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Wei Q, Gan C, Sun M, Xie Y, Liu H, Xue T, Deng C, Mo C, Ye T. BRD4: an effective target for organ fibrosis. Biomark Res 2024; 12:92. [PMID: 39215370 PMCID: PMC11365212 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00641-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an excessive wound-healing response induced by repeated or chronic external stimuli to tissues, significantly impacting quality of life and primarily contributing to organ failure. Organ fibrosis is reported to cause 45% of all-cause mortality worldwide. Despite extensive efforts to develop new antifibrotic drugs, drug discovery has not kept pace with the clinical demand. Currently, only pirfenidone and nintedanib are approved by the FDA to treat pulmonary fibrotic illness, whereas there are currently no available antifibrotic drugs for hepatic, cardiac or renal fibrosis. The development of fibrosis is closely related to epigenetic alterations. The field of epigenetics primarily studies biological processes, including chromatin modifications, epigenetic readers, DNA transcription and RNA translation. The bromodomain and extra-terminal structural domain (BET) family, a class of epigenetic readers, specifically recognizes acetylated histone lysine residues and promotes the formation of transcriptional complexes. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is one of the most well-researched proteins in the BET family. BRD4 is implicated in the expression of genes related to inflammation and pro-fibrosis during fibrosis. Inhibition of BRD4 has shown promising anti-fibrotic effects in preclinical studies; however, no BRD4 inhibitor has been approved for clinical use. This review introduces the structure and function of BET proteins, the research progress on BRD4 in organ fibrosis, and the inhibitors of BRD4 utilized in fibrosis. We emphasize the feasibility of targeting BRD4 as an anti-fibrotic strategy and discuss the therapeutic potential and challenges associated with BRD4 inhibitors in treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qun Wei
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Meng Sun
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Conghui Deng
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunheng Mo
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Liver Disease, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Ningxia Medical University, Yin Chuan, 640100, China.
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Xiong F, Zhang Y, Li T, Tang Y, Song SY, Zhou Q, Wang Y. A detailed overview of quercetin: implications for cell death and liver fibrosis mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1389179. [PMID: 38855739 PMCID: PMC11157233 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1389179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Quercetin, a widespread polyphenolic flavonoid, is known for its extensive health benefits and is commonly found in the plant kingdom. The natural occurrence and extraction methods of quercetin are crucial due to its bioactive potential. Purpose This review aims to comprehensively cover the natural sources of quercetin, its extraction methods, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and its role in various cell death pathways and liver fibrosis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed across several electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang database, and ClinicalTrials.gov, up to 10 February 2024. The search terms employed were "quercetin", "natural sources of quercetin", "quercetin extraction methods", "bioavailability of quercetin", "pharmacokinetics of quercetin", "cell death pathways", "apoptosis", "autophagy", "pyroptosis", "necroptosis", "ferroptosis", "cuproptosis", "liver fibrosis", and "hepatic stellate cells". These keywords were interconnected using AND/OR as necessary. The search focused on studies that detailed the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of quercetin, its role in different cell death pathways, and its effects on liver fibrosis. Results This review details quercetin's involvement in various cell death pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, with particular attention to its regulatory influence on apoptosis and autophagy. It dissects the mechanisms through which quercetin affects these pathways across different cell types and dosages. Moreover, the paper delves into quercetin's effects on liver fibrosis, its interactions with hepatic stellate cells, and its modulation of pertinent signaling cascades. Additionally, it articulates from a physical organic chemistry standpoint the uniqueness of quercetin's structure and its potential for specific actions in the liver. Conclusion The paper provides a detailed analysis of quercetin, suggesting its significant role in modulating cell death mechanisms and mitigating liver fibrosis, underscoring its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yichen Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Wenjiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Si-Yuan Song
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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3
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Li X, Yang Q, Jiang P, Wen J, Chen Y, Huang J, Tian M, Ren J, Yang Q. Inhibition of CK2 Diminishes Fibrotic Scar Formation and Improves Outcomes After Ischemic Stroke via Reducing BRD4 Phosphorylation. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1254-1267. [PMID: 38381246 PMCID: PMC10991067 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04112-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Fibrotic scars play important roles in tissue reconstruction and functional recovery in the late stage of nervous system injury. However, the mechanisms underlying fibrotic scar formation and regulation remain unclear. Casein kinase II (CK2) is a protein kinase that regulates a variety of cellular functions through the phosphorylation of proteins, including bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4). CK2 and BRD4 participate in fibrosis formation in a variety of tissues. However, whether CK2 affects fibrotic scar formation remains unclear, as do the mechanisms of signal regulation after cerebral ischemic injury. In this study, we assessed whether CK2 could modulate fibrotic scar formation after cerebral ischemic injury through BRD4. Primary meningeal fibroblasts were isolated from neonatal rats and treated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), SB431542 (a TGF-β1 receptor kinase inhibitor) or TBB (a highly potent CK2 inhibitor). Adult SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with TBB to inhibit CK2 after MCAO/R. We found that CK2 expression was increased in vitro in the TGF-β1-induced fibrosis model and in vivo in the MCAO/R injury model. The TGF-β1 receptor kinase inhibitor SB431542 decreased CK2 expression in fibroblasts. The CK2 inhibitor TBB reduced the increases in proliferation, migration and activation of fibroblasts caused by TGF-β1 in vitro, and it inhibited fibrotic scar formation, ameliorated histopathological damage, protected Nissl bodies, decreased infarct volume and alleviated neurological deficits after MCAO/R injury in vivo. Furthermore, CK2 inhibition decreased BRD4 phosphorylation both in vitro and in vivo. The findings of the present study suggested that CK2 may control BRD4 phosphorylation to regulate fibrotic scar formation, to affecting outcomes after ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
- Department of Neurology, The Second People's Hospital of Chongqing Banan District, Chongqing, China
| | - Qinghuan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Peiran Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jun Wen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jiagui Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Mingfen Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jiangxia Ren
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Zhao J, Ghallab A, Hassan R, Dooley S, Hengstler JG, Drasdo D. A liver digital twin for in silico testing of cellular and inter-cellular mechanisms in regeneration after drug-induced damage. iScience 2024; 27:108077. [PMID: 38371522 PMCID: PMC10869925 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This communication presents a mathematical mechanism-based model of the regenerating liver after drug-induced pericentral lobule damage resolving tissue microarchitecture. The consequence of alternative hypotheses about the interplay of different cell types on regeneration was simulated. Regeneration dynamics has been quantified by the size of the damage-induced dead cell area, the hepatocyte density and the spatial-temporal profile of the different cell types. We use deviations of observed trajectories from the simulated system to identify branching points, at which the systems behavior cannot be explained by the underlying set of hypotheses anymore. Our procedure reflects a successful strategy for generating a fully digital liver twin that, among others, permits to test perturbations from the molecular up to the tissue scale. The model simulations are complementing current knowledge on liver regeneration by identifying gaps in mechanistic relationships and guiding the system toward the most informative (lacking) parameters that can be experimentally addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieling Zhao
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Technical University of Dortmund (IfADo), 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- Group SIMBIOTX, INRIA Saclay, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - Ahmed Ghallab
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Technical University of Dortmund (IfADo), 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Reham Hassan
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Technical University of Dortmund (IfADo), 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Steven Dooley
- Molecular Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jan Georg Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Technical University of Dortmund (IfADo), 44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Dirk Drasdo
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Technical University of Dortmund (IfADo), 44139 Dortmund, Germany
- Group SIMBIOTX, INRIA Saclay, 91120 Palaiseau, France
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5
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Zou Y, Zhan T, Liu J, Tan J, Liu W, Huang S, Cai Y, Huang M, Huang X, Tian X. CXCL6 promotes the progression of NAFLD through regulation of PPARα. Cytokine 2024; 174:156459. [PMID: 38056250 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have shown that Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension and metabolic syndrome, but its specific pathogenesis remains unclear. By analyzing GEO database, we found CXCL6 was upregulated in liver tissues of patients with NAFLD. We also confirmed with qPCR that CXCL6 is highly expressed in serum of patients with NAFLD. To identify the underlying impact of CXCL6 on NAFLD, we established animal and cell models of NAFLD. Similarly, we confirmed by qPCR and Western blot that CXCL6 was upregulated in the NAFLD model in vitro and vivo. After transfecting NAFLD cells with siRNA targeting CXCL6 (si-CXCL6), a series of functional experiments were carried out, and these data indicated that the inhibition of CXCL6 reduced intracellular lipid deposition, decreased AST, ALT and TG level, facilitate cell proliferation and suppress their apoptosis. Furthermore, western blot and qPCR analyses displayed that the suppression of CXCL6 could raise the PPARα expression, but PPAR α inhibitor, GW6471 could partially counteract this effect. What's more, Oil Red O staining, biochemical analyzer and TG detection kit revealed that GW6471 could reverse the inhibitory effect of si-CXCL6 on NAFLD. In summary, we provide convincing evidence that CXCL6 is markedly elevated in NAFLD, and the CXCL6/PPARα regulatory network mediates disease progression of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of WuHan University (WuHan Third Hospital), Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ting Zhan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of WuHan University (WuHan Third Hospital), Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jiaxi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jie Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of WuHan University (WuHan Third Hospital), Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Weijie Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of WuHan University (WuHan Third Hospital), Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Shasha Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of WuHan University (WuHan Third Hospital), Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yisan Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of WuHan University (WuHan Third Hospital), Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of WuHan University (WuHan Third Hospital), Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of WuHan University (WuHan Third Hospital), Wuhan 430060, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
| | - Xia Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital of WuHan University (WuHan Third Hospital), Wuhan 430060, China.
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6
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Du Y, Zhu S, Zeng H, Wang Z, Huang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang W, Zhu J, Yang C. Research Progress on the Effect of Autophagy and Exosomes on Liver Fibrosis. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 19:785-797. [PMID: 37102476 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x18666230427112930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease is a known risk factor for the development of liver cancer, and the development of microRNA (miRNA) liver therapies has been hampered by the difficulty of delivering miRNA to damaged tissues. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that hepatic stellate cell (HSC) autophagy and exosomes play an important role in maintaining liver homeostasis and ameliorating liver fibrosis. In addition, the interaction between HSC autophagy and exosomes also affects the progression of liver fibrosis. In this paper, we review the research progress of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EVs) loaded with specific miRNA and autophagy, and their related signaling pathways in liver fibrosis, which will provide a more reliable basis for the use of MSC-EVs for therapeutic delivery of miRNAs targeting the chronic liver disease.
