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Mohanan A, Biju P, V B, V G. Unraveling Proto-Oncogene (ErbB2) Expression in Patients With Carcinoma Head of Pancreas and Chronic Pancreatitis Patients: A Case-Control Study. Cureus 2024; 16:e54859. [PMID: 38533139 PMCID: PMC10964396 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54859] [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] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The pre-malignant tendency of the normal, non-affected portion of the pancreas is not as well explored as the multicentricity documented in pancreatic cancer cases. In order to ascertain the expression of inflammatory markers and Erythroblastic Oncogene B (ErbB2) in the non-affected pancreas in patients with pancreatic cancer, a case-control study was carried out. Materials and methods In patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic cancer (PC), pro-inflammatory genes and a tumor marker, erythroblastic oncogene 2 (ErbB2) in the epidermal growth factor receptor family were analyzed in the pancreatic tissue at the cut surface of the normal pancreas using qRT-PCR. Twenty patients diagnosed with Chronic pancreatitis (CP) after Frey's surgical procedure were selected, and their pancreatic tissues were analyzed as controls. The HPLC-purified primers were designed using National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) software. The primer's specificity was verified for gene expression analysis using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST). The genes under study were normalized using β-actin as the housekeeping gene, and the 2-ddct method was used to compute the fold change compared to the control sample. Results Patients with margin-positive were not included. Pro-inflammatory genes (TNF-α, NF-kβ, and COX-2) had significantly lower foldchange in PC patients compared to the CP group. The CP control group had higher levels of IL-6 gene expression than the PC group. Patients with pancreatic cancer had a considerably higher expression of the ErbB2 gene than patients with CP. Conclusion The upregulated ErbB2 gene in the unaffected pancreatic tissue of pancreatic cancer patients, when compared to controls, indicates that the remaining pancreas may have the capacity to cause cancer. Proto-oncogene may play a role in the pathophysiologic process in patients with pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhina Mohanan
- Surgical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Pottakkat Biju
- Surgical Gastroenterology, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Balasubramaniyan V
- Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, IND
| | - Gladwin V
- Anatomy, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research, Puducherry, IND
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2
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Ceci L, Gaudio E, Kennedy L. Cellular Interactions and Crosstalk Facilitating Biliary Fibrosis in Cholestasis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:553-565. [PMID: 38216052 PMCID: PMC10883986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.005] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Biliary fibrosis is seen in cholangiopathies, including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). In PBC and PSC, biliary fibrosis is associated with worse outcomes and histologic scores. Within the liver, both hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and portal fibroblasts (PFs) contribute to biliary fibrosis, but their roles can differ. PFs reside near the bile ducts and may be the first responders to biliary damage, whereas HSCs may be recruited later and initiate bridging fibrosis. Indeed, different models of biliary fibrosis can activate PFs and HSCs to varying degrees. The portal niche can be composed of cholangiocytes, HSCs, PFs, endothelial cells, and various immune cells, and interactions between these cell types drive biliary fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of biliary fibrosis and the roles of PFs and HSCs in this process. We will also evaluate cellular interactions and mechanisms that contribute to biliary fibrosis in different models and highlight future perspectives and potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovica Ceci
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza, University of Rome, Italy
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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3
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van Son KC, Verschuren L, Hanemaaijer R, Reeves H, Takkenberg RB, Drenth JPH, Tushuizen ME, Holleboom AG. Non-Parenchymal Cells and the Extracellular Matrix in Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1308. [PMID: 36831649 PMCID: PMC9954729 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the setting of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related cirrhosis and even in the pre-cirrhotic state is increasing in incidence. NAFLD-related HCC has a poor clinical outcome as it is often advanced at diagnosis due to late diagnosis and systemic treatment response is poor due to reduced immune surveillance. Much of the focus of molecular research has been on the pathological changes in hepatocytes; however, immune cells, hepatic stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and the extracellular matrix may play important roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD-related HCC as well. Here, we review the role of non-parenchymal cells in the liver in the pathogenesis of HCC in the context of NAFLD-NASH, with a particular focus on the innate and the adaptive immune system, fibrogenesis and angiogenesis. We review the key roles of macrophages, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and the role of the extracellular matrix in hepatocarcinogenesis within the steatotic milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koen C. van Son
- Department of Vascular and Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Verschuren
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roeland Hanemaaijer
- Department of Metabolic Health Research, Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Helen Reeves
- Newcastle University Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - R. Bart Takkenberg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost P. H. Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten E. Tushuizen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan G. Holleboom
- Department of Vascular and Internal Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Dasgupta T, Manickam V. Fibrosis in Liver and Pancreas: a Review on Pathogenic Significance, Diagnostic Options, and Current Management Strategies. Inflammation 2023; 46:824-834. [PMID: 36595108 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-022-01776-0] [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: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is one of the most natural ways of the body's biological response against invading foreign pathogens or injured cells which eventually can lead to a chronic or acute productive response. Fibrosis is an end-stage event associated with an inflammatory response addressed with tissue hardening, discoloration, and most importantly overgrowth of associated tissue. Various organs at different diseased conditions are affected by fibrosis including the liver, pancreas, brain, kidney, and lung. Etiological factors including internal like inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, and oxidative stress and external like alcohol and viruses contribute to the development of fibrosis in both the liver and pancreas. More frequently, these organs are associated with pathogenic progression towards fibrosis from acute and chronic conditions and eventually fail in their functions. The pathogenesis of the organ-fibrotic events mainly depends on the activation of residential stellate cells; these cells help to accumulate collagen in respective organs. Various diagnostic options have been developed recently, and various therapeutic options are in trial to tackle fibrosis. In this review, an overview on fibrosis, the pathogenesis of fibrosis in the liver and pancreas, various diagnostic options developed in recent years, and possible present therapeutic measures to overcome options of fibrosis in the liver and pancreas; thus, restoring the functional status of organs is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiasha Dasgupta
- Department of Bio Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Venkatraman Manickam
- Department of Bio Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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5
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Lin CY, Adhikary P, Cheng K. Cellular protein markers, therapeutics, and drug delivery strategies in the treatment of diabetes-associated liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:127-139. [PMID: 33857552 PMCID: PMC8217274 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix due to chronic injuries, such as viral infection, alcohol abuse, high-fat diet, and toxins. Liver fibrosis is reversible before it progresses to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Type 2 diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing various complications including liver diseases. Abundant evidence suggests that type 2 diabetes and liver diseases are bidirectionally associated. Patients with type 2 diabetes experience more severe symptoms and accelerated progression of live diseases. Obesity and insulin resistance resulting from hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia are regarded as the two major risk factors that link type 2 diabetes and liver fibrosis. This review summarizes possible mechanisms of the association between type 2 diabetes and liver fibrosis. The cellular protein markers that can be used for diagnosis and therapy of type 2 diabetes-associated liver fibrosis are discussed. We also highlight the potential therapeutic agents and their delivery systems that have been investigated for type 2 diabetes-associated liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yu Lin
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Pratik Adhikary
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States.
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6
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Wild Bitter Melon Extract Regulates LPS-Induced Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation, Inflammation, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Ferroptosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6671129. [PMID: 34239589 PMCID: PMC8241502 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6671129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key component of liver fibrosis. Two antifibrosis pathways have been identified, the reversion to quiescent-type HSCs and the clearance of HSCs through apoptosis. Lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced HSCs activation and proliferation have been associated with the development of liver fibrosis. We determined the pharmacological effects of wild bitter melon (WM) on HSC activation following LPS treatment and investigated whether WM treatment affected cell death pathways under LPS-treated conditions, including ferroptosis. WM treatment caused cell death, both with and without LPS treatment. WM treatment caused reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation without LPS treatment and reversed the decrease in lipid ROS production in HSCs after LPS treatment. We examined the effects of WM treatment on fibrosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inflammation, and ferroptosis in LPS-activated HSCs. The western blotting analysis revealed that the WM treatment of LPS-activated HSCs induced the downregulation of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), integrin-β1, phospho-JNK (p-JNK), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and cystine/glutamate transporter (SLC7A11) and the upregulation of CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). These results support WM as an antifibrotic agent that may represent a potential therapeutic solution for the management of liver fibrosis.
