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Kremer D, Alkaff FF, Post A, Knobbe TJ, Tepel M, Thaunat O, Berger SP, van den Born J, Genovese F, Karsdal MA, Rasmussen DGK, Bakker SJL. Plasma endotrophin, reflecting tissue fibrosis, is associated with graft failure and mortality in KTRs: results from two prospective cohort studies. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2023; 38:1041-1052. [PMID: 36535643 PMCID: PMC10064980 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfac332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is a suggested cause of graft failure and mortality among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). Accumulating evidence suggests that collagen type VI is tightly linked to fibrosis and may be a marker of systemic fibrosis and ageing. We studied whether plasma endotrophin, a pro-collagen type VI fragment, is associated with graft failure and mortality among KTRs. METHODS In cohort A (57% male, age 53 ± 13 years), we measured plasma endotrophin in 690 prevalent KTRs ≥1 year after transplantation. The non-overlapping cohort B included 500 incident KTRs with serial endotrophin measurements before and after kidney transplantation to assess trajectories and intra-individual variation of endotrophin. RESULTS In cohort A, endotrophin was higher in KTRs compared with healthy controls. Concentrations were positively associated with female sex, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, markers of inflammation and kidney injury. Importantly, endotrophin was associated with graft failure {hazard ratio [HR] per doubling 1.87 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07-3.28]} and mortality [HR per doubling 2.59 (95% CI 1.73-3.87)] independent of potential confounders. Data from cohort B showed that endotrophin concentrations strongly decrease after transplantation and remain stable during post-transplantation follow-up [intra-individual coefficient of variation 5.0% (95% CI 3.7-7.6)]. CONCLUSIONS Plasma endotrophin is strongly associated with graft failure and mortality among KTRs. These findings suggest a key role of abnormal extracellular matrix turnover and fibrosis in graft and patient prognosis among KTRs and highlight the need for (interventional) studies targeting the profibrotic state of KTRs. The intra-individual stability after transplantation indicates potential use of endotrophin as a biomarker and outcome measure of fibrosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02811835.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan Kremer
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Firas F Alkaff
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapy, Department of Anatomy, Histology, and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Adrian Post
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tim J Knobbe
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Tepel
- Odense University Hospital, Department of Nephrology, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Olivier Thaunat
- Hospices Civils de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Service de Transplantation, Néphrologie et Immunologie Clinique, Lyon, France
| | - Stefan P Berger
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob van den Born
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Stephan J L Bakker
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Williams L, Layton T, Yang N, Feldmann M, Nanchahal J. Collagen VI as a driver and disease biomarker in human fibrosis. FEBS J 2021; 289:3603-3629. [PMID: 34109754 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis of visceral organs such as the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality and is also associated with many other disorders, including cancer and metabolic disease. In this review, we focus upon the microfibrillar collagen VI, which is present in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of most tissues. However, expression is elevated in numerous fibrotic conditions, such as idiopathic pulmonary disease (IPF), and chronic liver and kidney diseases. Collagen VI is composed of three subunits α1, α2 and α3, which can be replaced with alternate chains of α4, α5 or α6. The C-terminal globular domain (C5) of collagen VI α3 can be proteolytically cleaved to form a biologically active fragment termed endotrophin, which has been shown to actively drive fibrosis, inflammation and insulin resistance. Tissue biopsies have long been considered the gold standard for diagnosis and monitoring of progression of fibrotic disease. The identification of neoantigens from enzymatically processed collagen chains have revolutionised the biomarker field, allowing rapid diagnosis and evaluation of prognosis of numerous fibrotic conditions, as well as providing valuable clinical trial endpoint determinants. Collagen VI chain fragments such as endotrophin (PRO-C6), C6M and C6Mα3 are emerging as important biomarkers for fibrotic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Williams
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Thomas Layton
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Nan Yang
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Marc Feldmann
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Jagdeep Nanchahal
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Science, University of Oxford, UK
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Wu F, Ning L, Zhou R, Shen A. Screening and evaluation of key genes in contributing to pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis based on microarray data. Eur J Med Res 2020; 25:43. [PMID: 32943114 PMCID: PMC7499914 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-020-00443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF), which is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver, usually progresses to liver cirrhosis and then death. To screen differentially expressed (DE) long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs, explore their potential functions to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of HF. METHODS The microarray of GSE80601 was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, which is based on the GPL1355 platform. Screening for the differentially expressed LncRNAs and mRNAs was conducted between the control and model groups. Then, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were performed to analyze the biological functions and pathways of the DE mRNAs. Additionally, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was delineated. In addition, utilizing the Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) package and Cytoscape software, we constructed lncRNA-mRNA weighted co-expression networks. RESULTS A total of 254 significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs and 472 mRNAs were identified. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that DE mRNAs regulated HF by participating in the GO terms of metabolic process, inflammatory response, response to wounding and oxidation-reduction. DE mRNAs were also significantly enriched in the pathways of ECM-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, focal adhesion (FA), retinol metabolism and metabolic pathways. Moreover, 24 lncRNAs associated with 40 differentially expressed genes were observed in the modules of lncRNA-mRNA weighted co-expression network. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed crucial information on the molecular mechanisms of HF and laid a foundation for subsequent genes validation and functional studies, which could contribute to the development of novel diagnostic markers and provide new therapeutic targets for the clinical treatment of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Furong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijuan Ning