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Grants
- 2021A1515011580, 2021B1515140012, 2023A1515010083, 2022A1515011696 Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
- 20211800905342, 20221800905572 Dongguan Science and Technology of Social Development Program
- 20211216 Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Guangdong Province
- A2020096, B2021330 Medical Scientific Research Foundation of Guangdong Province
- k202005 Research and Development Fund of Dongguan People's Hospital
- pdjh2021b0224 Special Funds for the Cultivation of Guangdong College Students' Scientific and Technological Innovation (Climbing Program Special Funds)
- 2020ZZDS002, 2020ZYDS005, 2021ZZDS006, 2021ZCDS003, ZYDS003 Guangdong Medical University Students' Innovation Experiment Program
- GDMU2020010, GDMU2020078, GDMU2021003, GDMU2021049 Guangdong Medical University Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program
- 202110571010, S202110571078, 202210571008, S202210571075 Provincial and National College Students' Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program
- 4SG23033G Guangdong Medical University-Southern Medical University Twinning Research Team Project
- GDMUZ2020009 Scientific Research Fund of Guangdong Medical University
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikuan Du
- Central Laboratory, Affiliated Dongguan Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523059, China
| | - Silin Zhu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Haojie Zeng
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Zhenjie Wang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yixing Huang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Yuqi Zhou
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Weichui Zhang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523808, China
- The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, 523716, China
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Xiong Z, Chen P, Yuan M, Yao L, Wang Z, Liu P, Jiang Y. Integrated Bioinformatics and Validation Reveal IFI27 and Its Related Molecules as Potential Identifying Genes in Liver Cirrhosis. Biomolecules 2023; 14:13. [PMID: 38275754 PMCID: PMC10813755 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis remains a significant global public health concern, with liver transplantation standing as the foremost effective treatment currently available. Therefore, investigating the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis and developing novel therapies is imperative. Mitochondrial dysfunction stands out as a pivotal factor in its development. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between mitochondria dysfunction and liver cirrhosis using bioinformatic methods to unveil its pathogenesis. Initially, we identified 460 co-expressed differential genes (co-DEGs) from the GSE14323 and GSE25097 datasets, alongside their combined datasets. Functional analysis revealed that these co-DEGs were associated with inflammatory cytokines and cirrhosis-related signaling pathways. Utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WCGNA), we screened module genes, intersecting them with co-DEGs and oxidative stress-related mitochondrial genes. Two algorithms (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and SVE-RFE) were then employed to further analyze the intersecting genes. Finally, COX7A1 and IFI27 emerged as identifying genes for liver cirrhosis, validated through a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and related experiments. Additionally, immune infiltration highlighted a strong correlation between macrophages and cirrhosis, with the identifying genes (COX7A1 and IFI27) being significantly associated with macrophages. In conclusion, our findings underscore the critical role of oxidative stress-related mitochondrial genes (COX7A1 and IFI27) in liver cirrhosis development, highlighting their association with macrophage infiltration. This study provides novel insights into understanding the pathogenesis of liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yingan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; (Z.X.); (P.C.); (M.Y.); (L.Y.); (Z.W.); (P.L.)
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Dai CL, Yang HX, Liu QP, Rahman K, Zhang H. CXCL6: A potential therapeutic target for inflammation and cancer. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4413-4427. [PMID: 37612429 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01152-8] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Chemokines were originally defined as cytokines that affect the movement of immune cells. In recent years, due to the increasing importance of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), the role of chemokines has changed from a single "chemotactic agent" to a key factor that can regulate TME and affect the tumor phenotype. CXCL6, also known as granulocyte chemoattractant protein-2 (GCP-2), can recruit neutrophils to complete non-specific immunity in the process of inflammation. Cancer-related genes and interleukin family can promote the abnormal secretion of CXCL6, which promotes tumor growth, metastasis, epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and angiogenesis in the TME. CXCL6 also has a role in promoting fibrosis and tissue damage repair. In this review, we focus on the regulatory network affecting CXCL6 expression, its role in the progress of inflammation and how it affects tumorigenesis and progression based on the TME, in an attempt to provide a potential target for the treatment of diseases such as inflammation and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Lan Dai
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Xuan Yang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiu-Ping Liu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Khalid Rahman
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Science, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Hong Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Liang W, Huang X, Shi J. Macrophages Serve as Bidirectional Regulators and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Liver Fibrosis. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:659-671. [PMID: 37695501 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01173-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological process in which the structure and function of the liver abnormally change due to long-term complex inflammatory reactions and chronic liver injury caused by multiple internal and external factors. Previous studies believed that the activation of hepatic stellate cells is a critical part of the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. However, an increasing number of studies have indicated that the macrophage plays an important role as a central regulator in liver fibrosis, and it directly affects the development and recovery of liver fibrosis. Studies of macrophages and liver fibrosis in the recent 10 years will be reviewed in this paper. This review will not only clarify the molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis regulated by macrophages but also provide new strategies and methods for ameliorating and treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
| | - Xianing Huang
- Guangxi International Travel Healthcare Centre (Port Clinic of Nanning Customs District), Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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10
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Roser LA, Luckhardt S, Ziegler N, Thomas D, Wagner PV, Damm G, Scheffschick A, Hewitt P, Parnham MJ, Schiffmann S. Immuno-inflammatory in vitro hepatotoxicity models to assess side effects of biologicals exemplified by aldesleukin. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275368. [PMID: 38045689 PMCID: PMC10693457 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatotoxicity induced by immunotherapeutics is an appearing cause for immune-mediated drug-induced liver injury. Such immuno-toxic mechanisms are difficult to assess using current preclinical models and the incidence is too low to detect in clinical trials. As hepatotoxicity is a frequent reason for post-authorisation drug withdrawal, there is an urgent need for immuno-inflammatory in vitro models to assess the hepatotoxic potential of immuno-modulatory drug candidates. We developed several immuno-inflammatory hepatotoxicity test systems based on recombinant human interleukin-2 (aldesleukin). Methods Co-culture models of primary human CD8+ T cells or NK cells with the hepatocyte cell line HepaRG were established and validated with primary human hepatocytes (PHHs). Subsequently, the HepaRG model was refined by increasing complexity by inclusion of monocyte-derived macrophages (MdMs). The main readouts were cytotoxicity, inflammatory mediator release, surface marker expression and specific hepatocyte functions. Results We identified CD8+ T cells as possible mediators of aldesleukin-mediated hepatotoxicity, with MdMs being implicated in increased aldesleukin-induced inflammatory effects. In co-cultures of CD8+ T cells with MdMs and HepaRG cells, cytotoxicity was induced at intermediate/high aldesleukin concentrations and perforin was upregulated. A pro-inflammatory milieu was created measured by interleukin-6 (IL-6), c-reactive protein (CRP), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) increase. NK cells responded to aldesleukin, however, only minor aldesleukin-induced cytotoxic effects were measured in co-cultures. Results obtained with HepaRG cells and with PHHs were comparable, especially regarding cytotoxicity, but high inter-donor variations limited meaningfulness of the PHH model. Discussion The in vitro test systems developed contribute to the understanding of potential key mechanisms in aldesleukin-mediated hepatotoxicity. In addition, they may aid assessment of immune-mediated hepatotoxicity during the development of novel immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise A. Roser
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sonja Luckhardt
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nicole Ziegler
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dominique Thomas
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pia Viktoria Wagner
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Georg Damm
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral Transplantation, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andrea Scheffschick
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral Transplantation, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Philip Hewitt
- Chemical and Preclinical Safety, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Michael J. Parnham
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- Department of Preclinical Research, Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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11
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Park HJ, Choi J, Kim H, Yang DY, An TH, Lee EW, Han BS, Lee SC, Kim WK, Bae KH, Oh KJ. Cellular heterogeneity and plasticity during NAFLD progression. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1221669. [PMID: 37635938 PMCID: PMC10450943 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1221669] [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: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive liver disease that can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), NASH-related cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis (or nonalcoholic fatty liver [NAFL]) to NASH as a progressive form of NAFL, which is characterized by steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning with or without fibrosis. Because of the complex pathophysiological mechanism and the heterogeneity of NAFLD, including its wide spectrum of clinical and histological characteristics, no specific therapeutic drugs have been approved for NAFLD. The heterogeneity of NAFLD is closely associated with cellular plasticity, which describes the ability of cells to acquire new identities or change their phenotypes in response to environmental stimuli. The liver consists of parenchymal cells including hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and nonparenchymal cells including Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and endothelial cells, all of which have specialized functions. This heterogeneous cell population has cellular plasticity to adapt to environmental changes. During NAFLD progression, these cells can exert diverse and complex responses at multiple levels following exposure to a variety of stimuli, including fatty acids, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Therefore, this review provides insights into NAFLD heterogeneity by addressing the cellular plasticity and metabolic adaptation of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and Kupffer cells during NAFLD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Park
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoung Choi
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmi Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Yeon Yang
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyeon An
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Woo Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Baek-Soo Han
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Biodefense Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kon Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hee Bae
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Oh
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Ullah A, Ud Din A, Ding W, Shi Z, Pervaz S, Shen B. A narrative review: CXC chemokines influence immune surveillance in obesity and obesity-related diseases: Type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2023; 24:611-631. [PMID: 37000372 PMCID: PMC10063956 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09800-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Adipose tissue develops lipids, aberrant adipokines, chemokines, and pro-inflammatory cytokines as a consequence of the low-grade systemic inflammation that characterizes obesity. This low-grade systemic inflammation can lead to insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic complications, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although the CXC chemokines consists of numerous regulators of inflammation, cellular function, and cellular migration, it is still unknown that how CXC chemokines and chemokine receptors contribute to the development of metabolic diseases (such as T2D and NAFLD) during obesity. In light of recent research, the objective of this review is to provide an update on the linkage between the CXC chemokine, obesity, and obesity-related metabolic diseases (T2D and NAFLD). We explore the differential migratory and immunomodulatory potential of CXC chemokines and their mechanisms of action to better understand their role in clinical and laboratory contexts. Besides that, because CXC chemokine profiling is strongly linked to leukocyte recruitment, macrophage recruitment, and immunomodulatory potential, we hypothesize that it could be used to predict the therapeutic potential for obesity and obesity-related diseases (T2D and NAFLD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Ullah
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Xinchuan Road 2222, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ahmad Ud Din
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Xinchuan Road 2222, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen Ding
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Xinchuan Road 2222, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zheng Shi
- Clinical Genetics Laboratory, Clinical Medical College & Affiliated hospital, Chengdu University, 610106, Chengdu, China
| | - Sadaf Pervaz
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Institutes for Systems Genetics, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Xinchuan Road 2222, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Lee HL, Tsai YC, Pikatan NW, Yeh CT, Yadav VK, Chen MY, Tsai JT. Tumor-Associated Macrophages Affect the Tumor Microenvironment and Radioresistance via the Upregulation of CXCL6/CXCR2 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2081. [PMID: 37509721 PMCID: PMC10377183 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma is the sixth most diagnosed malignancy and the fourth most common cause of cancer-related mortality globally. Despite progress in the treatment of liver cancer, nonsurgical treatments remain unsatisfactory, and only 15% of early-stage cases are surgically operable. Radiotherapy (RT) is a non-surgical treatment option for liver cancer when other traditional treatment methods are ineffective. However, RT has certain limitations, including eliciting poor therapeutic effects in patients with advanced and recurrent tumors. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are major inflammatory cells in the tumor microenvironment that are key to tumor development, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis, and they play an essential role in RT responses. METHODS We used big data analysis to determine the potential of targeting CXCL6/CXCR2. We enrolled 50 patients with liver cancer who received RT at our hospital. Tumor tissue samples were examined for any relationship between CXCL6/CXCR2 activity and patient prognosis. Using a cell coculture system (Transwell), we cocultured Huh7 liver cancer cells and THP-1 monocytes with and without CXCL6/CXCR2 small interfering RNA for 72 h. RESULTS The overexpression of CXCL6/CXCR2 was highly correlated with mortality. Our tissue study indicated a positive correlation between CXCL6/CXCR2 and M2-TAMs subsets. The coculture study demonstrated that THP-1 monocytes can secrete CXCL6, which acts on the CXCR2 receptor on the surface of Huh7 cells and activates IFN-g/p38 MAPK/NF-κB signals to promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and radio-resistance. CONCLUSIONS Modulating the TAM/CXCL6/CXCR2 tumor immune signaling axis may be a new treatment strategy for the effective eradication of radiotherapy-resistant hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Lun Lee