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7
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Mountford S, Effenberger M, Noll-Puchta H, Griessmair L, Ringleb A, Haas S, Denk G, Reiter FP, Mayr D, Dinarello CA, Tilg H, Bufler P. Modulation of Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis by Interleukin-37. Front Immunol 2021; 12:603649. [PMID: 33746950 PMCID: PMC7970756 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.603649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Chronic inflammation induces liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and potentially liver cancer. Kupffer cells modulate hepatic stellate cells by secreting immunologically active proteins as TGF-β. TGF-β promotes liver fibrosis via the activation of Sma- and Mad-related protein 3. IL-37 broadly suppresses innate and adaptive immune responses. Intracellular IL-37 interacts with Smad3. We hypothesize that IL-37 downregulates the activation of hepatic Kupffer and stellate cells and interferes with the TGF-β signaling cascade to modulate liver fibrogenesis. Methods: The role of IL-37 on liver inflammation and fibrogenesis was assessed in three mouse models as well as isolated Kupffer- and stellate cells. Serum IL-37 was tested by ELISA in a clinical cohort and correlated with liver disease severity. Results: Transgene expression of IL-37 in mice extends survival, reduces hepatic damage, expression of early markers of fibrosis and histologically assessed liver fibrosis after bile duct ligation. IL-37tg mice were protected against CCl4-induced liver inflammation. Colitis-associated liver inflammation and fibrosis was less severe in IL-10 knockout IL-37tg mice. Spontaneous and LPS/TGF-β-induced cytokine release and profibrogenic gene expression was lower in HSC and KC isolated from IL-37tg mice and IL-37 overexpressing, IL-1β stimulated human LX-2 stellate cells. However, administration of recombinant human IL-37 did not modulate fibrosis pathways after BDL in mice, LX2 cells or murine HSCs. In a large clinical cohort, we observed a positive correlation of serum IL-37 levels with disease severity in liver cirrhosis. Conclusions: Predominantly intracellular IL-37 downregulates liver inflammation and fibrosis. The correlation of serum IL-37 with disease severity in cirrhosis suggests its potential as a novel target modulating the course of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffeni Mountford
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Effenberger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heidi Noll-Puchta
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lucas Griessmair
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Ringleb
- Department of Pediatrics, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sonja Haas
- RNA Biology, Ethris GmbH, Planegg, Germany
| | - Gerald Denk
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian P. Reiter
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Doris Mayr
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Charles A. Dinarello
- Department of Medicine and Immunology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Philip Bufler
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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8
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Wang W, Huang X, Fan X, Yan J, Luan J. Progress in evaluating the status of hepatitis C infection based on the functional changes of hepatic stellate cells (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4116-4124. [PMID: 33000255 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem. Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are the main causes of death in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. Liver fibrosis is an important cause of cirrhosis and end‑stage liver disease after CHC infection. Along with the course of infection, liver fibrosis exhibits a progressive exacerbation. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are involved in both physiological and pathological processes of the liver. During the chronic liver injury process, the activated HSCs transform into myofibroblasts, which are important cells in the development of liver fibrosis. At present, HCV infection still lacks specific markers for the accurate detection of the disease condition and progression. Therefore, the present review focused on HSCs, which are closely related to HCV‑infected liver fibrosis, and analyzed the changes in the HSCs, including their surface‑specific markers, cytokine production, activation, cell function and morphological structure. The present review aimed to propose novel diagnostic markers, at both the cellular and molecular level, which would be of great significance for the timely diagnosis of the disease. According to this aim, the characteristic changes of HSCs during HCV infection were reviewed in the present article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xuelian Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xuzhou Fan
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jingmei Yan
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jianfeng Luan
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
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9
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Chiabotto G, Camussi G, Bruno S. Role of ncRNAs in modulation of liver fibrosis by extracellular vesicles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s41544-020-00050-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane vesicles carrying bioactive lipids, proteins and nucleic acids of the cell of origin. In particular, EVs carry non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and the vesicle membrane may protect them from degradation. Once released within the extracellular space, EVs can transfer their cargo, including ncRNAs, to neighboring or distant cells, thus inducing phenotypical and functional changes that may be relevant in several physio-pathological conditions. This review provides an overview of the role of EV-carried ncRNAs in the modulation of liver fibrosis. In particular, we focused on EV-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved into the development of liver fibrosis and on the potential use of EV-associated ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of liver fibrosis.
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10
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Katsarou A, Moustakas II, Pyrina I, Lembessis P, Koutsilieris M, Chatzigeorgiou A. Metabolic inflammation as an instigator of fibrosis during non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:1993-2011. [PMID: 32536770 PMCID: PMC7267690 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i17.1993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive storage of fatty acids in the form of triglycerides in hepatocytes. It is most prevalent in western countries and includes a wide range of clinical and histopathological findings, namely from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and fibrosis, which may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer. The key event for the transition from steatosis to fibrosis is the activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSC) and their differentiation to myofibroblasts. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), expressed by a plethora of immune cells, serve as essential components of the innate immune system whose function is to stimulate phagocytosis and mediate inflammation upon binding to them of various molecules released from damaged, apoptotic and necrotic cells. The activation of PRRs on hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, the resident macrophages of the liver, and other immune cells results in the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as profibrotic factors in the liver microenvironment leading to qHSC activation and subsequent fibrogenesis. Thus, elucidation of the inflammatory pathways associated with the pathogenesis and progression of NAFLD may lead to a better understanding of its pathophysiology and new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Katsarou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
- 251 Hellenic Airforce General Hospital, Athens 11525, Greece
| | - Ioannis I Moustakas
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Iryna Pyrina
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Panagiotis Lembessis
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens 11527, Greece
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany.
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11
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Feng MH, Li JW, Sun HT, He SQ, Pang J. Sulforaphane inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cell by miRNA-423-5p targeting suppressor of fused. Hum Cell 2019; 32:403-410. [PMID: 31278688 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-019-00264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, a common pathological process in chronic liver diseases, is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins and considered as a wound healing response to chronic liver injury. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation plays a key role in liver fibrosis development. Previous studies showed that sulforaphane (SFN) has wide protective effects against tissue injury and inflammation. Accumulating evidence has shown that microRNAs play important roles in the development of hepatic fibrosis, some of which have been identified as potential therapeutic targets. This study was conducted to explore the role of SFN in the suppression of HSC activation. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that HSC miR-423-5p levels were up-regulated during HSC activation and down-regulated after SFN administration. Further, transfection of a miR-423-5p mimic demonstrated that inhibition of HSC activation by SFN required down-regulation of miR-423-5p. We showed that suppressor of fused is the direct target of miR-423-5p. SFN may play a role in inhibiting hepatic fibrosis by downregulating miRNA-423-5p. MiRNA-423-5p may be useful as a therapeutic target for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hui Feng
- The Third Affiliated Hospital Of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jian-Wei Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Hai-Tao Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Song-Qi He
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jie Pang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
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12
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Jain A, Barve A, Zhao Z, Fetse JP, Liu H, Li Y, Cheng K. Targeted Delivery of an siRNA/PNA Hybrid Nanocomplex Reverses Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2019; 2. [PMID: 33072857 DOI: 10.1002/adtp.201900046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound healing process with excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in the liver. We recently discovered a PCBP2 siRNA that reverses fibrogenesis in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are the key players in liver fibrogenesis. However, targeted delivery of siRNAs to HSCs still remains a challenge. Herein, we developed a new strategy to fabricate a multicomponent nanocomplex using siRNA/PNA hybrid instead of chemically conjugated siRNA, thus increasing the scalability and feasibility of the siRNA nanocomplex for animal studies. We modified the nanocomplex with an insulin growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R)-specific peptide, which specifically binds to activated HSCs. The siRNA nanocomplex shows a controllable size and high serum stability. The nanocomplex also demonstrates high cellular uptake in activated HSCs in vitro and in vivo. Anti-fibrotic activity of the siRNA nanocomplex was evaluated in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Treatment with the PCBP2 siRNA nanocomplex significantly inhibits the mRNA expressions of PCBP2 and type I collagen in fibrotic liver. Histology study revealed that the siRNA nanocomplex efficiently reduces the protein level of type I collagen and reverses liver fibrosis. Our data suggest that the nanocomplex efficiently delivers the siRNA to fibrotic liver and produces a potent anti-fibrotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay Jain
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Ashutosh Barve
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - John Peter Fetse
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Hao Liu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Yuanke Li
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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13
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Takahashi T, Yoshioka M, Uchinami H, Nakagawa Y, Otsuka N, Motoyama S, Yamamoto Y. Hepatic Stellate Cells Play a Functional Role in Exacerbating Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Liver. Eur Surg Res 2019; 60:74-85. [PMID: 31132769 DOI: 10.1159/000499750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The involvement of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) with ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat liver was examined using gliotoxin, which is known to induce HSC apoptosis. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. HSC was represented by a glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cell. Liver ischemia was produced by cross-clamping the hepatoduodenal ligament. The degree of I/R injury was evaluated by a release of aminotransferases. Sinusoidal diameter and sinusoidal perfusion rates were examined using intravital fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS Gliotoxin significantly decreased the number of GFAP-positive cells 48 h after dosing (2.50 ± 0.19% [mean ± SD] in the nontreated group vs. 1.91 ± 0.46% in the gliotoxin-treated group). Liver damage was significantly suppressed by the pretreatment with gliotoxin. Sinusoidal diameters in zone 3 were wider in the gliotoxin group (10.25 ± 0.35 µm) than in the nontreated group (8.21 ± 0.50 µm). The sinusoidal perfusion rate was maintained as well in the gliotoxin group as in normal livers, even after I/R. CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment with gliotoxin significantly reduced the number of HSCs in the liver and further suppressed liver injury following I/R. It is strongly suggested that HSCs play a functional role in exacerbating the degree of I/R injury of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomokazu Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Masato Yoshioka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan,
| | - Hiroshi Uchinami
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Naohiko Otsuka
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Satoru Motoyama
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Control, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | - Yuzo Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
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14
