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Guixé-Muntet S, Quesada-Vázquez S, Gracia-Sancho J. Pathophysiology and therapeutic options for cirrhotic portal hypertension. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:646-663. [PMID: 38642564 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Portal hypertension represents the primary non-neoplastic complication of liver cirrhosis and has life-threatening consequences, such as oesophageal variceal bleeding, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Portal hypertension occurs due to increased resistance of the cirrhotic liver vasculature to portal blood flow and is further aggravated by the hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome. Existing knowledge indicates that the profibrogenic phenotype acquired by sinusoidal cells is the initial factor leading to increased hepatic vascular tone and fibrosis, which cause increased vascular resistance and portal hypertension. Data also suggest that the phenotype of hepatic cells could be further impaired due to the altered mechanical properties of the cirrhotic liver itself, creating a deleterious cycle that worsens portal hypertension in the advanced stages of liver disease. In this Review, we discuss recent discoveries in the pathophysiology and treatment of cirrhotic portal hypertension, a condition with few pharmacological treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Guixé-Muntet
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergio Quesada-Vázquez
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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He S, Luo Y, Ma W, Wang X, Yan C, Hao W, Fang Y, Su H, Lai B, Liu J, Xiong Y, Bai T, Ren X, Liu E, Han H, Wu Y, Yuan Z, Wang Y. Endothelial POFUT1 controls injury-induced liver fibrosis by repressing fibrinogen synthesis. J Hepatol 2024; 81:135-148. [PMID: 38460791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS NOTCH signaling in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) regulates liver fibrosis, a pathological feature of chronic liver diseases. POFUT1 is an essential regulator of NOTCH signaling. Here, we investigated the role of LSEC-expressed POFUT1 in liver fibrosis. METHODS Endothelial-specific Pofut1 knockout mice were generated and experimental liver fibrosis was induced by chronic carbon tetrachloride exposure or common bile duct ligation. Liver samples were assessed by ELISA, histology, electron microscopy, immunostaining and RNA in situ hybridization. LSECs and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated for gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing, qPCR, and western blotting. Signaling crosstalk between LSECs and HSCs was investigated by treating HSCs with supernatant from LSEC cultures. Liver single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from patients with cirrhosis and healthy individuals were analyzed to evaluate the clinical relevance of gene expression changes observed in mouse studies. RESULTS POFUT1 loss promoted injury-induced LSEC capillarization and HSC activation, leading to aggravated liver fibrosis. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that POFUT1 deficiency upregulated fibrinogen expression in LSECs. Consistently, fibrinogen was elevated in LSECs of patients with cirrhosis. HSCs treated with supernatant from LSECs of Pofut1 null mice showed exacerbated activation compared to those treated with supernatant from control LSECs, and this effect was attenuated by knockdown of fibrinogen or by pharmacological inhibition of fibrinogen receptor signaling, altogether suggesting that LSEC-derived fibrinogen induced the activation of HSCs. Mechanistically, POFUT1 loss augmented fibrinogen expression by enhancing NOTCH/HES1/STAT3 signaling. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial POFUT1 prevents injury-induced liver fibrosis by repressing the expression of fibrinogen, which functions as a profibrotic paracrine signal to activate HSCs. Therapies targeting the POFUT1/fibrinogen axis offer a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of fibrotic liver diseases. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Paracrine signals produced by liver vasculature play a major role in the development of liver fibrosis, which is a pathological hallmark of most liver diseases. Identifying those paracrine signals is clinically relevant in that they may serve as therapeutic targets. In this study, we discovered that genetic deletion of Pofut1 aggravated experimental liver fibrosis in mouse models. Moreover, fibrinogen was identified as a downstream target repressed by Pofut1 in liver endothelial cells and functioned as a novel paracrine signal that drove liver fibrosis. In addition, fibrinogen was found to be relevant to cirrhosis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for this devastating human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuru Luo
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wangge Ma
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoke Wang
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengrong Yan
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenyang Hao
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongyu Su
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baochang Lai
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Bai
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyong Ren
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Enqi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Zuyi Yuan
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yidong Wang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Cardiology, Wenling First People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, China.
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Gao J, Lan T, Kostallari E, Guo Y, Lai E, Guillot A, Ding B, Tacke F, Tang C, Shah VH. Angiocrine signaling in sinusoidal homeostasis and liver diseases. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00349-0. [PMID: 38763358 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.014] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
The hepatic sinusoids are composed of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), which are surrounded by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and contain liver-resident macrophages called Kupffer cells, and other patrolling immune cells. All these cells communicate with each other and with hepatocytes to maintain sinusoidal homeostasis and a spectrum of hepatic functions under healthy conditions. Sinusoidal homeostasis is disrupted by metabolites, toxins, viruses, and other pathological factors, leading to liver injury, chronic liver diseases, and cirrhosis. Alterations in hepatic sinusoids are linked to fibrosis progression and portal hypertension. LSECs are crucial regulators of cellular crosstalk within their microenvironment via angiocrine signaling. This review discusses the mechanisms by which angiocrine signaling orchestrates sinusoidal homeostasis, as well as the development of liver diseases. Here, we summarise the crosstalk between LSECs, HSCs, hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and immune cells in health and disease and comment on potential novel therapeutic methods for treating liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhang Gao
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yangkun Guo
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Enjiang Lai
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Adrien Guillot
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bisen Ding
- 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, China
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Chengwei Tang
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Mellemkjær A, Kjær MB, Haldrup D, Grønbæk H, Thomsen KL. Management of cardiovascular risk in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 122:28-34. [PMID: 38008609 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The novel term Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is proposed to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to highlight the close association with the metabolic syndrome. MASLD encompasses patients with liver steatosis and at least one of five cardiometabolic risk factors which implies that these patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Indeed, the prevalence of CVD in MASLD patients is increased and CVD is recognized as the most common cause of death in MASLD patients. We here present an update on the pathophysiology of CVD in MASLD, discuss the risk factors, and suggest screening for CVD in patients with MASLD. Currently, there is no FDA-approved pharmacological treatment for MASLD, and no specific treatment recommended for CVD in patients with MASLD. Thus, the treatment strategy is based on weight loss and a reduction and treatment of CVD risk factors. We recommend screening of MASLD patients for CVD using the SCORE2 system with guidance to specific treatment algorithms. In all patients with CVD risk factors, lifestyle intervention to induce weight loss through diet and exercise is recommended. Especially a Mediterranean diet may improve hyperlipidemia and if further treatment is needed, statins should be used as first-line treatment. Further, anti-hypertensive drugs should be used to treat hypertension. With the epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the risk of MASLD and CVD is expected to increase, and preventive measures, screening, and effective treatments are highly needed to reduce morbidity and mortality in MASLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Mellemkjær