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- The PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chieh Tsai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Narpati Wesa Pikatan
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
| | - Chi-Tai Yeh
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
- Continuing Education Program of Food Biotechnology Applications, College of Science and Engineering, National Taitung University, Taitung 95092, Taiwan
| | - Vijesh Kumar Yadav
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yao Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Ting Tsai
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan
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Shaker ME, Gomaa HAM, Abdelgawad MA, El-Mesery M, Shaaban AA, Hazem SH. Emerging roles of tyrosine kinases in hepatic inflammatory diseases and therapeutic opportunities. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110373. [PMID: 37257270 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation has been convicted of causing and worsening many liver diseases like acute liver failure, fibrosis, cirrhosis, fatty liver and liver cancer. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like TLRs 4 and 9 localized on resident or recruited immune cells are well known cellular detectors of pathogen and damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/DAMPs). Stimulation of these receptors generates the sterile and non-sterile inflammatory responses in the liver. When these responses are repeated, there will be a sustained liver injury that may progress to fibrosis and its outcomes. Crosstalk between inflammatory/fibrogenic-dependent streams and certain tyrosine kinases (TKs) has recently evolved in the context of hepatic diseases. Because of TKs increasing importance, their role should be elucidated to highlight effective approaches to manage the diverse liver disorders. This review will give a brief overview of types and functions of some TKs like BTK, JAKs, Syk, PI3K, Src and c-Abl, as well as receptors for TAM, PDGF, EGF, VEGF and HGF. It will then move to discuss the roles of these TKs in the regulation of the proinflammatory, fibrogenic and tumorigenic responses in the liver. Lastly, the therapeutic opportunities for targeting TKs in hepatic inflammatory disorders will be addressed. Overall, this review sheds light on the diverse TKs that have substantial roles in hepatic disorders and potential therapeutics modulating their activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed E Shaker
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hesham A M Gomaa
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Abdelgawad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72341, Aljouf, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed El-Mesery
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; Division of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ahmed A Shaaban
- Department of Pharmacology & Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa 11152, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Sara H Hazem
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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15
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Wang Z, Du K, Jin N, Tang B, Zhang W. Macrophage in liver Fibrosis: Identities and mechanisms. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110357. [PMID: 37224653 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic disease characterized by the deposition of extracellular matrix and continuous loss of tissues that perform liver functions. Macrophages are crucial modulators of innate immunity and play important roles in liver fibrogenesis. Macrophages comprise heterogeneous subpopulations that exhibit different cellular functions. Understanding the identity and function of these cells is essential for understanding the mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis. According to different definitions, liver macrophages are divided into M1/M2 macrophages or monocyte-derived macrophages/Kupffer cells. Classic M1/M2 phenotyping corresponds to pro- or anti-inflammatory effects, and, therefore, influences the degree of fibrosis in later phases. In contrast, the origin of the macrophages is closely associated with their replenishment and activation during liver fibrosis. These two classifications of macrophages depict the function and dynamics of liver-infiltrating macrophages. However, neither description properly elucidates the positive or negative role of macrophages in liver fibrosis. Critical tissue cells mediating liver fibrosis include hepatic stellate cells and hepatic fibroblasts, with hepatic stellate cells being of particular interest because of their close association with macrophages in liver fibrosis. However, the molecular biological descriptions of macrophages are inconsistent between mice and humans, warranting further investigations. In liver fibrosis, macrophages can secrete various pro-fibrotic cytokines, such as TGF-β, Galectin-3 and interleukins (ILs), and fibrosis-inhibiting cytokines, such as IL10. These different secretions may be associated with the specific identity and spatiotemporal characteristics of macrophages. Furthermore, during fibrosis dissipation, macrophages may degrade extracellular matrix by secreting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Notably, using macrophages as therapeutic targets in liver fibrosis has been explored. The current therapeutic approaches for liver fibrosis can by categorized as follows: treatment with macrophage-related molecules and macrophage infusion therapy. Although there have been limited studies, macrophages have shown reliable potential for liver fibrosis treatment. In this review, we focu on the identity and function of macrophages and their relationship to the progression and regression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine Center, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Kailei Du
- Dongyang Peoples hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nake Jin
- Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Biao Tang
- Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenwu Zhang
- Department of Critical Care, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang, China
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Zhang Q, Wu YX, Yu XQ, Zhang BY, Ma LY. EZH2 serves as a promising therapeutic target for fibrosis. Bioorg Chem 2023; 137:106578. [PMID: 37156135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106578] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis affects the function of many organs and tissues, and its persistent development can lead to tissue sclerosis and cancer, even leading to death further. Recent studies suggested that enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a major regulator of epigenetic repression, played an important role in the occurrence and development of fibrosis through gene silencing or transcriptional activation. As the most studied and powerful pro-fibrotic cytokine closely related to EZH2, TGF-β1 was primarily involved in the regulation of fibrosis along with the typical Smads and non-Smads signaling pathways. In addition, EZH2 inhibitors demonstrated inhibitory effects in several types of fibrosis. This review summarized the relationship underlying the action of EZH2, TGF-β1/Smads, and TGF-β1/non-Smads with fibrosis and described the research progress of EZH2 inhibitors in the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China
| | - Ya-Xi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China
| | - Xiao-Qian Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China
| | - Bao-Yin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, PR China.
| | - Li-Ying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology, Ministry of Education of China, School of Pharmaceutical Science and Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, PR China; China Meheco Topfond Pharmaceutical Co., Key Laboratory of Cardio-cerebrovascular Drug, Zhumadian 463000, PR China.
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Al-Najjar AH, Ayob AR, Awad AS. Role of Lactoferrin in Treatment of Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats: Impact on Inflammation and TGF-β1/Smad2/α SMA Signaling Pathway. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:428-436. [PMID: 37250877 PMCID: PMC10213847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic fibrosis is a major health issue that might lead to hepatic cirrhosis and cancer. One of its main causes is cholestasis, which has been stimulated by bile duct ligation (BDL) to block the bile flow from the liver. As for the treatment, lactoferrin (LF), the iron-binding glycoprotein, has been evaluated in various studies for the treatment of infections, inflammation, and cancer. The current study aims to investigate the curative effects of LF on BDL-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Methods Rats were randomly allocated into 4 groups: (1) Control sham, (2) BDL: that have been subjected to a surgery of BDL, (3) BDL + LF: 14 days later after surgery; they have been subjected to LF treatment (300 mg/kg/day, po) for two weeks, and (4) LF group has been administered (300 mg/kg/day, po) for two weeks. Results BDL elevated inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin -1beta (IL-1β) by 635% and 250% (P ≤ 0.05), respectively, as sham group), beside it decreased the anti-inflammatory cytokine, interleukin- 10 (IL-10) by 47.7% (P ≤ 0.05) as sham group, causing inflammation, and fibrosis of the liver by the up-regulation of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2/α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) signaling pathway. LF treatment ameliorated these effects through its anti-inflammatory action (it significantly decreased tumor necrosis factor-alpha and IL-1β by 166% and 159% (P ≤ 0.05), respectively, as sham group, while increased IL-10 by 86.8% (P ≤ 0.05), as sham group) and anti-fibrotic effect by the down-regulation of TGF-β1/Smad2/α-SMA signaling pathway. These results were confirmed by histopathological examination. Conclusion lactoferrin shows promising results for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis via attenuating the TGF-β1/Smad2/α-SMA pathway and through its properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya H. Al-Najjar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya R. Ayob
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, 6th of October University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Azza S. Awad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Guan D, Bae H, Zhou D, Chen Y, Jiang C, La CM, Xiao Y, Zhu K, Hu W, Trinh TM, Liu P, Xiong Y, Cai B, Jang C, Lazar MA. Hepatocyte SREBP signaling mediates clock communication within the liver. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e163018. [PMID: 37066875 PMCID: PMC10104893 DOI: 10.1172/jci163018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhythmic intraorgan communication coordinates environmental signals and the cell-intrinsic clock to maintain organ homeostasis. Hepatocyte-specific KO of core components of the molecular clock Rev-erbα and -β (Reverb-hDKO) alters cholesterol and lipid metabolism in hepatocytes as well as rhythmic gene expression in nonparenchymal cells (NPCs) of the liver. Here, we report that in fatty liver caused by diet-induced obesity (DIO), hepatocyte SREBP cleavage-activating protein (SCAP) was required for Reverb-hDKO-induced diurnal rhythmic remodeling and epigenomic reprogramming in liver macrophages (LMs). Integrative analyses of isolated hepatocytes and LMs revealed that SCAP-dependent lipidomic changes in REV-ERB-depleted hepatocytes led to the enhancement of LM metabolic rhythms. Hepatocytic loss of REV-ERBα and β (REV-ERBs) also attenuated LM rhythms via SCAP-independent polypeptide secretion. These results shed light on the signaling mechanisms by which hepatocytes regulate diurnal rhythms in NPCs in fatty liver disease caused by DIO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyin Guan
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hosung Bae
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Dishu Zhou
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ying Chen
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chunjie Jiang
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cam Mong La
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yang Xiao
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kun Zhu
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wenxiang Hu
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Basic Research, Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangdong, China
| | - Trang Minh Trinh
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Panpan Liu
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ying Xiong
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bishuang Cai
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cholsoon Jang
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Mitchell A. Lazar
- Institute for Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Department of Medicine and
- Department of Genetics, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Yang Z, Liu Y, Cheng Q, Chen T. Targeting super enhancers for liver disease: a review. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14780. [PMID: 36726725 PMCID: PMC9885865 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Super enhancers (SEs) refer to the ultralong regions of a gene accompanied by multiple transcription factors and cofactors and strongly drive the expression of cell-type-related genes. Recent studies have demonstrated that SEs play crucial roles in regulating gene expression related to cell cycle progression and transcription. Aberrant activation of SEs is closely related to the occurrence and development of liver disease. Liver disease, especially liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), constitutes a major class of diseases that seriously endanger human health. Currently, therapeutic strategies targeting SEs can dramatically prevent disease progression and improve the prognosis of animal models. The associated new approaches to the treatment of related liver disease are relatively new and need systematic elaboration. Objectives In this review, we elaborate on the features of SEs and discuss their function in liver disease. Additionally, we review their application prospects in clinical practice in the future. The article would be of interest to hepatologists, molecular biologists, clinicians, and all those concerned with targeted therapy and prognosis of liver disease. Methodology We searched three bibliographic databases (Web of Science Core Collection, Embase, PubMed) from 01/1981 to 06/2022 for peer-reviewed scientific publications focused on (1) gene treatment of liver disease; (2) current status of SE research; and (3) targeting SEs for liver disease. We included English language original studies only. Results The number of published studies considering the role of enhancers in liver disease is considerable. Since SEs were just defined in 2013, the corresponding data on SEs are scarce: approximately 50 papers found in bibliographic databases on the correlation between enhancers (or SEs) and liver disease. Remarkably, half of these papers were published in the past three years, indicating the growing interest of the scientific community in this issue. Studies have shown that treatments targeting components of SEs can improve outcomes in liver disease in animal and clinical trials. Conclusions The treatment of liver disease is facing a bottleneck, and new treatments are needed. Therapeutic regimens targeting SEs have an important role in the treatment of liver disease. However, given the off-target effect of gene therapy and the lack of clinical trials, the available experimental data are still fragmented and controversial.
