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Zhang N, Yang A, Zhang W, Li H, Xu A, Yan X, Han Q, Wang B, You H, Chen W. Crosstalk of lysyl oxidase-like 1 and lysyl oxidase prolongs their half-lives and regulates liver fibrosis through Notch signal. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0391. [PMID: 38466882 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lysyl oxidase (LOX) family members (LOX and LOXL1 to 4) are crucial copper-dependent enzymes responsible for cross-linking collagen and elastin. Previous studies have revealed that LOX and LOXL1 are the most dramatically dysregulated LOX isoforms during liver fibrosis. However, the crosstalk between them and the underlying mechanisms involved in the profibrotic behaviors of HSCs, as well as the progression of liver fibrosis, remain unclear. METHODS pCol9GFP-HS4,5Tg mice, Loxl1fl/flGfapCre mice, human HSC line, and primary HSCs were enrolled to study the dysregulation pattern, profibrotic roles, and the potential mechanisms of LOX and LOXL1 interaction involved in the myofibroblast-like transition of HSCs and liver fibrogenesis. RESULTS LOX and LOXL1 were synergistically upregulated during liver fibrogenesis, irrespective of etiology, together orchestrating the profibrotic behaviors of HSCs. LOX and LOXL1 coregulated in HSCs, whereas LOXL1 dominated in the coregulation loop. Interestingly, the interaction between LOXL1 and LOX prolonged their half-lives, specifically enhancing the Notch signal-mediated myofibroblast-like transition of HSCs. Selective disruption of Loxl1 in Gfap+ HSCs deactivated the Notch signal, inhibited HSC activation, and relieved carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our current study confirmed the synergistic roles and the underlying mechanisms of LOXL1 and LOX crosstalk in the profibrotic behaviors of HSCs and liver fibrosis progression, providing experimental evidence for further clear mechanism-based anti-LOXL1 strategy development in the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Aiting Yang
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Li
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Anjian Xu
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuzhen Yan
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Han
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingqiong Wang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Lab of Digestive Health, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Chen L, Liang B, Xia S, Wang F, Li Z, Shao J, Zhang Z, Chen A, Zheng S, Zhang F. Emodin promotes hepatic stellate cell senescence and alleviates liver fibrosis via a nuclear receptor (Nur77)-mediated epigenetic regulation of glutaminase 1. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2577-2598. [PMID: 37263753 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Senescence in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) limits liver fibrosis. Glutaminolysis promotes HSC activation. Here, we investigated how emodin affected HSC senescence involving glutaminolysis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Senescence, glutaminolysis metabolites, Nur77 nuclear translocation, glutaminase 1 (GLS1) promoter methylation and related signalling pathways were examined in human HSC-LX2 cells using multiple cellular and molecular approaches. Fibrotic mice with shRNA-mediated knockdown of Nur77 were treated with emodin-vitamin A liposome for investigating the mechanisms in vivo. Human fibrotic liver samples were examined to verify the clinical relevance. KEY RESULTS Emodin upregulated several key markers of senescence and inhibited glutaminolysis cascade in HSCs. Emodin promoted Nur77 nuclear translocation, and knockdown of Nur77 abolished emodin blockade of glutaminolysis and induction of HSC senescence. Mechanistically, emodin facilitated Nur77/DNMT3b interaction and increased GLS1 promoter methylation, leading to inhibited GLS1 expression and blockade of glutaminolysis. Moreover, the glutaminolysis intermediate α-ketoglutarate promoted extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which in turn phosphorylated Nur77 and reduced its interaction with DNMT3b. This led to decreased GLS1 promoter methylation and increased GLS1 expression, forming an ERK/Nur77/glutaminolysis positive feedback loop. However, emodin repressed ERK phosphorylation and interrupted the feedback cascade, stimulating senescence in HSCs. Studies in mice showed that emodin-vitamin A liposome inhibited glutaminolysis and induced senescence in HSCs, and consequently alleviated liver fibrosis; but knockdown of Nur77 abrogated these beneficial effects. Similar alterations were validated in human fibrotic liver tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Emodin stimulated HSC senescence through interruption of glutaminolysis. HSC-targeted delivery of emodin represented a therapeutic option for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoyu Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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3
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Lee YS, Seki E. In Vivo and In Vitro Models to Study Liver Fibrosis: Mechanisms and Limitations. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:355-367. [PMID: 37270060 PMCID: PMC10444957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common result of liver injury owing to various kinds of chronic liver diseases. A deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and identifying potential therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis is important because liver fibrosis may progress to advanced liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite numerous studies, the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis remain unclear. Mechanisms of the development and progression of liver fibrosis differ according to etiologies. Therefore, appropriate liver fibrosis models should be selected according to the purpose of the study and the type of underlying disease. Many in vivo animal and in vitro models have been developed to study liver fibrosis. However, there are no perfect preclinical models for liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current in vivo and in vitro models for studying liver fibrosis and highlight emerging in vitro models, including organoids and liver-on-a-chip models. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms and limitations of each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sun Lee
