1
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Machado MV. MASLD treatment-a shift in the paradigm is imminent. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1316284. [PMID: 38146424 PMCID: PMC10749497 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1316284] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023] Open
Abstract
MASLD prevalence is growing towards the leading cause of end-stage liver disease. Up to today, the most effective treatment is weight loss. Weight loss interventions are moving from lifestyle changes to bariatric surgery or endoscopy, and, more recently, to a new wave of anti-obesity drugs that can compete with bariatric surgery. Liver-targeted therapy is a necessity for those patients who already present liver fibrosis. The field is moving fast, and in the near future, we will testify to a disruptive change in MASLD treatment, similar to the paradigm-shift that occurred for hepatitis C almost one decade ago with direct antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Verdelho Machado
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal
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2
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Sweed D, Holah NS, Karman E, Asaad N, Mahmoud S. Farnesoid X receptor in chronic liver diseases: an immunohistochemical study. J Immunoassay Immunochem 2023; 44:381-395. [PMID: 37665366 DOI: 10.1080/15321819.2023.2242920] [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] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) related liver diseases are still an ongoing cause of hepatic failure despite the effective role of direct-acting anti-viral agents. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists have a potential therapeutic effect on the management of chronic liver diseases (CLD). However, data regarding FXR protein expression in human CLDs are limited and conflicting. We aimed to assess the immunohistochemical expression of FXR in HCV-related chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in comparison with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and normal liver tissue. The expression of FXR was low both in hepatocytes and bile ducts of HCV-related chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis (p = .001, respectively). In addition, a significantly low expression of FXR was observed in HCV-related hepatitis and cirrhosis groups compared to MAFLD in hepatocytes (p < .001, for both) and bile ducts (p = .004 and p = .018). FXR expression in HCV-related cirrhosis was significantly associated with compensated liver function (p = .032) and low inflammatory activity (p = .022). FXR expression decreases in HCV-related CLDs. There was some evidence that FXR expression could protect against post-hepatitis cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Sweed
- Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Nanis Shawky Holah
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Esraa Karman
- Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menofia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Nancy Asaad
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Shereen Mahmoud
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menofia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
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3
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Adorini L, Trauner M. FXR agonists in NASH treatment. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1317-1331. [PMID: 37562746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a bile acid (BA)-activated nuclear receptor highly expressed in the liver and intestine, regulates the expression of genes involved in cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis, hepatic gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis, in addition to controlling intestinal barrier integrity, preventing bacterial translocation and maintaining gut microbiota eubiosis. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is characterized by hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte damage (ballooning) and inflammation, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NASH represents a major unmet medical need, but no pharmacological treatments have yet been approved. The pleiotropic mechanisms involved in NASH development offer a range of therapeutic opportunities and among them FXR activation has emerged as an established pharmacological target. Various FXR agonists with different physicochemical properties, which can be broadly classified as BA derivatives, non-BA-derived steroidal FXR agonists, non-steroidal FXR agonists, and partial FXR agonists, are in advanced clinical development. In this review we will summarize key preclinical and clinical features of the most advanced FXR agonists and critically evaluate their potential in NASH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Adorini
- Intercept Pharmaceuticals Inc., 305 Madison Ave., Morristown, NJ 07960, USA.
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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4
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Ding C, Wang Z, Dou X, Yang Q, Ning Y, Kao S, Sang X, Hao M, Wang K, Peng M, Zhang S, Han X, Cao G. Farnesoid X receptor: From Structure to Function and Its Pharmacology in Liver Fibrosis. Aging Dis 2023:AD.2023.0830. [PMID: 37815898 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, plays a crucial role in regulating bile acid metabolism within the enterohepatic circulation. Beyond its involvement in metabolic disorders and immune imbalances affecting various tissues, FXR is implicated in microbiota modulation, gut- to-brain communication, and liver disease. The liver, as a pivotal metabolic and detoxification organ, is susceptible to damage from factors such as alcohol, viruses, drugs, and high-fat diets. Chronic or recurrent liver injury can culminate in liver fibrosis, which, if left untreated, may progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, posing significant health risks. However, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis remain limited in terms of FDA- approved drugs. Recent insights into the structure of FXR, coupled with animal and clinical investigations, have shed light on its potential pharmacological role in hepatic fibrosis. Progress has been achieved in both fundamental research and clinical applications. This review critically examines recent advancements in FXR research, highlighting challenges and potential mechanisms underlying its role in liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China
| | - Zeping Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyue Dou
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiao Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Ning
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shi Kao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianan Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Min Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kuilong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengyun Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuosheng Zhang
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Xin Han
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China
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5
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Hou XX, Li YW, Song JL, Zhang W, Liu R, Yuan H, Feng TT, Jiang ZY, Li WT, Zhu CL. Cryptotanshinone induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells via modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2616-2627. [PMID: 37213406 PMCID: PMC10198054 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i17.2616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cryptotanshinone (CPT) has wide biological functions, including anti-oxidative, antifibrosis, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of CPT on hepatic fibrosis is unknown.