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Breinholt Kjær
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Haldrup
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Karen Louise Thomsen
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Zhu Y, Bao M, Wang T, Ai X, Qiu D, Wang C. Novel therapeutic targets, including IGFBP3, of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem-cell-conditioned medium in intrauterine adhesion. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060141. [PMID: 38224009 PMCID: PMC10886714 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060141] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells play important roles in repairing injured endometrium. However, the molecular targets and potential mechanism of the endometrial recipient cells for stem cell therapy in intrauterine adhesion (IUA) are poorly understood. In this study, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem-cell-conditioned medium (UCMSCs-CM) produced positive effects on a Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) induced IUA cell model. RNA-sequencing was performed on clinical IUA tissues, and the top 40 upregulated and top 20 downregulated mRNAs were selected and verified using high-throughput (HT) qPCR in both tissues and cell models. Based on a bioinformatic analysis of RNA-sequencing and HT-qPCR results, 11 mRNAs were uncovered to be the intervention targets of UCMSCs-CM on IUA endometrium cell models. Among them, IGFBP3 was striking as a key pathogenic gene and a potential diagnostic marker of IUA, which exhibited the area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity were 0.924, 93.1% and 80.6%, respectively in 60 endometrial tissues. The silencing of IGFBP3 exerted positive effects on the IUA cell model through partially upregulating MMP1 and KLF2. In conclusion, RNA-sequencing combined with HT qPCR based on clinical tissues and IUA cell models were used in IUA research and our results may provide some scientific ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of IUA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhu
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, 330000, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Mingjie Bao
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ai
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Dewen Qiu
- Clinical laboratory, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, 330000, China
| | - Changhua Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, 330000, China
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Sheng JY, Meng ZF, Li Q, Yang YS. Recent advances in promising drugs for primary prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding with cirrhotic portal hypertension. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2024; 23:4-13. [PMID: 37580228 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastroesophageal variceal bleeding is one of the most severe complications of patients with cirrhosis. Although primary prevention drugs, including non-selective β-blockers, have effectively reduced the incidence of bleeding, their efficacy is limited due to side effects and related contraindications. With recent advances in precision medicine, precise drug treatment provides better treatment efficacy. DATA SOURCES Literature search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE and Web of Science for relevant articles published up to May 2022. Information on clinical trials was obtained from https://clinicaltrials.gov/ and http://www.chictr.org.cn/. RESULTS The in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis and advances of portal hypertension has enabled the discovery of multiple molecular targets for promising drugs. According to the site of action, these drugs could be classified into four classes: intrahepatic, extrahepatic, both intrahepatic and extrahepatic targets and others. All these classes of drugs offer advantages over traditional treatments in prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension. CONCLUSIONS This review classified and summarized the promising drugs, which prevent gastroesophageal variceal bleeding by targeting specific markers of pathogenesis of portal hypertension, demonstrating the significance of using the precision medicine strategy to discover and develop promising drugs for the primary prevention of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yao Sheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Zi-Fan Meng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China
| | - Yong-Sheng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Translational Medicine of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Diseases, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, China.
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Liu H, Naser JA, Lin G, Lee SS. Cardiomyopathy in cirrhosis: From pathophysiology to clinical care. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100911. [PMID: 38089549 PMCID: PMC10711481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is defined as systolic or diastolic dysfunction in the absence of prior heart disease or another identifiable cause in patients with cirrhosis, in whom it is an important determinant of outcome. Its underlying pathogenic/pathophysiological mechanisms are rooted in two distinct pathways: 1) factors associated with portal hypertension, hyperdynamic circulation, gut bacterial/endotoxin translocation and the resultant inflammatory phenotype; 2) hepatocellular insufficiency with altered synthesis or metabolism of substances such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, bile acids and hormones. Different criteria have been proposed to diagnose CCM; the first in 2005 by the World Congress of Gastroenterology, and more recently in 2019 by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium. These criteria mainly utilised echocardiographic evaluation, with the latter refining the evaluation of diastolic function and integrating global longitudinal strain into the evaluation of systolic function, an important addition since the haemodynamic changes that occur in advanced cirrhosis may lead to overestimation of systolic function by left ventricular ejection fraction. Advances in cardiac imaging, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and the incorporation of an exercise challenge, may help further refine the diagnosis of CCM. Over recent years, CCM has been shown to contribute to increased mortality and morbidity after major interventions, such as liver transplantation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion, and to play a pathophysiologic role in the genesis of hepatorenal syndrome. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis/pathophysiology of CCM, its clinical implications, and the role of cardiac imaging modalities including MRI. We also compare diagnostic criteria and review the potential diagnostic role of electrocardiographic QT prolongation. At present, no definitive medical therapy exists, but some promising potential treatment strategies for CCM are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jwan A. Naser
- Division of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Grace Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Samuel S. Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Kou Y, Zhang Y, Rong X, Yang P, Wang C, Zhou Q, Liu H, Liu B, Li M. Simvastatin inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma through KLF2 signal. J Oral Biosci 2023; 65:347-355. [PMID: 37625505 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2023.08.006] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore the role and specific mechanism of the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin in inhibiting oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). METHODS The proliferation, apoptosis, and migration levels of OSCC cells were detected by CCK8, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, colony formation, TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-End Labeling assay, and wound healing assay. The inhibitory effect of simvastatin in vivo was detected by a mouse xenograft tumor model. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the KLF2 and β-catenin expressions in cells and tissues. RESULTS KLF2 expression in OSCC cells and tissues was downregulated. The addition of KLF2 inducer, GGTI298, inhibited the proliferation and migration of OSCC cells. Simvastatin played a role in inhibiting the proliferation and promoting the apoptosis of OSCC cells. Moreover, it inhibited β-catenin expression and promoted KLF2 expression in OSCC cells. KLF2 siRNA reversed the effect of simvastatin on the proliferation and apoptosis of OSCC cells. CONCLUSIONS KLF2, as a tumor suppressor gene, may be an important marker for diagnosing and treating OSCC. Simvastatin inhibits the progression of OSCC by regulating the KLF2 signal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Kou