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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Wu H, Wu L, Xiao L, Gu Y, Liu H, Zhang L, Zhang M, Qi L. Atractylenolide III suppresses senescence-associated secretome via inhibiting cGAS/NF-κB pathway in hepatic stellate cells. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2023; 50:316-324. [PMID: 36648378 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13753] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Senescence of activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) is a stable growth arrest that is implicated in liver fibrosis regression. Senescent cells often accompanied by a multi-faceted senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Induction of aHSCs senescence by inhibiting SASP may be a potential therapeutic model against hepatic fibrosis. To evaluate the role of atractylenolide III (ATR III) in the development of chemotherapeutic drug-induced SASPs in hepatic stellate cells. Etoposide-induced senescent HSC-LX2 model was established and treated with ATR III at different concentrations (20, 30 and 40 μM). We found that ATR III dose-dependently enhanced senescence in etoposide-induced LX2 cells. ATR III dose-dependently decreased the release and expression of SASP factors (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1β, IL6 and IL-8) in senescent cells. ATR III regulated cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/nuclear factor κ (NF-κB) signalling to affect SASP expression in senescent cells. The addition of 2'3' cGAMP counteracted the effect of ATR III. The release of SASP factors in the conditioned medium from senescent cells could affect cell migration, proliferation and contraction through paracrine manner. Our results indicated ATR III could still enter senescence and prevent the production of SASP and its paracrine effects in senescent cells, an effect that may be related to the possible inhibition of cGAS/NF-κB signalling by ATR III. Our study proves that ATR III may be an effective potential drug against liver fibrosis by promoting aHSC senescence, which can provide a new choice for the future clinical treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China.,School of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Lixia Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Lujiang People's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Linxia Xiao
- School of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Yaqin Gu
- School of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Hongxia Liu
- School of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Lihu Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Technology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China.,School of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Mingguang Zhang
- School of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Liang Qi
- School of Pharmacology, Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
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Chen L, Xia S, Wang F, Zhou Y, Wang S, Yang T, Li Y, Xu M, Zhou Y, Kong D, Zhang Z, Shao J, Xu X, Zhang F, Zheng S. m 6A methylation-induced NR1D1 ablation disrupts the HSC circadian clock and promotes hepatic fibrosis. Pharmacol Res 2023; 189:106704. [PMID: 36813093 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106704] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The roles of nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group d member 1 (NR1D1) and the circadian clock in liver fibrosis remain unclear. Here, we showed that liver clock genes, especially NR1D1, were dysregulated in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. In turn, disruption of the circadian clock exacerbated experimental liver fibrosis. NR1D1-deficient mice were more sensitive to CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, supporting a critical role of NR1D1 in liver fibrosis development. Validation at the tissue and cellular levels showed that NR1D1 was primarily degraded by N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation in a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model, and this result was also validated in rhythm-disordered mouse models. In addition, the degradation of NR1D1 further inhibited the phosphorylation of dynein-related protein 1-serine site 616 (DRP1S616), resulting in weakened mitochondrial fission function and increased mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) release in hepatic stellate cell (HSC), which in turn activated the cGMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) pathway. Activation of the cGAS pathway induced a local inflammatory microenvironment that further stimulated liver fibrosis progression. Interestingly, in the NR1D1 overexpression model, we observed that DRP1S616 phosphorylation was restored, and cGAS pathway was also inhibited in HSCs, resulting in improved liver fibrosis. Taken together, our results suggest that targeting NR1D1 may be an effective approach to liver fibrosis prevention and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shuqi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Min Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ya Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 157 Daming Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xuefen Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing 210023, China.
