & Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Noha M Hazem
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Medical Experimental Research Center (MERC), Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Algomhoria Street, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt.
- Pathological Sciences Department, Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - R N Sherif
- Human Anatomy & Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Adel Abdelmohdy Elhawary
- Human Anatomy & Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Kamal G Botros
- Human Anatomy & Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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17
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Liu C, Wu J, Li M, Gao R, Zhang X, Ye-Lehmann S, Song J, Zhu T, Chen C. Smad7 in the hippocampus contributes to memory impairment in aged mice after anesthesia and surgery. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:175. [PMID: 37507781 PMCID: PMC10375636 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02849-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a common neurological complication following anesthesia and surgery. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that neuroinflammation caused by systemic inflammatory responses during the perioperative period is a key factor in the occurrence of POCD. In addition, SMAD family member 7 (Smad7) has been confirmed to play vital roles in the pathogenesis and treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease. However, whether Smad7 participates in the regulatory process of neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the development of POCD is still unknown. METHODS In this study, a POCD mouse model was constructed by unilateral nephrectomy under anesthesia, and cognitive function was assessed using the fear conditioning test and open field test. The expression of Smad7 at the mRNA and protein levels in the hippocampus 3 days after surgery was examined by qRT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays. Furthermore, to identify whether the elevation of Smad7 in the hippocampus after unilateral nephrectomy contributes to cognitive impairment, the expression of Smad7 in the hippocampal CA1 region was downregulated by crossing Smad7fl/fl conditional mutant mice and CaMKIIα-Cre line T29-1 transgenic mice or stereotaxic injection of shRNA-Smad7. Inflammation and apoptosis in the hippocampus were assessed by measuring the mRNA levels of typical inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, CXCL1, and CXCL2, and the protein levels of apoptotic proteins, including Bax and Bcl2. In addition, apoptosis in the hippocampus postoperation was investigated by a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining assay. Finally, western blotting was used to explore how Smad7 mediates inflammation and apoptosis postoperation. RESULTS The results unequivocally revealed that elevated Smad7 in the hippocampal CA1 region significantly inhibited TGF-β signal transduction by blocking Smad2/3 phosphorylation, which enhanced neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the hippocampus and further led to learning and memory impairment after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that Smad7 contributes to cognitive impairment after surgery by enhancing neuroinflammation and apoptosis in the hippocampus and might serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of memory impairment after anesthesia surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changliang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Rui Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shixin Ye-Lehmann
- Diseases and Hormones of the Nervous System, University of Paris-Scalay Bicêtre Hosptial Bât. Grégory Pincus, 80 Rue du Gal Leclerc, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, 94276, CEDEX, Paris, France
| | - Jiangning Song
- Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Monash Data Futures Institute, Monash University, VIC, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Chan Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Xu Y, Liu F, He D, Han L, Zheng X, Hu M, Chen P. Monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells negatively regulate hepatic stellate cells in vitro by secreting IL-10. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152315. [PMID: 36608595 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152315] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The development of liver fibrosis is associated with inflammatory responses resulting from chronic liver disease. Immature dendritic cells (imDCs) play an important role in modulating the inflammatory environment of the liver. This study investigated the effects of imDCs on the regulation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during liver fibrosis. We isolated and induced imDCs from monocytes of healthy volunteers, activated LX-2 cells with TGF-β to establish in vivo liver fibrosis HSCs model, and then set up a cell co-culture system with transwell membranes. imDC surface markers and apoptosis rates of LX-2 cells were detected by flow cytometry. The concentration of IL-10 secreted by imDC was measured through ELISA. The expression of α-SMA in LX-2 after co-culture was examined by qRT‑PCR. Proliferation of LX-2 cells were detected by CCK-8. The western blot was used to illustrate the LX-2 activation-related proteins such as Smad3/7 and TGF-β1. The imDCs co-culture group and the interleukin-10 (IL-10) treatment group had similar results, as they were both able to increase apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, downregulate α-SMA mRNA, and reduce TGF-β1 and Smad3 protein expression in LX-2 cells. Additionally, the Smad7 protein level was increased after treatment with imDC and IL-10. However, the results in the IL-10 antagonist group showed the opposite trend to that of imDCs and IL-10 groups. Thus, these results suggest that imDC secretion of IL-10 negatively regulates activated LX-2 cells, probably via inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and increased expression of Smad7 protein. This may be a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Di He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Mingdao Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China.
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China.
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Paliwal VM, Kundu S, Kulhari U, Jala A, Ishteyaque S, Borkar RM, Mugale MN, Murty US, Sahu BD. Alternanthera brasiliana L. extract alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrotic changes in mice: Role of matrix metalloproteinases and TGF-β/Smad axis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115992. [PMID: 36509261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115992] [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: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alternanthera brasiliana L. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae and is popularly known as "penicillin". It is used in folk medicine to treat infections, coughs, wound healing, and inflammatory diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY We investigated the effect of Alternanthera brasiliana L. leaves hydroalcoholic extract (AB) against oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrotic changes in an experimental model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six male Balb/C mice were randomized into five groups: normal control, AB control, CCl4 control, CCl4 + AB-200 mg/kg, and CCl4 + AB-400 mg/kg. In mice, liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (20% in corn oil, 5 ml/kg body weight) thrice a week for six consecutive weeks. AB extract at two doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally for six consecutive weeks. Liver injury-related serum markers (ALT, AST, ALP), antioxidants (GSH, GST, SOD, and vitamin C), pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, ultrasonographic and histological alterations, proteins of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), nuclear factor-κB (p65) (NF-κB), nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and TGF-β/Smad signaling were accessed. LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis of AB was performed. RESULTS AB treatment significantly decreased the CCl4-induced rise in serum ALT, AST, and ALP activities and improved the histological alterations. Compared with the CCl4-treated group, treatment with AB significantly restored the hepatic antioxidants and reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver. The antioxidant activity of AB may be attributed to its terpenoid constituents, which was confirmed by LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. The CCl4-induced rise in expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and decrease in TIMP-1 were markedly restored in the AB-treated groups. Further findings revealed a significant reduction in the protein levels of phospho-NF-κB (p65), NLRP3, TGF-β, pSmad2/3, collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the AB treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS The hepatoprotective effect of AB may be attributed to the high content of terpenoid compounds and alleviates liver injury and associated fibrotic changes through modulating MMPs, NF-κB (p65), and the TGF-β/Smad axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay M Paliwal
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Sourav Kundu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Uttam Kulhari
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Aishwarya Jala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Sharmeen Ishteyaque
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Roshan M Borkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Upadhyayula Suryanarayana Murty
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Bidya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India.
