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Kakehashi A, Suzuki S, Wanibuchi H. Recent Insights into the Biomarkers, Molecular Targets and Mechanisms of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis-Driven Hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4566. [PMID: 37760534 PMCID: PMC10527326 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are chronic hepatic conditions leading to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. According to the recent "multiple-parallel-hits hypothesis", NASH could be caused by abnormal metabolism, accumulation of lipids, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stresses and is found in obese and non-obese patients. Recent translational research studies have discovered new proteins and signaling pathways that are involved not only in the development of NAFLD but also in its progression to NASH, cirrhosis, and HCC. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of HCC developing from precancerous lesions have not yet been fully elucidated. Now, it is of particular importance to start research focusing on the discovery of novel molecular pathways that mediate alterations in glucose and lipid metabolism, which leads to the development of liver steatosis. The role of mTOR signaling in NASH progression to HCC has recently attracted attention. The goals of this review are (1) to highlight recent research on novel genetic and protein contributions to NAFLD/NASH; (2) to investigate how recent scientific findings might outline the process that causes NASH-associated HCC; and (3) to explore the reliable biomarkers/targets of NAFLD/NASH-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kakehashi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-4-3 Asahi-machi, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan; (S.S.); (H.W.)
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Chen X, Shi W, Xie Y, Wang Y, Yao Q, Ke H, Xu X, Liu H, Liu P, Zhou X. Hepatic Krüppel-like factor 14 regulates lipid metabolism in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23070. [PMID: 37389939 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300448r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Excessive lipid accumulation is a critical characteristic in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The underlying molecular mechanism, however, is unclear. In this study, we explored whether and how Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) affects hepatic lipid metabolism in NASH. KLF14 expression was detected in NASH patients and mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD). Adeno-associated viruses and adenoviruses were used to alter hepatic KLF14 expression in vivo or in vitro to investigate how KLF14 functions in lipid regulation. The molecular mechanisms were explored using RNA-seq, luciferase reporter, and ChIP assays. The fatty liver phenotype was analyzed histopathologically, and serum and hepatocyte biochemical parameters were measured. The NASH mouse model developed quickly in C57BL/6J mice fed a CDAHFD for 8 weeks. We found that KLF14 expression was decreased in NASH patients and CDAHFD mice. Oleic acid and palmitic acid treatment also reduced KLF14 levels in hepatocytes. KLF14 knockdown downregulated the genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, promoting the progression of hepatic steatosis. In contrast, hepatic KLF14 overexpression alleviated lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in CDAHFD mice. These effects resulted from direct activation of the PPARα signaling pathway. PPARα inhibition diminished the KLF14 overexpression-reduced protective effects against steatosis in OA&PA-treated MPHs and AAV-KLF14-infected CDAHFD mice. These data reveal that hepatic KLF14 regulates lipid accumulation and oxidative stress through the KLF14-PPARα pathway as NASH progresses. KLF14 may be a novel therapeutic target for hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenjie Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yong Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Yunwu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Huajing Ke
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Pi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaojiang Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Peng Y, Li L, Shang J, Zhu H, Liao J, Hong X, Hou FF, Fu H, Liu Y. Macrophage promotes fibroblast activation and kidney fibrosis by assembling a vitronectin-enriched microenvironment. Theranostics 2023; 13:3897-3913. [PMID: 37441594 PMCID: PMC10334827 DOI: 10.7150/thno.85250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Renal infiltration of inflammatory cells including macrophages is a crucial event in kidney fibrogenesis. However, how macrophage regulates fibroblast activation in the fibrotic kidney remains elusive. In this study, we show that macrophages promoted fibroblast activation by assembling a vitronectin (Vtn)-enriched, extracellular microenvironment. Methods: We prepared decellularized kidney tissue scaffold (KTS) from normal and fibrotic kidney after unilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (UIRI) and carried out an unbiased quantitative proteomics analysis. NRK-49F cells were seeded on macrophage-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold. Genetic Vtn knockout (Vtn-/-) mice and chronic kidney disease (CKD) model with overexpression of Vtn were used to corroborate a role of Vtn/integrin αvβ5/Src in kidney fibrosis. Results: Vtn was identified as one of the most upregulated proteins in the decellularized kidney tissue scaffold from fibrotic kidney by mass spectrometry. Furthermore, Vtn was upregulated in the kidney of mouse models of CKD and primarily expressed and secreted by activated macrophages. Urinary Vtn levels were elevated in CKD patients and inversely correlated with kidney function. Genetic ablation or knockdown of Vtn protected mice from developing kidney fibrosis after injury. Conversely, overexpression of Vtn exacerbated renal fibrotic lesions and aggravated renal insufficiency. We found that macrophage-derived, Vtn-enriched extracellular matrix scaffold