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Li X, Zhu H, Wen J, Huang J, Chen Y, Tian M, Ren J, Zhou L, Yang Q. Inhibition of BRD4 decreases fibrous scarring after ischemic stroke in rats by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Brain Res 2022; 1797:148126. [PMID: 36244457 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Fibrous scarring may play a much more important role in preventing secondary expansion of tissue damage and hindering repair and regeneration than glial scarring after central nervous system (CNS) injury. However, relatively little is known about how fibrous scars form and how fibrous scar formation is regulated after CNS injury. Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) is involved in fibrosis in many tissues, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2/3 signaling is one of the critical pathways of fibrosis. However, it is unclear whether and how BRD4 affects fibrous scar formation after ischemicbraininjury. In the present study, whether BRD4 can regulate the formation of fibrous scars after ischemic stroke via TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling was assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary meningeal fibroblasts isolated from neonatal SD rats were treated with TGF-β1, SB431542 (a TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor) and JQ1 (a small-molecule BET inhibitor that can also inhibit BRD4). BRD4 was knocked down in adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by using adenovirus before middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) injury. The proliferation and migration of meningeal fibroblasts in vitro were evaluated with the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and scratch test, respectively. Neurological function was assessed with Longa scores, modified Bederson Scores and modified neurological severity scores (mNSSs). The infarct volume was assessed with TTC staining. The protein expression of synaptophysin (SY), BRD4, Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-1 (COL1) and fibronectin (FN) in vivo and in vitro was examined with immunocytochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting. KEY FINDINGS BRD4 expression was upregulated in a TGF-β1-induced meningeal fibroblast fibrosis model and was downregulated by the TGF-β1 receptor inhibitor SB431542 in vitro. JQ1, a small-molecule BET inhibitor, inhibited BRD4 and decreased TGF-β1-induced meningeal fibroblast proliferation, migration and activation. Furthermore, MCAO/R injury induced fibrosis and upregulated BRD4 expression in the cerebral infarct center. BRD4 knockdown by adenovirus inhibited fibrous scarring, promoted synaptic survival, decreased the infarct volume, and improved neurological function after MCAO/R injury. Moreover, inhibition of BRD4, either by JQ1 in vitro or adenovirus in vivo, decreased the phosphorylation of Smad2/3. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to indicate that inhibition of BRD4 delays fibrous scarring after ischemic stroke through mechanisms involving the phosphorylation of Smad2/3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Huimin Zhu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Wen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiagui Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mingfen Tian
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiangxia Ren
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Li B, Zhou J, Luo Y, Tao K, Zhang L, Zhao Y, Lin Y, Zeng X, Yu H. Suppressing circ_0008494 inhibits HSCs activation by regulating the miR-185-3p/Col1a1 axis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1050093. [PMID: 36467040 PMCID: PMC9713816 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1050093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is characterized by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and extensive deposition of extracellular matrix components, especially collagens. However, effective antifibrotic therapies are still lacking. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as novel regulators of HF. Methods: circRNAs profile was screened by RNA sequencing and the location of circ_0008494 was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization assay in human HF tissues. Bioinformatics analysis was used for result prediction and dual-luciferase reporter, together with AGO-RIP and biotin-coupled miRNA capture assays, were used to determine miR-185-3p/collagen type I alpha 1 chain (Col1a1) as the target of circ_0008494. A stable circ_0008494-interfering human HSCs cell line was constructed and used to determine the regulatory mechanism of circ_0008494/miR-185-3p/Col1a1 axis. Results: circ_0008494 was abundantly and significantly over-expressed in human HF tissues and located at the cytoplasm of HSCs. Together, dual-luciferase reporter, AGO-RIP and biotin-coupled miRNA capture assays confirmed that circ_0008494 acted as a sponge of miR-185-3p. Cell functional experiments and rescue assays demonstrated suppressing circ_0008494 could inhibit activation, proliferation, migration of HSCs and promote their apoptosis through miR-185-3p. In particular, the HF indicator, Col1a1, was validated as the direct target of miR-185-3p and the suppression of circ_0008494 inhibited the expression of Col1a1 by releasing miR-185-3p. Conclusion: Knocking down circ_0008494 inhibited HSCs activation through the miR-185-3p/Col1a1 axis. circ_0008494 could be a promising treatment target for HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Li
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaming Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kegong Tao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lifen Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyu Yu
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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22
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Tao S, Yang L, Wu C, Hu Y, Guo F, Ren Q, Ma L, Fu P. Gambogenic acid alleviates kidney fibrosis via epigenetic inhibition of EZH2 to regulate Smad7-dependent mechanism. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 106:154390. [PMID: 35994849 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics regulating gene expression plays important role in kidney fibrosis. Natural products originating from diverse sources including plants and microorganisms are capable to influence epigenetic modifications. Gambogenic acid (GNA) is a caged xanthone extracted from gamboge resin, exudation of Garcinia hanburyi Hook.f., and the effect of GNA on kidney fibrosis with its underlying mechanism on epigenetics remains unknown. PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the role of GNA against kidney fibrogenesis by histone methylation mediating gene expression. METHODS Two experimental mice of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and folic acid (FA) were given two dosages of GNA (3 and 6 mg/kg/d). TGF-β1 was used to stimulate mouse tubular epithelial (TCMK-1) cells and siRNAs were transfected to verify the underlying mechanisms of GNA. Histological changes were evaluated by HE, MASSON stainings, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Western blot and qPCR were used to measure protein/gene transcription levels. RESULTS GNA dose-dependently alleviated UUO-induced kidney fibrosis and FA-induced kidney early fibrosis, indicated by the pathology and fibrotic factor changes (α-SMA, collagen I, collagen VI, and fibronectin). Mechanically, GNA reduced enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) and H3K27me3, promoted Smad7 transcription, and inhibited TGF-β/Smad3 fibrotic signaling in injured kidneys. Moreover, with TGF-β1-induced EZH2 increasing, GNA suppressed α-SMA, fibronectin and collagen levels in tubular epithelial TCMK-1 cells. Although partially decreasing EZH2, GNA did not influence fibrotic signaling in Smad7 siRNA-transfected TCMK-1 cells. CONCLUSION Epigenetic inhibition of EZH2 by GNA ameliorated kidney fibrogenesis via regulating Smad7-meidated TGF-β/Smad3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibei Tao
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lina Yang
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chenzhou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Ying Hu
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fan Guo
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Qian Ren
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Liang Ma
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Ping Fu
- Kidney Research Institute, Division of Nephrology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Tian H, Xu F, Zhao F, Pan N, Lu S, Jia X, Zhou Y. Early-immediate gene Egr1 is associated with TGFβ1 regulation of epigenetic reader Bromodomain-containing protein 4 via the canonical Smad3 signaling in hepatic stellate cells in vitro and in vivo. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22605. [PMID: 36250963 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201263r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Upon chronic damage to the liver, multiple cytokines stimulate hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), causing the alterations of gene expression profiles and thus leading to HSC activation, a key step in liver fibrogenesis. Activated HSCs are the dominant contributors to liver fibrosis. Bromodomain containing protein 4 (BrD4), an important epigenetic reader, was demonstrated to concentrate on hundreds of enhancers associated with genes involved in multiple profibrotic pathways, thereby directing HSC activation and the fibrotic responses. The present studies were designed to examine the effect of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1), the most potent pro-fibrotic cytokine, on BrD4 expression in HSCs and, if so, elucidated the underlying mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. The experiments employed the heterogeneous TGFβ1 knockout (TGFβ1+/- ) mice, gene knockdown in vivo, and a model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury. The results revealed that TGFβ1 enhanced BrD4 expression in HSCs, which was mediated, at least, by Smad3 signaling and early-immediate gene Egr1 (early growth response-1). TGFβ1-induced Smad3 signaling increased Egr1 expression and promoted Egr1 binding to BrD4 promoter at a site around -111 bp, promoting BrD4 expression. Egr1 knockdown reduced BrD4 expression in HSCs in a mouse model of TAA-induced liver injury and lessened liver fibrosis. Double fluorescence staining demonstrated a strong increase in BrD4 expression in activated HSCs in fibrotic areas of the human livers, paralleling the upregulation of p-Smad3 and Egr1. This research suggested novel molecular events underlying the roles of the master pro-fibrotic cytokine TGFβ1 in HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haimeng Tian
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Feifan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Nantong Hospital of Shanghai University (The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong), Nantong, China
| | - Feifei Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Nachuan Pan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sidan Lu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xin Jia
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yajun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical School, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Creeden JF, Kipp ZA, Xu M, Flight RM, Moseley HNB, Martinez GJ, Lee W, Alganem K, Imami AS, McMullen MR, Roychowdhury S, Nawabi AM, Hipp JA, Softic S, Weinman SA, McCullumsmith R, Nagy LE, Hinds TD. Hepatic kinome atlas: An in-depth identification of kinase pathways in liver fibrosis of humans and rodents. Hepatology 2022; 76:1376-1388. [PMID: 35313030 PMCID: PMC9489820 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Resolution of pathways that converge to induce deleterious effects in hepatic diseases, such as in the later stages, have potential antifibrotic effects that may improve outcomes. We aimed to explore whether humans and rodents display similar fibrotic signaling networks. APPROACH AND RESULTS We assiduously mapped kinase pathways using 340 substrate targets, upstream bioinformatic analysis of kinase pathways, and over 2000 random sampling iterations using the PamGene PamStation kinome microarray chip technology. Using this technology, we characterized a large number of kinases with altered activity in liver fibrosis of both species. Gene expression and immunostaining analyses validated many of these kinases as bona fide signaling events. Surprisingly, the insulin receptor emerged as a considerable protein tyrosine kinase that is hyperactive in fibrotic liver disease in humans and rodents. Discoidin domain receptor tyrosine kinase, activated by collagen that increases during fibrosis, was another hyperactive protein tyrosine kinase in humans and rodents with fibrosis. The serine/threonine kinases found to be the most active in fibrosis were dystrophy type 1 protein kinase and members of the protein kinase family of kinases. We compared the fibrotic events over four models: humans with cirrhosis and three murine models with differing levels of fibrosis, including two models of fatty liver disease with emerging fibrosis. The data demonstrate a high concordance between human and rodent hepatic kinome signaling that focalizes, as shown by our network analysis of detrimental pathways. CONCLUSIONS Our findings establish a comprehensive kinase atlas for liver fibrosis, which identifies analogous signaling events conserved among humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin F. Creeden