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20
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Shao B, Gui X, Lu Z, Lv R, Li H, Lu K, Hong Y, Fu Z, Jin Y, Lin J, Fei C, Liu J. Praziquantel promotes protection against Schistosoma japonicum infection in mice. Acta Trop 2023; 241:106874. [PMID: 36863502 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106874] [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: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Praziquantel (PZQ) is the first line drug for the treatment of schistosomiasis. Several studies have confirmed that PZQ regulates host immunity, and we have recently found that pretreatment with PZQ enhances resistance against Schistosoma japonicum infection in buffaloes. We speculate that PZQ induces physiological changes in mice that prevent S. japonicum infection. To test this hypothesis and provide a practical measure to prevent S. japonicum infection, we determined the effective dose (the minimum dose), protection period and onset time of protection by comparing the worm burden, female worm burden and egg burden in PZQ-pretreated mice and blank control mice. Morphological differences between parasites were observed by measuring the total worm length, oral sucker, ventral sucker and ovary. The levels of cytokines, nitrogen monoxide (NO), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and specific antibodies were measured using kits or soluble worm antigens. Hematological indicators on day 0 were analyzed in mice that received PZQ on days -15, -18, -19, -20, -21 and -22. The PZQ concentrations in plasma and blood cells were monitored using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effective dose was found to be two oral administrations (interval of 24 h) at 300 mg/kg body weight (BW) or one injection at 200 mg/kg BW, and the protection period of PZQ injection was 18 days. The optimal preventive effect was observed at two days post-administration, with a >92% worm reduction rate and significant worm reduction until 21 days after administration. Adult worms from PZQ-pretreated mice were runtish showing a shorter length, smaller organs and fewer eggs in the uteri of females. Detection of cytokines, NO, 5-HT and hematological indicators showed that PZQ induced immune-physiological changes, including higher levels of NO, IFN-γ and IL-2, and a lower level of TGF-β. No significant difference in the anti-S. japonicum specific antibody levels was observed. The PZQ concentrations in plasma and blood cells 8 and 15 days post-administration were lower than the detection limit. Our results confirmed that pretreatment with PZQ promotes the protection of mice against S. japonicum infection within 18 days. Although we observed some immune-physiological changes in the PZQ-pretreated mice, the exact mechanisms involved in the preventive effect require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Shao
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Gui
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Zhenjie Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Rongxue Lv
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Hao Li
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Ke Lu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Yang Hong
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology (National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention), Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhiqiang Fu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Jiaojiao Lin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Chenzhong Fei
- Key Laboratory of Veterinary Chemical Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Liu
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China; Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, P.R. China.
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Wan G, Chen Z, Lei L, Geng X, Zhang Y, Yang C, Cao W, Pan Z. The total polyphenolic glycoside extract of Lamiophlomis rotata ameliorates hepatic fibrosis through apoptosis by TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Chin Med 2023; 18:20. [PMID: 36829153 PMCID: PMC9951520 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00723-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) which is mainly secreted by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Lamiophlomis rotata (L. rotata) was recorded to treat jaundice in the traditional Tibetan medical system with the potential of hepatoprotection. However, the bioactivities and the possible mechanism of L. rotata on hepatic fibrosis is still largely unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of bioactivities in L. rotata and the probable mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS Herein, total polyphenolic glycosides of L. rotata (TPLR) was purified with the selectivity adsorption resin and was analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q/TOF/MSn). The anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of TPLR was evaluated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, and was evaluated with the apoptosis of activated HSCs. RESULTS In total, sixteen compounds, including nine phenylpropanoids and six flavonoids, were identified in the UPLC-TOF-MSn profile of the extracts. TPLR significantly ameliorated hepatic fibrosis in CCl4-induced mice and inhibited HSCs proliferation, Moreover, TPLR notably increased the apoptosis of activated HSCs along with up-regulated caspase-3, -8, -9, and -10. Furthermore, TPLR inhibited TGF-β/Smad pathway ameliorating hepatic fibrosis though downregulation the expression of Smad2/3, Smad4, and upregulation the expression of Smad7 in vivo and in vitro. Simultaneously, the expression of fibronectin (FN), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and Collagen I (Col1α1) were decreased in tissues and in cells with TPLR administration. CONCLUSION These results initially demonstrated that TPLR has the potential to ameliorate hepatic fibrosis through an apoptosis mechanism via TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoguo Wan
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Lei
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Geng
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- grid.411304.30000 0001 0376 205XCentre for Academic Inheritance and Innovation of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130 China
| | - Congwen Yang
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenfu Cao
- grid.203458.80000 0000 8653 0555Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Pan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, No.1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Fibrosis: Types, Effects, Markers, Mechanisms for Disease Progression, and Its Relation with Oxidative Stress, Immunity, and Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044004. [PMID: 36835428 PMCID: PMC9963026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Most chronic inflammatory illnesses include fibrosis as a pathogenic characteristic. Extracellular matrix (ECM) components build up in excess to cause fibrosis or scarring. The fibrotic process finally results in organ malfunction and death if it is severely progressive. Fibrosis affects nearly all tissues of the body. The fibrosis process is associated with chronic inflammation, metabolic homeostasis, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling, where the balance between the oxidant and antioxidant systems appears to be a key modulator in managing these processes. Virtually every organ system, including the lungs, heart, kidney, and liver, can be affected by fibrosis, which is characterized as an excessive accumulation of connective tissue components. Organ malfunction is frequently caused by fibrotic tissue remodeling, which is also frequently linked to high morbidity and mortality. Up to 45% of all fatalities in the industrialized world are caused by fibrosis, which can damage any organ. Long believed to be persistently progressing and irreversible, fibrosis has now been revealed to be a very dynamic process by preclinical models and clinical studies in a variety of organ systems. The pathways from tissue damage to inflammation, fibrosis, and/or malfunction are the main topics of this review. Furthermore, the fibrosis of different organs with their effects was discussed. Finally, we highlight many of the principal mechanisms of fibrosis. These pathways could be considered as promising targets for the development of potential therapies for a variety of important human diseases.