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6
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He H, Xu B, Ge P, Gao Y, Wei M, Li T, Zhang R, Li B, Cao H, Zhang K. The effects of taraxasterol on liver fibrosis revealed by RNA sequencing. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109481. [PMID: 36470119 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109481] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Effective treatment of liver fibrosis remains a challenging medical problem. Taraxasterol (TAR) has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and hepatoprotective effects. Studies have shown that TAR has good biological activity against liver injury induced by various factors. However, the anti-fibrotic effect of TAR and its mechanism are never clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of TAR in liver fibrosis and to reveal its possible mechanism by RNA sequencing. Our results suggested that TAR attenuated CCl4-induced hepatocyte necrosis, inflammatory infiltration and ECM deposition. TAR inhibited the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, LN, HA, PC III and IV-C in serum and TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and MDA in liver. In addition, TAR increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in liver. RNA sequencing analysis of liver tissues revealed that CCl4 and TAR significantly altered 4,155 genes and 2,675 genes, respectively. TAR reversed changes in ECM-related genes. More specifically, TAR mediated the expression of genes related to the activation of the Hippo pathway, while inhibiting the expression of genes related to the activation of HIF-1α, TGF-β/Smad, and Wnt pathways. In the validation experiments, the qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of Yap1, Tead3, Hif1α, Vegfa, Tgfβ1, Want3a, and Ctnnb1 mRNA were consistent with the RNA sequencing results. The Western blot results showed that TAR inhibited the levels of TGF-β1 and p-Smad2. In addition, the results in vitro were consistent with those in vivo. Therefore, we concluded that TAR improved CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by regulating Hippo, HIF-1α, TGF-β/Smad and Wnt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan He
- Pharmacology Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence of Disease, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China
| | - Baoling Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541104, China
| | - Pengfei Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi 541104, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Pharmacology Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence of Disease, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China
| | - Min Wei
- Pharmacology Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence of Disease, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China
| | - Ting Li
- Pharmacology Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence of Disease, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China
| | - Ruobing Zhang
- Pharmacology Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence of Disease, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China
| | - Bo Li
- Pharmacology Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence of Disease, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China
| | - Houkang Cao
- Pharmacology Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence of Disease, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China
| | - Kefeng Zhang
- Pharmacology Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence of Disease, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Diabetic Systems Medicine, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541104, Guangxi, China.
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7
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Peng Y, Yin Q, Yuan M, Chen L, Shen X, Xie W, Liu J. Role of hepatic stellate cells in liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. Front Immunol 2022; 13:891868. [PMID: 35967364 PMCID: PMC9366147 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.891868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major complication of liver trauma, resection, and transplantation. IRI may lead to liver dysfunction and failure, but effective approach to address it is still lacking. To better understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of liver IRI, functional roles of numerous cell types, including hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, neutrophils, and sinusoidal endothelial cells, have been intensively studied. In contrast, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are well recognized by their essential functions in facilitating liver protection and repair, have gained less attention in their role in IRI. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the effects of HSCs on the injury stage of liver IRI and their associated molecular mechanisms. In addition, we discuss the regulation of liver repair and regeneration after IRI by HSCs. Finally, we highlight unanswered questions and future avenues of research regarding contributions of HSCs to IRI in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Peng
- First Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
- Zhaolong Chen Academician Workstation, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yuming Peng, ; Qiang Yin,
| | - Qiang Yin
- First Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
- Zhaolong Chen Academician Workstation, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Yuming Peng, ; Qiang Yin,
| | - Miaoxian Yuan
- First Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
- Zhaolong Chen Academician Workstation, Changsha, China
| | - Lijian Chen
- First Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
- Zhaolong Chen Academician Workstation, Changsha, China
| | - Xinyi Shen
- First Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
- Zhaolong Chen Academician Workstation, Changsha, China
| | - Weixin Xie
- First Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
- Zhaolong Chen Academician Workstation, Changsha, China
| | - Jinqiao Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, Hunan Children’s Hospital, Changsha, China
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8
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Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis and Its TCM Therapeutic Perspectives. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5325431. [PMID: 35529927 PMCID: PMC9071861 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5325431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process of abnormal tissue proliferation in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors, which will further develop into cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma if liver injury is not intervened in time. As a diffuse progressive liver disease, its clinical manifestations are mostly excessive deposition of collagen-rich extracellular matrix resulting in scar formation due to liver injury. Hepatic fibrosis can be caused by hepatitis B and C, fatty liver, alcohol, and rare diseases such as hemochromatosis. As the metabolic center of the body, the liver regulates various vital activities. During the development of fibrosis, it is influenced by many other factors in addition to the central event of hepatic stellate cell activation. Currently, with the increasing understanding of TCM, the advantages of TCM with multiple components, pathways, and targets have been demonstrated. In this review, we will describe the factors influencing liver fibrosis, focusing on the effects of cells, intestinal flora, iron death, signaling pathways, autophagy and angiogenesis on liver fibrosis, and the therapeutic effects of herbal medicine on liver fibrosis.