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOhioUSA
| | - Zachary A. Kipp
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Mei Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Robert M. Flight
- Department of Molecular & Cellular BiochemistryUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Resource Center for Stable Isotope Resolved MetabolomicsUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Hunter N. B. Moseley
- Department of Molecular & Cellular BiochemistryUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Resource Center for Stable Isotope Resolved MetabolomicsUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Institute for Biomedical InformaticsUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Center for Clinical and Translational ScienceUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Genesee J. Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Wang‐Hsin Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Khaled Alganem
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOhioUSA
| | - Ali S. Imami
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOhioUSA
| | - Megan R. McMullen
- Department of Inflammation and ImmunityCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | | | - Atta M. Nawabi
- Division of Transplant and HepatobiliaryDepartment of SurgeryThe University of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | | | - Samir Softic
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
| | - Steven A. Weinman
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver CenterUniversity of Kansas Medical CenterKansas CityKansasUSA
| | - Robert McCullumsmith
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of Toledo College of Medicine and Life SciencesToledoOhioUSA
- Neurosciences InstituteProMedicaToledoOhioUSA
| | - Laura E. Nagy
- Department of Inflammation and ImmunityCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyCenter for Liver Disease ResearchCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Molecular MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Terry D. Hinds
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional SciencesUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Markey Cancer CenterUniversity of KentuckyLexingtonKentuckyUSA
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes CenterUniversity of Kentucky College of MedicineLexingtonKentuckyUSA
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Liu Y, Zhang J, Wang Z, Ma J, Wang K, Rao D, Zhang M, Lin Y, Wu Y, Yang Z, Dong L, Ding Z, Zhang X, Fan J, Shi Y, Gao Q. Multi-omics characterization reveals the pathogenesis of liver focal nodular hyperplasia. iScience 2022; 25:104921. [PMID: 36060063 PMCID: PMC9436768 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular landscape and pathogenesis of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) have yet to be elucidated. We performed multi-omics approaches on FNH and paired normal liver tissues from 22 patients, followed by multi-level bioinformatic analyses and experimental validations. Generally, FNH had low mutation burden with low variant allele frequencies, and the mutation frequency significantly correlated with proliferation rate. Although no recurrently deleterious genomic events were found, some putative tumor suppressors or oncogenes were involved. Mutational signatures indicated potential impaired mismatch function and possible poison contact. Integrated analyses unveiled a group of FNH specific endothelial cells that uniquely expressed SOST and probably had strong interaction with fibroblasts through PDGFB/PDGFRB pathway to promote fibrosis. Notably, in one atypical FNH (patient No.11) with pronounced copy number variations, we observed a unique immune module. Most FNH are benign, but molecularly atypical FNH still exist; endothelial cell derived PDGFB probably promotes the fibrogenic process in FNH. FNHs are genetically stable, but high mutation cases exist FNHs have unique transcriptomic modules, and they alter in atypical FNH FNH has a unique type of SOST-expressing endothelial cells that may promote fibrosis
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Targeting fibrosis, mechanisms and cilinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:206. [PMID: 35773269 PMCID: PMC9247101 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by the excessive extracellular matrix deposition due to dysregulated wound and connective tissue repair response. Multiple organs can develop fibrosis, including the liver, kidney, heart, and lung. Fibrosis such as liver cirrhosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and cystic fibrosis caused substantial disease burden. Persistent abnormal activation of myofibroblasts mediated by various signals, such as transforming growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and fibroblast growh factor, has been recongized as a major event in the occurrence and progression of fibrosis. Although the mechanisms driving organ-specific fibrosis have not been fully elucidated, drugs targeting these identified aberrant signals have achieved potent anti-fibrotic efficacy in clinical trials. In this review, we briefly introduce the aetiology and epidemiology of several fibrosis diseases, including liver fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Then, we summarise the abnormal cells (epithelial cells, endothelial cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts) and their interactions in fibrosis. In addition, we also focus on the aberrant signaling pathways and therapeutic targets that regulate myofibroblast activation, extracellular matrix cross-linking, metabolism, and inflammation in fibrosis. Finally, we discuss the anti-fibrotic drugs based on their targets and clinical trials. This review provides reference for further research on fibrosis mechanism, drug development, and clinical trials.
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Cao Y, Mai W, Li R, Deng S, Li L, Zhou Y, Qin Q, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Han M, Liang P, Yan Y, Hao Y, Xie W, Yan J, Zhu L. Macrophages evoke autophagy of hepatic stellate cells to promote liver fibrosis in NAFLD mice via the PGE2/EP4 pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:303. [PMID: 35588334 PMCID: PMC11071853 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04319-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear and the effective treatments have not been explored yet. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is considered as the most critical factor in the progression of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Autophagy has recently been identified as a new mechanism to regulate HSC activation. Here, we found that liver macrophages were polarized toward type 2 (M2) during the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis in both patients and NAFLD mice. Using the methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet NAFLD murine model and the in vitro cell culture system, we identified that the M2 macrophages promoted HSC autophagy by secreting prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and binding its receptor EP4 on the surface of HSCs, which consequently enhanced HSC activation, extracellular matrix deposition, and liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, PGE2/EP4 signals enhanced HSC autophagy through the Erk pathway. A specific PGE2/EP4 antagonist E7046 significantly inhibited M2 macrophage-mediated HSC autophagy and improved liver fibrosis and histopathology in NAFLD mice. Our study provides novel mechanistic insights into the regulation of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Our findings suggest that the PGE2/EP4 pathway is a promising therapeutic target to prevent NASH progression into cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Weili Mai
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of the Southern Theater of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, 510030, China
| | - Rui Li
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Shuwei Deng
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Lan Li
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yanxi Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Qiushi Qin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Xingang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Ming Han
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Pu Liang
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yonghong Yan
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yu Hao
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
| | - Jie Yan
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
| | - Liuluan Zhu
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
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28
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Chen L, Kong D, Xia S, Wang F, Li Z, Zhang F, Zheng S. Crosstalk Between Autophagy and Innate Immunity: A Pivotal Role in Hepatic Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:891069. [PMID: 35656309 PMCID: PMC9152088 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.891069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a repair process of chronic liver injuries induced by toxic substances, pathogens, and inflammation, which exhibits a feature such as deposition of the extracellular matrix. The initiation and progression of liver fibrosis heavily relies on excessive activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The activated HSCs express different kinds of chemokine receptors to further promote matrix remodulation. The long-term progression of liver fibrosis will contribute to dysfunction of the liver and ultimately cause hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver also has abundant innate immune cells, including DCs, NK cells, NKT cells, neutrophils, and Kupffer cells, which conduct complicated functions to activation and expansion of HSCs and liver fibrosis. Autophagy is one specific type of cell death, by which the aberrantly expressed protein and damaged organelles are transferred to lysosomes for further degradation, playing a crucial role in cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is also important to innate immune cells in various aspects. The previous studies have shown that dysfunction of autophagy in hepatic immune cells can result in the initiation and progression of inflammation in the liver, directly or indirectly causing activation of HSCs, which ultimately accelerate liver fibrosis. Given the crosstalk between innate immune cells, autophagy, and fibrosis progression is complicated, and the therapeutic options for liver fibrosis are quite limited, the exploration is essential. Herein, we review the previous studies about the influence of autophagy and innate immunity on liver fibrosis and the molecular mechanism to provide novel insight into the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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29
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Ferdek PE, Krzysztofik D, Stopa KB, Kusiak AA, Paw M, Wnuk D, Jakubowska MA. When healing turns into killing ‐ the pathophysiology of pancreatic and hepatic fibrosis. J Physiol 2022; 600:2579-2612. [DOI: 10.1113/jp281135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel E. Ferdek
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Daria Krzysztofik
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Kinga B. Stopa
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Agnieszka A. Kusiak
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
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In vitro ballooned hepatocytes can be produced by primary human hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cell sheets. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5341. [PMID: 35351975 PMCID: PMC8964766 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09428-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing prevalence of Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) worldwide, there is no effective treatment available for this disease. “Ballooned hepatocyte” is a characteristic finding in NASH and is correlated with disease prognosis, but their mechanisms of action are poorly understood; furthermore, neither animal nor in vitro models of NASH have been able to adequately represent ballooned hepatocytes. Herein, we engineered cell sheets to develop a new in vitro model of ballooned hepatocytes. Primary human hepatocytes (PHH) and Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were co-cultured to produce cell sheets, which were cultured in glucose and lipid containing medium, following which histological and functional analyses were performed. Histological findings showed hepatocyte ballooning, accumulation of fat droplets, abnormal cytokeratin arrangement, and the presence of Mallory–Denk bodies and abnormal organelles. These findings are similar to those of ballooned hepatocytes in human NASH. Functional analysis showed elevated levels of TGFβ-1, SHH, and p62, but not TNF-α, IL-8. Exposure of PHH/HSC sheets to a glucolipotoxicity environment induces ballooned hepatocyte without inflammation. Moreover, fibrosis is an important mechanism underlying ballooned hepatocytes and could be the basis for the development of a new in vitro NASH model with ballooned hepatocytes.