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Yahya NA, Lanham JK, Sprague DJ, Palygin O, McCorvy JD, Marchant JS. Molecular and cellular basis of praziquantel action in the cardiovascular system. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C573-C587. [PMID: 36622066 PMCID: PMC9942900 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00520.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The anthelmintic drug praziquantel (PZQ) causes contraction of parasitic schistosomes as well as constriction of blood vessels within the mesenteric vasculature of the host where the adult blood flukes reside. The contractile action of PZQ on the vasculature is mediated by the activation of host serotonergic 5-HT2B receptors (5-HT2BRs). However, the molecular basis for PZQ interaction with these targets and the location of these 5-HT2B receptors in the vessel wall have not been experimentally defined. Evaluation of a PZQ docking pose within the 5-HT2BR orthosteric site, using both Ca2+ reporter and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) assays, identified residues F3406.51 and F3416.52 (transmembrane helix 6, TM6) as well as L209EL2 (extracellular loop 2) as critical for PZQ-mediated agonist activity. A key determinant of PZQ selectivity for the 5-HT2B receptor over the 5-HT2A/2C receptors was determined by M2185.39 in transmembrane helix 5 (TM5) of the orthosteric site. Mutation of this residue to valine (M218V), as found in 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C, decreased PZQ agonist activity, whereas the reciprocal mutation (V215M) in 5-HT2C increased PZQ activity. Two-photon imaging in intact mesenteric arterial strips visualized PZQ-evoked Ca2+ transients within the smooth muscle cells of the vessel wall. PZQ also triggered cytoplasmic Ca2+ signals in arterial smooth muscle cells in primary culture that were isolated from mesenteric blood vessels. These data define the molecular basis for PZQ action on 5-HT2B receptors localized in vascular smooth muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawal A Yahya
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Janelle K Lanham
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Daniel J Sprague
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Oleg Palygin
- Division of Nephrology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - John D McCorvy
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Jonathan S Marchant
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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24
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Chen C, Chen J, Wang Y, Fang L, Guo C, Sang T, Peng H, Zhao Q, Chen S, Lin X, Wang X. Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide inhibits HSC activation and liver fibrosis via targeting inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and ECM-receptor interaction mediated by TGF-β/Smad signaling. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 110:154626. [PMID: 36603342 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide (GLP) has many biological properties, however, the anti-fibrosis effect of GLP is unknown at present. PURPOSE This study aimed to examine the anti-fibrogenic effect of GLP and its underlying molecular mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. STUDY DESIGN Both CCl4-induced mouse and TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cellular models of fibrosis were established to examine the anti-fibrogenic effect of a water-soluble GLP (25 kDa) extracted from the sporoderm-removed spores of G. lucidum.. METHOD Serum markers of liver injury, histology and fibrosis of liver tissues, and collagen formation were examined using an automatic biochemical analyzer, H&E staining, Sirius red staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR. RNA-sequencing, enrichment pathway analysis, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry were employed to identify the potential molecular targets and signaling pathways that are responsible for the anti-fibrotic effect of GLP. RESULTS We showed that GLP (150 and 300 mg/kg) significantly inhibited hepatic fibrogenesis and inflammation in CCl4-treated mice as mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB/MyD88 signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that GLP significantly inhibited hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation in mice and in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 cells as manifested by reduced collagen I and a-SMA expressions. RNA-sequencing uncovered inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, ECM-receptor interaction, TLR4/NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad signalings as major pathways suppressed by GLP administration. Further studies demonstrated that GLP elicits anti-fibrotic actions that are associated with a novel dual effect on apoptosis in vivo (inhibit) or in vitro (promote), suppression of cell cycle in vivo, induction of S phase arrest in vitro, and attenuation of ECM-receptor interaction-associated molecule expressions including integrins ITGA6 and ITGA8. Furthermore, GLP significantly inhibited the TGF-β/Smad signaling in mice, and reduced TGF-β1 or its agonist SRI-011381-induced Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylations, but increased Samd7 expression in HSC-T6 cells. CONCLUSION This study provides the first evidence that GLP could be a promising dietary strategy for treating liver fibrosis, which protects against liver fibrosis and HSC activation through targeting inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle, and ECM-receptor interactions that are mediated by TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaojie Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Jiajun Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Liu Fang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Cuiling Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Tingting Sang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - He Peng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Qian Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Shengjia Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Xiaojian Lin
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China
| | - Xingya Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, 260 Baichuan Road, Hangzhou 311400, PR China.
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Chen Y, Lin L, Yang C, Li T, Li Y, Wang J, Wu Y, Zhao Y, Su G. Ginsenoside AD-2 Ameliorating Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Activation in HSC-T6 Cells and Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice via Regulation of VD-VDR Axis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3459-3471. [PMID: 36644954 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ginsenoside 25-hydroxy protopanaxadiol (AD-2) isolated from ginseng was proved to have anti-hepatic fibrosis (HF) effect in our previous study. But the mechanism is unknown. The present study investigated the anti-HF effects and mechanisms of AD-2 on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced activation in HSC-T6 cells and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis (HF) in mice. Results showed that AD-2 significantly inhibited the LPS-induced activated HSC-T6 cells in vitro and markedly reduced the serum transaminase and hydroxyproline levels, pathological changes, and hepatic body ratio in CCl4-induced HF mice, indicating AD-2 ameliorated liver injury and reversed HF notably. Moreover, AD-2 decreased the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and MMP2, and maintained TIMP1/MMP9 in balance with the level of vitamin D (VD) and the expression of VD nuclear receptor (VDR) and Sirt3 increased. In conclusion, the anti-HF mechanism of AD-2 is related to the inhibition of HSC activation, promotion of collagen degradation, and regulation of the VD/VDR axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lizhen Lin
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Chunhong Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Tao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Basic Medical Teaching and Research Department, Liaoning Vocational College of Medicine, Shenyang 110101, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
- Key Laboratory of Structure-Based Drug Design & Discovery, Ministry of Education, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Yanling Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Yuqing Zhao
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji 133002, China
| | - Guangyue Su
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China
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ATM deficiency aggravates the progression of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. Toxicology 2023; 484:153397. [PMID: 36526012 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2022.153397] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a pivotal sensor during the DNA damage response that slows cell passage through the cell cycle checkpoints to facilitate DNA repair, and liver fibrosis is an irreversible pathological consequence of the sustained wound-healing process, However, the effects of ATM on the development of liver fibrosis are still not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of ATM on the progression of liver fibrosis. Wild-type and ATM-deficient were administered with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, 5 ml/kg, i.p.) for 8 weeks to induce liver fibrosis, and the liver tissues and serum were collected for analysis. KU-55933 (10 μM) was used to investigate the effects of ATM blockage on CCl4-induced hepatocyte injury in vitro. The results showed that ATM deficiency aggravated the increased serum transaminase levels and liver MDA, HYP, and 8-OHdG contents compared with the model group (p < 0.05). Sirius red staining showed that ATM deficiency exacerbated liver collagen deposition in vivo, which was associated with the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling. Furthermore, blocking ATM with KU-55933 exacerbated the production of ROS and DNA damage caused by CCl4 exposure in HepG2 cells, and KU-55933 treatment also reversed the downregulated expression of CDK1 and CDK2 after CCl4 exposure in vitro. Moreover, the loss of ATM perturbed the regulation of the hepatic cell ChK2-CDC25A/C-CDK1/2 cascade and apoptosis in vivo, which was accompanied by increased Ki67-positive and TUNEL-positive cells after chronic CCl4 treatment. In conclusion, our results indicated that ATM might be a critical regulator of liver fibrosis progression, and the underlying mechanisms of exacerbated liver fibrosis development in ATM-deficient mice might be associated with the dysregulation of hepatic cell proliferation and apoptosis.