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Ran Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Aizong Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230001, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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Chen Z, Jain A, Liu H, Zhao Z, Cheng K. Targeted Drug Delivery to Hepatic Stellate Cells for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:695-702. [PMID: 30886124 PMCID: PMC6806344 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.256156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is caused by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix during chronic liver injuries. Although clinical evidence suggests that liver fibrosis can be reversed, there is no standard therapy for liver fibrosis. Moreover, there is a lack of diagnostic tools to detect early-stage liver fibrosis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key step during liver fibrogenesis, and its mechanism has been extensively studied by various cell culture and animal models. Targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to activated HSCs is therefore critical for the successful treatment of liver fibrosis. A number of protein markers have been found to be overexpressed in activated HSCs, and their ligands have been used to specifically deliver various antifibrotic agents. In this review, we summarize these HSC-specific protein markers and their ligands for targeted delivery of antifibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijin Chen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Akshay Jain
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Hao Liu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
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Decorin counteracts disease progression in mice with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Matrix Biol 2018; 81:3-16. [PMID: 30528862 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the gene encoding type VII collagen underlie recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a disease characterized by skin and mucosal blistering, impaired wound healing, and diffuse dermal inflammation and fibrosis. Transforming growth factor-β signaling plays a crucial role in determining RDEB fibrotic microenvironment that leads to the development of disabling secondary disease manifestations, including hand and foot deformities. Experimental findings indicate that expression levels of decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan and an endogenous TGF-β inhibitor, can modulate RDEB disease phenotype by contrasting dermal fibroblast fibrotic behavior. In this study, the ability of decorin to modify RDEB course was investigated by systemically treating RDEB mice with a lentivirus expressing human decorin. Overexpressed decorin was able to enhance survival, and to limit digit contraction and the development of paw deformities. These effects were associated with decreased TGF-β1 levels and TGF-β signaling activation. Fibrotic traits were strongly reduced in paw skin and also attenuated in the non-chronically injured back skin. However, the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins was not decreased in both paw and back skin. Our findings confirm TGF-β role in promoting fibrosis and disease progression in RDEB, and show that decorin counteracts disease manifestations by inhibiting TGF-β activation. More generally, our data indicate that modifying extracellular matrix composition is an option to improve RDEB disease course.
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Ricard-Blum S, Baffet G, Théret N. Molecular and tissue alterations of collagens in fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:122-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Chen W, Zhao W, Yang A, Xu A, Wang H, Cong M, Liu T, Wang P, You H. Integrated analysis of microRNA and gene expression profiles reveals a functional regulatory module associated with liver fibrosis. Gene 2017; 636:87-95. [PMID: 28919164 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis, characterized with the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, represents the final common pathway of chronic liver inflammation. Ever-increasing evidence indicates microRNAs (miRNAs) dysregulation has important implications in the different stages of liver fibrosis. However, our knowledge of miRNA-gene regulation details pertaining to such disease remains unclear. METHODS The publicly available Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets of patients suffered from cirrhosis were extracted for integrated analysis. Differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and genes (DEGs) were identified using GEO2R web tool. Putative target gene prediction of DEMs was carried out using the intersection of five major algorithms: DIANA-microT, TargetScan, miRanda, PICTAR5 and miRWalk. Functional miRNA-gene regulatory network (FMGRN) was constructed based on the computational target predictions at the sequence level and the inverse expression relationships between DEMs and DEGs. DAVID web server was selected to perform KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Functional miRNA-gene regulatory module was generated based on the biological interpretation. Internal connections among genes in liver fibrosis-related module were determined using String database. MiRNA-gene regulatory modules related to liver fibrosis were experimentally verified in recombinant human TGFβ1 stimulated and specific miRNA inhibitor treated LX-2 cells. RESULTS We totally identified 85 and 923 dysregulated miRNAs and genes in liver cirrhosis biopsy samples compared to their normal controls. All evident miRNA-gene pairs were identified and assembled into FMGRN which consisted of 990 regulations between 51 miRNAs and 275 genes, forming two big sub-networks that were defined as down-network and up-network, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that up-network was prominently involved in several KEGG pathways, in which "Focal adhesion", "PI3K-Akt signaling pathway" and "ECM-receptor interaction" were remarked significant (adjusted p<0.001). Genes enriched in these pathways coupled with their regulatory miRNAs formed a functional miRNA-gene regulatory module that contains 7 miRNAs, 22 genes and 42 miRNA-gene connections. Gene interaction analysis based on String database revealed that 8 out of 22 genes were highly clustered. Finally, we experimentally confirmed a functional regulatory module containing 5 miRNAs (miR-130b-3p, miR-148a-3p, miR-345-5p, miR-378a-3p, and miR-422a) and 6 genes (COL6A1, COL6A2, COL6A3, PIK3R3, COL1A1, CCND2) associated with liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our integrated analysis of miRNA and gene expression profiles highlighted a functional miRNA-gene regulatory module associated with liver fibrosis, which, to some extent, may provide important clues to better understand the underlying pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Aiting Yang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Anjian Xu
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Cong
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Tianhui Liu
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hong You
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Tolerance Induction and Organ Protection in Transplantation, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China; Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China.