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Fais P, Leopizzi M, Di Maio V, Longo L, Della Rocca C, Tagliaro F, Bortolotti F, Lo Vasco VR. Phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C in normal human liver and in alcohol abuse. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:7907-7917. [PMID: 30426534 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The phosphoinositide (PI) signal transduction pathway participates in liver metabolism. Abnormal activity or expression of PI-specific phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes has been described in different liver diseases. We resume the role of the PI metabolism in liver and PLC abnormalities in different liver diseases. Moreover, we present the results of PLC analyses in a normal human liver and an alcohol-damaged liver. PLC enzymes and the expression of the corresponding genes in liver biopsies from individuals deceased for complications of the alcoholic liver disease (ALD) at different stages compared with normal controls (deceased individuals with histologically normal livers without alcohol addiction anamnesis) were analyzed by using immunohistochemistry and molecular biology techniques. The expression panel of PLCs was described in normal and alcohol abuse liver. Our observations suggest that the regulation of PLC expression might be due to posttranscriptional events and that alcohol affects the epigenetic control of PLC expression belonging to PI signaling. We also describe the alternate expression of PLCB1 and PLCH1 genes in liver. Our results corroborate literature data suggesting that PLC enzymes are differently expressed in normal versus pathological liver, playing a role in the histopathogenesis of liver tissue damage. The expression and/or localization of selected PLC isoforms is especially affected in alcohol-related liver tissue histopathology. Our present observations confirm that the modulation of protein synthesis plays a role in the regulation of PLC enzymes. We also suggest that this modulation might act at the transcription level. Further studies are required to investigate related epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Fais
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Martina Leopizzi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino-Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - Valeria Di Maio
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino-Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - Lucia Longo
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Della Rocca
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino-Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - Franco Tagliaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino-Sapienza University, Latina, Italy.,Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Federica Bortolotti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Unit of Legal Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Polo Pontino-Sapienza University, Latina, Italy.,Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Unit of Forensic Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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15
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Ju B, Nie Y, Yang X, Wang X, Li F, Wang M, Wang C, Zhang H. miR-193a/b-3p relieves hepatic fibrosis and restrains proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:3824-3832. [PMID: 30945448 PMCID: PMC6533489 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been confirmed to participate in liver fibrosis progression and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this study, the role of miR‐193a/b‐3p in concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced liver fibrosis in mice was evaluated. According to the results, the expression of miR‐193a/b‐3p was down‐regulated in liver tissues after exposure to ConA. Lentivirus‐mediated overexpression of miR‐193a/b‐3p reduced ConA‐induced liver injury as demonstrated by decreasing ALT and AST levels. Moreover, ConA‐induced liver fibrosis was restrained by the up‐regulation of miR‐193a/b‐3 through inhibiting collagen deposition, decreasing desmin and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and lessening the content of hydroxyproline, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and activin A in liver tissues. Furthermore, miR‐193a/b‐3p mimics suppressed the proliferation of human HSCs LX‐2 via inducing the apoptosis of LX‐2 cells and lowering the levels of cell cycle‐related proteins Cyclin D1, Cyclin E1, p‐Rb and CAPRIN1. Finally, TGF‐β1 and activin A‐mediated activation of LX‐2 cells was reversed by miR‐193a/b‐3p mimics via repressing COL1A1 and α‐SMA expression, and restraining the activation of TGF‐β/Smad2/3 signalling pathway. CAPRIN1 and TGF‐β2 were demonstrated to be the direct target genes of miR‐193a/b‐3p. We conclude that miR‐193a/b‐3p overexpression attenuates liver fibrosis through suppressing the proliferation and activation of HSCs. Our data suggest that miR‐193a‐3p and miR‐193b‐3p may be new therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoling Ju
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Nie
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xufang Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fujuan Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuang Wang
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical College, Mudanjiang, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
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16
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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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17
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Chen L, Brenner DA, Kisseleva T. Combatting Fibrosis: Exosome-Based Therapies in the Regression of Liver Fibrosis. Hepatol Commun 2018; 3:180-192. [PMID: 30766956 PMCID: PMC6357832 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis results from chronic injury and inflammation in the liver and leads to cirrhosis, liver failure, and portal hypertension. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic fibrosis has advanced the prospect of developing therapies for regression of the disease. Resolution of fibrosis requires a reduction of proinflammatory and fibrogenic cytokines, a decrease in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein production, an increase in collagenase activity, and finally, a disappearance of activated myofibroblasts. Exosomes are nanovesicles of endocytic origin secreted by most cell types. They epigenetically reprogram and alter the phenotype of their recipient cells and hold great promise for the reversal of fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that exosomes function as conduits for intercellular transfer and contain all the necessary components to induce resolution of fibrosis, including the ability to (1) inhibit macrophage activation and cytokine secretion, (2) remodel ECM production and decrease fibrous scars, and (3) inactivate hepatic stellate cells, a major myofibroblast population. Here, we discuss the research involving the regression of hepatic fibrosis. We focus on the newly discovered roles of exosomes during fibrogenesis and as a therapy for fibrosis reversal. We also emphasize the novel discoveries of exosome‐based antifibrotic treatments in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Department of Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla CA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery University of California San Diego La Jolla CA
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18
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Allen J, Zhang J, Quickel MD, Kennett M, Patterson AD, Hankey-Giblin PA. Ron Receptor Signaling Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis in a Diet-Induced Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Mouse Model. J Proteome Res 2018; 17:3268-3280. [PMID: 30091925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is commonly observed in the terminal stages of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and with no specific and effective antifibrotic therapies available, this disease is a major global health burden. The MSP/Ron receptor axis has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in a number of mouse models, due at least in part, to its ability to limit pro-inflammatory responses in tissue-resident macrophages and hepatocytes. In this study, we established the role of the Ron receptor in steatohepatitis-induced hepatic fibrosis using Ron ligand domain knockout mice on an apolipoprotein E knockout background (DKO). After 18 weeks of high-fat high-cholesterol feeding, loss of Ron activation resulted in exacerbated NASH-associated steatosis which is precedent to hepatocellular injury, inflammation and fibrosis. 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics identified significant changes in serum metabolites that can modulate the intrahepatic lipid pool in hepatic steatosis. Serum from DKO mice had higher concentrations of lipids, VLDL/LDL and pyruvate, whereas glycine levels were reduced. Parallel to the aggravated steatohepatitis, increased accumulation of collagen, inflammatory immune cells and collagen producing-myofibroblasts were seen in the livers of DKO mice. Gene expression profiling revealed that DKO mice exhibited elevated expression of genes encoding Ron receptor ligand MSP, collagens, ECM remodeling proteins and pro-fibrogenic cytokines in the liver. Our results demonstrate the protective effects of Ron receptor activation on NASH-induced hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joselyn Allen
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania United States
| | - Jingtao Zhang
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania United States
| | - Michael D Quickel
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania United States
| | - Mary Kennett
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania United States
| | - Andrew D Patterson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania United States
| | - Pamela A Hankey-Giblin
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences , The Pennsylvania State University , University Park , Pennsylvania United States
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19
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Cai X, Li Z, Zhang Q, Qu Y, Xu M, Wan X, Lu L. CXCL6-EGFR-induced Kupffer cells secrete TGF-β1 promoting hepatic stellate cell activation via the SMAD2/BRD4/C-MYC/EZH2 pathway in liver fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:5050-5061. [PMID: 30106235 PMCID: PMC6156397 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in response to the inflammatory response that accompanies tissue injury, which at an advanced stage can lead to cirrhosis and even liver failure. This study investigated the role of the CXC chemokine CXCL6 (GCP‐2) in liver fibrosis. The expression of CXCL6 was found to be elevated in the serum and liver tissue of high stage liver fibrosis patients. Furthermore, treatment with CXCL6 (100 ng/mL) stimulated the phosphorylation of EGFR and the expression of TGF‐β in cultured Kupffer cells (KCs). Although treatment with CXCL6 directly did not activate the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line, HSC‐T6, HSCs cultured with media taken from KCs treated with CXCL6 or TGF‐β showed increased expression of α‐SMA, a marker of HSC activation. CXCL6 was shown to function via the SMAD2/BRD4/C‐MYC/EZH2 pathway by enhancing the SMAD3‐BRD4 interaction and promoting direct binding of BRD4 to the C‐MYC promoter and CMY‐C to the EZH2 promoter, thereby inducing profibrogenic gene expression in HSCs, leading to activation and transdifferentiation into fibrogenic myofibroblasts. These findings were confirmed in a mouse model of CCl4‐induced chronic liver injury and fibrosis in which the levels of CXCL6 and TGF‐β in serum and the expression of α‐SMA, SMAD3, BRD4, C‐MYC, and EZH2 in liver tissue were increased. Taken together, our results reveal that CXCL6 plays an important role in liver fibrosis through stimulating the release of TGF‐β by KCs and thereby activating HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qidi Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin Qu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyi Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinjian Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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20
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Dolivo DM, Larson SA, Dominko T. Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 as an Antifibrotic: Antagonism of Myofibroblast Differentiation and Suppression of Pro-Fibrotic Gene Expression. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2017; 38:49-58. [PMID: 28967471 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological condition that is characterized by the replacement of dead or damaged tissue with a nonfunctional, mechanically aberrant scar, and fibrotic pathologies account for nearly half of all deaths worldwide. The causes of fibrosis differ somewhat from tissue to tissue and pathology to pathology, but in general some of the cellular and molecular mechanisms remain constant regardless of the specific pathology in question. One of the common mechanisms underlying fibroses is the paradigm of the activated fibroblast, termed the "myofibroblast," a differentiated mesenchymal cell with demonstrated contractile activity and a high rate of collagen deposition. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), one of the members of the mammalian fibroblast growth factor family, is a cytokine with demonstrated antifibrotic activity in non-human animal, human, and in vitro models. FGF2 is highly pleiotropic and its receptors are present on many different cell types throughout the body, lending a great deal of variety to the potential mechanisms of FGF2 effects on fibrosis. However, recent reports demonstrate that a substantial contribution to the antifibrotic effects of FGF2 comes from the inhibitory effects of FGF2 on connective tissue fibroblasts, activated myofibroblasts, and myofibroblast progenitors. FGF2 demonstrates effects antagonistic towards fibroblast activation and towards mesenchymal transition of potential myofibroblast-forming cells, as well as promotes a gene expression paradigm more reminiscent of regenerative healing, such as that which occurs in the fetal wound healing response, than fibrotic resolution. With a better understanding of the mechanisms by which FGF2 alters the wound healing cascade and results in a shift away from scar formation and towards functional tissue regeneration, we may be able to further address the critical need of therapy for varied fibrotic pathologies across myriad tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Dolivo
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biology and Biotechnology,100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, United States
| | - Sara A Larson
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biology and Biotechnology,100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, United States
| | - Tanja Dominko
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Department of Biology and Biotechnology,100 Institute Road, Worcester, MA, 01609, United States.