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Zheng Y, Zhao T, Wang J, Jiang R, Huang J, Li W, Wang J. Curcumol alleviates liver fibrosis through inducing autophagy and ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22665. [PMID: 36398583 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200933rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
To explore the effect of curcumol on autophagy and ferroptosis of hepatic stellate cells, and to clarify the molecular mechanism of its anti-hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, we report that curcumol promotes the death of activated HSCs and reduces the deposition of extracellular matrix. Interestingly, curcumol treatment can trigger ferroptosis to eliminate activated HSCs characterized by iron overload, lipid ROS accumulation, glutathione depletion, and lipid peroxidation. Curcumol promotes HSC autophagy, which may be the key mechanism for its induction of ferroptosis. It is worth noting that the upregulation of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4) may play a key molecular mechanism. NCOA4 mediates the release of iron ions and induces the occurrence of ferroptosis. Overall, curcumol promotes autophagy in hepatic stellate cells, mediates the degradation of NCOA4 and FTH1 complexes, releases iron ions, leads to iron overload, and induces ferroptosis, which may be an important mechanism for its anti-hepatic fibrosis effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Tiejian Zhao
- College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jiaru Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Ruizhu Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jinbiao Huang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Weimin Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
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TGF-β1 contributes to the hepatic inflammation in animal models with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by Smad3/TLR2 signaling pathway. Mol Immunol 2022; 152:129-139. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Ramos-Tovar E, Muriel P. Free radicals, antioxidants, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 and liver damage. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 121:271-292. [PMID: 36707137 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The liver performs various biochemical and molecular functions. Its location as a portal to blood arriving from the intestines makes it susceptible to several insults, leading to diverse pathologies, including alcoholic liver disease, viral infections, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are causes of death worldwide. Illuminating the molecular mechanism underlying hepatic injury will provide targets to develop new therapeutic strategies to fight liver maladies. In this regard, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-recognized mediators of liver damage. ROS induce nuclear factor-κB and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, which are the main proinflammatory signaling pathways that upregulate several proinflammatory and profibrogenic mediators. Additionally, oxygen-derived free radicals induce hepatic stellate cell activation to produce exacerbated quantities of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of ROS, preventing liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis. Therefore, several researchers have demonstrated that the administration of antioxidants, mainly derived from plants, affords beneficial effects on the liver. Notably, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a major factor against oxidative stress in the liver. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that Nrf2 plays an important role in liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis via the induction of antioxidant response element genes. The use of Nrf2 inducers seems to be an interesting approach to prevent/attenuate hepatic disorders, particularly under conditions where ROS play a causative role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ramos-Tovar
- Postgraduate Studies and Research Section, School of Higher Education in Medicine-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Dibo N, Liu X, Chang Y, Huang S, Wu X. Pattern recognition receptor signaling and innate immune responses to schistosome infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1040270. [PMID: 36339337 PMCID: PMC9633954 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1040270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains to be a significant public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite remarkable progress that has been made in the control of the disease over the past decades, its elimination remains a daunting challenge in many countries. This disease is an inflammatory response-driven, and the positive outcome after infection depends on the regulation of immune responses that efficiently clear worms and allow protective immunity to develop. The innate immune responses play a critical role in host defense against schistosome infection and pathogenesis. Initial pro-inflammatory responses are essential for clearing invading parasites by promoting appropriate cell-mediated and humoral immunity. However, elevated and prolonged inflammatory responses against the eggs trapped in the host tissues contribute to disease progression. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of innate immune responses is important for developing effective therapies and vaccines. Here, we update the recent advances in the definitive host innate immune response to schistosome infection, especially highlighting the critical roles of pattern recognition receptors and cytokines. The considerations for further research are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouhoum Dibo
- Department of medical parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xianshu Liu
- Department of medical parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunfeng Chang
- Department of Forensic Medicine Science, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Yueyang, China
| | - Shuaiqin Huang
- Department of medical parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Immunology and Transmission Control on Schistosomiasis, Hunan Provincial Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, China
| | - Xiang Wu
- Department of medical parasitology, Xiangya School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Provincial Key Lab of Immunology and Transmission Control on Schistosomiasis, Hunan Provincial Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Yueyang, China
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31
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The Role of Praziquantel in the Prevention and Treatment of Fibrosis Associated with Schistosomiasis: A Review. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:1413711. [PMID: 36313856 PMCID: PMC9616668 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1413711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a major global public health concern. Currently, the control of this neglected tropical disease still depends on chemotherapy to reduce the prevalence and intensity of the parasite infection. It has been widely accepted that praziquantel is highly effective against all species of Schistosoma, and this agent is virtually the only drug of choice for the treatment of human schistosomiasis. Mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel has been shown to be effective in greatly reducing the prevalence and morbidity due to schistosomiasis worldwide. In addition to antischistosomal activity, a large number of experiential and clinical evidence has demonstrated the action of praziquantel against fibrosis caused by S. mansoni and S. japonicum infections through decreasing the expression of fibrotic biomarkers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, as well as chemokines, and similar antifibrotic activity was observed in mouse models of fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and concanavalin A (Con-A). In this review, we discuss the role of praziquantel in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis and the possible mechanisms. We call for randomized, controlled clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of praziquantel in the treatment of schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis, and further studies to investigate the potential of praziquantel against fibrosis associated with alcohol consumption, viruses, and toxins seem justified.
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32
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Hany NM, Eissa S, Basyouni M, Hasanin AH, Aboul-Ela YM, Elmagd NMA, Montasser IF, Ali MA, Skipp PJ, Matboli M. Modulation of hepatic stellate cells by Mutaflor ® probiotic in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease management. Lab Invest 2022; 20:342. [PMID: 35907883 PMCID: PMC9338485 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03543-z] [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: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD and NASH are emerging as primary causes of chronic liver disease, indicating a need for an effective treatment. Mutaflor® probiotic, a microbial treatment of interest, was effective in sustaining remission in ulcerative colitis patients. OBJECTIVE To construct a genetic-epigenetic network linked to HSC signaling as a modulator of NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis, then assess the effects of Mutaflor® on this network. METHODS First, in silico analysis was used to construct a genetic-epigenetic network linked to HSC signaling. Second, an investigation using rats, including HFHSD induced NASH and Mutaflor® treated animals, was designed. Experimental procedures included biochemical and histopathologic analysis of rat blood and liver samples. At the molecular level, the expression of genetic (FOXA2, TEAD2, and LATS2 mRNAs) and epigenetic (miR-650, RPARP AS-1 LncRNA) network was measured by real-time PCR. PCR results were validated with immunohistochemistry (α-SMA and LATS2). Target effector proteins, IL-6 and TGF-β, were estimated by ELISA. RESULTS Mutaflor® administration minimized biochemical and histopathologic alterations caused by NAFLD/NASH. HSC activation and expression of profibrogenic IL-6 and TGF-β effector proteins were reduced via inhibition of hedgehog and hippo pathways. Pathways may have been inhibited through upregulation of RPARP AS-1 LncRNA which in turn downregulated the expression of miR-650, FOXA2 mRNA and TEAD2 mRNA and upregulated LATS2 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION Mutaflor® may slow the progression of NAFLD/NASH by modulating a genetic-epigenetic network linked to HSC signaling. The probiotic may be a useful modality for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Hany
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
| | - Sanaa Eissa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt. .,MASRI Research Institue, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Manal Basyouni
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