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9
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Wang F, Li Z, Chen L, Yang T, Liang B, Zhang Z, Shao J, Xu X, Yin G, Wang S, Ding H, Zhang F, Zheng S. Inhibition of ASCT2 induces hepatic stellate cell senescence with modified proinflammatory secretome through an IL-1α/NF-κB feedback pathway to inhibit liver fibrosis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3618-3638. [PMID: 36176909 PMCID: PMC9513497 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Senescence of activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) is a stable growth arrest that is implicated in liver fibrosis regression. Senescent cells often accompanied by a multi-faceted senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). But little is known about how alanine-serine-cysteine transporter type-2 (ASCT2), a high affinity glutamine transporter, affects HSC senescence and SASP during liver fibrosis. Here, we identified ASCT2 is mainly elevated in aHSCs and positively correlated with liver fibrosis in human and mouse fibrotic livers. We first discovered ASCT2 inhibition induced HSCs to senescence in vitro and in vivo. The proinflammatory SASP were restricted by ASCT2 inhibition at senescence initiation to prevent paracrine migration. Mechanically, ASCT2 was a direct target of glutaminolysis-dependent proinflammatory SASP, interfering IL-1α/NF-κB feedback loop via interacting with precursor IL-1α at Lys82. From a translational perspective, atractylenolide III is identified as ASCT2 inhibitor through directly bound to Asn230 of ASCT2. The presence of –OH group in atractylenolide III is suggested to be favorable for the inhibition of ASCT2. Importantly, atractylenolide III could be utilized to treat liver fibrosis mice. Taken together, ASCT2 controlled HSC senescence while modifying the proinflammatory SASP. Targeting ASCT2 by atractylenolide III could be a therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Baoyu Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xuefen Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Guoping Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250035, China
| | - Hai Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- Corresponding authors.
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10
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Duspara K, Bojanic K, Pejic JI, Kuna L, Kolaric TO, Nincevic V, Smolic R, Vcev A, Glasnovic M, Curcic IB, Smolic M. Targeting the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Liver Fibrosis for Drug Options: An Update. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:960-971. [PMID: 34966659 PMCID: PMC8666372 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00065] [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: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a life-threatening disease, with challenging morbidity and mortality for healthcare systems worldwide. It imparts an enormous economic burden to societies, making continuous research and informational updates about its pathogenesis and treatment crucial. This review's focus is on the current knowledge about the Wnt signaling pathway, serving as an important pathway in liver fibrosis development and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Two types of Wnt pathways are distinguished, namely the ß-catenin-dependent canonical and non-canonical Ca2+ or planar cell polarity (PCP)-dependent pathway. The dynamic balance of physiologically healthy liver and hepatocytes is disturbed by repeated liver injuries. Activation of the ß-catenin Wnt pathway prevents the regeneration of hepatocytes by the replacement of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to the appearance of scar tissue and the formation of regenerated nodular hepatocytes, lacking the original function of healthy hepatocytes. Therefore, liver function is reduced due to the severely advanced disease. Selective inhibition of ß-catenin inhibits inflammatory processes (since chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced during Wnt activation), reduces growth of activated HSCs and reduces collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, thereby reducing the progression of liver fibrosis in vivo. While the canonical Wnt pathway is usually inactive in a physiologically healthy liver, it shows activity during cell regeneration or renewal and in certain pathophysiological conditions, such as liver diseases and cancer. Targeted blocking of some of the basic components of the Wnt pathway is a therapeutic approach. These include the frizzled transmembrane receptor (Fz) receptors using the secreted frizzled-related protein family (sFRP), Fz-coreceptors low-density LRP 5/6 through dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) or niclosamide, glycogen kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) using SB-216763, cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CBP) using PRI-724 and ICG-001, the lymphoid enhancer binding factor (LEF)/T cell-specific transcription factor (TCF) system as well as Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) and miR-17-5p using pinostilbene hydrate (PSH). Significant progress has been made in inhibiting Wnt and thus stopping the progression of liver fibrosis by diminishing key components for its action. Comprehending the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in liver fibrosis may lead to discovery of novel targets in liver fibrosis therapeutic strategies' development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Duspara
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Kristina Bojanic
- Department of Biophysics and Radiology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Biophysics and Radiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Radiology, Health Center Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Josipa Ivanusic Pejic
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Lucija Kuna
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Tea Omanovic Kolaric
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vjera Nincevic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Robert Smolic
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Aleksandar Vcev
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marija Glasnovic