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21
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Shi D, Lv L, Fang D, Wu W, Hu C, Xu L, Chen Y, Guo J, Hu X, Li A, Guo F, Ye J, Li Y, Andayani D, Li L. Administration of Lactobacillus salivarius LI01 or Pediococcus pentosaceus LI05 prevents CCl 4-induced liver cirrhosis by protecting the intestinal barrier in rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6927. [PMID: 28761060 PMCID: PMC5537250 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07091-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in the gut microbiome have been reported in liver cirrhosis, and probiotic interventions are considered a potential treatment strategy. This study aimed to evaluate the effects and mechanisms of Lactobacillus salivarius LI01, Pediococcus pentosaceus LI05, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Clostridium butyricum MIYAIRI and Bacillus licheniformis Zhengchangsheng on CCl4-induced cirrhotic rats. Only administration of LI01 or LI05 prevented liver fibrosis and down-regulated the hepatic expression of profibrogenic genes. Serum endotoxins, bacterial translocations (BTs), and destruction of intestinal mucosal ultrastructure were reduced in rats treated with LI01 or LI05, indicating maintenance of the gut barrier as a mechanism; this was further confirmed by the reduction of not only hepatic inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17A, but also hepatic TLR2, TLR4, TLR5 and TLR9. Metagenomic sequencing of 16S rRNA gene showed an increase in potential beneficial bacteria, such as Elusimicrobium and Prevotella, and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia. These alterations in gut microbiome were correlated with profibrogenic genes, gut barrier markers and inflammatory cytokines. In conclusion, L. salivarius LI01 and P. pentosaceus LI05 attenuated liver fibrosis by protecting the intestinal barrier and promoting microbiome health. These results suggest novel strategies for the prevention of liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ding Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Longxian Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Daiqiong Fang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenrui Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenxia Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lichen Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinjun Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ang Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feifei Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianzhong Ye
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yating Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dewi Andayani
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
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22
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Human hepatic stellate cells and inflammation: A regulated cytokine network balance. Cytokine 2016; 90:130-134. [PMID: 27865205 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIM Uncertainty about the safety of cell therapy continues to be a major challenge to the medical community. Inflammation and the associated immune response represent a major safety concern hampering the development of long-term clinical therapy. In vivo interactions between the cell graft and the host immune system are mediated by functional environmental sensors and stressors that play significant roles in the immunobiology of the graft. Within this context, human liver stellate cells (HSC) demonstrated marked immunological plasticity that has main importance for future liver cell therapy application. METHODS By using qPCR technique, we established the cytokine gene expression profile of HSCs and investigated the effect of an inflammatory environment on the immunobiology of HSCs. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION HSCs present a specific immunological profile as demonstrated by the expression and modulation of major immunological cytokines. Under constitutive conditions, the cytokine pattern expressed by HSCs was characterized by the high expression of IL-6. Inflammation critically modulated the expression of major immunological cytokines. As evidenced by the induction of the expression of several inflammatory genes, HSCs acquire a pro-inflammatory profile that ultimately might have critical implications for their immunological shape. CONCLUSION These new observations have to be taken into account in any future liver cell therapy application based on the use of HSCs.
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis, a major characteristic of chronic liver disease, is inappropriate tissue remodeling caused by prolonged parenchymal cell injury and inflammation. During liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) undergo transdifferentiation from quiescent HSCs into activated HSCs, which promote the deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to liver fibrosis. Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4), a major actin-sequestering protein, is the most abundant member of the highly conserved β-thymosin family and controls cell morphogenesis and motility by regulating the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. Tβ4 is known to be involved in various cellular responses, including antiinflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and cancer progression. Emerging evidence suggests that Tβ4 is expressed in the liver; however, its biological roles are poorly understood. Herein, we introduce liver fibrogenesis and recent findings regarding the function of Tβ4 in various tissues and discuss the potential role of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis with a special focus on the effects of exogenous and endogenous Tβ4. Recent studies have revealed that activated HSCs express Tβ4 in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with the exogenous Tβ4 peptide inhibits the proliferation and migration of activated HSCs and reduces liver fibrosis, indicating it has an antifibrotic action. Meanwhile, the endogenously expressed Tβ4 in activated HSCs is shown to promote HSCs activation. Although the role of Tβ4 has not been elucidated, it is apparent that Tβ4 is associated with HSC activation. Therefore, understanding the potential roles and regulatory mechanisms of Tβ4 in liver fibrosis may provide a novel treatment for patients.
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Rauff B, Douglas MW. Role of fibrogenic and inflammatory cytokines in HCV-induced fibrosis. Future Virol 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl.15.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
HCV is one of the main causative agents of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver inflammation resulting from HCV infection triggers fibrosis. In HCV-related fibrosis, differentiated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) known as myofibroblasts participate in the fibrogenic and inflammatory response. TGF-β1 and CTGF, released from these HSCs, have been implicated as master cytokines mediating HCV induced hepatic fibrosis. PDGF is another potent mitogen, which facilitates the progression of liver fibrosis by enhancing the proliferation and migration of HSCs. In addition to these major cytokines, the release of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1b and IL-10 by immune cells also promotes the effect of HCV induced fibrosis. Targeting these cytokines may offer the potential for treatments to prevent or cure fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bisma Rauff
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark W Douglas
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Infectious Diseases & Microbiology, Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases & Biosecurity, University of Sydney at Westmead Hospital, NSW, Australia
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Wang Y, Zhang X, Yang Y, Yang X, Ye B. Study on the Antifibrotic Effects of Recombinant Shark Hepatical Stimulator Analogue (r-sHSA) in Vitro and in Vivo. Mar Drugs 2015; 13:5201-18. [PMID: 26295240 PMCID: PMC4557020 DOI: 10.3390/md13085201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is an effusive wound healing process, characterized by an excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), as the consequence of chronic liver injury of any etiology. Current therapeutic repertoire for hepatic fibrosis is limited to withdrawal of the noxious agent, which is not always feasible. Hence, in this article, the antifibrotic effects and possible mechanisms of r-sHSA, a recombinant protein with hepatoprotection potential, were investigated. Using NIH/3T3 (mouse embro-fibroblast cell line), skin fibroblasts (human skin fibroblasts, SFBs) and HSC-T6 (rat hepatic stellate cell line), the in vitro effect of r-sHSA was evaluated by measuring the expression levels of alpha-1 Type I collagen (Col1A1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). It turned out those fibrosis indicators were typically inhibited by r-sHSA, suggesting its capacity in HSCs inactivation. The antifibrotic activity of r-sHSA was further investigated in vivo on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, in view of significant improvement of the biochemical and histological indicators. More specifically, CCl4-intoxication induced a significant increase in serological biomarkers, e.g., transaminase (AST, ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as disturbed hepatic antioxidative status; most of the parameters were spontaneously ameliorated to a large extent by withdrawal of CCl4, although the fibrotic lesion was observed histologically. In contrast, r-sHSA treatment markedly eliminated fibrous deposits and restored architecture of the liver in a dose dependent manner, concomitantly with the phenomena of inflammation relief and HSCs deactivation. To sum up, these findings suggest a therapeutic potential for r-sHSA in hepatic fibrosis, though further studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Yang Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Xiaohong Yang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Boping Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Aqueous Date Flesh or Pits Extract Attenuates Liver Fibrosis via Suppression of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Reduction of Inflammatory Cytokines, Transforming Growth Factor- β 1 and Angiogenic Markers in Carbon Tetrachloride-Intoxicated Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:247357. [PMID: 25945106 PMCID: PMC4402562 DOI: 10.1155/2015/247357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous data indicated the protective effect of date fruit extract on oxidative damage in rat liver. However, the hepatoprotective effects via other mechanisms have not been investigated. This study was performed to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of date flesh extract (DFE) or date pits extract (DPE) via inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), reducing the levels of inflammatory, fibrotic and angiogenic markers. Coffee was used as reference hepatoprotective agent. Liver fibrosis was induced by injection of CCl4 (0.4 mL/kg) three times weekly for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE (6 mL/kg), coffee (300 mg/kg), and combination of coffee + DFE and coffee + DPE were given to CCl4-intoxicated rats daily for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE, and their combination with coffee attenuated the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. The increased levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen deposition in injured liver were alleviated by both extracts. CCl4-induced expression of α-smooth muscle actin was suppressed indicating HSCs inactivation. Increased angiogenesis was ameliorated as revealed by reduced levels and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31. We concluded that DFE or DPE could protect liver via different mechanisms. The combination of coffee with DFE or DPE may enhance its antifibrotic effects.