| | - Amany H Hasanin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmin M Aboul-Ela
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nagwa M Abo Elmagd
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman F Montasser
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Ali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Military Medical Academy, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Paul J Skipp
- Centre for Proteomic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marwa Matboli
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
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Suo XG, Wang F, Xu CH, He XY, Wang JN, Zhang Y, Ni WJ, Lu H, Ji ML, He Y, Xie SS, Yang YR, Wen JG, Jin J, Gong Q, Li J, Liu MM, Meng XM. Targeted inhibition of TGF-β type I receptor by AZ12601011 protects against kidney fibrosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 929:175116. [PMID: 35780825 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175116] [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: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Renal fibrosis, a common feature of chronic kidney disease, causes the progressive loss of renal function, in which TGF-β1 plays a critical role. In this study, we found that expression levels of TGF-β1 and its receptor 1 (TGF-βR1) were both significantly increased in obstructive fibrosis kidneys. AZ12601011 is a small molecular inhibitor of TGF-βR1; however, its therapeutic potential for renal fibrosis remains unclear. During the experiments, AZ12601011 was applied to various models of renal fibrosis followed by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in vivo, in addition to renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) challenged by hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and TGF-β1in vitro. Our results revealed that AZ12601011 ameliorated renal injuries and fibrosis shown by PAS, HE, and Masson staining, which was consistent with the decrease in Col-1 and α-SMA expression in the kidneys from UUO and I/R mice. Similarly, in vitro data showed that AZ12601011 inhibited the induction of Col-1 and α-SMA in both TECs treated with TGF-β1 and H/R. In addition, the results of cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), molecular docking, and western bolt indicated that AZ12601011 could directly bind to TGF-βR1 and block activation of the downstream Smad3. Taken together, our findings suggest that AZ12601011 can attenuate renal fibrosis by blocking the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway and it might serve as a promising clinical candidate in the fight against fibrotic kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Guo Suo
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China; Department of Pharmacy, Lu'an Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Lu'an People's Hospital of Anhui Province, Lu'an, 237006, China
| | - Chuan-Hui Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Yan He
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wei-Jian Ni
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hao Lu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ming-Lu Ji
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yuan He
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Shuai-Shuai Xie
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ya-Ru Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jia-Gen Wen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Juan Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qian Gong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ming-Ming Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Xu L, Zhang Y, Ji N, Du Y, Jia T, Wei S, Wang W, Zhang S, Chen W. Tanshinone IIA regulates the TGF‑β1/Smad signaling pathway to ameliorate non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis‑related fibrosis. Exp Ther Med 2022; 24:486. [PMID: 35761808 PMCID: PMC9214595 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) is a major component extracted from the traditional herbal medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza and has been indicated to play a role in the treatment of organ fibrosis. However, the evidence supporting its antifibrotic effect is insufficient and the underlying mechanism is unclear. To investigate the therapeutic effect of TIIA on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related fibrosis (NASH-F), the present study used a methionine choline deficiency diet to induce NASH-F in rats, and explored the effect of TIIA on the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway. Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, NASH-F and TIIA groups. After 8 weeks of treatment, the levels of serum markers associated with liver function and fibrosis were measured, liver fat vacuoles and inflammation were assessed by haematoxylin and eosin staining, and liver fibrosis was assessed by Masson's trichrome staining. TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, Smad7 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA expression, and TGF-β1, Smad2/3, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2/3, Smad7 and α-SMA protein levels were determined. The results revealed that TIIA could remarkably ameliorate liver fat vacuoles and inflammation in NASH-F rats, and could decrease the levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, total bile acid, hyaluronic acid, type Ⅳ collagen, laminin and type III collagen, while increasing the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides; however, this was not statistically significance. TIIA markedly suppressed the increased TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3 and α-SMA mRNA expression levels observed in the liver of NASH-F rats, while it increased the mRNA expression level of Smad7. Similarly, TIIA suppressed the increased TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3 and α-SMA protein levels observed in the liver of NASH-F rats, while it increased the protein expression level of Smad7 in vitro and in vivo. TIIA had no significant cytotoxic effect at 10, 20, 40 and 80 µmol/l on human LX-2 cell. In conclusion, the findings of the present study indicated that TIIA alleviated NASH-F by regulating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. TIIA may be a useful tool in the prevention and treatment of NASH-F.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianjie Xu
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Yurong Zhang
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Nengbo Ji
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Yan Du
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Tao Jia
- Department of Orthopedics, First Clinical Medical College of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650021, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Wei
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Wei Wang
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
| | - Wenhui Chen
- Faculty of Basic Medicine, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, P.R. China
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Shu G, Dai C, Yusuf A, Sun H, Deng X. Limonin relieves TGF-β-induced hepatocyte EMT and hepatic stellate cell activation in vitro and CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in mice via upregulating Smad7 and subsequent suppression of TGF-β/Smad cascade. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 107:109039. [PMID: 35533902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process as a result of intrahepatic deposition of excessive extracellular matrix. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatocytes and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) both play important roles in the etiology of liver fibrosis. Here, we found that limonin repressed transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β)-induced EMT in AML-12 hepatocytes and activation of LX-2 HSCs. In both kinds of cells, limonin suppressed TGF-β-provoked Smad2/3 C-terminal phosphorylation and subsequent nuclear translocation. Transcription of Smad2/3-downstream genes was in turn reduced. However, limonin exerted few effects on Smad2/3 phosphorylation at linker region. Mechanistically, limonin increased Smad7 at mRNA level in both AML-12 and LX-2 cells. Knockdown of Smad7 abrogated inhibitory effects of limonin on TGF-β-induced EMT in AML-12 cells and activation of LX-2 cells. Further studies revealed that limonin alleviated mouse liver fibrosis induced by CCl4. In livers of model mice, limonin upregulated Smad7 and declined C-terminal phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3. Transcription of Smad2/3-responsive genes was also attenuated. Our findings indicated that limonin inhibits TGF-β-induced EMT of hepatocytes and activation of HSCs in vitro and CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Upregulated Smad7 which suppresses Smad2/3-dependent gene transcription is implicated in the hepatoprotective activity of limonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chenxi Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Arslan Yusuf
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xukun Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Design of a highly potent GLP-1R and GCGR dual-agonist for recovering hepatic fibrosis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:2443-2461. [PMID: 35646543 PMCID: PMC9136578 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is still no effective curative treatment for the development of late-stage liver fibrosis. Here, we have illustrated that TB001, a dual glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor/glucagon receptor (GLP-1R/GCGR) agonist with higher affinity towards GCGR, could retard the progression of liver fibrosis in various rodent models, with remarkable potency, selectivity, extended half-life and low toxicity. Four types of liver fibrosis animal models which were induced by CCl4, α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT), bile duct ligation (BDL) and Schistosoma japonicum were used in our study. We found that TB001 treatment dose-dependently significantly attenuated liver injury and collagen accumulation in these animal models. In addition to decreased levels of extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation during hepatic injury, activation of hepatic stellate cells was also inhibited via suppression of TGF-β expression as well as downstream Smad signaling pathways particularly in CCl4-and S. japonicum-induced liver fibrosis. Moreover, TB001 attenuated liver fibrosis through blocking downstream activation of pro-inflammatory nuclear factor kappa B/NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (NFκB/IKBα) pathways as well as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-dependent induction of hepatocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, GLP-1R and/or GCGR knock-down results represented GCGR played an important role in ameliorating CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, TB001 can be used as a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of multiple causes of hepatic fibrosis demonstrated by our extensive pre-clinical evaluation of TB001.