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, China; Center of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, China; Center of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xing Rong
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, China; Center of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Panpan Yang
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, China; Center of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Caijiao Wang
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, China; Center of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, China; Center of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongrui Liu
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, China; Center of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bo Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China; Center of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Minqi Li
- Department of Bone Metabolism, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Jinan, China; School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China; Center of Osteoporosis and Bone Mineral Research, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Jeon D, Cha HR, Chung SW, Choi J, Lee D, Shim JH, Kim KM, Lim YS, Lee HC, Lee SW, Choi WM. Association between statin use and the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma after resection: a nationwide cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 65:102300. [PMID: 37965429 PMCID: PMC10641481 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The majority of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following hepatic resection experience tumor recurrence. Statin use is associated with a reduced risk of HCC development; however, the association between statin use and the prognosis of HCC after resection remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of statin use on the prognosis after hepatic resection among patients with HCC. Methods A nationwide cohort study was performed with data from the National Health Insurance Service Database in Korea. Among 65,101 HCC patients who underwent hepatic resection between January 2002 and December 2017, we included 21,470 patients. For validation, a hospital-based cohort of 3366 patients with very early or early-stage HCC who received curative-intent hepatic resection between January 2010 and December 2018 was analyzed. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) was compared between statin users and non-users. Findings Among the nationwide cohort of 21,470 patients, 2399 (11.2%) used statins and 19,071 (88.8%) did not. Among the hospital cohort of 3366 patients, 363 (10.8%) used statins and 3003 (89.2%) did not. In the propensity score-matched nationwide cohort, statin users had better RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56-0.64; P < 0.001) and OS (HR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.45-0.53; P < 0.001), with a duration-response relationship. In the propensity score-matched validation hospital cohort, statin treatment was significantly associated with better RFS (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.59-0.90; P = 0.003) and OS (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.32-0.72; P < 0.001). The beneficial effects of statins were more prominent in non-cirrhotics, tumors sized ≥3 cm, tumors with microscopic vascular invasion, or early HCC recurrence (<2 years after resection). Interpretation Statin use was associated with a better prognosis in a population-based cohort of patients with HCC after hepatic resection, which was further validated in a large hospital-based cohort. Funding Asan Institute for Life Sciences and Corporate Relations; Korean Association for the Study of the Liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongsub Jeon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Ryeong Cha
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Won Chung
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jonggi Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Danbi Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Mo Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Chu Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Won Lee
- Department of Precision Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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10
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Che Z, Zhou Z, Li SQ, Gao L, Xiao J, Wong NK. ROS/RNS as molecular signatures of chronic liver diseases. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:951-967. [PMID: 37704494 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.08.001] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The liver can succumb to oxidant damage during the development of chronic liver diseases. Despite their physiological relevance to hepatic homeostasis, excessive reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production under pathological conditions is detrimental to all liver constituents. Chronic oxidative stress coupled to unresolved inflammation sets in motion the activation of profibrogenic hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and later pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The liver antioxidant and repair systems, along with autophagic and ferroptotic machineries, are implicated in the onset and trajectory of disease development. In this review, we discuss the ROS/RNS-related mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis of distinct etiologies and highlight preclinical and clinical trials of antifibrotic therapies premised on remediating oxidative/nitrosative stress in hepatocytes or targeting HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaodi Che
- Clinical Research Institute, Institute of Obesity and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhou
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital & Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China; Clinical Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Si-Qi Li
- Clinical Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Lei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Jia Xiao
- Clinical Research Institute, Institute of Obesity and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510000, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory for Clinical Research of Liver Diseases, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266001, China.
| | - Nai-Kei Wong
- Clinical Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China.
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11
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Felli E, Selicean S, Guixé-Muntet S, Wang C, Bosch J, Berzigotti A, Gracia-Sancho J. Mechanobiology of portal hypertension. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100869. [PMID: 37841641 PMCID: PMC10568428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between mechanical stimuli and cellular mechanobiology orchestrates the physiology of tissues and organs in a dynamic balance characterized by constant remodelling and adaptative processes. Environmental mechanical properties can be interpreted as a complex set of information and instructions that cells read continuously, and to which they respond. In cirrhosis, chronic inflammation and injury drive liver cells dysfunction, leading to excessive extracellular matrix deposition, sinusoidal pseudocapillarization, vascular occlusion and parenchymal extinction. These pathological events result in marked remodelling of the liver microarchitecture, which is cause and result of abnormal environmental mechanical forces, triggering and sustaining the long-standing and progressive process of liver fibrosis. Multiple mechanical forces such as strain, shear stress, and hydrostatic pressure can converge at different stages of the disease until reaching a point of no return where the fibrosis is considered non-reversible. Thereafter, reciprocal communication between cells and their niches becomes the driving force for disease progression. Accumulating evidence supports the idea that, rather than being a passive consequence of fibrosis and portal hypertension (PH), mechanical force-mediated pathways could themselves represent strategic targets for novel therapeutic approaches. In this manuscript, we aim to provide a comprehensive review of the mechanobiology of PH, by furnishing an introduction on the most important mechanisms, integrating these concepts into a discussion on the pathogenesis of PH, and exploring potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Felli
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Selicean
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sergi Guixé-Muntet
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute, CIBEREHD, Spain
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12