AIM To investigate the effects of CPT treatment on hepatic fibrosis and its underlying mechanism of action.
METHODS Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and normal hepatocytes were treated with different concentrations of CPT and salubrinal. The CCK-8 assay was used to determine cell viability. Flow cytometry was used to measure apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analyses were used to measure mRNA levels and protein expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling pathway related molecules, respectively. Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) was used to induce in vivo hepatic fibrosis in mice. Mice were treated with CPT and salubrinal, and blood and liver samples were collected for histopathological examination.
RESULTS We found that CPT treatment significantly reduced fibrogenesis by modulating the synthesis and degradation of the extracellular matrix in vitro. CPT inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in cultured HSCs. Furthermore, we found that CPT promoted apoptosis of activated HSCs by upregulating expression of ERS markers (CHOP and GRP78) and activating ERS pathway molecules (PERK, IRE1α, and ATF4), which were inhibited by salubrinal. Inhibition of ERS by salubrinal partially eliminated the therapeutic effect of CPT in our CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model.
CONCLUSION CPT can promote apoptosis of HSCs and alleviate hepatic fibrosis through modulating the ERS pathway, which represents a promising strategy for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xue Hou
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu-Wen Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jia-Li Song
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570000, Hainan Province, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian-Tong Feng
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zheng-Yi Jiang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Ting Li
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570000, Hainan Province, China
| | - Chuan-Long Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
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6
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Zhao D, Gao Y, Su Y, Zhou Y, Yang T, Li Y, Wang Y, Sun Y, Chen L, Zhang F, Zhang Z, Wang F, Shao J, Zheng S. Oroxylin A regulates cGAS DNA hypermethylation induced by methionine metabolism to promote HSC senescence. Pharmacol Res 2023; 187:106590. [PMID: 36464146 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Relevant studies have recognized the important role of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) senescence in anti-liver fibrosis. Cellular senescence is believed to be regulated by the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. However, underlying exact mechanisms of cGAS-STING pathway in hepatic stellate cell senescence are still unclear. Here, we found that Oroxylin A could promote senescence in HSC by activating the cGAS-STING pathway. Moreover, activation of the cGAS-STING pathway was dependent on DNMT3A downregulation, which suppressed cGAS gene DNA methylation. Interestingly, the attenuation of DNMT activity relied on the reduction of methyl donor SAM level. Noteworthy, the downregulation of SAM levels implied the imbalance of methionine cycle metabolism, and MAT2A was considered to be an important regulatory enzyme in metabolic processes. In vivo experiments also indicated that Oroxylin A induced senescence of HSCs in mice with liver fibrosis, and DNMT3A overexpression partly offset this effect. In conclusion, we discovered that Oroxylin A prevented the methylation of the cGAS gene by preventing the production of methionine metabolites, which promoted the senescence of HSCs. This finding offers a fresh hypothesis for further research into the anti-liver fibrosis mechanism of natural medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danli Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Su
- Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Chen
- 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
| | - Zili Zhang
- 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
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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7
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Yuan Z, Wang J, Zhang H, Chai Y, Xu Y, Miao Y, Yuan Z, Zhang L, Jiang Z, Yu Q. Glycocholic acid aggravates liver fibrosis by promoting the up-regulation of connective tissue growth factor in hepatocytes. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110508. [PMID: 36341984 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The precise role of bile acid in the progression of liver fibrosis has yet to be elucidated. In this study, common bile duct ligation was used as an in vivo mouse model for the evaluation of bile acids that promote liver connective tissue growth factor expression. MAIN METHODS Primary rat and mice hepatocytes, as well as primary rat hepatic stellate and HepaRG cells were evaluated as in vitro models for promoting the expression of connective tissue growth factor by bile acids. KEY FINDINGS Compared with taurochenodeoxycholic acid, glycochenodeoxycholic acid, and taurocholic acid, glycocholic acid (GCA) most strongly promoted the secretion of connective tissue growth factor in mouse primary hepatocytes, rat primary hepatocytes and HepaRGs. GCA did not directly promote the activation of hepatic stellate cells. The administration of GCA in mice with ligated bile ducts promotes the progression of liver fibrosis, which may promote the yes-associated protein of hepatocytes into the nucleus, resulting in the hepatocytes secreting more connective tissue growth factor for hepatic stellate cell activation. In conclusion, our data showed that GCA can induce the expression of connective tissue growth factor in hepatocytes by promoting the nuclear translocation of yes-associated protein, thereby activating hepatic stellate cells. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings help to elucidate the contribution of GCA to the progression of hepatic fibrosis in cholestatic disease and aid the clinical monitoring of cholestatic liver fibrosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihang Yuan
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jie Wang
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chai
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yunxia Xu
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yingying Miao