promoted fibroblast activation and proliferation. In vitro, Vtn triggered fibroblast activation by stimulating integrin αvβ5 and Src kinase signaling. Either blockade of αvβ5 with neutralizing antibody or pharmacological inhibition of Src by Saracatinib abolished Vtn-induced fibroblast activation. Moreover, Saracatinib dose-dependently ameliorated Vtn-induced kidney fibrosis in vivo. These results demonstrate that macrophage induces fibroblast activation by assembling a Vtn-enriched extracellular microenvironment, which triggers integrin αvβ5 and Src kinase signaling. Conclusion: Our findings uncover a novel mechanism by which macrophages contribute to kidney fibrosis via assembling a Vtn-enriched extracellular niche and suggest that disrupting fibrogenic microenvironment could be a therapeutic strategy for fibrotic CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiling Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Li Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Jingyue Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Haili Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Jinlin Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Xue Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
| | - Fan Fan Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youhua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, National Clinical Research Center of Kidney Disease, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Nephrology, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang Y, Zhang W, Zhang R, Xia Y. Knockdown of FBLN2 suppresses TGF-β1-induced MRC-5 cell migration and fibrosis by downregulating VTN. Tissue Cell 2023; 81:102005. [PMID: 36608640 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.102005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common chronic and progressive lung disease. Fibulin-2 (FBLN2) is upregulated in patients with IPF; however, its exact role in IPF remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the role and the regulatory mechanism of FBLN2 in TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis using human lung fibroblast-derived MRC-5 cells. Cell transfection was performed to regulate FBLN2 expression. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect the expression levels of FBLN2 and vitronectin (VTN). Cell viability and migration were determined via the Cell Counting Kit-8 and wound healing assays, respectively. Immunofluorescence was performed to detect α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive cells. The STRING database was used to predict the interaction between FBLN2 and VTN, which was verified via the protein immunoprecipitation assay. The results demonstrated that inhibition of FBLN2 notably inhibited TGF-β1-induced proliferation and migration, as well as downregulating the protein expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9 in MRC-5 cells. In addition, inhibition of FBLN2 suppressed the expression levels of α-SMA, collagen type 1 α1 and fibronectin. FBLN2 was demonstrated to bind to VTN and negatively regulate its expression. Furthermore, overexpression of VTN partly abolished the inhibitory effects of FBLN2 knockdown on TGF-β1-induced proliferation, migration and fibrosis, as well as the activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that FBLN2 knockdown can attenuate TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in MRC-5 cells by downregulating VTN expression via FAK signaling. Thus, FBLN2 may be a potential therapeutic target for IPF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanju Zhang
- Infection Management Office, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Weishuai Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yunfei Xia
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.
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Koukourikis P, Papaioannou M, Papanikolaou D, Apostolidis A. Urine Biomarkers in the Management of Adult Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030468. [PMID: 36766573 PMCID: PMC9914312 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030468] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction requires lifelong surveillance and management for the perseveration of patients' quality of life and the prevention of significant morbidity and mortality. Urine biomarkers are an attractive noninvasive method of surveillance for these patients. The aim of this systematic review is to search for and critically appraise studies that investigate the clinical usefulness of urine biomarkers in the management of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) in adults. METHODS This review was conducted according to PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. Search strategy included PubMed, CENTRAL, and Scopus (until October 2022). Studies investigating potential urine biomarkers for the management of adults with NLUTD were included. RESULTS Fifteen studies fulfilled the criteria. To date, a variety of different urine molecules have been investigated for the diagnosis and management of neurogenic overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity (nerve growth factor, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, prostaglandin E2, prostaglandin F2α, transformation growth factor β-1, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-2, matrix metalloproteinase-2, substance P, microRNA), diagnosis of vesicoureteral reflux (exosomal vitronectin), urinary tract infection (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin 6) and bladder cancer screening (cytology, BTA stat, survivin) in neurological patients. CONCLUSION Further studies are needed to specify the utility of each molecule in the management algorithm of adult NLUTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Periklis Koukourikis
- 2nd Department of Urology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital ‘Papageorgiou’, Thessaloniki 56429, Greece
| | - Maria Papaioannou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Papanikolaou
- 2nd Department of Urology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital ‘Papageorgiou’, Thessaloniki 56429, Greece