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Ghrelin ameliorates transformation of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury to liver fibrosis by blocking Smad and ERK signalling pathways, and promoting anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation effects. Transpl Immunol 2022; 73:101597. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Liu Z, Xiang H, Xiang D, Xiao S, Xiang H, Xiao J, Ren H, Hu P, Liu H, Peng M. Revealing potential anti-fibrotic mechanism of Ganxianfang formula based on RNA sequence. Chin Med 2022; 17:23. [PMID: 35180857 PMCID: PMC8855591 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00579-7] [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: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ganxianfang (GXF) formula as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is used for liver fibrosis in clinical practice while its mechanism is unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the molecular mechanism of GXF against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rats. Methods Detected the main compounds of GXF by UPLC-MS/MS. Evaluated the efficacy of GXF (1.58, 3.15, 4.73 g/kg/day) and Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY, positive control, 0.47 g/kg/day) through serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and histopathological changes. Explored the underlying mechanisms by integrating our total liver RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data with recent liver single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies. Verified potential pharmacodynamic substances of GXF by hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-T6 line. Results Main compounds were identified in GXF by UPLC-MS/MS, including baicalin, wogonoside and matrine etc. With GXF-high dose treatment, the elevation of ALT and AST induced by CCl4 were significantly reduced, and the protective effect of GXF-high dose treatment was better than FZHY. Liver histopathological changes were alleviated by GXF-high dose treatment, the ISHAK scoring showed the incidence of liver cirrhosis (F5/F6) decreased from 76.5 to 55.6%. The results of liver hydroxyproline content were consistent with the histopathological changes. RNA-seq analysis revealed the differential genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in ECM-receptor interaction and chemokine signaling pathway. GXF effectively inhibited collagen deposition and significantly downregulated CCL2 to inhibit the recruitment of macrophages in liver tissue. Integrating scRNA-seq data revealed that GXF effectively inhibited the expansion of scar-associated Trem2+CD9+ macrophages subpopulation and PDGFRα+PDGFRβ+ scar-producing myofibroblasts in the damaged liver, and remodeled the fibrotic niche via regulation of ligand-receptor interactions including TGFβ/EGFR, PDGFB/PDGFRα, and TNFSF12/TNFRSF12a signaling. In vitro experiments demonstrated that baicalin, matrine and hesperidin in GXF inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Conclusions This study clarified the potential anti-fibrotic effects and molecular mechanism of GXF in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rats, which deserves further promotion and application. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13020-022-00579-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongyi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Huanyu Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Dejuan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Shuang Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hongyan Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Jing Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Peng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China
| | - Huabao Liu
- Department of Liver Diseases, Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Chongqing, 400021, China.
| | - Mingli Peng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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Extracellular Vesicles from miR-148a-5p-Enriched Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Relieve Hepatic Fibrosis by Targeting Smad4. Mol Biotechnol 2022; 64:535-545. [PMID: 35006577 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-021-00441-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a hallmark feature of many chronic liver diseases, which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles have been applied in many diseases. In this study, we aimed to explore the specific mechanism of extracellular vesicles from BMSCs in liver fibrosis. Bioinformatics analysis was employed to screen miRNA and its target mRNA. Sirius Red staining was carried out to examine fibrosis in liver tissues. Extracellular vesicle morphology was assessed using Transmission Electron Microscopy. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting analysis were performed to detect the expressions of miR-148a-5p, Smad4, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), Collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and extracellular vesicle markers CD9, TSG101, CD63, and calnexin. Dual-luciferase report gene assay was used for the luciferase activity analysis. Bioinformatics analysis revealed miR-148a-5p as a regulator in liver fibrosis. QRT-PCR results indicated that miR-148a-5p was lowly expressed in both thioacetamide (TAA)-induced mice and TGF-β1-activated hepatic stellate cells. Extracellular vesicles from miR-148a-5p enriched BMSCs downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, TIMP-1, Collagen I, and α-SMA. Further bioinformatics analysis indicated that Smad4 was related to liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase report gene assay confirmed the binding relationship between miR-148a-5p and Smad4. Extracellular vesicles from miR-148a-5p enriched BMSCs attenuated hepatic fibrosis in liver fibrosis by targeting Smad4.
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Wang C, Ma C, Gong L, Guo Y, Fu K, Zhang Y, Zhou H, Li Y. Macrophage Polarization and Its Role in Liver Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 12:803037. [PMID: 34970275 PMCID: PMC8712501 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.803037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are important immune cells in innate immunity, and have remarkable heterogeneity and polarization. Under pathological conditions, in addition to the resident macrophages, other macrophages are also recruited to the diseased tissues, and polarize to various phenotypes (mainly M1 and M2) under the stimulation of various factors in the microenvironment, thus playing different roles and functions. Liver diseases are hepatic pathological changes caused by a variety of pathogenic factors (viruses, alcohol, drugs, etc.), including acute liver injury, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent studies have shown that macrophage polarization plays an important role in the initiation and development of liver diseases. However, because both macrophage polarization and the pathogenesis of liver diseases are complex, the role and mechanism of macrophage polarization in liver diseases need to be further clarified. Therefore, the origin of hepatic macrophages, and the phenotypes and mechanisms of macrophage polarization are reviewed first in this paper. It is found that macrophage polarization involves several molecular mechanisms, mainly including TLR4/NF-κB, JAK/STATs, TGF-β/Smads, PPARγ, Notch, and miRNA signaling pathways. In addition, this paper also expounds the role and mechanism of macrophage polarization in various liver diseases, which aims to provide references for further research of macrophage polarization in liver diseases, contributing to the therapeutic strategy of ameliorating liver diseases by modulating macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lihong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqin Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Honglin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Baghaei K, Mazhari S, Tokhanbigli S, Parsamanesh G, Alavifard H, Schaafsma D, Ghavami S. Therapeutic potential of targeting regulatory mechanisms of hepatic stellate cell activation in liver fibrosis. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1044-1061. [PMID: 34952225 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a manifestation of different etiologies of liver disease with the involvement of multiple mediators in complex network interactions. Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the central driver of hepatic fibrosis, given their potential to induce connective tissue formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein accumulation. Therefore, identifying the cellular and molecular pathways involved in the activation of HSCs is crucial in gaining mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives to more effectively target the disease. In addition to a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the role of HSCs in liver fibrosis, we also discuss here the proposed therapeutic strategies based on targeting HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Sogol Mazhari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Gilda Parsamanesh
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Jia W, Liang S, Cheng B, Ling C. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and the Value of Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763519. [PMID: 34868982 PMCID: PMC8636329 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasion and metastasis are the main reasons for the high mortality of liver cancer, which involve the interaction of tumor stromal cells and malignant cells. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the major constituents of tumor stromal cells affecting tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The heterogeneous properties and sources of CAFs make both tumor-supporting and tumor-suppression effects possible. The mechanisms for CAFs in supporting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression can be categorized into upregulated aggressiveness and stemness, transformed metabolism toward glycolysis and glutamine reductive carboxylation, polarized tumor immunity toward immune escape of HCC cells, and increased angiogenesis. The tumor-suppressive effect of fibroblasts highlights the functional heterogenicity of CAF populations and provides new insights into tumor–stromal interplay mechanisms. In this review, we introduced several key inflammatory signaling pathways in the transformation of CAFs from normal stromal cells and the heterogeneous biofunctions of activated CAFs. In view of the pleiotropic regulation properties of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and heterogeneous effects of CAFs, we also introduced the application and values of TCM in the treatment of HCC through targeting CAFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Jia
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shufang Liang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changhai Hospital, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changquan Ling
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Shu G, Yusuf A, Dai C, Sun H, Deng X. Piperine inhibits AML-12 hepatocyte EMT and LX-2 HSC activation and alleviates mouse liver fibrosis provoked by CCl 4: roles in the activation of the Nrf2 cascade and subsequent suppression of the TGF-β1/Smad axis. Food Funct 2021; 12:11686-11703. [PMID: 34730139 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02657g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Piperine (PIP) is an alkaloid derived from peppercorns. Herein, we assessed its effects on hepatocyte EMT and HSC activation in vitro and CCl4-elicited liver fibrosis in mice. Further experiments were performed to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective activity of PIP. We found that PIP inhibited TGF-β1-provoked AML-12 hepatocyte EMT and LX-2 HSC activation. Mechanistically, in AML-12 and LX-2 cells, PIP evoked Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increased transcriptions of Nrf2-responsive antioxidative genes. These events decreased TGF-β1-induced production of ROS. Moreover, PIP increased the expression of Smad7, suppressed phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3, and decreased the transcriptions of Smad2/3-downstream genes. Knockdown of Nrf2 abrogated the protective activity of PIP against TGF-β1. Modulatory effects of PIP on the TGF-β1/Smad cascade were also crippled, which suggested that activation of Nrf2 played critical roles in the regulatory effects of PIP on TGF-β1/Smad signaling. Experiments in vivo unveiled that PIP ameliorated mouse liver fibrosis provoked by CCl4. PIP modulated the intrahepatic contents of the markers of EMT and HSC activation. In mouse livers, PIP activated Nrf2 signaling and reduced Smad2/3-dependent gene transcriptions. Our findings collectively suggested PIP as a new chemical entity with the capacity of alleviating liver fibrosis. The activation of the Nrf2 cascade and subsequent suppression of the TGF-β1/Smad axis are implicated in the hepatoprotective activity of PIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Arslan Yusuf