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ziqiao Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Luyong Zhang
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhenzhou Jiang
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Qinwei Yu
- New drug screening center, Jiangsu Center for Pharmacodynamics Research and Evaluation, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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8
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Rampa DR, Feng H, Allur-Subramaniyan S, Shim K, Pekcec A, Lee D, Doods H, Wu D. Kinin B1 receptor blockade attenuates hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension in chronic liver diseases in mice. J Transl Med 2022; 20:590. [PMID: 36514072 PMCID: PMC9746183 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03808-7] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Kinin B1 receptors (B1Rs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. This study examined the anti-fibrotic effects of B1R blockade with BI 113823 in two established mouse models of hepatic fibrosis induced by intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection or bile duct ligation (BDL). The mechanisms underlying the protection afforded by B1R inhibition were examined using human peripheral blood cells and LX2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS Fibrotic liver diseases were induced in mice by intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection for 6 weeks, and by bile duct ligation (BDL) for 3 weeks, respectively. Mice received daily treatment of vehicle or BI 113823 (B1R antagonist) from onset of the experiment until the end of the study. RESULTS B1Rs were strongly induced in fibrotic mouse liver. BI 113823 significantly attenuated liver fibrosis and portal hypertension (PH), and improved survival in both CCl4 and BDL mice. BI 113823 significantly reduced the expression of fibrotic proteins α-SMA, collagens 1, 3, 4, and profibrotic growth factors PDGF, TGFβ, CTGF, VEGF, proliferating cell nuclear antigen; and reduced hepatic Akt phosphorylation in CCl4- and BDL-induced liver fibrosis. BI 113823 also reduced expression of Cytokines IL-1, IL-6; chemokines MCP-1, MCP-3 and infiltration of inflammatory cells; and inhibited human monocyte and neutrophil activation, transmigration, TNF-α & MPO production in vitro. BI 113823 inhibited TGF-β and B1R agonist-stimulated human-HSC activation, contraction, proliferation, migration and fibrosis protein expression, and inhibited activation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. CONCLUSIONS B1Rs merits consideration as a novel therapeutic target for chronic liver fibrosis and PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dileep Reddy Rampa
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Huiying Feng
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Sivakumar Allur-Subramaniyan
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Animal Biotechnology & Agricultural Convergence Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Kwanseob Shim
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Animal Biotechnology & Agricultural Convergence Technology, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Anton Pekcec
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Dongwon Lee
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea
| | - Henri Doods
- grid.420061.10000 0001 2171 7500Research Beyond Borders, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Dongmei Wu
- grid.411545.00000 0004 0470 4320Department of Bio-Nanotechnology and Bio-Convergence Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, South Korea ,grid.410396.90000 0004 0430 4458Department of Research, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL USA
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Rodrigues SG, Mendoza YP, Bosch J. Investigational drugs in early clinical development for portal hypertension. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:825-842. [PMID: 35758843 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2095259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced chronic liver disease is considered a reversible condition after removal of the primary aetiological factor. This has led to a paradigm shift in which portal hypertension (PH) is a reversible complication of cirrhosis. The pharmacologic management of PH is centered on finding targets to modify the natural history of cirrhosis and PH. AREAS COVERED This paper offers an overview of the use of pharmacological strategies in early clinical development that modify PH. Papers included were selected from searching clinical trials sites and PubMed from the last 10 years. EXPERT OPINION A paradigm shift has generated a new concept of PH in cirrhosis as a reversible complication of a potentially curable disease. Decreasing portal pressure to prevent decompensation and further complications of cirrhosis that may lead liver transplantation or death is a goal. Therapeutic strategies also aspire achieve total or partial regression of fibrosis thus eliminating the need for treatment or screening of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana G Rodrigues
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yuly P Mendoza
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Health Sciences (GHS), University of Bern
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
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10
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Guo Y, Peng Q, Hao L, Ji J, Zhang Z, Xue Y, Liu Y, Gao Y, Li C, Shi X. Dihydroartemisinin promoted FXR expression independent of YAP1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22361. [PMID: 35616366 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200171r] [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: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Loss of FXR, one of bile acid receptors, enlarged livers. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), a dominant oncogene, promotes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the relationship between FXR and YAP1 was unspecified in bile acid homeostasis in HCC. Here, we used TIMER2.0, the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Database, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter Database and discovered that FXR was positively correlated with better prognosis in liver cancer patients. Our previous research showed that dihydroartemisinin (DHA) inhibited cell proliferation in HepG2 and HepG22215 cells. However, the relationship of YAP1 and the bile acid receptor FXR remains elusive during DHA treatment. Furthermore, we showed that DHA improved FXR and reduced YAP1 in the liver cancer cells and mice. Additionally, the expression of nucleus protein FXR was enhanced in Yap1LKO mice with liver cancer. DHA promoted the expression level of whole and nuclear protein FXR independent of YAP1 in Yap1LKO mice with liver cancer. DHA declined cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, but not sterol 27-hydroxylase, and depressed cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid of liver tissue in Yap1LKO mice with liver cancer. Generally, our results suggested that DHA improved FXR and declined YAP1 to suppress bile acid metabolism. Thus, we suggested that FXR acted as a potential therapeutic target in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinglin Guo