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Lu M, Bai J, Xu B, Sun Q, Wei F, Tang X, Zhang H, Li J, Wang G, Yin Q, Li S. Effect of alpha-lipoic acid on relieving ammonia stress and hepatic proteomic analyses of broilers. Poult Sci 2017; 96:88-97. [DOI: 10.3382/ps/pew285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Li D, He L, Guo H, Chen H, Shan H. Targeting activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) for liver fibrosis imaging. EJNMMI Res 2015; 5:71. [PMID: 26650603 PMCID: PMC4674461 DOI: 10.1186/s13550-015-0151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Following injurious stimuli, quiescent hepatic stellate cells (qHSCs) transdifferentiate into activated HSCs (aHSCs). aHSCs play pivotal roles in the onset and progression of liver fibrosis. Therefore, molecular imaging of aHSCs in liver fibrosis will facilitate early diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and instruction and evaluation of aHSC-targeted treatment. To date, several receptors, such as integrin αvβ3, mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor (M6P/IGF-IIR), collagen type VI receptor (CVIR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β (PDGFR-β), vimentin, and desmin, have been identified as biomarkers of aHSCs. Corresponding ligands to these receptors have also been developed. This review will discuss strategies for developing aHSC-targeted imaging in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Huizhuang Guo
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400, China
| | - Hanwei Chen
- Department of Radiology, Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400, China.
| | - Hong Shan
- Department of Radiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, Guangzhou, 510630, China. .,Interventional Radiology Institute of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Park J, Scherer PE. Endotrophin in the tumor stroma: a new therapeutic target for breast cancer? Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2013; 13:111-3. [PMID: 23406549 DOI: 10.1586/era.12.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Effects of the Ganning Formula () on Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2011; 31:282-7. [DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(12)60005-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis and its end stage disease cirrhosis are a major cause of mortality and morbidity around the world. There is no effective pharmaceutical intervention for liver fibrosis at present. Many drugs that show potent antifibrotic activities in vitro often show only minor effects in vivo because of insufficient concentrations of drugs accumulating around the target cell and their adverse effects as a result of affecting other non-target cells. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a critical role in the fibrogenesis of liver, so they are the target cells of antifibrotic therapy. Several kinds of targeted delivery system that could target the receptors expressed on HSC have been designed, and have shown an attractive targeted potential in vivo. After being carried by these delivery systems, many agents showed a powerful antifibrotic effect in animal models of liver fibrosis. These targeted delivery systems provide a new pathway for the therapy of liver fibrosis. The characteristics of theses targeted carriers are reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Department of Gastroenterology, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China.