- Department of Medicine, Family Medicine and History of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ines Bilic Curcic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Smolic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Correspondence to: Martina Smolic, University of Osijek, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology; Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, J. Huttlera 4, Osijek 31000, Croatia. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6867-826X. Tel: + 385-31-512-800, Fax: +385-31-512-833, E-mail:
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11
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Torre P, Motta BM, Sciorio R, Masarone M, Persico M. Inflammation and Fibrogenesis in MAFLD: Role of the Hepatic Immune System. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:781567. [PMID: 34957156 PMCID: PMC8695879 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.781567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the definition recently proposed to better circumscribe the spectrum of conditions long known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that range from simple steatosis without inflammation to more advanced liver diseases. The progression of MAFLD, as well as other chronic liver diseases, toward cirrhosis, is driven by hepatic inflammation and fibrogenesis. The latter, result of a “chronic wound healing reaction,” is a dynamic process, and the understanding of its underlying pathophysiological events has increased in recent years. Fibrosis progresses in a microenvironment where it takes part an interplay between fibrogenic cells and many other elements, including some cells of the immune system with an underexplored or still unclear role in liver diseases. Some therapeutic approaches, also acting on the immune system, have been probed over time to evaluate their ability to improve inflammation and fibrosis in NAFLD, but to date no drug has been approved to treat this condition. In this review, we will focus on the contribution of the liver immune system in the progression of NAFLD, and on therapies under study that aim to counter the immune substrate of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Torre
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Benedetta Maria Motta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Roberta Sciorio
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Mario Masarone
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Marcello Persico
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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12
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Zhang J, Liu Q, He J, Li Y. Novel Therapeutic Targets in Liver Fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:766855. [PMID: 34805276 PMCID: PMC8602792 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.766855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is end-stage liver disease that can be rescued. If irritation continues due to viral infection, schistosomiasis and alcoholism, liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis and even cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs that act directly against liver fibrosis. The only treatments currently available are drugs that eliminate pathogenic factors, which show poor efficacy; and liver transplantation, which is expensive. This highlights the importance of clarifying the mechanism of liver fibrosis and searching for new treatments against it. This review summarizes how parenchymal, nonparenchymal cells, inflammatory cells and various processes (liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, cell death and proliferation, deposition of extracellular matrix, cell metabolism, inflammation and epigenetics) contribute to liver fibrosis. We highlight discoveries of novel therapeutic targets, which may provide new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhang Zhang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinhui Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinhan He
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China.,Department of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China
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13
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Ezhilarasan D. Hepatic stellate cells in the injured liver: Perspectives beyond hepatic fibrosis. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:436-449. [PMID: 34514599 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, our understanding of the pathological role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in fibrotic liver disease has increased dramatically. As HSCs are identified as the principal collagen-producing cells in the injured liver, several experimental and clinical studies have targeted HSCs to treat liver fibrosis. However, HSCs also play a critical role in developing nonfibrotic liver diseases such as cholestasis, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this review exclusively focuses on the role of activated HSCs beyond hepatic fibrosis. In cholestasis conditions, elevated bile salts and bile acids activate HSCs to secrete collagen and other extracellular matrix products, which cause biliary fibrosis and cholangitis. In the chronically injured liver, autocrine and paracrine signaling from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells activates HSCs to induce portal hypertension via endothelin-1 release. In the tumor microenvironment (TME), activated HSCs are the major source of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). The crosstalk between activated HSC/CAF and tumor cells is associated with tumor cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, and chemoresistance. In TME, activated HSCs convert macrophages to tumor-associated macrophages and induce the differentiation of dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes to regulatory DCs and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, respectively. This differentiation, in turn, increases T cells proliferation and induces their apoptosis leading to reduced immune surveillance in TME. Thus, HSCs activation in chronically injured liver is a critical process involved in the progression of cholestasis, portal hypertension, and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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14
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Abstract