| | - Apostolos Apostolidis
- 2nd Department of Urology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, General Hospital ‘Papageorgiou’, Thessaloniki 56429, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2310-991-476; Fax: +30-2310-681-022
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Li J, Cai S, Zeng C, Chen L, Zhao C, Huang Y, Cai W. Urinary exosomal vitronectin predicts vesicoureteral reflux in patients with neurogenic bladders and spinal cord injuries. Exp Ther Med 2021; 23:65. [PMID: 34934436 PMCID: PMC8649849 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.10988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenic bladder (NGB) is an important complication of urinary tract dysfunction after spinal cord injury (SCI). However, using urodynamics and urography to guide therapy remains invasive and complicated. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify potential noninvasive biomarkers from urinary exosomes that can facilitate diagnosis and guide prognosis of patients with NGB subsequent to SCI. Urinary exosomes were isolated, and their proteome profile was analyzed by mass spectrometry. Transmission electron microscopy and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis confirmed the size and morphological characteristics of urinary exosomes. In addition, bioinformatics analysis and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) were used to screen candidate biomarkers. The selected biomarkers were validated using western blotting and ELISA. Mass spectrometry identified 134 upregulated proteins and 99 downregulated proteins between the vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and non-VUR groups. A total of 18 candidate proteins were selected for PRM validation, but only vitronectin (VTN) and α-1 type I collagen (COL1A1) demonstrated significant differences. In the validation experiments using western blotting and ELISA, VTN was exclusively highly expressed in VUR patients compared with non-VUR patients. However, the ELISA results of COL1A1 revealed no significant difference when a larger sample size was used. Furthermore, a receiver operating characteristic curve of ELISA-based VTN demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.795 and 80% sensitivity at a threshold set to give 82.9% specificity. Collectively, these results suggested that VTN in urinary exosomes may be used as a biomarker to predict the progression and guide the prognosis of NGB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jue Li
- Department of Nursing, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518101, P.R. China.,School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
| | - Shiying Cai
- Department of Nursing, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518101, P.R. China
| | - Chunxian Zeng
- Department of Nursing, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518101, P.R. China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Nursing, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518101, P.R. China
| | - Chun Zhao
- Department of Nursing, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518101, P.R. China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Nursing, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518101, P.R. China
| | - Wenzhi Cai
- Department of Nursing, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518101, P.R. China.,School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China
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The Plasma Levels and Polymorphisms of Vitronectin Predict Radiation Pneumonitis in Patients With Lung Cancer Receiving Thoracic Radiation Therapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2021; 110:757-765. [PMID: 33610390 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Our previous findings have identified vitronectin (VTN) as a potential biomarker for radiation pneumonitis (RP) through proteomics and molecular mechanism studies. In a recent study, we further explored associations of plasma level and single nucleotide polymorphisms of VTN with the risk of RP in patients with lung cancer receiving radiation therapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS A total of 165 patients with lung cancer were prospectively enrolled with detection of VTN concentration before radiation therapy. VTN reference single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs704 and rs2227721, were genotyped by Taqman probe method. Cox proportional hazard models were performed to identify clinical variables and genotypes associated with the risk of RP on univariate and multivariate analyses, and t tests and analysis of variance were conducted to evaluate the expression level of VTN. RESULTS The baseline secretion level of VTN in patients with grade ≥3 RP was significantly higher than that in grade <3 RP patients (P < .0001), and elevated levels were observed in patients having the AA genotype compared with GA/GG genotypes of rs704. The VTN rs704 GA/GG and rs2227721 AA/AC genotypes had a significantly lower risk of RP (hazard ratio [HR], 0.448, P = .005; HR, 0.419, P = .008, respectively). In addition, combining cut-off values of mean lung dose (MLD) and VTN plasma level, grade ≥3 RP risk groupings were as follows: high risk: MLD ≥12 Gy and VTN level ≥132 μg/mL (RP rate, 10 of 16 patients, 62.5%); intermediate risk: MLD ≥12 Gy and VTN level <132 μg/mL or MLD <12 Gy and VTN level ≥132 μg/mL (8 of 70 patients, 11.4%); and low risk: MLD <12 Gy and VTN level <132 μg/mL (1 of 79 patients, 1.3%) (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Among patients receiving radiation therapy, relatively high plasma levels of VTN before radiation therapy were associated with the higher incidence of RP, and VTN rs704 and rs2227721 each had a significant effect on predicting RP risk. Combining VTN concentration with MLD appeared to facilitate stratification of patients with lung cancer who received radiation therapy into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk RP groups. This study indicated that VTN may serve as a blood biomarker for susceptibility to RP in patients with lung cancer.