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Sun Y, Liu B, Xie J, Jiang X, Xiao B, Hu X, Xiang J. Aspirin attenuates liver fibrosis by suppressing TGF‑β1/Smad signaling. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:181. [PMID: 35322863 PMCID: PMC8972277 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspirin reduces the liver fibrosis index and inflammation in patients and rats. However, the specific mechanism underlying the effects of aspirin are yet to be elucidated. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of aspirin on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Liver fibrosis was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg TAA twice weekly for 8 weeks. Aspirin (30 mg/kg) was administered to rats by gavage once every morning over a period of 8 weeks. Masson's trichrome and H&E staining were used to detect and analyze the pathological changes in liver tissues. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were applied to determine the protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, TGF-β1, phosphorylated (p)-Smad2 and p-Smad3. In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, collagen type I α 1 chain (COL1A1) and TGF-β1. The results demonstrated that treatment with aspirin significantly reduced the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and hydroxyproline in the TAA + aspirin compared with that in the TAA group. In the rat liver fibrosis model, pathological changes in liver tissues were improved following treatment with aspirin. Similarly, a marked decrease was observed in protein expression levels of α-SMA, collagen I, TGF-β1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3. Furthermore, aspirin administration decreased the mRNA levels of α-SMA, COL1A1 and TGF-β1. In addition, HSCs were treated with different concentrations of aspirin (10, 20 and 40 mmol/l), and the protein expression levels of α-SMA, collagen I, TGF-β1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Overall, the present study showed that aspirin attenuated liver fibrosis and reduced collagen production by suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, thus revealing a potential mechanism of aspirin in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Bingyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Jianping Xie
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Xuefeng Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Baolai Xiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomiao Hu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
| | - Jinjian Xiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, Hubei 434000, P.R. China
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Verachi P, Gobbo F, Martelli F, Martinelli A, Sarli G, Dunbar A, Levine RL, Hoffman R, Massucci MT, Brandolini L, Giorgio C, Allegretti M, Migliaccio AR. The CXCR1/CXCR2 Inhibitor Reparixin Alters the Development of Myelofibrosis in the Gata1 low Mice. Front Oncol 2022; 12:853484. [PMID: 35392239 PMCID: PMC8982152 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.853484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A major role for human (h)CXCL8 (interleukin-8) in the pathobiology of myelofibrosis (MF) has been suggested by observations indicating that MF megakaryocytes express increased levels of hCXCL8 and that plasma levels of this cytokine in MF patients are predictive of poor patient outcomes. Here, we demonstrate that, in addition to high levels of TGF-β, the megakaryocytes from the bone marrow of the Gata1 low mouse model of myelofibrosis express high levels of murine (m)CXCL1, the murine equivalent of hCXCL8, and its receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2. Treatment with the CXCR1/R2 inhibitor, Reparixin in aged-matched Gata1 low mice demonstrated reductions in bone marrow and splenic fibrosis. Of note, the levels of fibrosis detected using two independent methods (Gomori and reticulin staining) were inversely correlated with plasma levels of Reparixin. Immunostaining of marrow sections indicated that the bone marrow from the Reparixin-treated group expressed lower levels of TGF-β1 than those expressed by the bone marrow from vehicle-treated mice while the levels of mCXCL1, and expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2, were similar to that of vehicle-treated mice. Moreover, immunofluorescence analyses performed on bone marrow sections from Gata1 low mice indicated that treatment with Reparixin induced expression of GATA1 while reducing expression of collagen III in megakaryocytes. These data suggest that in Gata1low mice, Reparixin reduces fibrosis by reducing TGF-β1 and collagen III expression while increasing GATA1 in megakaryocytes. Our results provide a preclinical rationale for further evaluation of this drug alone and in combination with current JAK inhibitor therapy for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Verachi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Gobbo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Martelli
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Martinelli
- Center for Animal Experimentation and Well-Being, Istituto Superiore di Santà, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sarli
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrew Dunbar
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine and Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ross L. Levine
- Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine and Center for Hematologic Malignancies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ronald Hoffman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | | | | | | | - Anna Rita Migliaccio
- Center for Integrated Biomedical Research, Campus Bio-medico, Rome, Italy
- Altius Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Seattle, WA, United States
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Cho K, Kim NH, Seo SH, Song SH, Jeong CH, Kim HS, Um JE, Ku M, Yang J, Park JY, Ahn SH, Yook JI, Kim SU. A micellized bone morphogenetic protein-7 prodrug ameliorates liver fibrosis by suppressing transforming growth factor- β signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:763-778. [PMID: 35261800 PMCID: PMC8900005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) antagonizes transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which is critically involved in liver fibrogenesis. Here, we designed a micelle formulation consisting of a protein transduction domain (PTD) fused BMP-7 polypeptide (mPTD-BMP-7) to enhance endocytic delivery, and investigated its ability to ameliorate liver fibrosis. The mPTD-BMP-7 formulation was efficiently delivered into cells via endocytosis, where it inhibited TGF-β mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. After successfully demonstrating delivery of fluorescently labeled mPTD-BMP-7 into the murine liver in vivo, we tested the mPTD-BMP-7 formulation in a murine liver fibrosis model, developed by repeated intraperitoneal injection of hepatotoxic carbon tetrachloride, twice weekly from 4 to 16 weeks. mPTD-BMP-7 effects were tested by injecting the mPTD-BMP-7 formulation (or vehicle control) into the lateral tail at a dose of 50 (n=8) or 500 μg/kg (n=10), also twice per week from 4 to 16 weeks. Vehicle-treated control mice developed fibrous septa surrounding the liver parenchyma and marked portal-to-portal bridging with occasional nodules, whereas mice treated with mPTD-BMP-7 showed only fibrous expansion of some portal areas, with or without short fibrous septa. Using the Ishak scoring system, we found that the fibrotic burden was significantly lower in mPTD-BMP-7 treated mice than in control mice (all P<0.001). Treatment with mPTD-BMP-7 protected tight junctions between hepatocytes and reduced extracellular matrix protein levels. It also significantly decreased mRNA levels of collagen 1A, smooth muscle α-actin, and connective tissue growth factor compared with that in control mice (all P<0.001). Collectively, out results indicate that mPTD-BMP-7, a prodrug formulation of BMP-7, ameliorates liver fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β signaling pathway in a murine liver fibrosis model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjoo Cho
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
| | - Nam Hee Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Seo
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hyun Song
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | - Chul Hee Jeong
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | - Hyun Sil Kim
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
| | | | - Minhee Ku
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Systems Molecular Radiological Science, Yonsei UniversitySeoul, Korea
| | - Jaemoon Yang
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Convergence Research Center for Systems Molecular Radiological Science, Yonsei UniversitySeoul, Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
| | - Jong In Yook
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Cancer Research Institute, Yonsei University College of DentistrySeoul, Korea
- MET Life Sciences LtdSeoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance HospitalSeoul, Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of MedicineSeoul, Korea
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Qin H, Tang Y, Mao Y, Zhou X, Xu T, Liu W, Su X. C-MYC induces idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis via modulation of miR-9-5p-mediated TBPL1. Cell Signal 2022; 93:110274. [PMID: 35122989 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We sought to pinpoint the potential role of C-MYC in pulmonary fibroblast proliferation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and its mechanism. A mouse model of IPF was established by injection of bleomycin. C-MYC and miR-9-5p expression was determined by RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. The interaction among C-MYC, miR-9-5p, and TBPL1 was detected by ChIP assay and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. After alteration of C-MYC, miR-9-5p, and TBPL1, their roles in pulmonary fibrosis and collagen fiber deposition in mice as well as proliferation and differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts were assessed. Upregulated C-MYC expression was seen in the lung tissues of IPF mice and its silencing retarded IPF in mice. C-MYC could activate miR-9-5p that negatively regulated TBPL1 expression. Up-regulated C-MYC promoted proliferation and differentiation of pulmonary fibroblasts by inhibiting TBPL1 via activation of miR-9-5p, thus triggering IPF. Moreover, in the lung tissues-derived cells of IPF mice, C-MYC inhibitor, 10,058-F4, was observed to inhibit miR-9-5p expression, thereby repressing pulmonary fibrosis by up-regulating TBPL1. Our data provided evidence pinpointed the aggravative role of C-MYC in IPF by activating miR-9-5p to regulate TBPL1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Qin
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210028, PR China; Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University), Changzhou 213000, PR China
| | - Yan Tang
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University), Changzhou 213000, PR China
| | - Yuan Mao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Geriatric Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Geriatric Hospital, Nanjing 210002, PR China
| | - Xuehui Zhou
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University), Changzhou 213000, PR China
| | - Tongrong Xu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University), Changzhou 213000, PR China
| | - Wenming Liu
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital (Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University), Changzhou 213000, PR China
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210028, PR China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, PR China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China.
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Ji K, Fan M, Huang D, Sun L, Li B, Xu R, Zhang J, Shao X, Chen Y. Clodronate-nintedanib-loaded exosome-liposome hybridization enhances the liver fibrosis therapy by inhibiting Kupffer cell activity. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:702-713. [PMID: 34927632 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm01663f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis therapy remains limited due to the inefficiency of drug delivery and inflammation induced by Kupffer cells. In this study, an exosome-liposome hybrid drug delivery system (LIEV) was developed to increase the efficacy of clodronate (CLD)-inhibition of Kupffer cells and to effectively deliver nintedanib (NIN) to liver fibroblasts to ensure enhanced anti-fibrosis therapy. CLD and NIN co-loaded LIEV (CLD/NIN@LIEV) exerted non-specific inhibition of phagocytosis by Kupffer cells, reduced inflammatory cytokines, and showed homologous homing properties mediated by fibroblast-derived exosomes, thereby achieving superior antifibrotic effects in a CCl4-induced fibrosis mouse model by inhibiting the proliferation of fibroblasts. Furthermore, the inhibited Kupffer cells regenerated within 10 days after dosage withdrawal. Unlike carrier-free NIN treatment, CLD/NIN@LIEV induced a marked decrease in liver enzymes, indicating improved safety and anti-fibrosis efficacy. These results indicate its great potential for treatment with the combined anti-fibrosis agent and Kupffer cell inhibition strategies to enhance the liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keqin Ji
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Mingrui Fan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Dong Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Lingna Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Bingqin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Ruoting Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Jiajing Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Xuan Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
| | - Yanzuo Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Functional Materials Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
- Engineering Research Centre of Pharmaceutical Process Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Srivastava A, Sharma H, Khanna S, Sadhu Balasundaram T, Chowdhury S, Chowdhury R, Mukherjee S. Interleukin-6 Induced Proliferation Is Attenuated by Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced Signaling in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Front Oncol 2022; 11:811941. [PMID: 35127527 PMCID: PMC8810489 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.811941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often associated with an inflammatory setting. A plethora of cytokines are secreted in this milieu, actively contributing to the progression of the disease; however, the extent of cytokine interaction and how it contributes to HCC development remains an enigma. In this regard, our analysis of available patient-derived data suggests that cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) are enriched in HCC. We further analyzed the effect of these cytokines independently or in combination on HCC cells. Importantly, IL-6 was found to induce a STAT-3-dependent proliferation and mediate its pro-proliferative effects through activation and direct interaction with the p65 subunit of NFkB. Alternatively, TGF-β was found to induce a SMAD-dependent induction of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) coupled to growth arrest in these cells. Interestingly, the simultaneous addition of IL-6 and TGF-β failed to profoundly impact EMT markers but resulted in attenuation of IL-6-induced pro-proliferative effects. Analysis of the putative molecular mechanism revealed a decrease in IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) transcript levels, reduced expression of IL-6-induced STAT-3, and its nuclear localization upon addition of TGF-β along with IL-6. Consequently, a reduced p65 activation was also observed in combination treatment. Importantly, SMAD levels were unperturbed and the cells showed more TGF-β-like features under combination treatment. Finally, we observed that TGF-β resulted in enrichment of repressive chromatin mark (H3K27me3) coupled to growth arrest, while IL-6 induced an open chromatin signature (H3K4me3) associated with an enhanced expression of EZH2. Overall, for the first time, we show that TGF-β attenuates IL-6-induced effects by regulating the receptor level, downstream signaling, and the epigenome. Understanding the complex interactions between these cytokines can be imperative to a better understanding of the disease, and manipulation of cytokine balance can act as a prospective future therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sudeshna Mukherjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, Rajasthan, India
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Qi Y, Qadir MMF, Hastreiter AA, Fock RA, Machi JF, Morales AA, Wang Y, Meng Z, Rodrigues CO. Endothelial c-Myc knockout enhances diet-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22077. [PMID: 34878671 PMCID: PMC11367571 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101086r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cells play an essential role in inflammation through synthesis and secretion of chemoattractant cytokines and expression of adhesion molecules required for inflammatory cell attachment and infiltration. The mechanisms by which endothelial cells control the pro-inflammatory response depend on the type of inflammatory stimuli, endothelial cell origin, and tissue involved. In the present study, we investigated the role of the transcription factor c-Myc in inflammation using a conditional knockout mouse model in which Myc is specifically deleted in the endothelium. At a systemic level, circulating monocytes, the chemokine CCL7, and the extracellular-matrix protein osteopontin were significantly increased in endothelial c-Myc knockout (EC-Myc KO) mice, whereas the cytokine TNFSF11 was downregulated. Using an experimental model of steatohepatitis, we investigated the involvement of endothelial c-Myc in diet-induced inflammation. EC-Myc KO animals displayed enhanced pro-inflammatory response, characterized by increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and leukocyte infiltration, and worsened liver fibrosis. Transcriptome analysis identified enhanced expression of genes associated with inflammation, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in EC-Myc KO mice relative to control (CT) animals after short-exposure to high-fat diet. Analysis of a single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset of human cirrhotic livers indicated downregulation of MYC in endothelial cells relative to healthy controls. In summary, our results suggest a protective role of endothelial c-Myc in diet-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis. Targeting c-Myc and its downstream pathways in the endothelium may constitute a potential strategy for the treatment of inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Mirza M. F. Qadir
- Deming Department of Medicine, Section of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Araceli A. Hastreiter
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ricardo A. Fock
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jacqueline F. Machi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Alejo A. Morales
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Zhipeng Meng
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Claudia O. Rodrigues
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Exploring the Gamut of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases for Their Promise in the Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121776. [PMID: 34944593 PMCID: PMC8698495 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a predominant health concern affecting approximately a quarter of the world’s population. NAFLD is a spectrum of liver ailments arising from nascent lipid accumulation and leading to inflammation, fibrosis or even carcinogenesis. Despite its prevalence and severity, no targeted pharmacological intervention is approved to date. Thus, it is imperative to identify suitable drug targets critical to the development and progression of NAFLD. In this quest, a ray of hope is nestled within a group of proteins, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), as targets to contain or even reverse NAFLD. RTKs control numerous vital biological processes and their selective expression and activity in specific diseases have rendered them useful as drug targets. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements in characterizing the role of RTKs in NAFLD progression and qualify their suitability as pharmacological targets. Available data suggests inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, AXL, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor, and activation of cellular mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 could pave the way for novel NAFLD therapeutics. Thus, it is important to characterize these RTKs for target validation and proof-of-concept through clinical trials.