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Shaffer LR, Mahmud N. Statins in Cirrhosis: Hope or Hype? J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:1032-1046. [PMID: 37975036 PMCID: PMC10643276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.05.002] [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: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, studies have demonstrated the benefits of statins in a range of chronic diseases separate from cardiovascular outcomes. Early studies in the context of chronic liver disease have suggested favorable effects of statins leading to slowed fibrosis progression, reduced portal pressures, decreased rates of hepatic decompensation, and improved survival. This has increased interest in the potential role that statins may have in the management of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, though many questions remain unanswered, including concerns regarding the safety of higher dose statins in patients with advanced decompensated cirrhosis. In this review, we provide an update on the current literature addressing the use of statins in patients with cirrhosis and highlight areas in which additional studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren R. Shaffer
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nadim Mahmud
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Gastroenterology Section, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Leonard David Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Mitten EK, Portincasa P, Baffy G. Portal Hypertension in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Challenges and Paradigms. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1201-1211. [PMID: 37577237 PMCID: PMC10412712 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00029] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension in cirrhosis is defined as an increase in the portal pressure gradient (PPG) between the portal and hepatic veins and is traditionally estimated by the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), which is the difference in pressure between the free-floating and wedged positions of a balloon catheter in the hepatic vein. By convention, HVPG≥10 mmHg indicates clinically significant portal hypertension, which is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common disorder with a heterogeneous clinical course, which includes the development of portal hypertension. There is increasing evidence that portal hypertension in NAFLD deserves special considerations. First, elevated PPG often precedes fibrosis in NAFLD, suggesting a bidirectional relationship between these pathological processes. Second, HVPG underestimates PPG in NAFLD, suggesting that portal hypertension is more prevalent in this condition than currently believed. Third, cellular mechanoresponses generated early in the pathogenesis of NAFLD provide a mechanistic explanation for the pressure-fibrosis paradigm. Finally, a better understanding of liver mechanobiology in NAFLD may aid in the development of novel pharmaceutical targets for prevention and management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie K. Mitten
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Division of Internal Medicine and Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area, University ‘Aldo Moro’ Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - György Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
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14
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Gil M, Khouri L, Raurell I, Rafael D, Andrade F, Abasolo I, Schwartz S, Martínez-Gómez M, Salcedo MT, Pericàs JM, Hide D, Wei M, Metanis N, Genescà J, Martell M. Optimization of Statin-Loaded Delivery Nanoparticles for Treating Chronic Liver Diseases by Targeting Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2463. [PMID: 37896223 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102463] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we developed functionalized polymeric micelles (FPMs) loaded with simvastatin (FPM-Sim) as a drug delivery system to target liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) for preserving liver function in chronic liver disease (CLD). Polymeric micelles (PMs) were functionalized by coupling peptide ligands of LSEC membrane receptors CD32b, CD36 and ITGB3. Functionalization was confirmed via spectroscopy and electron microscopy. In vitro and in vivo FPM-Sim internalization was assessed by means of flow cytometry in LSECs, hepatocytes, Kupffer and hepatic stellate cells from healthy rats. Maximum tolerated dose assays were performed in healthy mice and efficacy studies of FPM-Sim were carried out in bile duct ligation (BDL) and thioacetamide (TAA) induction rat models of cirrhosis. Functionalization with the three peptide ligands resulted in stable formulations with a greater degree of in vivo internalization in LSECs than non-functionalized PMs. Administration of FPM-Sim in BDL rats reduced toxicity relative to free simvastatin, albeit with a moderate portal-pressure-lowering effect. In a less severe model of TAA-induced cirrhosis, treatment with FPM-CD32b-Sim nanoparticles for two weeks significantly decreased portal pressure, which was associated with a reduction in liver fibrosis, lower collagen expression as well as the stimulation of nitric oxide synthesis. In conclusion, CD32b-FPM stands out as a good nanotransporter for drug delivery, targeting LSECs, key inducers of liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Gil
- Liver Disease Group, Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lareen Khouri
- Institut of Chemistry, Casali Center for Applied Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Imma Raurell
- Liver Disease Group, Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Rafael
- Clinical Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy Group (CB-DDT), Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingenería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernanda Andrade
- Clinical Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy Group (CB-DDT), Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingenería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Fisicoquímica, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08007 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ibane Abasolo
- Clinical Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy Group (CB-DDT), Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingenería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Service, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035e Barcelona, Spain
| | - Simo Schwartz
- Clinical Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy Group (CB-DDT), Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingenería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Service, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035e Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Martínez-Gómez
- Liver Disease Group, Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Teresa Salcedo
- Pathology Department, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Pericàs
- Liver Disease Group, Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Diana Hide
- Liver Disease Group, Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mingxing Wei
- Cellvax, SAS Villejuif Bio Park, 93230 Villejuif, France
| | - Norman Metanis
- Institut of Chemistry, Casali Center for Applied Chemistry, The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Joan Genescà
- Liver Disease Group, Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Martell
- Liver Disease Group, Liver Unit, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Campus, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona (UAB), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Vukotic R, Di Donato R, Roncarati G, Simoni P, Renzulli M, Gitto S, Schepis F, Villa E, Berzigotti A, Bosch J, Andreone P. 5-MTHF enhances the portal pressure reduction achieved with propranolol in patients with cirrhosis: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Hepatol 2023; 79:977-988. [PMID: 37482222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS β-blockers reduce hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) by decreasing portal inflow, with no reduction in intrahepatic vascular resistance. 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) can prevent oxidative loss of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor for endothelial nitric oxide synthase coupling. It also converts homocysteine (tHcy) into methionine and enables the degradation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an inhibitor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 5-MTHF in combination with propranolol on HVPG and nitric oxide bioavailability markers in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. METHOD Sixty patients with cirrhosis and HVPG ≥12 mmHg were randomized 1:1 to receive treatment with 5-MTHF+propranolol or placebo+propranolol for 90 days under double-blind conditions. HVPG and markers of nitric oxide bioavailability (BH4, ADMA and tHcy) were measured again at the end of treatment. RESULTS Groups were similar in terms of baseline clinical and hemodynamic data and nitric oxide bioavailability markers. HVPG decreased in both groups, but the magnitude of the change was significantly greater in the group treated with 5-MTHF+propranolol compared to placebo+propranolol (percentage decrease, 20 [29-9] vs. 12.5 [22-0], p = 0.028), without differences in hepatic blood flow. At the end of treatment, 5-MTHF+propranolol (vs. placebo+propranolol) was associated with higher BH4 (1,101.4 ± 1,413.3 vs. 517.1 ± 242.8 pg/ml, p <0.001), lower ADMA (109.3 ± 52.7 vs. 139.9 ± 46.7 μmol/L, p = 0.027) and lower tHcy (μmol/L, 11.0 ± 4.6 vs. 15.4 ± 7.2 μmol/L, p = 0.010) plasma levels. CONCLUSION In patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, 5-MTHF administration significantly enhanced the HVPG reduction achieved with propranolol. This effect appears to be mediated by improved nitric oxide bioavailability in the hepatic microcirculation. CLINICAL TRIAL EUDRACT NUMBER 2014-002018-21. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Currently, the pharmacological prevention of cirrhosis complications due to portal hypertension, such as esophageal varices rupture, is based on the use of β-blockers, but some patients still present with acute variceal bleeding, mainly due to an insufficient reduction of portal pressure. In this study, we sought to demonstrate that the addition of folic acid to β-blockers is more effective in reducing portal pressure than β-blockers alone. This finding could represent the basis for validation studies in larger cohorts, which could impact the future prophylactic management of variceal bleeding in cirrhosis. Enhancing the benefit of β-blockers with a safe, accessible, cost-effective drug could improve clinical outcomes in cirrhosis, which in turn could translate into a reduction in the rates and costs of hospitalization, and ultimately into improved survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranka Vukotic
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Roberto Di Donato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Greta Roncarati
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Simoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matteo Renzulli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Gitto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Filippo Schepis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Erica Villa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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McConnell MJ, Kostallari E, Ibrahim SH, Iwakiri Y. The evolving role of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver health and disease. Hepatology 2023; 78:649-669. [PMID: 36626620 PMCID: PMC10315420 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
LSECs are a unique population of endothelial cells within the liver and are recognized as key regulators of liver homeostasis. LSECs also play a key role in liver disease, as dysregulation of their quiescent phenotype promotes pathological processes within the liver including inflammation, microvascular thrombosis, fibrosis, and portal hypertension. Recent technical advances in single-cell analysis have characterized distinct subpopulations of the LSECs themselves with a high resolution and defined their gene expression profile and phenotype, broadening our understanding of their mechanistic role in liver biology. This article will review 4 broad advances in our understanding of LSEC biology in general: (1) LSEC heterogeneity, (2) LSEC aging and senescence, (3) LSEC role in liver regeneration, and (4) LSEC role in liver inflammation and will then review the role of LSECs in various liver pathologies including fibrosis, DILI, alcohol-associated liver disease, NASH, viral hepatitis, liver transplant rejection, and ischemia reperfusion injury. The review will conclude with a discussion of gaps in knowledge and areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. McConnell
- Section of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Samar H. Ibrahim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Yasuko Iwakiri
- Section of Digestive Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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17
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Cooper SA, Kostallari E, Shah VH. Angiocrine Signaling in Sinusoidal Health and Disease. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:245-257. [PMID: 37442155 PMCID: PMC10798369 DOI: 10.1055/a-2128-5907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are key players in maintaining hepatic homeostasis. They also play crucial roles during liver injury by communicating with liver cell types as well as immune cells and promoting portal hypertension, fibrosis, and inflammation. Cutting-edge technology, such as single cell and spatial transcriptomics, have revealed the existence of distinct LSEC subpopulations with a clear zonation in the liver. The signals released by LSECs are commonly called "angiocrine signaling." In this review, we summarize the role of angiocrine signaling in health and disease, including zonation in healthy liver, regeneration, fibrosis, portal hypertension, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol-associated liver disease, aging, drug-induced liver injury, and ischemia/reperfusion, as well as potential therapeutic advances. In conclusion, sinusoidal endotheliopathy is recognized in liver disease and promising preclinical studies are paving the path toward LSEC-specific pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna A. Cooper
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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18
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Kaps L, Limeres MJ, Schneider P, Svensson M, Zeyn Y, Fraude S, Cacicedo ML, Galle PR, Gehring S, Bros M. Liver Cell Type-Specific Targeting by Nanoformulations for Therapeutic Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11869. [PMID: 37511628 PMCID: PMC10380755 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411869] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocytes exert pivotal roles in metabolism, protein synthesis and detoxification. Non-parenchymal liver cells (NPCs), largely comprising macrophages, dendritic cells, hepatic stellate cells and liver sinusoidal cells (LSECs), serve to induce immunological tolerance. Therefore, the liver is an important target for therapeutic approaches, in case of both (inflammatory) metabolic diseases and immunological disorders. This review aims to summarize current preclinical nanodrug-based approaches for the treatment of liver disorders. So far, nano-vaccines that aim to induce hepatitis virus-specific immune responses and nanoformulated adjuvants to overcome the default tolerogenic state of liver NPCs for the treatment of chronic hepatitis have been tested. Moreover, liver cancer may be treated using nanodrugs which specifically target and kill tumor cells. Alternatively, nanodrugs may target and reprogram or deplete immunosuppressive cells of the tumor microenvironment, such as tumor-associated macrophages. Here, combination therapies have been demonstrated to yield synergistic effects. In the case of autoimmune hepatitis and other inflammatory liver diseases, anti-inflammatory agents can be encapsulated into nanoparticles to dampen inflammatory processes specifically in the liver. Finally, the tolerance-promoting activity especially of LSECs has been exploited to induce antigen-specific tolerance for the treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Kaps
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - María José Limeres
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Paul Schneider
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Malin Svensson
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Yanira Zeyn
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Silvia Fraude
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Maximiliano L Cacicedo
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter R Galle
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Stephan Gehring
- Children's Hospital, University Medical Center, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Matthias Bros
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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19
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Li X, Zhi Y, Li J, Lei X, Ju Y, Zhang Y, Zheng Y, Kong X, Xue F, Zhong W, Chen X, Tang J, Li X, Mao Y. Single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal non-parenchymal cell heterogeneity and immune network of acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:1979-1995. [PMID: 37202523 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03513-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The role of non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) in the early phase of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI) remains unclear. Therefore, single-cell sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to explore the heterogeneity and immune network of NPCs in the livers of mice with AILI. Mice were challenged with saline, 300 mg/kg APAP, or 750 mg/kg APAP (n = 3 for each group). After 3 h, the liver samples were collected, digested, and subjected to scRNA-seq. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to confirm the expression of Makorin ring finger protein 1 (Mkrn1). We identified 14 distinct cell subtypes among the 120,599 cells. A variety of NPCs were involved, even in the early stages of AILI, indicating highly heterogeneous transcriptome dynamics. Cholangiocyte cluster 3, which had high deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (Dmbt1) expression, was found to perform drug metabolism and detoxification functions. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells exhibited fenestrae loss and angiogenesis. Macrophage cluster 1 displayed a M1 polarization phenotype, whereas cluster 3 tended to exhibit M2 polarization. Kupffer cells (KCs) exhibited pro-inflammatory effects due to the high expression of Cxcl2. qRT-PCR and western blotting verified that the LIFR-OSM axis might promote the activation of MAPK signaling pathway in RAW264.7 macrophages. Mkrn1 was highly expressed in the liver macrophages of AILI mice and AILI patients. Interaction patterns between macrophages/KCs and other NPCs were complex and diverse. NPCs were highly heterogeneous and were involved in the immune network during the early phase of AILI. In addition, we propose that Mkrn1 may serve as a potential biomarker of AILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Lei