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Chenxi Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Hui Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xukun Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Up-regulation of Nrf2/P62/Keap1 involves in the anti-fibrotic effect of combination of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate and cysteine hydrochloride induced by CCl 4. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 913:174628. [PMID: 34774851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Combination of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate and cysteine hydrochloride (MG-CH) has been used in the treatment of chronic liver disease for decades, however, its mechanism is still unclear. Our previous studies showed that MG-CH confers the optimal therapeutic effect at the ratio of 2:1 to against acute liver damage. In this study, it was used to investigate the anti-fibrotic effect induced by CCl4. The results showed that injection of MG-CH produced anti-fibrotic effect ranged from 30 mg/kg to 60 mg/kg, evidenced by decreased the collagens deposition and inhibited the production of hydroxyproline. Mechanism study found that Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway was activated by MG-CH, whereas loss of hepatocytic Nrf2 abolished its anti-fibrotic effect significantly. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that MG-CH is a non-canonical NRF2 inducer, which promoted the autophagy activity and release the Nrf2 from keap 1 by promoting the phosphorylation of p62 at Ser351. Knockdown of p62 abolished the enhancement of nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 by MG-CH. All of these results suggested that up-regulation of Nrf2/P62/Keap1 involves in the anti-fibrotic effect of MG-CH, which provide a rational explanation for the usage of MG-CH in the treatment of fibrosis.
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Li Y, Li H, Xing W, Li J, Du R, Cao D, Wang Y, Yang X, Zhong G, Zhao Y, Sun W, Liu C, Gao X, Li Y, Liu Z, Jin X, Zhao D, Tan Y, Wang Y, Liu S, Yuan M, Song J, Chang YZ, Gao F, Ling S, Li Y. Vascular smooth muscle cell-specific miRNA-214 knockout inhibits angiotensin II-induced hypertension through upregulation of Smad7. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21947. [PMID: 34637552 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100766rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Vascular remodeling is a prominent trait during the development of hypertension, attributable to the phenotypic transition of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Increasing studies demonstrate that microRNA plays an important role in this process. Here, we surprisingly found that smooth muscle cell-specific miR-214 knockout (miR-214 cKO) significantly alleviates angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension, which has the same effect as that of miR-214 global knockout mice in response to Ang II stimulation. Under the treatment of Ang II, miR-214 cKO mice exhibit substantially reduced systolic blood pressure. The vascular medial thickness and area in miR-214 cKO blood vessels were obviously reduced, the expression of collagen I and proinflammatory factors were also inhibited. VSMC-specific deletion of miR-214 blunts the response of blood vessels to the stimulation of endothelium-dependent and -independent vasorelaxation and phenylephrine and 5-HT induced vasocontraction. In vitro, Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation, migration, contraction, hypertrophy, and stiffness were all repressed with miR-214 KO in VSMC. To further explore the mechanism of miR-214 in the regulation of the VSMC function, it is very interesting to find that the TGF-β signaling pathway is mostly enriched in miR-214 KO VSMC. Smad7, the potent negative regulator of the TGF-β/Smad pathway, is identified to be the target of miR-214 in VSMC. By which, miR-214 KO sharply enhances Smad7 levels and decreases the phosphorylation of Smad3, and accordingly alleviates the downstream gene expression. Further, Ang II-induced hypertension and vascular dysfunction were reversed by antagomir-214. These results indicate that miR-214 in VSMC established a crosstalk between Ang II-induced AT1R signaling and TGF-β induced TβRI /Smad signaling, by which it exerts a pivotal role in vascular remodeling and hypertension and imply that miR-214 has the potential as a therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youyou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- School of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongxing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wenjuan Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- School of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jianwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ruikai Du
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Dengchao Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yinbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- School of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xueyi Yang
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Guohui Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- School of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yinlong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Weijia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Caizhi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xingcheng Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yeheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
- School of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zizhong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Dingsheng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yingjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Shujuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Min Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jinping Song
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Zhong Chang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Ministry of Education, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Feng Gao
- School of Aerospace Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shukuan Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yingxian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine Fundamentals and Application, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing, China
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Tan Z, Sun H, Xue T, Gan C, Liu H, Xie Y, Yao Y, Ye T. Liver Fibrosis: Therapeutic Targets and Advances in Drug Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730176. [PMID: 34621747 PMCID: PMC8490799 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an abnormal wound repair response caused by a variety of chronic liver injuries, which is characterized by over-deposition of diffuse extracellular matrix (ECM) and anomalous hyperplasia of connective tissue, and it may further develop into liver cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. To date, chronic liver diseases accompanied with liver fibrosis have caused significant morbidity and mortality in the world with increasing tendency. Although early liver fibrosis has been reported to be reversible, the detailed mechanism of reversing liver fibrosis is still unclear and there is lack of an effective treatment for liver fibrosis. Thus, it is still a top priority for the research and development of anti-fibrosis drugs. In recent years, many strategies have emerged as crucial means to inhibit the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis including anti-inflammation and liver protection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and proliferation, reduction of ECM overproduction and acceleration of ECM degradation. Moreover, gene therapy has been proved to be a promising anti-fibrosis method. Here, we provide an overview of the relevant targets and drugs under development. We aim to classify and summarize their potential roles in treatment of liver fibrosis, and discuss the challenges and development of anti-fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zui Tan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongbao Sun
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqin Yao
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Liu Z, Pei Y, Zeng H, Yang Y, Que M, Xiao Y, Wang J, Weng X. Recombinant TSG-6 protein inhibits the growth of capsule fibroblasts in frozen shoulder via suppressing the TGF-β/Smad2 signal pathway. J Orthop Surg Res 2021; 16:564. [PMID: 34526039 PMCID: PMC8442820 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02705-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6) has been confirmed to inhibit inflammation. It is now generally accepted that local inflammatory stimulation around shoulder capsule causes proliferative fibrosis. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of recombinant TSG-6 protein inhibiting the growth of capsule fibroblasts in frozen shoulder via the TGF-β/Smad2 signal pathway. Methods Human frozen shoulder capsule tissue was taken for primary and passage culture, and the 3rd generation fibroblasts from pathological frozen shoulder capsule were treated with different concentrations of recombinant TSG-6 protein, or with TGF-β1 agonist SRI-011381. Immunoconfocal analysis was used to identify the isolated fibroblasts, and MTT assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry were used to detect the viability, proliferation, and apoptosis rate of fibroblast. The contents of fibrosis and inflammation indexes COL1A1, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in the cell supernatant were detected using ELISA and then further examined by qRT-PCR. The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and proteins related to TGF-β/Smad2 pathway were detected by Western Blot. Results Compared with the blank control group, fibroblasts intervened with TSG-6 (2 μg and 5 μg) showed significantly decreased viability and proliferation ability and enhanced cell apoptosis, concurrent with the reductions in Bcl-2 expression; COL1A1, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels; and the expression of TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad22, and an increase in Bax expression, while SRI-011381 treatment would reverse the effect of recombinant TSG-6 protein. Conclusion Recombinant TSG-6 protein inhibited the growth of primary fibroblasts from human frozen shoulder capsule by suppressing the TGF-β/Smad2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongfan Liu
- Department of Joint and Sports Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No. 61, West Jiefang Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongrong Pei
- Department of Joint and Sports Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No. 61, West Jiefang Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Zeng
- Department of Joint and Sports Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No. 61, West Jiefang Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yibo Yang
- Department of Joint and Sports Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No. 61, West Jiefang Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Que
- Department of Joint and Sports Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No. 61, West Jiefang Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuhui Xiao
- Department of Joint and Sports Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No. 61, West Jiefang Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Joint and Sports Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No. 61, West Jiefang Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaojun Weng
- Department of Joint and Sports Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), No. 61, West Jiefang Road, Furong District, Changsha, Hunan, 410005, People's Republic of China.