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The importance of extracellular matrix for cell function and in vivo likeness. Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 98:286-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Integrated Computational Model of Intracellular Signaling and microRNA Regulation Predicts the Network Balances and Timing Constraints Critical to the Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation Process. Processes (Basel) 2014. [DOI: 10.3390/pr2040773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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Ergosterol Is the Active Compound of Cultured Mycelium Cordyceps sinensis on Antiliver Fibrosis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:537234. [PMID: 25386220 PMCID: PMC4214045 DOI: 10.1155/2014/537234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cultured mycelium Cordyceps sinensis (CMCS) is a Chinese herbal medicine, which is widely used for a variety of diseases including liver injury in clinic. The current study aims to investigate the protective effects of CMCS against liver fibrosis and to exploit its active antifibrotic substances in vivo and in vitro. For evaluating the antifibrotic effect of CMCS and ergosterol, male C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and treated with CMCS (120 mg/kg/d) or ergosterol (50 mg/kg/d). Four weeks later, serum liver function, hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp) content, liver inflammation, collagen deposition, and expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in liver tissue were evaluated. Besides, toxicological effects of active compounds of CMCS on hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were detected and expressions of permeability of the lysosomal membrane, EdU, F-actin, and α-SMA of activated HSCs were analyzed to screen the antifibrotic substance in CMCS in vitro. Our results showed that CMCS could significantly alleviate levels of serum liver functions, attenuate hepatic inflammation, decrease collagen deposition, and relieve levels of α-SMA in liver, respectively. Ergosterol, the active compound in CMCS that was detected by HPLC, played a dose-dependent inhibition role on activated HSCs via upregulating expressions of permeability of the lysosomal membrane and downregulating levels of EdU, F-actin, and α-SMA on activated HSCs in vitro. Moreover, ergosterol revealed the antifibrotic effect alike in vivo. In conclusion, CMCS is effective in alleviating liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 and ergosterol might be the efficacious antifibrotic substance in CMCS in vivo and in vitro.
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Saito S, Hata K, Iwaisako K, Yanagida A, Takeiri M, Tanaka H, Kageyama S, Hirao H, Ikeda K, Asagiri M, Uemoto S. Cilostazol attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and protects mice against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:460-73. [PMID: 23607402 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 04/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
AIM Liver fibrosis is a common pathway leading to cirrhosis. Cilostazol, a clinically available oral phosphodiesterase-3 inhibitor, has been shown to have antifibrotic potential in experimental non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the detailed mechanisms of the antifibrotic effect and its efficacy in a different experimental model remain elusive. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were assigned to five groups: mice fed a normal diet (groups 1 and 2); 0.1% or 0.3% cilostazol-containing diet (groups 3 and 4, respectively); and 0.125% clopidogrel-containing diet (group 5). Two weeks after feeding, groups 2-5 were intraperitoneally administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) twice a week for 6 weeks, while group 1 was treated with the vehicle alone. To investigate the effects of cilostazol on hepatic cells, in vitro studies were conducted using primary hepatic stellate cells (HSC), Kupffer cells and hepatocytes with cilostazol supplementation. RESULTS Sirius red staining revealed that groups 3 and 4 exhibited a lesser fibrotic area (2.49 ± 0.43% and 2.31 ± 0.30%, respectively) than group 2 (3.17 ± 0.67%, P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively). In vitro studies showed cilostazol dose-dependently suppressed HSC activation (assessed by morphological change, cell proliferation, and the expression of HSC activation markers), suggesting the therapeutic effect of cilostazol is mediated by its direct action on HSC. CONCLUSION Cilostazol could alleviate CCl4 -induced hepatic fibrogenesis in vivo, presumably due, at least partly, to its direct effect to suppress HSC activation. Given its clinical availability and safety, it may be a novel therapeutic intervention for chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunichi Saito
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichiro Hata
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiko Iwaisako
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsuko Yanagida
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Takeiri
- Innovation Center for Immunoregulation and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tanaka
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shoichi Kageyama
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Hirao
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuo Ikeda
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masataka Asagiri
- Innovation Center for Immunoregulation and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shinji Uemoto
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Transplantation, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Expression of HLA-G by mast cells is associated with hepatitis C virus-induced liver fibrosis. J Hepatol 2014; 60:245-52. [PMID: 24036009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Infection with hepatitis C virus is a worldwide health problem. An inadequate Th2 cytokine response promotes the fibrosis-cirrhosis fate. Immune-modulating molecules favoring a Th2 profile, such as HLA-G molecules of the HLA class Ib family, may play a role in chronic hepatitis. HLA-G contributes to the escape of tumors, and their involvement in viral infections has been increasingly described. The aim of this work was to study the expression of HLA-G in the liver, its cellular source and its regulation in cases of chronic C hepatitis. METHODS HLA-G cells in blocks of liver derived from patients infected with HCV were labeled by immunohistochemistry and enumerated. Double immunofluorescence allowed the identification of the cellular source. HLA-G secretion by a human mast cell line was quantified by ELISA after various stimulations. After treatment with IFN-α, real-time PCR was performed to determine the kinetics of cytokine expression profiles, followed by heat map clustering analysis. RESULTS The number of HLA-G+ cells was significantly associated with the area of fibrosis. For the first time, we identify the HLA-G+ cells as being mast cells. HLA-G secretion was significantly induced in human mast cells stimulated by IL-10 or interferons of class I. The transcriptome of the secretome of this cell line stimulated by IFN-α revealed that (i) the HLA-G gene is upregulated late, and that (ii) T lymphocytes and NK cells are recruited. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest an autocrine loop in the genesis of HCV liver fibrosis, based on mast cells expressing HLA-G.