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Ju
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yufan Zheng
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaming Kong
- Singleron Biotechnologies Ltd, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Xue
- Department of Liver Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jieting Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaobo Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yimin Mao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Digestive Diseases, Shanghai Research Center of Fatty Liver Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Marginean CM, Pirscoveanu D, Popescu M, Vasile CM, Docea AO, Mitruț R, Mărginean IC, Iacob GA, Firu DM, Mitruț P. Challenges in Diagnosis and Therapeutic Approach of Acute on Chronic Liver Failure-A Review of Current Evidence. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1840. [PMID: 37509478 PMCID: PMC10376368 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071840] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a syndrome characterized by acute and severe decompensation of chronic liver disease (CLD) correlated with multiple organ failure, poor prognosis, and increased mortality. In 40-50% of ACLF cases, the trigger is not recognized; for many of these patients, bacterial translocation associated with systemic inflammation is thought to be the determining factor; in the other 50% of patients, sepsis, alcohol consumption, and reactivation of chronic viral hepatitis are the most frequently described trigger factors. Other conditions considered precipitating factors are less common, including acute alcoholic hepatitis, major surgery, TIPS insertion, or inadequate paracentesis without albumin substitution. Host response is likely the primary factor predicting ACLF severity and prognosis, the host immune response having a particular significance in this syndrome, together with the inflammatory cascade. The management of ACLF includes both the prevention of the precipitating factors that lead to acute liver decompensation and the support of vital functions, the prevention and management of complications, the estimation of prognosis, and the opportunity for liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Maria Marginean
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Denisa Pirscoveanu
- Department of Neurology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Mihaela Popescu
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Corina Maria Vasile
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, "Marie Curie" Emergency Children's Hospital, 041451 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Oana Docea
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Radu Mitruț
- Department of Cardiology, University and Emergency Hospital, 050098 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - George Alexandru Iacob
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dan Mihai Firu
- Ph.D. School Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Paul Mitruț
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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21
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Airola C, Pallozzi M, Cerrito L, Santopaolo F, Stella L, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Microvascular Thrombosis and Liver Fibrosis Progression: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications. Cells 2023; 12:1712. [PMID: 37443746 PMCID: PMC10341358 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131712] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is an unavoidable consequence of chronic inflammation. Extracellular matrix deposition by fibroblasts, stimulated by multiple pathways, is the first step in the onset of chronic liver disease, and its propagation promotes liver dysfunction. At the same time, chronic liver disease is characterized by alterations in primary and secondary hemostasis but unlike previously thought, these changes are not associated with an increased risk of bleeding complications. In recent years, the role of coagulation imbalance has been postulated as one of the main mechanisms promoting hepatic fibrogenesis. In this review, we aim to investigate the function of microvascular thrombosis in the progression of liver disease and highlight the molecular and cellular networks linking hemostasis to fibrosis in this context. We analyze the predictive and prognostic role of coagulation products as biomarkers of liver decompensation (ascites, variceal hemorrhage, and hepatic encephalopathy) and liver-related mortality. Finally, we evaluate the current evidence on the application of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies for prophylaxis of hepatic decompensation or prevention of the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Airola
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Leonardo Stella
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Hepatology Unit, CEMAD Centro Malattie dell'Apparato Digerente, Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.A.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (A.G.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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22
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Dolivo DM, Reed CR, Gargiulo KA, Rodrigues AE, Galiano RD, Mustoe TA, Hong SJ. Anti-fibrotic effects of statin drugs: a review of evidence and mechanisms. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:115644. [PMID: 37321414 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115644] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological repair process common among organs, that responds to damage by replacement of tissue with non-functional connective tissue. Despite the widespread prevalence of tissue fibrosis, manifesting in numerous disease states across myriad organs, therapeutic modalities to prevent or alleviate fibrosis are severely lacking in quantity and efficacy. Alongside development of new drugs, repurposing of existing drugs may be a complementary strategy to elect anti-fibrotic compounds for pharmacologic treatment of tissue fibrosis. Drug repurposing can provide key advantages to de novo drug discovery, harnessing the benefits of previously elucidated mechanisms of action and already existing pharmacokinetic profiles. One class of drugs a wealth of clinical data and extensively studied safety profiles is the statins, a class of antilipidemic drugs widely prescribed for hypercholesterolemia. In addition to these widely utilized lipid-lowering effects, increasing data from cellular, pre-clinical mammalian, and clinical human studies have also demonstrated that statins are able to alleviate tissue fibrosis originating from a variety of pathological insults via lesser-studied, pleiotropic effects of these drugs. Here we review literature demonstrating evidence for direct effects of statins antagonistic to fibrosis, as well as much of the available mechanistic data underlying these effects. A more complete understanding of the anti-fibrotic effects of statins may enable a clearer picture of their anti-fibrotic potential for various clinical indications. Additionally, more lucid comprehension of the mechanisms by which statins exert anti-fibrotic effects may aid in development of novel therapeutic agents that target similar pathways but with greater specificity or efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Dolivo
- Department of Surgery-Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Charlotte R Reed
- Department of Surgery-Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Kristine A Gargiulo
- Department of Surgery-Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Adrian E Rodrigues
- Department of Surgery-Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Robert D Galiano
- Department of Surgery-Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Thomas A Mustoe
- Department of Surgery-Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Seok Jong Hong
- Department of Surgery-Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States.
