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Li Y, Zhang J, Chen S, Ke Y, Li Y, Chen Y. Growth differentiation factor 15: Emerging role in liver diseases. Cytokine 2024; 182:156727. [PMID: 39111112 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a cell stress-response cytokine within the transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) superfamily. It is known to exert diverse effects on many metabolic pathways through its receptor GFRAL, which is expressed in the hindbrain, and transduces signals through the downstream receptor tyrosine kinase Ret. Since the liver is the core organ of metabolism, summarizing the functions of GDF15 is highly important. In this review, we assessed the relevant literature regarding the main metabolic, inflammatory, fibrogenic, tumorigenic and other effects of GDF15 on different liver diseases, including Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD), alcohol and drug-induced liver injury, as well as autoimmune and viral hepatitis, with a particular focus on the pathogenesis of MASLD progression from hepatic steatosis to MASH, liver fibrosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Finally, we discuss the prospects of the clinical application potential of GDF15 along with its research and development progress. With better knowledge of GDF15, increasing in-depth research will lead to a new era in the field of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shurong Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yini Ke
- Department of Rheumatology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Youming Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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Wang XL, Yang M, Wang Y. Roles of transforming growth factor-β signaling in liver disease. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:973-979. [PMID: 39086528 PMCID: PMC11287609 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i7.973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In this editorial we expand the discussion on the article by Zhang et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Hepatology. We focus on the diagnostic and therapeutic targets identified on the basis of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of liver disease. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) belongs to a structurally related cytokine super family. The family members display different time- and tissue-specific expression patterns associated with autoimmunity, inflammation, fibrosis, and tumorigenesis; and, they participate in the pathogenesis of many diseases. TGF-β and its related signaling pathways have been shown to participate in the progression of liver diseases, such as injury, inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. The often studied TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway has been shown to promote or inhibit liver fibrosis under different circumstances. Similarly, the early immature TGF-β molecule functions as a tumor suppressor, inducing apoptosis; but, its interaction with the mitogenic molecule epidermal growth factor alters this effect, activating anti-apoptotic signals that promote liver cancer development. Overall, TGF-β signaling displays contradictory effects in different liver disease stages. Therefore, the use of TGF-β and related signaling pathway molecules for diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases remains a challenge and needs further study. In this editorial, we aim to review the evidence for the use of TGF-β signaling pathway molecules as diagnostic or therapeutic targets for different liver disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ling Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030012, Shanxi Province, China.
| | - Meng Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030012, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Shanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030012, Shanxi Province, China
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Jurado-Aguilar J, Barroso E, Bernard M, Zhang M, Peyman M, Rada P, Valverde ÁM, Wahli W, Palomer X, Vázquez-Carrera M. GDF15 activates AMPK and inhibits gluconeogenesis and fibrosis in the liver by attenuating the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway. Metabolism 2024; 152:155772. [PMID: 38176644 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The levels of the cellular energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been reported to be decreased via unknown mechanisms in the liver of mice deficient in growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). This stress response cytokine regulates energy metabolism mainly by reducing food intake through its hindbrain receptor GFRAL. OBJECTIVE To examine how GDF15 regulates AMPK. METHODS Wild-type and Gdf15-/- mice, mouse primary hepatocytes and the human hepatic cell line Huh-7 were used. RESULTS Gdf15-/- mice showed glucose intolerance, reduced hepatic phosphorylated AMPK levels, increased levels of phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3; a mediator of the fibrotic response), elevated serum levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, as well as upregulated gluconeogenesis and fibrosis. In line with these observations, recombinant (r)GDF15 promoted AMPK activation and reduced the levels of phosphorylated SMAD3 and the markers of gluconeogenesis and fibrosis in the liver of mice and in mouse primary hepatocytes, suggesting that these effects may be independent of GFRAL. Pharmacological inhibition of SMAD3 phosphorylation in Gdf15-/- mice prevented glucose intolerance, the deactivation of AMPK and the increase in the levels of proteins involved in gluconeogenesis and fibrosis, suggesting that overactivation of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway is responsible for the metabolic alterations in Gdf15-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings indicate that GDF15 activates AMPK and inhibits gluconeogenesis and fibrosis by lowering the activity of the TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Jurado-Aguilar
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Emma Barroso
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Maribel Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Meijian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Mona Peyman
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Patricia Rada
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ángela M Valverde
- Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols (CSIC/UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Walter Wahli
- Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore 308232; ToxAlim (Research Center in Food Toxicology), INRAE, UMR1331, F-31300 Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - Xavier Palomer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Manuel Vázquez-Carrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Spain; Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Biomedical Research Center in Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM)-Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Pediatric Research Institute-Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950 Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.