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Zhang F, Zhang Z, Kong D, Zhang X, Chen L, Zhu X, Lu Y, Zheng S. Tetramethylpyrazine reduces glucose and insulin-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting insulin receptor-mediated PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:197-204. [PMID: 24071517 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is the central event during liver fibrogenesis. Metabolic syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia contributes to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated liver fibrosis. This study was to investigate the effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) on HSC activation induced by glucose and insulin (Glu/Ins) and the underlying mechanisms. Results showed that Glu/Ins significantly stimulated proliferation, invasion, adhesion, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production in HSCs. TMP inhibited HSC proliferation, invasion and adhesion, and reduced the expression of marker genes related to HSC activation in Glu/Ins-activated HSCs. Mechanistic evidence revealed that TMP reduced insulin receptor (InsR) expression and blocked the downstream phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascades, which was required for TMP attenuation of HSC activation. Moreover, TMP modulated the genes relevant to ECM homeostasis favoring ECM degradation. It could be concluded that TMP inhibited Glu/Ins-stimulated HSC activation and ECM production by inhibiting InsR-mediated PI3K/AKT and ERK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaojing Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yin Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; The National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; The National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Sakata K, Eda S, Lee ES, Hara M, Imoto M, Kojima S. Neovessel formation promotes liver fibrosis via providing latent transforming growth factor-β. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 443:950-6. [PMID: 24361885 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.12.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM Hepatic fibrosis and angiogenesis occur in parallel during the progression of liver disease. Fibrosis promotes angiogenesis via inducing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from the activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In turn, increased neovessel formation causes fibrosis, although the underlying molecular mechanism remains undetermined. In the current study, we aimed to address a role of endothelial cells (ECs) as a source of latent transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, the precursor of the most fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β. METHODS After recombinant VEGF was administered to mice via the tail vein, hepatic angiogenesis and fibrogenesis were evaluated using immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses in addition to investigation of TGF-β activation using primary cultured HSCs and liver sinusoidal ECs (LSECs). RESULTS In addition to increased hepatic levels of CD31 expression, VEGF-treated mice showed increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression, hepatic contents of hydroxyproline, and latency associated protein degradation products, which reflects cell surface activation of TGF-β via plasma kallikrein (PLK). Liberating the PLK-urokinase plasminogen activator receptor complex from the HSC surface by cleaving a tethering phosphatidylinositol linker with its specific phospholipase C inhibited the activating latent TGF-β present in LSEC conditioned medium and subsequent HSC activation. CONCLUSION Neovessel formation (angiogenesis) accelerates liver fibrosis at least in part via provision of latent TGF-β that activated on the surface of HSCs by PLK, thereby resultant active TGF-β stimulates the activation of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Sakata
- Micro-signaling Regulation Technology Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan; Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan; Drug Discovery Laboratory, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Akitakata, Hiroshima 739-1195, Japan
| | - Satoshi Eda
- Micro-signaling Regulation Technology Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Eun-Seo Lee
- Micro-signaling Regulation Technology Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Hara
- Micro-signaling Regulation Technology Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masaya Imoto
- Department of Biosciences and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Soichi Kojima
- Micro-signaling Regulation Technology Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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Sid B, Verrax J, Calderon PB. Role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver disease. Free Radic Res 2013; 47:894-904. [PMID: 23800214 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2013.819428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic alcohol consumption is a well-known risk factor for liver disease, which represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathological process of alcohol-induced liver disease is characterized by a broad spectrum of morphological changes ranging from steatosis with minimal injury to more advanced liver damage, including steato-hepatitis and fibrosis/cirrhosis. Experimental and clinical studies increasingly show that the oxidative damage induced by ethanol contribute in many ways to the pathogenesis of alcohol hepatotoxicity. This article describes the contribution of oxidative mechanisms to liver damage by alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Sid
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Toxicology and Cancer Biology Research Group (GTOX) , Brussels , Belgium
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Kumar S, Zou Y, Bao Q, Wang M, Dai G. Proteomic analysis of immediate-early response plasma proteins after 70% and 90% partial hepatectomy. Hepatol Res 2013; 43:876-89. [PMID: 23279269 PMCID: PMC4354878 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 11/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Partial hepatectomy (PH) induces robust hepatic regenerative and metabolic responses that are considered to be triggered by humoral factors. The aim of the study was to identify plasma protein factors that potentially trigger or reflect the body's immediate-early responses to liver mass reduction. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to sham operation, 70% PH or 90% PH. Blood was collected from the inferior vena cava at 20, 60 and 180 min after surgery. RESULTS Using a label-free quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach, we identified 399 proteins exhibiting significant changes in plasma expression between any two groups. Of the 399 proteins, 167 proteins had multiple unique sequences and high peptide ID confidence (>90%) and were defined as priority 1 proteins. A group of plasma proteins largely associated with metabolism is enriched after 70% PH. Among the plasma proteins that respond to 90% PH are a dominant group of proteins that are also associated with metabolism and one known cytokine (platelet factor 4). Ninety percent PH and 70% PH induces similar changes in plasma protein profile. CONCLUSION Our findings enable us to gain insight into the immediate-early response of plasma proteins to liver mass loss. Our data support the notion that increased metabolic demands of the body after massive liver mass loss may function as a sensor that calibrates hepatic regenerative response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhanshu Kumar
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Yuhong Zou
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Qi Bao
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Mu Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Guoli Dai
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Center for Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana
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Dong ZX, Su L, Brymora J, Bird C, Xie Q, George J, Wang JH. Resistin mediates the hepatic stellate cell phenotype. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:4475-4485. [PMID: 23901222 PMCID: PMC3725371 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i28.4475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2012] [Revised: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/29/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To describe the role of resistin in liver fibrosis.
METHODS: For the in vivo animal study, Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to bile duct ligation (BDL) for 4 wk. Rat liver, adipose tissue (epididymal fat) and serum were analyzed for resistin expression. For the in vitro experiment, rat primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and Kupffer cells (KCs) were used. HSCs were exposed to recombinant resistin, and collagen I, transforming growth factor β1, α smooth muscle actin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and connective tissue growth factor expression were analyzed. Resistin gene and protein expression was quantified as was the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). The effects of resistin on HSC proliferation, migration and apoptosis were determined. The effects of resistin on KCs were also investigated.
RESULTS: Following BDL, rat epididymal fat and serum rather than liver showed higher resistin expression compared to control rats. In liver, resistin was expressed in quiescent HSCs and KCs. Resistin treatment resulted in enhancement of TNFα, IL-6, IL-8 and MCP-1 gene expression and increased IL-6 and MCP-1 protein in HSCs. Resistin activated HSC phospho-MAPK/p38, and p38 inhibition diminished IL-6 and MCP-1 expression. Furthermore, resistin facilitated HSC proliferation and migration, but decreased apoptosis which was via an IL-6 and MCP-1 mechanism. Finally, resistin-induced transforming growth factor β1 from KCs enhanced HSC collagen Iexpression.
CONCLUSION: Resistin directly and indirectly modulates HSC behavior towards a more pro-fibrogenic phenotype.
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Interleukin-17A plays a pivotal role in cholestatic liver fibrosis in mice. J Surg Res 2013; 183:574-82. [PMID: 23578751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It was recently reported that serum interleukin (IL)-17 levels increased in liver fibrosis associated with human alcoholic liver disease. However, the role of IL-17 in liver fibrosis has not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the role of IL-17 on cholestatic liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS IL-17A knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to bile duct ligation. Animals were sacrificed at designated times, and serum and liver tissues were collected. The mRNA expression of hepatic fibrotic markers was assessed, and distribution of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was determined by immunohistochemical staining. In an in vitro study, Kupffer cells (KCs) and HSCs were isolated from WT mice. KCs were cultured with IL-17A or IL-17F, and production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was measured. HSCs were cultured with IL-17A or IL-17F, and morphologic changes were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Liver damage observed in the WT mice was significantly improved in the KO mice. Serum TNF-α and TGF-β1 levels were significantly decreased in the KO compared with the WT mice. The hepatic mRNA expression of TNF-α, TGF-β1, and collagen 1α1, which increased in the WT mice, also significantly decreased in the KO mice. Increased hepatic fibrosis in the WT mice was significantly improved in the KO mice. Cytokine production was increased in IL-17A-treated KCs. The most remarkable myofibroblast-like changes were observed in isolated HSCs in the presence of IL-17A. CONCLUSIONS IL-17A was involved in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver fibrosis by activation of both the KCs and HSCs.