Introduction: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are essential for physiological homeostasis of the liver extracellular matrix (ECM). Excessive transdifferentiation of HSC from a quiescent to an activated phenotype contributes to disrupt this balance and can lead to liver fibrosis. Accumulating evidence has suggested that nuclear receptors (NRs) are involved in the regulation of HSC activation, proliferation, and function. Therefore, these NRs may be therapeutic targets to balance ECM homeostasis and inhibit HSC activation in liver fibrosis.Areas covered: In this review, the authors summarized the recent progress in the understanding of the regulatory role of NRs in HSCs and their potential as drug targets in liver fibrosis.Expert opinion: NRs are still potential therapy targets for inhibiting HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. However, the development of NRs agonists or antagonists to inhibit HSCs requires fully consideration of systemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Pu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongjing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanxin Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Houfeng Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
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15
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Zhu X, Ye S, Yu D, Zhang Y, Li J, Zhang M, Leng Y, Yang T, Luo J, Chen X, Zhang H, Kong L. Physalin B attenuates liver fibrosis via suppressing LAP2α-HDAC1-mediated deacetylation of the transcription factor GLI1 and hepatic stellate cell activation. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:3428-3447. [PMID: 33864382 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide but lacks any acceptable therapy. The transcription factor glioma-associated oncogene homologue 1 (GLI1) is a potentially important therapeutic target in liver fibrosis. This study investigates the anti-fibrotic activities and potential mechanisms of the phytochemical, physalin B. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Two mouse models (CCl4 challenge and bile duct ligation) were used to assess antifibrotic effects of physalin B in vivo. Mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (pHSCs) and human HSC line LX-2 also served as in vitro liver fibrosis models. Liver fibrogenic genes, GLI1 and GLI1 downstream genes were examined using Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). GLI1 acetylation and LAP2α-HDAC1 interaction were analysed by co-immunoprecipitation. KEY RESULTS In vivo, physalin B administration attenuated hepatic histopathological injury and collagen accumulation and decreased expression of fibrogenic genes. Physalin B dose-dependently suppressed fibrotic marker expression in LX-2 cells and mouse pHSCs. Mechanistic studies showed that physalin B inhibited GLI activity by non-canonical Hedgehog signalling. Physalin B blocked formation of lamina-associated polypeptide 2α (LAP2α)/histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) complexes, thus inhibiting HDAC1-mediated GLI1 deacetylation. Physalin B up-regulated acetylation of GLI1, down-regulated expression of GLI1 and subsequently inhibited HSC activation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Physalin B exerted potent antifibrotic effects in vitro and in vivo by disrupting LAP2α/HDAC1 complexes, increasing GLI1 acetylation and inactivating GLI1. This indicates that the phytochemical physalin B may be a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shengtao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongke Yu
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanqiu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meihui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingrong Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianguang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinlin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingyi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Acharya P, Chouhan K, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Cellular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671640. [PMID: 34025430 PMCID: PMC8134740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a central organ in the human body, coordinating several key metabolic roles. The structure of the liver which consists of the distinctive arrangement of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoids, the hepatic artery, portal vein and the central vein, is critical for its function. Due to its unique position in the human body, the liver interacts with components of circulation targeted for the rest of the body and in the process, it is exposed to a vast array of external agents such as dietary metabolites and compounds absorbed through the intestine, including alcohol and drugs, as well as pathogens. Some of these agents may result in injury to the cellular components of liver leading to the activation of the natural wound healing response of the body or fibrogenesis. Long-term injury to liver cells and consistent activation of the fibrogenic response can lead to liver fibrosis such as that seen in chronic alcoholics or clinically obese individuals. Unidentified fibrosis can evolve into more severe consequences over a period of time such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is well recognized now that in addition to external agents, genetic predisposition also plays a role in the development of liver fibrosis. An improved understanding of the cellular pathways of fibrosis can illuminate our understanding of this process, and uncover potential therapeutic targets. Here we summarized recent aspects in the understanding of relevant pathways, cellular and molecular drivers of hepatic fibrosis and discuss how this knowledge impact the therapy of respective disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Chouhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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17
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Weiskirchen R. Commentary on "Re-regulation of hepatic stellate cell contraction and cirrhotic portal hypertension by Wnt/β-catenin signaling via interaction with Gli1". Br J Pharmacol 2020; 178:378-380. [PMID: 33085773 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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