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Bhattacharya D, Becker C, Readhead B, Goossens N, Novik J, Fiel MI, Cousens LP, Magnusson B, Backmark A, Hicks R, Dudley JT, Friedman SL. Repositioning of a novel GABA-B receptor agonist, AZD3355 (Lesogaberan), for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:20827. [PMID: 34675338 PMCID: PMC8531016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-99008-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a rising health challenge, with no approved drugs. We used a computational drug repositioning strategy to uncover a novel therapy for NASH, identifying a GABA-B receptor agonist, AZD3355 (Lesogaberan) previously evaluated as a therapy for esophageal reflux. AZD3355's potential efficacy in NASH was tested in human stellate cells, human precision cut liver slices (hPCLS), and in vivo in a well-validated murine model of NASH. In human stellate cells AZD3355 significantly downregulated profibrotic gene and protein expression. Transcriptomic analysis of these responses identified key regulatory nodes impacted by AZD3355, including Myc, as well as MAP and ERK kinases. In PCLS, AZD3355 down-regulated collagen1α1, αSMA and TNF-α mRNAs as well as secreted collagen1α1. In vivo, the drug significantly improved histology, profibrogenic gene expression, and tumor development, which was comparable to activity of obeticholic acid in a robust mouse model of NASH, but awaits further testing to determine its relative efficacy in patients. These data identify a well-tolerated clinical stage asset as a novel candidate therapy for human NASH through its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic mechanisms of action. The approach validates computational methods to identify novel therapies in NASH in uncovering new pathways of disease development that can be rapidly translated into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dipankar Bhattacharya
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1123, 1425 Madison Ave. Room 1170, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Christine Becker
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Readhead
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Arizona State University-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center, Arizona, USA
| | - Nicolas Goossens
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1123, 1425 Madison Ave. Room 1170, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Novik
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Isabel Fiel
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Leslie P Cousens
- Emerging Innovations, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Björn Magnusson
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Backmark
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ryan Hicks
- BioPharmaceuticals R&D Cell Therapy, Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joel T Dudley
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1123, 1425 Madison Ave. Room 1170, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Wu X, Dong W, Kong M, Ren H, Wang J, Shang L, Zhu Z, Zhu W, Shi X. Down-Regulation of CXXC5 De-Represses MYCL1 to Promote Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:680344. [PMID: 34621736 PMCID: PMC8490686 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.680344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is mediated by myofibroblasts, a specialized cell type involved in wound healing and extracellular matrix production. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major source of myofibroblasts in the fibrotic livers. In the present study we investigated the involvement of CXXC-type zinc-finger protein 5 (CXXC5) in HSC activation and the underlying mechanism. Down-regulation of CXXC5 was observed in activated HSCs compared to quiescent HSCs both in vivo and in vitro. In accordance, over-expression of CXXC5 suppressed HSC activation. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CXXC5 influenced multiple signaling pathways to regulate HSC activation. The proto-oncogene MYCL1 was identified as a novel target for CXXC5. CXXC5 bound to the proximal MYCL1 promoter to repress MYCL1 transcription in quiescent HSCs. Loss of CXXC5 expression during HSC activation led to the removal of CpG methylation and acquisition of acetylated histone H3K9/H3K27 on the MYCL1 promoter resulting in MYCL1 trans-activation. Finally, MYCL1 knockdown attenuated HSC activation whereas MYCL1 over-expression partially relieved the blockade of HSC activation by CXXC5. In conclusion, our data unveil a novel transcriptional mechanism contributing to HSC activation and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China.,Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhui Dong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, and Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haozhen Ren
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinglin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Longcheng Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Hepatobiliary Institute of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Sánchez PS, Rigual MDM, Djouder N. Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Mechanisms Controlling Cirrhosis Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205045. [PMID: 34680192 PMCID: PMC8534267 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The liver is continuously exposed to several harmful factors, subsequently activating sophisticated mechanisms set-up in order to repair and regenerate the damaged liver and hence to prevent its failure. When the injury becomes chronic, the regenerative response becomes perpetual and goes awry, leading to cirrhosis with a fatal liver dysfunction. Cirrhosis is a well-known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common, usually lethal, human primary liver neoplasm with very limited therapeutic options. Considering the pivotal role of immune factors in the development of cirrhosis, here we review and discuss the inflammatory pathways and components implicated in the development of cirrhosis. A better understanding of these circuits would help the design of novel strategies to prevent and treat cirrhosis and HCC, two lethal diseases. Abstract Because the liver is considered to be one of the most important metabolic organs in the body, it is continuously exposed to damaging environmental agents. Upon damage, several complex cellular and molecular mechanisms in charge of liver recovery and regeneration are activated to prevent the failure of the organ. When liver injury becomes chronic, the regenerative response goes awry and impairs the liver function, consequently leading to cirrhosis, a liver disorder that can cause patient death. Cirrhosis has a disrupted liver architecture and zonation, along with the presence of fibrosis and parenchymal nodules, known as regenerative nodules (RNs). Inflammatory cues contribute to the cirrhotic process in response to chronic damaging agents. Cirrhosis can progress to HCC, the most common and one of the most lethal liver cancers with unmet medical needs. Considering the essential role of inflammatory pathways in the development of cirrhosis, further understanding of the relationship between immune cells and the activation of RNs and fibrosis would guide the design of innovative therapeutic strategies to ameliorate the survival of cirrhotic and HCC patients. In this review, we will summarize the inflammatory mechanisms implicated in the development of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nabil Djouder
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-3-491-732-8000 (ext. 3830); Fax: +34-3-491-224-6914
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Zhu J, Zhu N, Xu J. miR‑101a‑3p overexpression prevents acetylcholine‑CaCl 2‑induced atrial fibrillation in rats via reduction of atrial tissue fibrosis, involving inhibition of EZH2. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:740. [PMID: 34435649 PMCID: PMC8404104 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF), a clinically common heart arrhythmia, can result in left ventricular hypofunction, embolism and infarction. MicroRNA (miR)‑101a‑3p is lowly expressed in atrial tissues of patients with AF, but its role in AF remains unknown. In the present study, an AF model in rats was established via intravenous injection of acetylcholine (Ach)‑CaCl2. The downregulation of miR‑101a‑3p and upregulation of enhancer of zeste 2 homolog 2 (EZH2) were observed in AF model rats, indicating the involvement of miR‑101a‑3p and EZH2 in AF development. To study the effect of miR‑101a‑3p on AF in vivo, AF model rats were intramyocardially injected with lentivirus expressing miR‑101a‑3p. Electrocardiogram analysis identified that miR‑101a‑3p overexpression restored disappeared P wave and R‑R interphase changes in Ach‑CaCl2‑induced rats. Overexpression of miR‑101a‑3p also increased the atrial effective refractory period, reduced AF incidence and shortened duration of AF. Histological changes in atrial tissues were observed after H&E and Masson staining, which demonstrated that miR‑101a‑3p reduced atrial remodeling and fibrosis in AF model rats. Moreover, EZH2 expression was downregulated in atrial tissues by miR‑101a‑3p induction. Immunohistochemistry for collagen Ⅰ and collagen III revealed a reduction in atrial collagen synthesis following miR‑101a‑3p overexpression in AF model rats. Additionally, miR‑101a‑3p lowered the expression of pro‑fibrotic biomarkers, including TGF‑β1, connective tissue growth factor, fibronectin and α‑smooth muscle actin. The luciferase reporter assay results also indicated that EZH2 was a target gene of miR‑101a‑3p. Taken together, it was found that miR‑101a‑3p prevented AF in rats possibly via inhibition of collagen synthesis and atrial fibrosis by targeting EZH2, which provided a potential target for preventing AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
| | - Ning Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315010, P.R. China
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, Anhui 230001, P.R. China
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Xue T, Qiu X, Liu H, Gan C, Tan Z, Xie Y, Wang Y, Ye T. Epigenetic regulation in fibrosis progress. Pharmacol Res 2021; 173:105910. [PMID: 34562602 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, a common process of chronic inflammatory diseases, is defined as a repair response disorder when organs undergo continuous damage, ultimately leading to scar formation and functional failure. Around the world, fibrotic diseases cause high mortality, unfortunately, with limited treatment means in clinical practice. With the development and application of deep sequencing technology, comprehensively exploring the epigenetic mechanism in fibrosis has been allowed. Extensive remodeling of epigenetics controlling various cells phenotype and molecular mechanisms involved in fibrogenesis was subsequently verified. In this review, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in organ fibrosis, focusing on heart, liver, lung and kidney. Additionally, we emphasize the diversity of epigenetics in the cellular and molecular mechanisms related to fibrosis. Finally, the potential and prospect of targeted therapy for fibrosis based on epigenetic is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xingyu Qiu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zui Tan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuxi Wang
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Targeted Tracer Research and Development Laboratory, Institute of Respiratory Health, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China; Precision Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province & Precision Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 Sichuan, China.