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Tsamandas AC, Antonacopoulou A, Kalogeropoulou C, Tsota I, Zabakis P, Giannopoulou E, Liava A, Tzelepi V, Tepetes K, Petsas T, Kardamakis D, Kalofonos HP. Oval cell proliferation in cirrhosis in rats. An experimental study. Hepatol Res 2007; 37:755-64. [PMID: 17617113 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2007.00124.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Oval cells are liver stem cells involved in liver regeneration following liver damage. Previous studies have shown that pretreatment with a hepatocyte inhibitor is required to allow full oval cell activation. This study investigates whether oval cells develop and proliferate in a model of experimental liver fibrosis without pretreatment with a known hepatocyte inhibitor. METHODS The study comprised 66 male Wistar rats divided into two groups: A (n = 6): controls; and B (n = 60): CCl(4) injection (intraperitoneally 2 mL/kg bodyweight 1:1 volume in corn oil twice weekly). Rats were sacrificed at four, eight and 12 weeks. Liver tissues were evaluated for the degree of fibrosis (Masson's trichrome), cell proliferation (Ki67 antigen), expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA (RT-PCR and in situ hybridization), AFP protein (Western blot) and cytokeratin-19. Cells with morphologic features of oval cells that were cytokeratin 19 (CK19)+ and AFP mRNA+ were scored in morphometric analysis. RESULTS Oval cells were present in all 66 specimens; their percentage was higher in group B compared to group A (P < 0.001). AFP mRNA and protein expression increased as fibrosis advanced. Similarly, the numbers of CK19+, AFP mRNA+ and Ki67+ oval cells were higher in advanced fibrosis stages. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that oval cells develop and proliferate in a model of experimental liver fibrosis without pretreatment with a known hepatocytic inhibitor. However, further research is warranted in order to identify the exact molecular mechanisms involved in this process.
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Hanauske-Abel HM, Popowicz A, Remotti H, Newfield RS, Levy J. Tyrosinemia I, a model for human diseases mediated by 2-oxoacid-utilizing dioxygenases: hepatotoxin suppression by NTBC does not normalize hepatic collagen metabolism. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2002; 35:73-8. [PMID: 12142814 DOI: 10.1097/00005176-200207000-00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medical treatment of tyrosinemia I relies on the herbicide NTBC [Orfadin 2-(2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylbenzoyl)-cyclohexane-1,3-dione], an inhibitor of plant and mammalian 2-oxoacid-utilizing dioxygenases with a collective catalytic cycle ('HAG' mechanism). We hypothesize that NTBC-treated tyrosinemia I is a human model for the pathogenic role of two major enzymes in this class, 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (4-HPPD; EC 1.13.11.27) and prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4-H; E.C. 1.14.11.2), essential for tyrosine and collagen metabolism, respectively. METHODS In a patient with established tyrosinemia I, we monitored the in vivo activities of 4-HPPD and P4-H via five biomarkers before and during NTBC medication. Hypothesis testing at the molecular level was performed by computational modeling of NTBC binding to the crystal structure-derived active site of 4-HPPD, and then relating these findings to our experimental results and to known P4-H data. RESULTS NTBC rapidly normalized the biomarkers for 4-HPPD activity. However, those for P4-H activity remained uniformly elevated after one hundred days on NTBC, the PIIINP biomarker even increasing above its grossly abnormal, initial level. This selective enzyme inhibition despite a collective catalytic cycle is attributed to the conformation of NTBC, which only fits the active site of 4-HPPD, as confirmed by its crystal structure. CONCLUSIONS Normalization of hepatic collagen formation, highly desirable in all fibrotic liver diseases, is not achieved by NTBC in tyrosinemia I. By establishing the molecular cause for this failure, our results also establish a rational approach to identify inhibitors that achieve that goal, either by joint 4-HPPD / P-4H inhibition, or by inhibition of only P-4H.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hartmut M Hanauske-Abel
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pathology, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia and Cornell Campuses, Rockefeller University, New York, New York, USA.