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Yang Y, Sun M, Li W, Liu C, Jiang Z, Gu P, Li J, Wang W, You R, Ba Q, Li X, Wang H. Rebalancing TGF-β/Smad7 signaling via Compound kushen injection in hepatic stellate cells protects against liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Clin Transl Med 2021; 11:e410. [PMID: 34323416 PMCID: PMC8255064 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis and fibrosis-related hepatocarcinogenesis are a rising cause for morbidity and death worldwide. Although transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a critical mediator of chronic liver fibrosis, targeting TGF-β isoforms and receptors lead to unacceptable side effect. This study was designed to explore the antifibrotic effect of Compound kushen injection (CKI), an approved traditional Chinese medicine formula, via a therapeutic strategy of rebalancing TGF-β/Smad7 signaling. METHODS A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate CKI intervention on viral hepatitis-induced fibrosis or cirrhosis in clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Mice were given carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) injection or methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet to induce liver fibrosis, followed by CKI treatment. We examined the expression of TGF-β/Smad signaling and typical fibrosis-related genes in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and fibrotic liver tissues by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, RNA-seq, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Based on meta-analysis results, CKI improved the liver function and relieved liver fibrosis among patients. In our preclinical studies by using two mouse models, CKI treatment demonstrated promising antifibrotic effects and postponed hepatocarcinogenesis with improved liver function and histopathologic features. Mechanistically, we found that CKI inhibited HSCs activation by stabilizing the interaction of Smad7/TGF-βR1 to rebalance Smad2/Smad3 signaling, and subsequently decreased the extracellular matrix formation. Importantly, Smad7 depletion abolished the antifibrotic effect of CKI in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, matrine, oxymatrine, sophocarpine, and oxysophocarpine were identified as material basis responsible for the antifibrosis effect of CKI. CONCLUSIONS Our results unveil the approach of CKI in rebalancing TGF-β/Smad7 signaling in HSCs to protect against hepatic fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis in both preclinical and clinical studies. Our study suggests that CKI can be a candidate for treatment of hepatic fibrosis and related oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food SafetyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Mayu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food SafetyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
| | - Weida Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Chaobao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Zheshun Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Pengfei Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jingquan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Wei Wang
- Beijing Zhendong Pharmaceutical Research Institute Co., Ltd.BeijingChina
| | - Rongli You
- Beijing Zhendong Pharmaceutical Research Institute Co., Ltd.BeijingChina
| | - Qian Ba
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaoguang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single‐Cell Omics, School of Public HealthShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food SafetyShanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghaiChina
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Li Z, Wang P, Zhang J, Zhao D. MicroRNA-497-5p downregulation inhibits cell viability, reduces extracellular matrix deposition and induces apoptosis in human hyperplastic scar fibroblasts by regulating Smad7. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:384. [PMID: 33680106 PMCID: PMC7918061 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scars (HSs) are characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and excessive growth of dense fibrous tissues. MicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) serve key roles in HS formation. The present study investigated the expression, role and mechanism underlying the effects of miR-497-5p in HS formation. miR-497-5p expression was detected via reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The association between miR-497-5p and Smad7 was analyzed using TargetScan and luciferase reporter assays. Protein expression levels of extracellular matrix markers were measured via western blotting. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The results suggested that miR-497-5p expression was upregulated in HS tissues and human HS fibroblasts (hHSFs) compared with healthy control skin tissues and CCC-ESF-1 cells, respectively. Smad7 was directly targeted by miR-497-5p, and was downregulated in HS tissues and hHSFs compared with healthy control skin tissues and CCC-ESF-1 cells, respectively. Moreover, Smad7 upregulation significantly inhibited cell viability, decreased extracellular matrix deposition and induced apoptosis in hHSFs compared with the control-plasmid group. Moreover, the results indicated that, compared with the inhibitor control group, miR-497-5p inhibitor inhibited cell viability, decreased extracellular matrix deposition and induced apoptosis in hHSFs, which were significantly reversed by Smad7 knockdown. In conclusion, the results indicated that miR-497-5p downregulation repressed HS formation by inhibiting extracellular matrix deposition and hHSF proliferation at least partly by targeting Smad7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Li
- Shanghai Meizhizhen Medical Cosmetology Clinic, Shanghai 200122, P.R. China
| | - Pengtao Wang
- Shanghai Meizhizhen Medical Cosmetology Clinic, Shanghai 200122, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Shanghai Meizhizhen Medical Cosmetology Clinic, Shanghai 200122, P.R. China
| | - Dongkui Zhao
- Shanghai Meizhizhen Medical Cosmetology Clinic, Shanghai 200122, P.R. China
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Abstract
Since it was first described by the German anatomist and histologist, Joseph Hugo Vincenz Disse, the structure and functions of the space of Disse, a thin perisinusoidal area between the endothelial cells and hepatocytes filled with blood plasma, have acquired great importance in liver disease. The space of Disse is home for the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the major fibrogenic players in the liver. Quiescent HSCs (qHSCs) store vitamin A, and upon activation they lose their retinol reservoir and become activated. Activated HSCs (aHSCs) are responsible for secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM) into the space of Disse. This early event in hepatic injury is accompanied by loss of the pores—known as fenestrations—of the endothelial cells, triggering loss of balance between the blood flow and the hepatocyte, and underlies the link between fibrosis and organ dysfunction. If the imbalance persists, the expansion of the fibrotic scar followed by the vascularized septae leads to cirrhosis and/or end-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, researchers have been focused on finding therapeutic targets that reduce fibrosis. The space of Disse provides the perfect microenvironment for the stem cells niche in the liver and the interchange of nutrients between cells. In the present review article, we focused on the space of Disse, its components and its leading role in liver disease development.
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