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23
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Singh S, Sharma N, Shukla S, Behl T, Gupta S, Anwer MK, Vargas-De-La-Cruz C, Bungau SG, Brisc C. Understanding the Potential Role of Nanotechnology in Liver Fibrosis: A Paradigm in Therapeutics. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062811. [PMID: 36985782 PMCID: PMC10057127 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in the physiological operation of the human body. The liver controls the body's detoxification processes as well as the storage and breakdown of red blood cells, plasma protein and hormone production, and red blood cell destruction; therefore, it is vulnerable to their harmful effects, making it more prone to illness. The most frequent complications of chronic liver conditions include cirrhosis, fatty liver, liver fibrosis, hepatitis, and illnesses brought on by alcohol and drugs. Hepatic fibrosis involves the activation of hepatic stellate cells to cause persistent liver damage through the accumulation of cytosolic matrix proteins. The purpose of this review is to educate a concise discussion of the epidemiology of chronic liver disease, the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of liver fibrosis, the symptoms of liver fibrosis progression and regression, the clinical evaluation of liver fibrosis and the research into nanotechnology-based synthetic and herbal treatments for the liver fibrosis is summarized in this article. The herbal remedies summarized in this review article include epigallocathechin-3-gallate, silymarin, oxymatrine, curcumin, tetrandrine, glycyrrhetinic acid, salvianolic acid, plumbagin, Scutellaria baicalnsis Georgi, astragalosides, hawthorn extract, and andrographolides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sukhbir Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Saurabh Shukla
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- School of Health Sciences &Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sumeet Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Md Khalid Anwer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Celia Vargas-De-La-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Bromatology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 150001, Peru
- E-Health Research Center, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima 15001, Peru
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Cristina Brisc
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
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24
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Chrysanthopoulou A, Antoniadou C, Natsi AM, Gavriilidis E, Papadopoulos V, Xingi E, Didaskalou S, Mikroulis D, Tsironidou V, Kambas K, Koffa M, Skendros P, Ritis K. Down-regulation of KLF2 in lung fibroblasts is linked with COVID-19 immunofibrosis and restored by combined inhibition of NETs, JAK-1/2 and IL-6 signaling. Clin Immunol 2023; 247:109240. [PMID: 36693535 PMCID: PMC9862710 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) has been linked with fibrosis and neutrophil-associated thromboinflammation; however, its role in COVID-19 remains elusive. We investigated the effect of disease microenvironment on the fibrotic potential of human lung fibroblasts (LFs) and its association with KLF2 expression. LFs stimulated with plasma from severe COVID-19 patients down-regulated KLF2 expression at mRNA/protein and functional level acquiring a pre-fibrotic phenotype, as indicated by increased CCN2/collagen levels. Pre-incubation with the COMBI-treatment-agents (DNase I and JAKs/IL-6 inhibitors baricitinib/tocilizumab) restored KLF2 levels of LFs to normal abolishing their fibrotic activity. LFs stimulated with plasma from COMBI-treated patients at day-7 expressed lower CCN2 and higher KLF2 levels, compared to plasma prior-to-treatment, an effect not observed in standard-of-care treatment. In line with this, COMBI-treated patients had better outcome than standard-of-care group. These data link fibroblast KLF2 with NETosis and JAK/IL-6 signaling, suggesting the potential of combined therapeutic strategies in immunofibrotic diseases, such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akrivi Chrysanthopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Christina Antoniadou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Anastasia-Maria Natsi
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Efstratios Gavriilidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Vasileios Papadopoulos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Evangelia Xingi
- Light Microscopy Unit, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Stylianos Didaskalou
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Proteomics and Cell Cycle, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mikroulis
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Victoria Tsironidou
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kambas
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Department of Immunology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Koffa
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Proteomics and Cell Cycle, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Skendros
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
| | - Konstantinos Ritis
- Laboratory of Molecular Hematology, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece; First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
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25
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Bitto N, Ghigliazza G, Lavorato S, Caputo C, La Mura V. Improving Management of Portal Hypertension: The Potential Benefit of Non-Etiological Therapies in Cirrhosis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030934. [PMID: 36769582 PMCID: PMC9917703 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is the consequence of cirrhosis and results from increased sinusoidal vascular resistance and hepatic blood inflow. Etiological therapies represent the first intervention to prevent a significant increase in portal pressure due to chronic liver damage. However, other superimposed pathophysiological drivers may worsen liver disease, including inflammation, bacterial translocation, endothelial dysfunction, and hyperactivation of hemostasis. These mechanisms can be targeted by a specific class of drugs already used in clinical practice. Albumin, rifaximin, statins, aspirin, and anticoagulants have been tested in cirrhosis and were a topic of discussion in the last Baveno consensus as non-etiological therapies. Based on the pathogenesis of portal hypertension in cirrhosis, our review summarizes the main mechanisms targeted by these drugs as well as the clinical evidence that considers them a valid complementary option to manage patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Bitto
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ghigliazza
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Sub-Intensive Care Medicine, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stanislao Lavorato
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Caputo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Mura
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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26
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Felli E, Nulan Y, Selicean S, Wang C, Gracia-Sancho J, Bosch J. Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Portal Hypertension. CURRENT HEPATOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 22:51-66. [PMID: 36908849 PMCID: PMC9988810 DOI: 10.1007/s11901-023-00598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Portal hypertension is responsible of the main complications of cirrhosis, which carries a high mortality. Recent treatments have improved prognosis, but this is still far from ideal. This paper reviews new potential therapeutic targets unveiled by advances of key pathophysiologic processes. Recent Findings Recent research highlighted the importance of suppressing etiologic factors and a safe lifestyle and outlined new mechanisms modulating portal pressure. These include intrahepatic abnormalities linked to inflammation, fibrogenesis, vascular occlusion, parenchymal extinction, and angiogenesis; impaired regeneration; increased hepatic vascular tone due to sinusoidal endothelial dysfunction with insufficient NO availability; and paracrine liver cell crosstalk. Moreover, pathways such as the gut-liver axis modulate splanchnic vasodilatation and systemic inflammation, exacerbate liver fibrosis, and are being targeted by therapy. We have summarized studies of new agents addressing these targets. Summary New agents, alone or in combination, allow acting in complementary mechanisms offering a more profound effect on portal hypertension while simultaneously limiting disease progression and favoring regression of fibrosis and of cirrhosis. Major changes in treatment paradigms are anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Felli