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Beljaars L, Molema G, Schuppan D, Geerts A, De Bleser PJ, Weert B, Meijer DK, Poelstra K. Successful targeting to rat hepatic stellate cells using albumin modified with cyclic peptides that recognize the collagen type VI receptor. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:12743-51. [PMID: 10777570 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.275.17.12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The key pathogenic event in liver fibrosis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Consequently, new antifibrotic therapies are directed toward an inhibition of HSC activities. The aim of the present study was to develop a drug carrier to HSC, which would allow cell-specific delivery of antifibrotic drugs thus enhancing their effectiveness in vivo. We modified human serum albumin (HSA) with 10 cyclic peptide moieties recognizing collagen type VI receptors (C*GRGDSPC*, in which C* denotes the cyclizing cysteine residues) yielding pCVI-HSA. In vivo experiments showed preferential distribution of pCVI-HSA to both fibrotic and normal rat livers (respectively, 62 +/- 6 and 75 +/- 16% of the dose at 10 min after intravenous injection). Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that pCVI-HSA predominantly bound to HSC in fibrotic livers (73 +/- 14%). In contrast, endothelial cells contributed mostly to the total liver accumulation in normal rats. In vitro studies showed that pCVI-HSA specifically bound to rat HSC, in particular to the activated cells, and showed internalization of pCVI-HSA by these cells. In conclusion, pCVI-HSA may be applied as a carrier to deliver antifibrotic agents to HSC, which may strongly enhance the effectiveness and tissue selectivity of these drugs. This approach has the additional benefit that such carriers may block receptors that play a putative role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Beljaars
- Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration (GUIDE), Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Delivery, University Centre for Pharmacy, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Zhang LP, Takahara T, Yata Y, Furui K, Jin B, Kawada N, Watanabe A. Increased expression of plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor during liver fibrogenesis of rats: role of stellate cells. J Hepatol 1999; 31:703-11. [PMID: 10551395 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(99)80351-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Plasminogen activators and plasminogen activator inhibitors are important regulators of the balance between the proteolytic and antiproteolytic activities that determine extracellular matrix turnover. We examined the expression of plasminogen activator-plasmin system components in experimental liver fibrosis of rats. METHODS Liver fibrosis was produced in rats by injecting carbon tetrachloride for 6 to 12 weeks. Gene expression for plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), urokinase and tissue plasminogen activators (uPA and tPA), urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) was examined by Northern analysis. Western analysis was performed to detect protein expression of PAI-1, uPA and uPAR. An immunohistochemical study was performed to detect the localization of PAI-1. Additionally, primary cultured liver cells were examined by Northern and Western analyses for this protein with or without prior incubation with TGF-beta1. RESULTS At 6 weeks, when fibrosis had occurred, uPA and uPAR mRNAs had increased 2.8-fold and 1.8-fold, respectively; PAI-1 and tPA mRNA levels were unchanged. At the cirrhotic stage (9 to 12 weeks), mRNA levels for PAI-1, uPA, uPAR and tPA were all increased. Western analysis also showed increased uPA and uPAR expressions in fibrotic liver, and increased PAI-1, uPA and uPAR expressions in cirrhotic liver. PAI-1 protein was also demonstrated immunohistochemically along sinusoids, vessels, and bile duct cells of normal and fibrotic liver. In liver cell cultures, Kupffer cells, hepatocytes, and especially stellate cells, expressed PAI-1. Expression was enhanced in stellate cells cultured from fibrotic or cirrhotic liver or stimulated in vitro with TGF-beta1. CONCLUSION Though increased uPA and uPAR may act on matrix degradation in fibrotic liver, increased PAI-1 together with uPA, uPAR and tPA are associated with overall inhibition of matrix degradation in cirrhotic liver. Hepatic stellate cells are an important source of PAI-1 during liver fibrosis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Northern
- Blotting, Western
- Cells, Cultured
- Immunohistochemistry
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental/etiology
- Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental/metabolism
- Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental/pathology
- Male
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1/biosynthesis
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1/genetics
- Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1/metabolism
- Plasminogen Activators/metabolism
- Plasminogen Inactivators/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Receptors, Urokinase Plasminogen Activator
- Transforming Growth Factor beta/genetics
- Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator/genetics
- Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Zhang
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
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Yata Y, Takahara T, Furui K, Zhang LP, Watanabe A. Expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in acute liver injury. J Hepatol 1999; 30:419-24. [PMID: 10190724 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(99)80100-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Matrix metalloproteinase-13, one of the principal neutral proteinases capable of cleaving native fibrillar collagens, is important in the degradation and remodeling of extracellular matrix. However, its precise expression in liver injury has not been characterized. We examined the kinetics of the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and one of its specific inhibitors, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, in acute liver injury in rats. METHODS Acute liver injury was induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride or two different doses of D-galactosamine hydrochloride in Wistar rats. Hepatic matrix metalloproteinase-13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 mRNA levels were then examined by Northern blotting. RESULTS All rats survived after liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride or low doses of D-galactosamine hydrochloride. However, rats died 5 days after induction of liver injury by high doses of D-galactosamine hydrochloride. In carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury, matrix metalloproteinase-13 mRNA was transiently increased between 6 h and 1 day after injury. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 mRNA expression was increased between 6 h and 3 days after the peak of matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression. Similar patterns of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression were observed in low-dose D-galactosamine hydrochloride-induced liver injury. In contrast, in high-dose D-galactosamine hydrochloride-induced liver injury, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 expression peaked before matrix metalloproteinase-13 expression, which was increased 2 days after injury. Both mRNA levels continued to increase until death. CONCLUSIONS Transient expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13, followed by that of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, was observed during recovery from acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride and low-dose D-galactosamine hydrochloride. In contrast, disordered expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 was observed in fatal liver injury caused by high-dose D-galactosamine hydrochloride. These results indicate that matrix metalloproteinase13 plays an important role in the early phase of recovery from liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Yata
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Toyama Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
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