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Wang R, Yu XY, Guo ZY, Wang YJ, Wu Y, Yuan YF. Inhibitory effects of salvianolic acid B on CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis through regulating NF-κB/IκBα signaling. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 144:592-598. [PMID: 23041223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Hepatic fibrosis, a precursor of liver cirrhosis, is a consequence of severe liver damage that occurs in many patients with chronic liver diseases. Salvianolic acid B (SA-B) is one of water soluble compounds derived from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Danshen in Chinese) widely used for chronic liver diseases. In this study we investigated the protective effects of SA-B on CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). Rats were divided into four groups, including normal controls (N group), model (M group), low SA-B of 10mg/kg body weight (L group), or high SA-B of 20mg/kg body weight (H group). After 6 weeks, macroscopic features of the liver and weight ratio of liver to body were measured. Liver fibrosis of the rats was evaluated by HE and Massion staining. Activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL) were checked with automated biochemistry analyzer. Serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), type IV collagen (IV-C), Laminin (LN) and procollagen III peptide (PIIIP) were detected by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The expression of NF-κB and IκBα was detected by western blotting. RESULTS SA-B was shown to reduce CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. The serum levels of ALT, AST, and TBIL were significantly lower in the SA-B treatment groups than in the M group. Compared the M group, the serum levels of HA, LN, IV-C and PIIIP were decreased markedly after treatment with SA-B, especially in the H group. Treatment with SA-B at 10-20mg/kg (L and N groups, respectively) dose-dependently decreased the expression of NF-κB in the nucleolus and increased the expression levels of NF-κB and IκBα protein in the cytoplasm compared to that of the M group. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that SA-B could prevent the progression of liver angiogenesis and alleviate liver fibrosis possibly by regulating the expression of NF-κB and IκBα.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, NO.3 People's Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
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Cubero FJ, Nieto N. Arachidonic acid stimulates TNFα production in Kupffer cells via a reactive oxygen species-pERK1/2-Egr1-dependent mechanism. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2012; 303:G228-39. [PMID: 22538404 PMCID: PMC3404567 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00465.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Kupffer cells are a key source of mediators of alcohol-induced liver damage such as reactive oxygen species, chemokines, growth factors, and eicosanoids. Since diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids are a requirement for the development of alcoholic liver disease, we hypothesized that polyunsaturated fatty acids could synergize with ethanol to promote Kupffer cell activation and TNFα production, hence, contributing to liver injury. Primary Kupffer cells from control and from ethanol-fed rats incubated with arachidonic acid showed similar proliferation rates than nontreated cells; however, arachidonic acid induced phenotypic changes, lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxides, and superoxide radical generation. Similar effects occurred in human Kupffer cells. These events were greater in Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats, and antioxidants and inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism prevented them. Arachidonic acid treatment increased NADPH oxidase activity. Inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and of arachidonic acid metabolism partially prevented the increase in oxidant stress. Upon arachidonic acid stimulation, there was a rapid and sustained increase in TNFα, which was greater in Kupffer cells from ethanol-fed rats than in Kupffer cells from control rats. Arachidonic acid induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of early growth response-1 (Egr1), and ethanol synergized with arachidonic acid to promote this effect. PD98059, a mitogen extracellular kinase 1/2 inhibitor, and curcumin, an Egr1 inhibitor, blocked the arachidonic acid-mediated upregulation of TNFα in Kupffer cells. This study unveils the mechanism whereby arachidonic acid and ethanol increase TNFα production in Kupffer cells, thus contributing to alcoholic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Cubero
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Nanji AA, Liong EC, Xiao J, Tipoe GL. Thromboxane inhibitors attenuate inflammatory and fibrotic changes in rat liver despite continued ethanol administrations. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2012; 37:31-9. [PMID: 22676331 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01838.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thromboxane levels are increased in rats fed ethanol (EtOH), whereas thromboxane inhibitors reduce alcoholic liver injury. The aim of this study is to determine whether thromboxane inhibitors could attenuate the already established alcoholic liver injury. METHODS Rats were fed EtOH and liquid diet for 6 weeks by intragastric infusion to induce liver injury after which EtOH was continued for 2 more weeks, and the rats were treated with either a thromboxane synthase inhibitor (TXSI) or a thromboxane receptor antagonist (TXRA). Liver pathology, lipid peroxidation, nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) activity, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β(1) ) were evaluated. RESULTS Administration of fish oil and EtOH caused fatty liver, necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis accompanied by increased in lipid peroxidation, NF-κB activity, and expression of TNF-α, COX-2, and TGF-β(1) . Treatment with the thromboxane inhibitors ameliorated a certain level of the pathological and biochemical abnormalities. In particular, TXSI in addition to reducing necrosis, inflammation and fibrosis also decrease the severity of fatty liver. CONCLUSIONS Thromboxane inhibitors attenuated the alcoholic liver injury, inflammation and fibrotic changes despite continued EtOH administration. Inhibition of the production of thromboxane by thromboxane inhibitor and receptor antagonists may be a useful treatment strategy in clinical alcoholic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin A Nanji
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dalhousie University School of Medicine, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Abhilash PA, Harikrishnan R, Indira M. Ascorbic acid supplementation down-regulates the alcohol induced oxidative stress, hepatic stellate cell activation, cytotoxicity and mRNA levels of selected fibrotic genes in guinea pigs. Free Radic Res 2012; 46:204-13. [PMID: 22149461 DOI: 10.3109/10715762.2011.647691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Both oxidative stress and endotoxins mediated immunological reactions play a major role in the progression of alcoholic hepatic fibrosis. Ascorbic acid has been reported to reduce alcohol-induced toxicity and ascorbic acid levels are reduced in alcoholics. Hence, we investigated the hepatoprotective action of ascorbic acid in the reversal of alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis in male guinea pigs (n = 36), and it was compared with the animals abstenting from alcohol treatment. In comparison with the alcohol abstention group, there was a reduction in the activities of toxicity markers and levels of lipid and protein peroxidation products, expression of α-SMA, caspase-3 activity and mRNA levels of CYP2E1, TGF-β(1), TNF-α and α(1)(I) collagen in liver of the ascorbic acid-supplemented group. The ascorbic acid content in liver was significantly reduced in the alcohol-treated guinea pigs. But it was reversed to normal level in the ascorbic acid-supplemented group. The anti-fibrotic action of ascorbic acid in the rapid regression of alcoholic liver fibrosis may be attributed to decrease in the oxidative stress, hepatic stellate cells activation, cytotoxicity and mRNA expression of fibrotic genes CYP2E1, TGF-β(1), TNF-α and α(1) (I) collagen in hepatic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Abhilash
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Zhu H, Chu Y, Huo J, Chen Z, Yang L. Effect of prednisone on transforming growth factor-β1, connective tissue growth factor, nuclear factor-κBp65 and tumor necrosis factor-α expression in a murine model of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome induced by Gynura segetum. Hepatol Res 2011; 41:795-803. [PMID: 21699635 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2011.00830.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
AIM One major cause of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) is the consumption of products containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA). As the use of herbal preparations has increased in China, so has the number of reports of HSOS induced by ingesting PA-containing herbs. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms by which prednisone and the related factors, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), prevent liver fibrosis and the pathogenesis of HSOS. METHODS A murine model of HSOS was created by oral gavage with Gynura segetum with or without prednisone for 30 days. Histological changes in liver tissue were evaluated by a scoring system in tissue slices subjected to hematoxylin-eosin and Masson trichrome staining. Hepatic expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNA and protein was detected by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. RT-PCR was also used to detect tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and nuclear factor (NF)-κBp65 mRNA expression. Activation of NF-κBp65 was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Intervention with prednisone diminished the symptoms of HSOS in mice treated with G. segetum. Prednisone treatment significantly inhibited expression of TGF-β1 and CTGF mRNA and protein (P < 0.05), and inhibited expression of TNF-α and NF-κBp65 mRNA (P < 0.05) in the liver tissue of HSOS mice. CONCLUSION Prednisone suppresses the development of liver fibrosis in HSOS mice by inhibiting TGF-β1, CTGF, TNF-α and NF-κBp65 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
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Molecular pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and current therapeutic approaches. Chem Biol Interact 2011; 193:225-31. [PMID: 21803030 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 07/05/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis involves significant deposition of fibrilar collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins. It is a rather dynamic process of wound healing in response to a variety of persistent liver injury caused by factors such as ethanol intake, viral infection, drugs, toxins, cholestasis, and metabolic disorders. Liver fibrosis distorts the hepatic architecture, decreases the number of endothelial cell fenestrations and causes portal hypertension. Key events are the activation and transformation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells into myofibroblast-like cells with the subsequent up-regulation of proteins such as α-smooth muscle actin, interstitial collagens, matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases, and proteoglycans. Oxidative stress is a major contributing factor to the onset of liver fibrosis and it is typically associated with a decrease in the antioxidant defense. Currently, there is no effective therapy for advanced liver fibrosis. In its early stages, liver fibrosis is reversible upon cessation of the causative agent. In this review, we discuss some aspects on the etiology of liver fibrosis, the cells involved, the molecular pathogenesis, and the current therapeutic approaches.