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
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44
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Singh AJ, Gray JW. Chemokine signaling in cancer-stroma communications. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 15:361-381. [PMID: 34086259 PMCID: PMC8222467 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00621-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multi-faceted disease in which spontaneous mutation(s) in a cell leads to the growth and development of a malignant new organ that if left undisturbed will grow in size and lead to eventual death of the organism. During this process, multiple cell types are continuously releasing signaling molecules into the microenvironment, which results in a tangled web of communication that both attracts new cell types into and reshapes the tumor microenvironment as a whole. One prominent class of molecules, chemokines, bind to specific receptors and trigger directional, chemotactic movement in the receiving cell. Chemokines and their receptors have been demonstrated to be expressed by almost all cell types in the tumor microenvironment, including epithelial, immune, mesenchymal, endothelial, and other stromal cells. This results in chemokines playing multifaceted roles in facilitating context-dependent intercellular communications. Recent research has started to shed light on these ligands and receptors in a cancer-specific context, including cell-type specificity and drug targetability. In this review, we summarize the latest research with regards to chemokines in facilitating communication between different cell types in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun J Singh
- OHSU Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
| | - Joe W Gray
- OHSU Center for Spatial Systems Biomedicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
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45
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Farha M, Jairath NK, Lawrence TS, El Naqa I. Characterization of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment Identifies M0 Macrophage-Enriched Cluster as a Poor Prognostic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2021; 4:1002-1013. [PMID: 33136432 DOI: 10.1200/cci.20.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate. The tumor immune microenvironment in HCC has been characterized as shifted toward immunosuppression. We conducted a genomic data-driven classification of immune microenvironment HCC subtypes. In addition, we demonstrated their prognostic value and suggested a potential therapeutic targeting strategy. METHODS RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas-Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma was used (n = 366). Abundance of immune cells was imputed using CIBERSORT and visualized using unsupervised hierarchic clustering. Overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and Cox regression. Differential expression and gene set enrichment analyses were conducted on immune clusters with poor OS and high programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) coexpression. A scoring metric combining differentially expressed genes and immune cell content was created, and its prognostic value and immune checkpoint blockade response prediction was evaluated. RESULTS Two clusters were characterized by macrophage enrichment, with distinct M0Hi and M2Hi subtypes. M2Hi (P = .038) and M0Hi (P = .018) were independently prognostic for OS on multivariable analysis. Kaplan-Meier estimates demonstrated that patients in M0Hi and M2Hi treated with sorafenib had decreased OS (P = .041), and angiogenesis hallmark genes were enriched in the M0Hi group. CXCL6 and POSTN were overexpressed in both the M0Hi and the PD-1Hi/PD-L1Hi groups. A score consisting of CXCL6 and POSTN expression and absolute M0 macrophage content was discriminatory for OS (intermediate: hazard ratio [HR], 1.59; P ≤ .001; unfavorable: HR, 2.08; P = .04). CONCLUSION Distinct immune cell clusters with macrophage predominance characterize an aggressive HCC phenotype, defined molecularly by angiogenic gene enrichment and clinically by poor prognosis and sorafenib response. This novel immunogenomic signature may aid in stratification of unresectable patients to receive checkpoint inhibitor and antiangiogenic therapy combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Farha
- Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Neil K Jairath
- Department of Medical Education, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | | | - Issam El Naqa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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46
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Wu C, Cheng D, Peng Y, Li Y, Fu C, Wang Y, Fu L, Peng S, Ni X. Hepatic BRD4 Is Upregulated in Liver Fibrosis of Various Etiologies and Positively Correlated to Fibrotic Severity. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:683506. [PMID: 34336890 PMCID: PMC8317578 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.683506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) has been implicated to play a regulatory role in fibrogenic gene expression in animal models of liver fibrosis. The potential role of BRD4 in liver fibrosis in humans remains unclear. We sought to investigate the expression and cellular localization of BRD4 in fibrotic liver tissues. Human liver tissues were collected from healthy individuals and patients with liver fibrosis of various etiologies. RNA-seq showed that hepatic BRD4 mRNA was elevated in patients with liver fibrosis compared with that in healthy controls. Subsequent multiple manipulations such as western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and dual immunofluorescence analysis confirmed the abnormal elevation of the BRD4 expression in liver fibrosis of various etiologies compared to healthy controls. BRD4 expression was positively correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis, and also correlated with the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin. Moreover, the expression of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 6 (CXCL6), a factor interplayed with BRD4, was increased in hepatic tissues of the patients with liver fibrosis. Its expression level was positively correlated with BRD4 level. BRD4 is up-regulated in liver fibrosis, regardless of etiology, and its increased expression is positively correlated with higher degrees of liver fibrosis. Our data indicate that BRD4 play a critical role in the progress of liver fibrosis, and it holds promise as a potential target for intervention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cichun Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Da Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yanghui Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chunyan Fu
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shifang Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Ni
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China.,International Collaborative Research Center for Medical Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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He Y, Guo X, Lan T, Xia J, Wang J, Li B, Peng C, Chen Y, Hu X, Meng Z. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells improve the function of liver in rats with acute-on-chronic liver failure via downregulating Notch and Stat1/Stat3 signaling. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:396. [PMID: 34256837 PMCID: PMC8278604 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02468-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Effective treatments for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are lacking. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) have been applied in tissue regeneration and repair, acting through paracrine effects, cell fusion, and actual transdifferentiation. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic potential of hUC-MSCs in acute-on-chronic liver injury (ACLI) and ACLF rat models. Methods Wistar rats aged 6 weeks were intraperitoneally administered porcine serum (PS) at a dose of 0.5 mL twice per week for 11 weeks to generate an immune liver fibrosis model. After 11 weeks, rats with immune liver fibrosis were injected intravenously with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce an ACLI model or combined LPS and D-galactosamine (D-GalN) to induce an ACLF model. The rats with ACLI or ACLF were injected intravenously with 2×106 hUC-MSCs, 4×106 hUC-MSCs, or 0.9% sodium chloride as a control. The rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks (ACLI rats) or 4, 12, and 24 h (ACLF rats). The blood and liver tissues were collected for biochemical and histological investigation. Results The application of hUC-MSCs in rats with ACLI and ACLF led to a significant decrease in the serum levels of ALT, AST, TBil, DBil, ALP, ammonia, and PT, with ALB gradually returned to normal levels. Inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition in liver tissues were significantly attenuated in ACLI rats that received hUC-MSCs. Inflammatory cell infiltration and apoptosis in liver tissues of ACLF rats that received hUC-MSCs were significantly attenuated. Compared with those in the rats that received 0.9% sodium chloride, a significant reduction in proinflammatory cytokine levels and elevated serum levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were found in ACLF rats that received hUC-MSCs. Furthermore, Notch, IFN-γ/Stat1, and IL-6/Stat3 signaling were inhibited in ACLI/ACLF rats that received hUC-MSCs. Conclusions hUC-MSC transplantation can improve liver function, the degree of fibrosis, and liver damage and promote liver repair in rats with ACLI or ACLF, mediated most likely by inhibiting Notch signaling and reversing the imbalance of the Stat1/Stat3 pathway. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02468-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin He
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China.,Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Research Institute, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Xingrong Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China.,Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Research Institute, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Tingyu Lan
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China.,Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Research Institute, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China.,Postgraduate Training Basement of Jinzhou Medical University, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jianbo Xia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Jinsong Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Bei Li
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China.,Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Research Institute, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Chunyan Peng
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China.,Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Research Institute, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Research Institute, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Xiang Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhongji Meng
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Cancer, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, Hubei, China. .,Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Research Institute, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518057, China. .,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, 430070, Hubei, China.
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F4/80 + Kupffer Cell-Derived Oncostatin M Sustains the Progression Phase of Liver Regeneration through Inhibition of TGF-β2 Pathway. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26082231. [PMID: 33924385 PMCID: PMC8069260 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26082231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Kupffer cells (KCs) in liver regeneration is complicated and controversial. To investigate the distinct role of F4/80+ KCs at the different stages of the regeneration process, two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx) was performed in mice to induce physiological liver regeneration. In pre- or post-PHx, the clearance of KCs by intraperitoneal injection of the anti-F4/80 antibody (α-F4/80) was performed to study the distinct role of F4/80+ KCs during the regenerative process. In RNA sequencing of isolated F4/80+ KCs, the initiation phase was compared with the progression phase. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining of Ki67, HNF-4α, CD-31, and F4/80 and Western blot of the TGF-β2 pathway were performed. Depletion of F4/80+ KCs in pre-PHx delayed the peak of hepatocyte proliferation from 48 h to 120 h, whereas depletion in post-PHx unexpectedly led to persistent inhibition of hepatocyte proliferation, indicating the distinct role of F4/80+ KCs in the initiation and progression phases of liver regeneration. F4/80+ KC depletion in post-PHx could significantly increase TGF-β2 serum levels, while TGF-βRI partially rescued the impaired proliferation of hepatocytes. Additionally, F4/80+ KC depletion in post-PHx significantly lowered the expression of oncostatin M (OSM), a key downstream mediator of interleukin-6, which is required for hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration. In vivo, recombinant OSM (r-OSM) treatment alleviated the inhibitory effect of α-F4/80 on the regenerative progression. Collectively, F4/80+ KCs release OSM to inhibit TGF-β2 activation, sustaining hepatocyte proliferation by releasing a proliferative brake.
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Splenectomy improves liver fibrosis via tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14 (LIGHT) through the JNK/TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Exp Mol Med 2021; 53:393-406. [PMID: 33654222 PMCID: PMC8080781 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-021-00574-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Splenectomy has been reported to improve liver fibrosis in patients with cirrhosis and hypersplenism. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. Tumor necrosis factor superfamily 14 (TNFSF14; also known as LIGHT) is highly expressed in the context of fibrosis and promotes disease progression in patients with fibrotic diseases such as pulmonary and skin fibrosis. Here, we determined whether splenectomy controls the production of LIGHT to improve liver fibrosis. Splenectomy reduced serum LIGHT levels in cirrhotic patients with hypersplenism and a ConA-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Blocking LIGHT resulted in the downregulation of TGF-β1 in RAW264.7 cells. LIGHT treatment of RAW264.7 and JS1 cells in coculture regulated transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) expression through the activation of JNK signaling. Small interfering RNA-mediated silencing of lymphotoxin β receptor (LTβR) in macrophages resulted in pronounced decreases in the levels of fibrosis and αSMA in JS1 cells. These results indicated that LIGHT bound to LTβR and drove liver fibrosis in vitro. Blocking TGF-β1 abolished the effect of LIGHT in vitro. Furthermore, the administration of recombinant murine LIGHT protein-induced liver fibrosis with splenectomy, while blocking LIGHT without splenectomy improved liver fibrosis in vivo, revealing that the decrease in fibrosis following splenectomy was directly related to reduced levels of LIGHT. Thus, high levels of LIGHT derived from the spleen and hepatic macrophages activate JNK signaling and lead to increased TGF-β1 production in hepatic macrophages. Splenectomy attenuates liver fibrosis by decreasing the expression of LIGHT.
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Zhang J, Luo Y, Feng M, Xia Q. Identification of Liver Immune Microenvironment-Related Hub Genes in Liver of Biliary Atresia. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:786422. [PMID: 35111704 PMCID: PMC8802228 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.786422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Biliary atresia (BA) is one of the most common and fatal abnormalities of newborns. Increasing evidences indicated that immunology was the critical part of the etiology. This research used a public gene expression database to explore the immune microenvironment of BA liver. Methods: The gene expression profiles GSE46960, GSE159720, and GSE15235, containing BA and normal liver gene expression data, were obtained from the Expression Omnibus Gene. We applied CIBERSORTx to quantify 22 subsets of immune cells in BA liver. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and immune cells were used to further explore their relationship with liver fibrosis and the inflammation status of BA. Results: The expression of immune-related genes CXCL6, CXCL8, CXCL10, CCL20, IL32, TGFB2, SPP1, and SLIT2 was significantly different between BA and normal liver, among which CXCL8 was the hub gene. Six of 22 immune cell proportions were significantly different between BA and normal liver. Specifically, M0 macrophages and resting memory CD4+ T cells were upregulated in BA liver compared with normal liver. Meanwhile, monocytes, resting natural killer (NK) cells, plasma cells, and regulatory T (Treg) cells were downregulated. A further correlation analysis revealed that SLIT2 and CXCL6 owned high positive correlation coefficients with fibrosis grade, while the proportion of resting NK cells was negatively correlated. Proportions of resting CD4+ memory T cells were strongly related to the inflammation grade of BA liver. Conclusion: Biliary atresia is a disease strongly correlated with immune response. Our results might provide a clue for further exploration of BA etiology, which may promote a potential prediction model based on immune infiltration features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxu Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingxuan Feng
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Transplantation, Shanghai, China
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