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Wang J, Luo LZ, Liang DM, Guo C, Huang ZH, Jian XH, Wen J. Recent progress in understanding mitokines as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:5416-5429. [PMID: 37637689 PMCID: PMC10450380 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i23.5416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent tumors worldwide and the leading contributor to cancer-related deaths. The progression and metastasis of HCC are closely associated with altered mitochondrial metabolism, including mitochondrial stress response. Mitokines, soluble proteins produced and secreted in response to mitochondrial stress, play an essential immunomodulatory role. Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment option for HCC. However, a positive response to therapy is typically dependent on the interaction of tumor cells with immune regulation within the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, exploring the specific immunomodulatory mechanisms of mitokines in HCC is essential for improving the efficacy of immunotherapy. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the association between HCC and the immune microenvironment and highlights recent progress in understanding the involvement of mitochondrial function in preserving liver function. In addition, a systematic review of mitokines-mediated immunomodulation in HCC is presented. Finally, the potential diagnostic and therapeutic roles of mitokines in HCC are prospected and summarized. Recent progress in mitokine research represents a new prospect for mitochondrial therapy. Considering the potential of mitokines to regulate immune function, investigating them as a relevant molecular target holds great promise for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Wang
- Children Medical Center, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lan-Zhu Luo
- Children Medical Center, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Dao-Miao Liang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Chao Guo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Zhi-Hong Huang
- Children Medical Center, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Jian
- Department of Anatomy, Hunan Normal University School of Medicine, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jie Wen
- Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410013, Hunan Province, China
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Maimaiti Y, Cheng H, Guo Z, Yu X, Tuohuti A, Li G. Correlation between serum GDF-15 level and pulmonary vascular morphological changes and prognosis in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1085122. [PMID: 37288264 PMCID: PMC10241999 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1085122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate how serum GDF-15 concentration affects pulmonary artery hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular morphological changes in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Methods A total of 45 patients admitted to our hospital from December 2017 to December 2019, were selected for the study. Pulmonary vascular hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular morphology were detected by RHC and IVUS. Serum GDF-15 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Based on the concentration of GDF-15, the patients were divided into two groups-the normal GDF-15 group (GDF-15 <1,200 pg/ml, 12 cases) and the elevated GDF-15 group (GDF-15 ≥1,200 pg/ml, 33 cases). A statistical analysis was performed to compare the effects of normal blood GDF-15 levels and high serum GDF-15 levels on hemodynamics and pulmonary vascular morphology in each group of patients. Results The average levels of RVP, sPAP, dPAP, mPAP, and PVR in patients with elevated GDF-15 levels were higher than those in patients with normal GDF-15 levels. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The average levels of Vd, elastic modulus, stiffness index β, lesion length, and PAV in the normal GDF-15 group were lower than those in the elevated GDF-15 group. The average levels of compliance, distensibility, and minimum l umen area were higher than those in the elevated GDF-15 group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The survival analysis results showed that the 1-year survival rate of patients with normal GDF-15 levels and elevated GDF-15 levels was 100% and 87.9%, respectively, and that the 3-year survival rate of patients with normal GDF-15 levels and elevated GDF-15 levels was 91.7% and 78.8%, respectively. The survival rates of the two groups were compared by the Kaplan Meier method, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension with elevated GDF-15 levels have higher pulmonary arterial pressure, higher pulmonary vascular resistance, and more serious pulmonary vascular lesions, which are potentially more harmful. There was no statistically significant difference in survival rates among patients with different serum GDF-15 levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasenjiang Maimaiti
- Gerontology Center, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Zitong Guo
- Department of Cardiology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- Department of Cardiology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Adilijiang Tuohuti
- Department of Cardiology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Guoqing Li
- Department of Cardiology, People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, China