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qing Peng
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Liyuan Hao
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingmin Ji
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Zhiqin Zhang
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yu Xue
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuting Gao
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Caige Li
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xinli Shi
- Department of Pathobiology and Immunology, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
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11
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She J, Gu T, Pang X, Liu Y, Tang L, Zhou X. Natural Products Targeting Liver X Receptors or Farnesoid X Receptor. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:772435. [PMID: 35069197 PMCID: PMC8766425 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.772435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of transcription factors induced by ligands and also function as integrators of hormonal and nutritional signals. Among NRs, the liver X receptors (LXRs) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) have been of significance as targets for the treatment of metabolic syndrome-related diseases. In recent years, natural products targeting LXRs and FXR have received remarkable interests as a valuable source of novel ligands encompassing diverse chemical structures and bioactive properties. This review aims to survey natural products, originating from terrestrial plants and microorganisms, marine organisms, and marine-derived microorganisms, which could influence LXRs and FXR. In the recent two decades (2000-2020), 261 natural products were discovered from natural resources such as LXRs/FXR modulators, 109 agonists and 38 antagonists targeting LXRs, and 72 agonists and 55 antagonists targeting FXR. The docking evaluation of desired natural products targeted LXRs/FXR is finally discussed. This comprehensive overview will provide a reference for future study of novel LXRs and FXR agonists and antagonists to target human diseases, and attract an increasing number of professional scholars majoring in pharmacy and biology with more in-depth discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglian She
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tanwei Gu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Tang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
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12
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Koui Y, Himeno M, Mori Y, Nakano Y, Saijou E, Tanimizu N, Kamiya Y, Anzai H, Maeda N, Wang L, Yamada T, Sakai Y, Nakato R, Miyajima A, Kido T. Development of human iPSC-derived quiescent hepatic stellate cell-like cells for drug discovery and in vitro disease modeling. Stem Cell Reports 2021; 16:3050-3063. [PMID: 34861166 PMCID: PMC8693663 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role in the progression of liver fibrosis by producing extracellular matrices. The development of drugs to suppress liver fibrosis has been hampered by the lack of human quiescent HSCs (qHSCs) and an appropriate in vitro model that faithfully recapitulates HSC activation. In the present study, we developed a culture system to generate qHSC-like cells from human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that can be converted into activated HSCs in culture. To monitor the activation process, a red fluorescent protein (RFP) gene was inserted in hiPSCs downstream of the activation marker gene actin alpha 2 smooth muscle (ACTA2). Using qHSC-like cells derived from RFP reporter iPSCs, we screened a repurposing chemical library and identified therapeutic candidates that prevent liver fibrosis. Hence, hiPSC-derived qHSC-like cells will be a useful tool to study the mechanism of HSC activation and to identify therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Koui
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Misao Himeno
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Yusuke Mori
- Bio Science & Engineering Laboratory, Research & Development Management Headquarters, FUJIFILM Corporation, 577 Ushijima, Kaisei-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa 258-8577, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakano
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Eiko Saijou
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Naoki Tanimizu
- Department of Tissue Development and Regeneration, Research Institute for Frontier Medicine, Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine, S-1, W-17, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 060-8556, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Kamiya
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Hiroko Anzai
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Natsuki Maeda
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Luyao Wang
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Tadanori Yamada
- Bio Science & Engineering Laboratory, Research & Development Management Headquarters, FUJIFILM Corporation, 577 Ushijima, Kaisei-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa 258-8577, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sakai
- Department of Chemical System Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Nakato
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miyajima
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
| | - Taketomo Kido
- Laboratory of Cell Growth and Differentiation, Institute for Quantitative Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan.