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Modulation of α Vβ 6 integrin in osteoarthritis-related synovitis and the interaction with VTN (381-397 a.a.) competing for TGF-β1 activation. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:210-222. [PMID: 33526813 PMCID: PMC8080589 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00558-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is characterized by structural alteration of joints. Fibrosis of the synovial tissue is often detected and considered one of the main causes of joint stiffness and pain. In our earlier proteomic study, increased levels of vitronectin (VTN) fragment (amino acids 381–397) were observed in the serum of osteoarthritis patients. In this work, the affinity of this fragment for integrins and its putative role in TGF-β1 activation were investigated. A competition study determined the interaction of VTN(381–397 a.a.) with αVβ6 integrin. Subsequently, the presence of αVβ6 integrin was substantiated on primary human fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) by western blot and flow cytometry. By immunohistochemistry, β6 was detected in synovial membranes, and its expression showed a correlation with tissue fibrosis. Moreover, β6 expression was increased under TGF-β1 stimulation; hence, a TGF-β bioassay was applied. We observed that αVβ6 could mediate TGF-β1 bioavailability and that VTN(381–397 a.a.) could prevent TGF-β1 activation by interacting with αVβ6 in human FLSs and increased α-SMA. Finally, we analyzed serum samples from healthy controls and patients with osteoarthritis and other rheumatic diseases by nano-LC/Chip MS–MS, confirming the increased expression of VTN(381–397 a.a.) in osteoarthritis as well as in lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. These findings corroborate our previous observations concerning the overexpression of VTN(381–397 a.a.) in osteoarthritis but also in other rheumatic diseases. This fragment interacts with αVβ6 integrin, a receptor whose expression is increased in FLSs from the osteoarthritic synovial membrane and that can mediate the activation of the TGF-β1 precursor in human FLSs. Insights into a mechanism underlying the formation of fibrotic tissue within joints in osteoarthritis may also prove relevant to other rheumatological disorders. The general mechanisms underlying fibrosis are reasonably well understood, but it remains unclear what triggers these processes in osteoarthitis. Researchers of the University of Liège in Belgium have uncovered a possible explanation based on experiments with cultured primary synovial fibroblasts from patients. Osteoarthitis is characterized by increased levels of a fragment of the protein vitronectin, and the researchers demonstrated that this in turn binds to a protein called αVβ6, potentially promoting initiation of fibrosis. They also observed elevated levels of the same vitronectin fragment in two other rheumatoid disorders, lupus and systemic sclerosis, and concluded that further research is needed to characterize this protein’s role in inflammation and fibrosis.
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Hayashida M, Hashimoto K, Ishikawa T, Miyamoto Y. Vitronectin deficiency attenuates hepatic fibrosis in a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-induced mouse model. Int J Exp Pathol 2019; 100:72-82. [PMID: 30887659 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitronectin (VN), an extracellular matrix protein, is a promising immune biomarker of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); however, its precise function remains unclear. This study investigated how VN deficiency contributes to the development of NASH. Towards this aim, wild-type (WT) and VN-/- mice were fed with a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) for 6 and 10 weeks to induce NASH, and the livers were isolated. In WT mice fed with CDAHFD for 6 and 10 weeks, the expression of Vn mRNA and protein was up-regulated compared with that in mice fed with the MF control diet, indicating that VN is regulated in NASH condition. VN-/- mice showed decreased picrosirius red staining in the liver area and Col1a2 mRNA expression levels, compared with WT mice, indicating that the severity of hepatic fibrosis is attenuated in the CDAHFD-fed VN-/- mice. In addition, VN deficiency did not affect the area of lipid droplets in haematoxylin-eosin staining and the mRNA expression levels of fatty acid synthases, Srebp, Acc and Fas in the CDAHFD-fed mice. Moreover, VN deficiency decreased the inflammation score and the mRNA expression levels of Cd11b and F4/80, macrophage markers, as well as Tnf-α and Il-1β, inflammatory cytokines in the CDAHFD-fed mice. Furthermore, VN deficiency decreased the protein and mRNA expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin in the CDAHFD-fed mice, suggesting that VN deficiency inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Our findings indicate that VN contributes to the development of fibrosis in the NASH model mice via modulation of the inflammatory reaction and activation of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Momoka Hayashida
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute for Human Life Innovation, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Hashimoto
- Institute for Human Life Innovation, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan.,Research Fellow of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Ishikawa
- Institute for Human Life Innovation, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunori Miyamoto
- Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute for Human Life Innovation, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
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