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Au AY, Hasenwinkel JM, Frondoza CG. Silybin inhibits interleukin-1β-induced production of pro-inflammatory mediators in canine hepatocyte cultures. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34:120-9. [PMID: 21395602 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2885.2010.01200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocytes are highly susceptible to cytokine stimulation and are fundamental to liver function. We established primary canine hepatocyte cultures to study effects of anti-inflammatory agents with hepatoprotective properties. Hepatocyte cultures were incubated with control media alone, silybin (SB), or the more bioavailable silybin-phosphatidylcholine complex (SPC), followed by activation with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β; 10 ng/mL). Inflammatory response was measured by prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2) ), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) production and also nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) translocation. Hepatocyte cultures continued production of the phenotypic marker albumin for more than 7 days in culture. IL-1β exposure increased PGE(2) , IL-8, and MCP-1 production, which was paralleled by NF-κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Pretreatment with SB and SPC significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced production of pro-inflammatory markers and attenuated NF-κB nuclear translocation. We demonstrate for the first time that primary canine hepatocyte cultures can be maintained in culture without phenotypic loss. The observation that hepatocyte cultures respond to pro-inflammatory IL-1β activation indicates hepatocytes as primary cellular targets of extrinsic IL-1β. The ability of SB and SPC to inhibit hepatocyte culture activation by IL-1β reinforces the notion of their hepatoprotective effects. Our primary canine hepatocyte culture model facilitates identification of hepatoprotective agents and their mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Y Au
- Research and Development, Nutramax Laboratories, Inc., Edgewood, MD 21040, USA
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Day SA, Lakner AM, Moore CC, Yen MH, Clemens MG, Wu ES, Schrum LW. Opioid-like compound exerts anti-fibrotic activity via decreased hepatic stellate cell activation and inflammation. Biochem Pharmacol 2011; 81:996-1003. [PMID: 21291870 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2011.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by excess type I collagen deposition and exacerbated inflammatory response. Naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist used for treating alcohol abuse, attenuates hepatocellular injury in fibrotic animal models, which can be accompanied by deleterious side effects. Additionally, opioid neurotransmission is upregulated in patients with inflammatory liver disease. Several derivatives of Naltrexone, Nalmefene (Nal) and JKB-119, exert immunomodulatory activity; however, unlike Nal, JKB-119 does not show significant opioid receptor antagonism. To delineate the potential hepatoprotective effects of these compounds, we investigated if JKB-119 and Nal could modulate activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), primary effector cells that secrete type I collagen and inflammatory mediators during liver injury. Our results demonstrated that Nal or JKB-119 treatment decreased smooth muscle α-actin, a marker of HSC activation, mRNA and protein expression. Despite decreased collagen mRNA expression, both compounds increased intracellular collagen protein expression; however, inhibition of collagen secretion was observed. To address a possible mechanism for suppressed collagen secretion or retention of intracellular collagen, endoplasmic (ER) protein expression and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity were examined. While no change in ER protein expression (Grp78, PDI, Hsp47) was observed, MMP13 mRNA expression was dramatically increased. In an acute LPS inflammatory injury animal model, JKB-119 treatment decreased liver injury (ALT), plasma TNFα and PMN liver infiltration. Overall, these results suggest that JKB-119 can directly inhibit HSC activation attributed to anti-inflammatory activity and may, therefore, attenuate inflammation associated with HSC activation and liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani A Day
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
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Aziz-Seible RS, Lee SM, Kharbanda KK, McVicker BL, Casey CA. Ethanol feeding potentiates the pro-inflammatory response of Kupffer cells to cellular fibronectin. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:717-25. [PMID: 21223308 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01389.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Excessive alcohol consumption leads to the increased extracellular matrix deposition of cellular fibronectin (cFn) in the liver, which is also implicated as an initiating event in the fibrogenic process. We propose that cFn directly stimulates Kupffer cells (KCs), which are involved in the early response to tissue damage, to produce factors that enhance the progression of alcohol-induced liver injury toward inflammation and fibrosis. METHOD KCs were isolated from rats fed a control or ethanol liquid diet for 4 to 6 weeks. The effect of exogenous cFn on KC viability and the secretion of the cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, as well as of matrix remodeling factors, MMP-2 and TIMP-2, was determined after 20 hours of cell culture. RESULTS For KCs from both control- and ethanol-fed rats, viability remained unaffected by treatment with cFn. TNF-α and IL-6 production were increased in KCs exposed to cFn, with cells treated with 1, 2.5, and 5 μg/ml cFn secreting significantly higher levels of both cytokines compared with untreated cells (p < 0.05). Chronic ethanol administration resulted in a significantly enhanced secretion of IL-6 by KCs regardless of treatment with cFn. When MMP-2 protein and activity levels were measured by western blot analysis and gelatin zymography, respectively, we found that cFn stimulated a dramatic increase in both cells from ethanol- and control-fed rats, with the KCs from ethanol animals being more responsive to cFn at higher concentrations (p < 0.05). Significantly higher levels of TIMP-2, which inhibits both the activation and activity of MMP-2, were secreted by KCs treated with 5 μg/ml cFn. Correspondingly, more pro-MMP-2 than active-MMP-2 was detected. CONCLUSION Altogether, these results show that cFn stimulates KCs to produce factors that may enhance the promotion of tissue damage and that ethanol administration increases these responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razia S Aziz-Seible
- The Liver Study Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Departments of Internal Medicine and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska 68105, USA
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Zhang JJ, Wang YL, Feng XB, Song XD, Liu WB. Rosmarinic acid inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells. Biol Pharm Bull 2011; 34:343-8. [PMID: 21372382 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.34.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), activated during liver injury, are defined as the most important target in the therapy of hepatic fibrosis. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of Rosmarinic acid (RosA) on the proliferation and apoptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6), which is useful to decrease this cell population. The proliferation of HSC-T6 was significantly inhibited after treated with various concentrations of RosA for different times. Flow cytometric analyses and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations revealed that HSC-T6 treated with RosA underwent apoptosis in a time dependent manner and displayed typical apoptotic features in the cells. The phosphorylation in signal transducer and activator of transcription protein-3 (STAT3), which regulates cell survival, proliferation and differentiation in a variety of tissues, was markedly decreased as the result of Western blot assay and correlated with downregulation of CyclinD1 and B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2). In conclusion, these results suggested that RosA was able to inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in HSC-T6, partly due to the inhibition of phosphorylation in STAT3, which contributed to the reversal of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Jin Zhang
- Medicine Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, China.
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Zhu NL, Wang J, Tsukamoto H. The Necdin-Wnt pathway causes epigenetic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma repression in hepatic stellate cells. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:30463-71. [PMID: 20663865 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.156703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), vitamin A-storing liver pericytes, undergo myofibroblastic trans-differentiation or "activation" to participate in liver wound healing. This cellular process involves loss of regulation by adipogenic transcription factors such as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Necdin, a melanoma antigen family protein, promotes neuronal and myogenic differentiation while inhibiting adipogenesis. The present study demonstrates that necdin is selectively expressed in HSCs among different liver cell types and induced during their activation in vitro and in vivo. Silencing of necdin with adenovirally expressed shRNA, reverses activated HSCs to quiescent cells in a manner dependent on PPARγ and suppressed canonical Wnt signaling. Promoter analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, and chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrate that Wnt10b, a canonical Wnt induced in activated HSCs, is a direct target of necdin. Necdin silencing abrogates three epigenetic signatures implicated in repression of PPARγ: increased MeCP2 (methyl CpG binding protein 2) and HP-1α co-repressor recruitments to Pparγ promoter and enhanced H3K27 dimethylation at the exon 5 locus, again in a manner dependent on suppressed canonical Wnt. These epigenetic effects are reproduced by antagonism of canonical Wnt signaling with Dikkopf-1. Our results demonstrate a novel necdin-Wnt pathway, which serves to mediate antiadipogenic HSC trans-differentiation via epigenetic repression of PPARγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian-Ling Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Southern California Research Center for ALPD and Cirrhosis, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90033, USA
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Antifibrotic activity of anthocyanidin delphinidin in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Toxicology 2010; 272:1-10. [PMID: 20371262 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2010.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2010] [Accepted: 03/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of anthocyanidin delphinidin in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Male Balb/C mice were treated with CCl(4) dissolved in olive oil (20%, v/v, 2mL/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p.), twice a week for 7 weeks. Delphinidin was administered i.p. once daily for next 2 weeks, in doses of 10 and 25mg/kg of body weight. The CCl(4) control group has been observed for spontaneous reversion of fibrosis. CCl(4)-administration induced an elevation in serum transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels and increased oxidative stress in the liver. Delphinidin has successfully attenuated oxidative stress, increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 and metallothionein I/II expression and restored hepatic architecture. Furthermore, the overexpression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta1 has been withdrawn by delphinidin. Concomitantly, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin indicated returning of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into inactive state. Our results suggest the therapeutic effects of delphinidin in CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis by promoting extracellular matrix degradation, HSC inactivation and down-regulation of fibrogenic stimuli, with strong enhancement of hepatic regenerative capability.
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Ciuclan L, Ehnert S, Ilkavets I, Weng HL, Gaitantzi H, Tsukamoto H, Ueberham E, Meindl-Beinker NM, Singer MV, Breitkopf K, Dooley S. TGF-beta enhances alcohol dependent hepatocyte damage via down-regulation of alcohol dehydrogenase I. J Hepatol 2010; 52:407-16. [PMID: 20129692 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2009] [Revised: 09/29/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Adverse alcohol effects in the liver involve oxidative metabolism, fat deposition and release of fibrogenic mediators, including TGF-beta. The work presents an assessment of liver damaging cross-talk between ethanol and TGF-beta in hepatocytes. METHODS To investigate TGF-beta effects on hepatocytes, microarray analyses were performed and validated by qRT-PCR, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The cellular state was determined by assessing lactate dehydrogenase, cellular glutathione, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and neutral lipid deposition. RNA interference was used for gene silencing in vitro. RESULTS TGF-beta is induced in mouse livers after chronic ethanol insult, enhances ethanol induced oxidative stress and toxicity towards cultured hepatocytes plus induces lipid-, oxidative stress metabolism- and fibrogenesis-gene expression signatures. Interestingly, TGF-beta down-regulates alcohol metabolizing enzyme Adh1 mRNA in cultured hepatocytes and liver tissue from TGF-beta transgenic mice via the ALK5/Smad2/3 signalling branch, with Smad7 as a potent negative regulator. ADH1 deficiency is a determining factor for the increased lipid accumulation and Cyp2E1 dependent toxicity in liver cells upon alcohol challenge. Further, ADH1 expression was decreased during liver damage in an intragastric ethanol infusion mouse model. CONCLUSION In the presence of ethanol, TGF-beta displays pro-steatotic action in hepatocytes via decreasing ADH1 expression. Low ADH1 levels are correlated with enhanced hepatocyte damage upon chronic alcohol consumption by favoring secondary metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Ciuclan
- Molecular Hepatology-Alcohol Dependent Diseases, II. Medical Clinic, Faculty of Medicine at Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, Mannheim, Germany
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