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13
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Shen M, Li Y, Wang Y, Shao J, Zhang F, Yin G, Chen A, Zhang Z, Zheng S. N 6-methyladenosine modification regulates ferroptosis through autophagy signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells. Redox Biol 2021; 47:102151. [PMID: 34607160 PMCID: PMC8495178 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a recently identified non-apoptotic form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. However, the underlying exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we report that the total levels of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification are evidently increased upon exposure to ferroptosis-inducing compounds due to the upregulation of methylase METTL4 and the downregulation of demethylase FTO. Interestingly, RNA-seq shows that m6A modification appears to trigger autophagy activation by stabilizing BECN1 mRNA, which may be the potential mechanism for m6A modification-enhanced HSC ferroptosis. Importantly, YTHDF1 is identified as a key m6A reader protein for BECN1 mRNA stability, and knockdown of YTHDF1 could prevent BECN1 plasmid-induced HSC ferroptosis. Noteworthy, YTHDF1 promotes BECN1 mRNA stability and autophagy activation via recognizing the m6A binding site within BECN1 coding regions. In mice, erastin treatment alleviates liver fibrosis by inducing HSC ferroptosis. HSC-specific inhibition of m6A modification could impair erastin-induced HSC ferroptosis in murine liver fibrosis. Moreover, we retrospectively analyzed the effect of sorafenib on HSC ferroptosis and m6A modification in advanced fibrotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving sorafenib monotherapy. Attractively, the m6A modification upregulation, autophagy activation, and ferroptosis induction occur in human HSCs. Overall, these findings reveal novel signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis, and also identify m6A modification-dependent ferroptosis as a potential target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yingqian Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Guoping Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis. MO, 63104, USA
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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14
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Xiong Y, Huang J. Anti-malarial drug: the emerging role of artemisinin and its derivatives in liver disease treatment. Chin Med 2021; 16:80. [PMID: 34407830 PMCID: PMC8371597 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-021-00489-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives belong to a family of drugs approved for the treatment of malaria with known clinical safety and efficacy. In addition to its anti-malarial effect, artemisinin displays anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects in vivo and in vitro. Recently, much attention has been paid to the therapeutic role of artemisinin in liver diseases. Several studies suggest that artemisinin and its derivatives can protect the liver through different mechanisms, such as those pertaining to inflammation, proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and induction of apoptosis and autophagy. In this review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of artemisinin and its derivatives in treating liver diseases. Further pharmacological research will aid in determining whether artemisinin and its derivatives may serve as promising medicines for the treatment of liver diseases in the future. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Xiong
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Jianrong Huang
- The Department of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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15
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Xia S, Wang Z, Chen L, Zhou Y, Li Y, Wang S, Chen A, Xu X, Shao J, Zhang Z, Tan S, Zhang F, Zheng S. Dihydroartemisinin regulates lipid droplet metabolism in hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting lncRNA-H19-induced AMPK signal. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114730. [PMID: 34400125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central event in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and is often accompanied by the disappearance of lipid droplets (LDs). Although interference with LD metabolism can effectively reverse the activation of HSCs, there is currently no effective therapy for liver fibrosis. Our previous evidence indicates that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-H19 plays an essential role in LD metabolism of HSC. In this study, we investigated the potential molecular mechanism of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) inhibits LD metabolism and liver fibrosis by regulating H19-AMPK pathway. We found that DHA restores LDs content in activated HSCs via reducing the transcription of H19 driven by hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1α) and inhibiting the lipid oxidation signal mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. In vivo experiments, we have proved that DHA reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and reduce the level of liver fibrosis in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis of mice. In summary, our results emphasize the importance of H19 in liver fibrosis and the potential of DHA to regulate H19 to treat liver fibrosis, providing a new direction for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Xia
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Xuzhou Pharmaceutical Vocational College, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Li Chen
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250035, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, MO 63104, USA
| | - Xuefen Xu
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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16
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Ma X, Jiang Y, Wen J, Zhao Y, Zeng J, Guo Y. A comprehensive review of natural products to fight liver fibrosis: Alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and other compounds. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 888:173578. [PMID: 32976828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of drugs to treat liver fibrosis has long been a challenge over the past decades due to its complicated pathogenesis. As a primary approach for drug development, natural products account for 30% of clinical drugs used for disease treatment. Therefore, natural products are increasingly important for their medicinal value in liver fibrosis therapy. In this part of the review, special focus is placed on the effect and mechanism of natural compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and others. A total of 36 kinds of natural compounds demonstrate significant antifibrotic effects in various liver fibrosis models in vivo and in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. Revealing the mechanism will provide further basis for clinical conversion, as well as accelerate drug discovery. The mechanism was further summarized with the finding of network regulation by several natural products, such as oxymatrine, paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1 and taurine. Moreover, there are still improvements needed in investigating clinical efficacy, determining mechanisms, and combining applications, as well as semisynthesis and modification. Therefore, natural products area promising resource for agents that protect against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yinxiao Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jianxia Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yaoguang Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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17