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Zheng Y, Xie L, Yang D, Luo K, Li X. Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 113:154721. [PMID: 36870824 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response. PURPOSE The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review. METHODS The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF. CONCLUSION The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaipei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Bilson J, Scorletti E, Bindels LB, Afolabi PR, Targher G, Calder PC, Sethi JK, Byrne CD. Growth differentiation factor-15 and the association between type 2 diabetes and liver fibrosis in NAFLD. Nutr Diabetes 2021; 11:32. [PMID: 34663793 PMCID: PMC8523689 DOI: 10.1038/s41387-021-00170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a strong risk factor for liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It remains uncertain why T2DM increases the risk of liver fibrosis. It has been suggested that growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) concentrations increase the risk of liver fibrosis. We aimed to investigate (a) whether GDF-15 concentrations were associated with liver fibrosis and involved in the relationship between T2DM and liver fibrosis and (b) what factors linked with T2DM are associated with increased GDF-15 concentrations. Methods Ninety-nine patients with NAFLD (61% men, 42.4% T2DM) were studied. Serum GDF-15 concentrations were measured by electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE)-validated thresholds were used to assess liver fibrosis. Regression modelling, receiver operator characteristic curve analysis and Sobel test statistics were used to test associations, risk predictors and the involvement of GDF-15 in the relationship between T2DM and liver fibrosis, respectively. Results Patients with NAFLD and T2DM (n = 42) had higher serum GDF-15 concentrations [mean (SD): 1271.0 (902.1) vs. 640.3 (332.5) pg/ml, p < 0.0001], and a higher proportion had VCTE assessed ≥F2 fibrosis (48.8 vs. 23.2%, p = 0.01) than those without T2DM. GDF-15 was independently associated with liver fibrosis (p = 0.001), and GDF-15 was the most important single factor predicting ≥F2 or ≥F3 fibrosis (≥F2 fibrosis AUROC 0.75, (95% CI 0.63–0.86), p < 0.001, with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive (PPV) and negative predictive (NPV) values of 56.3%, 86.9%, 69.2% and 79.1%, respectively). GDF-15 was involved in the association between T2DM and ≥F2 fibrosis (Sobel test statistic 2.90, p = 0.004). Other factors associated with T2DM explained 60% of the variance in GDF-15 concentrations (p < 0.0001). HbA1c concentrations alone explained 30% of the variance (p < 0.0001). Conclusions GDF-15 concentrations are a predictor of liver fibrosis and potentially involved in the association between T2DM and liver fibrosis in NAFLD. HbA1c concentrations explain a large proportion of the variance in GDF-15 concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Bilson
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Eleonora Scorletti
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.,Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Laure B Bindels
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paul R Afolabi
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Philip C Calder
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jaswinder K Sethi
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. .,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK. .,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Christopher D Byrne
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. .,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton and University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
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Qi P, Ma MZ, Kuai JH. Identification of growth differentiation factor 15 as a pro-fibrotic factor in mouse liver fibrosis progression. Int J Exp Pathol 2021; 102:148-156. [PMID: 33983642 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was elucidate the inhibitory role of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) in liver fibrosis and its possible activation mechanism in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of mice. We generated a GDF15-neutralizing antibody that can inhibit TGF-β1-induced activation of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway in LX-2 cells. All the mice in this study were induced by carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide. In addition, primary HSCs from mice were isolated from fresh livers using Nycodenz density gradient separation. The severity and extent of liver fibrosis were evaluated by Sirius Red and Masson staining. The effect of GDF15 on the activation of the TGF-β pathway was detected using dual-luciferase reporter and Western blotting assays. The expression of GDF15 in cirrhotic liver tissue was higher than that in normal liver tissue. Blocking GDF15 with a neutralizing antibody resulted in a delay in primary hepatic stellate cell activation and remission of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride or thioacetamide. Meanwhile, TGF-β pathway activation was partly inhibited by a GDF15-neutralizing antibody in primary HSCs. These results indicated that GDF15 plays an important role in regulating HSC activation and liver fibrosis progression. The inhibition of GDF15 attenuates chemical-inducible liver fibrosis and delays hepatic stellate cell activation, and this effect is probably mainly attributed to its regulatory role in TGF-β signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Qi
- Department of Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Ming-Ze Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jing-Hua Kuai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao), Qingdao, China
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