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Novel use for old drugs: The emerging role of artemisinin and its derivatives in fibrosis. Pharmacol Res 2020; 157:104829. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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18
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Zhang Z, Guo M, Shen M, Kong D, Zhang F, Shao J, Tan S, Wang S, Chen A, Cao P, Zheng S. The BRD7-P53-SLC25A28 axis regulates ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells. Redox Biol 2020; 36:101619. [PMID: 32863216 PMCID: PMC7330619 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of programmed cell death, but its regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. In the current study, we reported that the BRD7-P53-SLC25A28 axis played a crucial role in regulating ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Upon exposure to ferroptosis inducers, bromodomain-containing protein 7 (BRD7) protein expression was remarkably increased through the inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated BRD7 knockout conferred resistance to HSC ferroptosis, whereas specific BRD7 plasmid-mediated BRD7 overexpression facilitated HSC ferroptosis. Interestingly, the elevated BRD7 expression exhibited to promote p53 mitochondrial translocation via direct binding with p53 N-terminal transactivation domain (TAD), which may be the underlying mechanisms for BRD7-enhanced HSC ferroptosis. Site-directed mutations of serine 392 completely blocked the binding of BRD7 to p53, and, in turn, prevented p53 mitochondrial translocation and HSC ferroptosis. Importantly, mitochondrial p53 interacted with solute carrier family 25 member 28 (SLC25A28) to form complex and enhanced the activity of SLC25A28, which could lead to the abnormal accumulation of redox-active iron and hyperfunction of electron transfer chain (ETC). SLC25A28 knockdown impaired BRD7-or p53-mediated ferroptotic events. In mice, erastin treatment ameliorated pathological damage of liver fibrosis through inducing HSC ferroptosis. HSC-specific blockade of BRD7-P53-SLC25A28 axis could abrogate erastin-induced HSC ferroptosis. Of note, we analyzed the effect of sorafenib on HSC ferroptosis in advanced fibrotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving sorafenib monotherapy. Attractively, BRD7 upregulation, p53 mitochondrial translocation, combination of SLC25A28 and p53, and ferroptosis induction occurred in primary human HSCs. Overall, these findings reveal novel signal transduction and regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis, and also suggest BRD7-P53-SLC25A28 axis as potential targets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mei Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Min Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- 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
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO63104, USA
| | - Peng Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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19
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Zhang Z, Guo M, Li Y, Shen M, Kong D, Shao J, Ding H, Tan S, Chen A, Zhang F, Zheng S. RNA-binding protein ZFP36/TTP protects against ferroptosis by regulating autophagy signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells. Autophagy 2019; 16:1482-1505. [PMID: 31679460 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2019.1687985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of programmed cell death, but its regulatory mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that the RNA-binding protein ZFP36/TTP (ZFP36 ring finger protein) plays a crucial role in regulating ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Upon exposure to ferroptosis-inducing compounds, the ubiquitin ligase FBXW7/CDC4 (F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7) decreased ZFP36 protein expression by recognizing SFSGLPS motif. FBXW7 plasmid contributed to classical ferroptotic events, whereas ZFP36 plasmid impaired FBXW7 plasmid-induced HSC ferroptosis. Interestingly, ZFP36 plasmid inhibited macroautophagy/autophagy activation by destabilizing ATG16L1 (autophagy related 16 like 1) mRNA. ATG16L1 plasmid eliminated the inhibitory action of ZFP36 plasmid on ferroptosis, and FBXW7 plasmid enhanced the effect of ATG16L1 plasmid on autophagy. Importantly, ZFP36 plasmid promoted ATG16L1 mRNA decay via binding to the AU-rich elements (AREs) within the 3'-untranslated region. The internal mutation of the ARE region abrogated the ZFP36-mediated ATG16L1 mRNA instability, and prevented ZFP36 plasmid-mediated ferroptosis resistance. In mice, treatment with erastin and sorafenib alleviated murine liver fibrosis by inducing HSC ferroptosis. HSC-specific overexpression of Zfp36 impaired erastin- or sorafenib-induced HSC ferroptosis. Noteworthy, we analyzed the effect of sorafenib on HSC ferroptosis in fibrotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma receiving sorafenib monotherapy. Attractively, sorafenib monotherapy led to ZFP36 downregulation, ferritinophagy activation, and ferroptosis induction in human HSCs. Overall, these results revealed novel molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of ferroptosis, and also identified ZFP36-autophagy-dependent ferroptosis as a potential target for the treatment of liver fibrosis. ABBREVIATIONS ARE: AU-rich elements; ATG: autophagy related; BECN1: beclin 1; CHX: cycloheximide; COL1A1: collagen type I alpha 1 chain; ELAVL1/HuR: ELAV like RNA binding protein 1; FBXW7/CDC4: F-box and WD repeat domain containing 7; FN1: fibronectin 1; FTH1: ferritin heavy chain 1; GPX4/PHGPx: glutathione peroxidase 4; GSH: glutathione; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; HSC: hepatic stellate cell; LSEC: liver sinusoidal endothelial cell; MAP1LC3A: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 alpha; MDA: malondialdehyde; NCOA4: nuclear receptor coactivator 4; PTGS2/COX2: prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2; RBP: RNA-binding protein; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SLC7A11/xCT: solute carrier family 7 member 11; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; TP53/p53: tumor protein p53; UTR: untranslated region; ZFP36/TTP: ZFP36 ring finger protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China
| | - Mei Guo
- Department of Pathogenic biology and Immunology, Medical School, Southeast University , Nanjing, China
| | - Yujia Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China
| | - Min Shen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Ding
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University , St Louis, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, China
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Bian M, He J, Jin H, Lian N, Shao J, Guo Q, Wang S, Zhang F, Zheng S. Oroxylin A induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells through endoplasmic reticulum stress. Apoptosis 2019; 24:905-920. [DOI: 10.1007/s10495-019-01568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Masaoutis C, Theocharis S. The farnesoid X receptor: a potential target for expanding the therapeutic arsenal against kidney disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 23:107-116. [PMID: 30577722 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1559825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear bile acid (BA) receptor widely distributed among tissues, a major sensor of BA levels, primary suppressor of hepatic BA synthesis and secondary regulator of lipid metabolism and inflammation. Chronic kidney disease is a common, multifactorial condition with metabolic and inflammatory causes and implications. An array of natural and synthetic FXR agonists has been developed, but not yet studied clinically in kidney disease. Areas covered: Following a summary of FXR's physiological functions in the kidney, we discuss its effects in renal disease with emphasis on chronic and acute kidney disease, chemotherapy-induced nephrotoxicity, and renal neoplasia. Most information is derived from animal models; no relevant clinical study has been conducted to date. Expert opinion: Most available preclinical data indicates a promising outlook for clinical research in this direction. We believe FXR agonism to be an auspicious approach to treating renal disease, considering that multifactorial diseases call for ideally wide-reaching therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos Masaoutis
- a First Department of Pathology, Medical School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens , Greece
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- a First Department of Pathology, Medical School , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens , Athens , Greece
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22
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Update on FXR Biology: Promising Therapeutic Target? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072069. [PMID: 30013008 PMCID: PMC6073382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a metabolic nuclear receptor, plays critical roles in the maintenance of systemic energy homeostasis and the integrity of many organs, including liver and intestine. It regulates bile acid, lipid, and glucose metabolism, and contributes to inter-organ communication, in particular the enterohepatic signaling pathway, through bile acids and fibroblast growth factor-15/19 (FGF-15/19). The metabolic effects of FXR are also involved in gut microbiota. In addition, FXR has various functions in the kidney, adipose tissue, pancreas, cardiovascular system, and tumorigenesis. Consequently, the deregulation of FXR may lead to abnormalities of specific organs and metabolic dysfunction, allowing the protein as an attractive therapeutic target for the management of liver and/or metabolic diseases. Indeed, many FXR agonists have been being developed and are under pre-clinical and clinical investigations. Although obeticholic acid (OCA) is one of the promising candidates, significant safety issues have remained. The effects of FXR modulation might be multifaceted according to tissue specificity, disease type, and/or energy status, suggesting the careful use of FXR agonists. This review summarizes the current knowledge of systemic FXR biology in various organs and the gut–liver axis, particularly regarding the recent advancement in these fields, and also provides pharmacological aspects of FXR modulation for rational therapeutic strategies and novel drug development.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Bile acids act as activating signals of endogenous renal receptors: the nuclear receptor farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the membrane-bound G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1, also known as TGR5). In recent years, bile acids have emerged as important for renal pathophysiology by activating FXR and TGR5 and transcription factors relevant for lipid, cholesterol and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as genes involved in inflammation and renal fibrosis. RECENT FINDINGS Activation of bile acid receptors has a promising therapeutic potential in prevention of diabetic nephropathy and obesity-induced renal damage, as well as in nephrosclerosis. During the past decade, progress has been made in understanding the biology and mechanisms of bile acid receptors in the kidney and in the development of specific bile acid receptor agonists. SUMMARY In this review, we discuss current knowledge on the roles of FXR and TGR5 in the physiology of the kidney and the latest advances made in development and characterization of bile acid analogues that activate bile acid receptors for treatment of renal disease.
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Hepatic stellate cells as key target in liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:27-42. [PMID: 28506744 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 842] [Impact Index Per Article: 120.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Progressive liver fibrosis, induced by chronic viral and metabolic disorders, leads to more than one million deaths annually via development of cirrhosis, although no antifibrotic therapy has been approved to date. Transdifferentiation (or "activation") of hepatic stellate cells is the major cellular source of matrix protein-secreting myofibroblasts, the major driver of liver fibrogenesis. Paracrine signals from injured epithelial cells, fibrotic tissue microenvironment, immune and systemic metabolic dysregulation, enteric dysbiosis, and hepatitis viral products can directly or indirectly induce stellate cell activation. Dysregulated intracellular signaling, epigenetic changes, and cellular stress response represent candidate targets to deactivate stellate cells by inducing reversion to inactivated state, cellular senescence, apoptosis, and/or clearance by immune cells. Cell type- and target-specific pharmacological intervention to therapeutically induce the deactivation will enable more effective and less toxic precision antifibrotic therapies.
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Yuan DS, Chen YP, Tan LL, Huang SQ, Li CQ, Wang Q, Zeng QP. Artemisinin: A Panacea Eligible for Unrestrictive Use? Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:737. [PMID: 29089893 PMCID: PMC5651041 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although artemisinin has been used as anti-malarial drug, accumulating evidence on the extended therapeutic potential of artemisinin emerges. Apart from anti-malaria and anti-tumor, artemisinin can also exert beneficial effects on some metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, and aging-related diseases. However, whether artemisinin should be applied to treatment of the wide-spectrum diseases is debating. Here, we discuss the predisposition of a raised risk of malarial resistance to artemisinin from consideration of the multi-target and non-specific features of artemisinin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sheng Yuan
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Ping Chen
- Tropical Medicine Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Tan
- Tropical Medicine Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shui-Qing Huang
- Basic Medical Science College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chang-Qing Li
- Tropical Medicine Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Ping Zeng
- Tropical Medicine Institute, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Leiva A, Contreras-Duarte S, Amigo L, Sepúlveda E, Boric M, Quiñones V, Busso D, Rigotti A. Gugulipid causes hypercholesterolemia leading to endothelial dysfunction, increased atherosclerosis, and premature death by ischemic heart disease in male mice. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184280. [PMID: 28910310 PMCID: PMC5598962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
For proper cholesterol metabolism, normal expression and function of scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI), a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor, is required. Among the factors that regulate overall cholesterol homeostasis and HDL metabolism, the nuclear farnesoid X receptor plays an important role. Guggulsterone, a bioactive compound present in the natural product gugulipid, is an antagonist of this receptor. This natural product is widely used globally as a natural lipid-lowering agent, although its anti-atherogenic cardiovascular benefit in animal models or humans is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of gugulipid on cholesterol homeostasis and development of mild and severe atherosclerosis in male mice. For this purpose, we evaluated the impact of gugulipid treatment on liver histology, plasma lipoprotein cholesterol, endothelial function, and development of atherosclerosis and/or ischemic heart disease in wild-type mice; apolipoprotein E knockout mice, a model of atherosclerosis without ischemic complications; and SR-B1 knockout and atherogenic–diet-fed apolipoprotein E hypomorphic (SR-BI KO/ApoER61h/h) mice, a model of lethal ischemic heart disease due to severe atherosclerosis. Gugulipid administration was associated with histological abnormalities in liver, increased alanine aminotransferase levels, lower hepatic SR-BI content, hypercholesterolemia due to increased HDL cholesterol levels, endothelial dysfunction, enhanced atherosclerosis, and accelerated death in animals with severe ischemic heart disease. In conclusion, our data show important adverse effects of gugulipid intake on HDL metabolism and atherosclerosis in male mice, suggesting potential and unknown deleterious effects on cardiovascular health in humans. In addition, these findings reemphasize the need for rigorous preclinical and clinical studies to provide guidance on the consumption of natural products and regulation of their use in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Leiva
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail: (AL); (AR)
| | - Susana Contreras-Duarte
- Cellular and Molecular Physiology Laboratory (CMPL), Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ludwig Amigo
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Esteban Sepúlveda
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio Boric
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Verónica Quiñones
- Department of Nutrition, Diabetes and Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Dolores Busso
- Department of Nutrition, Diabetes and Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Attilio Rigotti
- Department of Nutrition, Diabetes and Metabolism, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center of Molecular Nutrition and Chronic Diseases, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- * E-mail: (AL); (AR)
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Schwabl P, Laleman W. Novel treatment options for portal hypertension. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2017; 5:90-103. [PMID: 28533907 PMCID: PMC5421460 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/gox011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is most frequently associated with cirrhosis and is a major driver for associated complications, such as variceal bleeding, ascites or hepatic encephalopathy. As such, clinically significant portal hypertension forms the prelude to decompensation and impacts significantly on the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis. At present, non-selective β-blockers, vasopressin analogues and somatostatin analogues are the mainstay of treatment but these strategies are far from satisfactory and only target splanchnic hyperemia. In contrast, safe and reliable strategies to reduce the increased intrahepatic resistance in cirrhotic patients still represent a pending issue. In recent years, several preclinical and clinical trials have focused on this latter component and other therapeutic avenues. In this review, we highlight novel data in this context and address potentially interesting therapeutic options for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wim Laleman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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