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yelidousi Nulan
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Selicean
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, Hepatology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, CIBEREHD, IDIBAPS Research Institute, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Gu Y, Hu J, Wang C, Qi M, Chen Y, Yu W, Wang Z, Wang X, Yuan W. Smurf1 Facilitates Oxidative Stress and Fibrosis of Ligamentum Flavum by Promoting Nrf2 Ubiquitination and Degradation. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:1164147. [PMID: 37091902 PMCID: PMC10118886 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1164147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), which can lead to irreversible neurologic damage and functional disability, is characterized by hypertrophy and fibrosis in the ligamentum flavum (LF). However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. In the current study, the effect of Smurf1, a kind of E3 ubiquitin ligase, in promoting the fibrosis and oxidative stress of LF was investigated, and its underlying mechanism was explored. The expression of oxidative stress and fibrosis-related markers was assessed in the tissue of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and lumbar disc herniation (LDH). Next, the expression of the top 10 E3 ubiquitin ligases, obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) dataset GSE113212, was assessed in LDH and LSS, and confirmed that Smurf1 expression was markedly upregulated in the LSS group. Furthermore, Smurf1 overexpression promotes the fibrosis and oxidative stress of LF cells. Subsequently, NRF2, an important transcription factor for oxidative stress and fibrosis, was predicted to be a target of Smurf1. Mechanistically, Smurf1 directly interacts with Nrf2 and accelerates Nrf2 ubiquitination and degradation. In conclusion, the current study suggests that Smurf1 facilitated the fibrosis and oxidative stress of LF and induced the development of LSS by promoting Nrf2 ubiquitination and degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Gu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Jinquan Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Min Qi
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Wenchao Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Zhanchao Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Xinwei Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Wen Yuan
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
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28
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Mitten EK, Baffy G. Mechanotransduction in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1642-1656. [PMID: 36063966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mechanobiology is a domain of interdisciplinary research that aims to explore the impact of physical force, applied externally or internally, on cell and tissue function, including development, growth, and differentiation. Mechanotransduction is a term that describes how cells sense physical forces (such as compression, stretch, and shear stress), convert them into biochemical signals, and mount adaptive responses integrated by the nucleus. There is accumulating evidence that mechanical forces extensively inform the biological behaviour of liver cells in health and disease. Recent research has elucidated many cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in this process including the pleiotropic control and diverse effects of the paralogous transcription co-activators YAP/TAZ, which play a prominent role in mechanotransduction. The liver sinusoids represent a unique microenvironment in which cells are exposed to mechanical cues originating in the cytoskeleton and at interfaces with adjacent cells, the extracellular matrix, and vascular or interstitial fluids. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatocellular lipid accumulation and ballooning, activation of inflammatory responses, dysfunction of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells into a pro-contractile and pro-fibrotic phenotype have been associated with aberrant cycles of mechanosensing and mechanoresponses. The downstream consequences of disrupted mechanical homeostasis likely contribute to the progression of NAFLD and promote the development of portal hypertension, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Identification of molecular targets involved in pathogenic mechanotransduction will allow for the development of novel strategies to prevent the progression of liver disease in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie K Mitten
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - György Baffy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston MA, USA.
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29
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Becchetti C, Dirchwolf M, Schropp J, Magini G, Müllhaupt B, Immer F, Dufour J, Banz V, Berzigotti A, Bosch J. Use of statins after liver transplantation is associated with improved survival: results of a nationwide study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 56:1194-1204. [PMID: 35979872 PMCID: PMC9545989 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17192] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited information on the effects of statins on the outcomes of liver transplantation (LT), regarding either their use by LT recipients or donors. AIM To analyse the association between statin exposure and recipient and graft survival. METHODS We included adult LT recipients with deceased donors in a nationwide prospective database study. Using a multistate modelling approach, we examined the effect of statins on the transition hazard between LT, biliary and vascular complications and death, allowing for recurring events. The observation time was 3 years. RESULTS We included 998 (696 male, 70%, mean age 54.46 ± 11.14 years) LT recipients. 14% of donors and 19% of recipients were exposed to statins during the study period. During follow-up, 141 patients died; there were 40 re-LT and 363 complications, with 66 patients having two or more complications. Treatment with statins in the recipient was modelled as a concurrent covariate and associated with lower mortality after LT (HR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.12-0.98; p = 0.047), as well as a significant reduction of re-LT (p = 0.004). However, it was not associated with lower incidence of complications (HR = 1.25; 95% CI = 0.85-1.83; p = 0.266). Moreover, in patients developing complications, statin use was significantly associated with decreased mortality (HR = 0.10; 95% CI = 0.01-0.81; p = 0.030), and reduced recurrence of complications (HR = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.20-0.93; p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS Statin use by LT recipients may confer a survival advantage. Statin administration should be encouraged in LT recipients when clinically indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Becchetti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Melisa Dirchwolf
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland,Liver UnitHospital Privado de RosarioSanta FeArgentina
| | - Jonas Schropp
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Giulia Magini
- Service de TransplantationHôpitaux Universitaires de GenèveGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Swiss HPB (Hepato‐Pancreato‐Biliary) Center and Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity Hospital ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Franz Immer
- Swisstransplant, the Swiss National Foundation for Organ Donation and TransplantationBernSwitzerland
| | - Jean‐François Dufour
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland,Centre des Maladies Digestives LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Vanessa Banz
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, InselspitalBern University Hospital, University of BernBernSwitzerland
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30
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Chen T, Shi Z, Zhao Y, Meng X, Zhao S, Zheng L, Han X, Hu Z, Yao Q, Lin H, Du X, Zhang K, Han T, Hong W. LncRNA Airn maintains LSEC differentiation to alleviate liver fibrosis via the KLF2-eNOS-sGC pathway. BMC Med 2022; 20:335. [PMID: 36171606 PMCID: PMC9520944 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02523-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as important regulators in a variety of human diseases. The dysregulation of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) phenotype is a critical early event in the fibrotic process. However, the biological function of lncRNAs in LSEC still remains unclear. METHODS The expression level of lncRNA Airn was evaluated in both human fibrotic livers and serums, as well as mouse fibrotic livers. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to detect the effect of Airn on LSEC differentiation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in liver fibrosis. Furthermore, RIP, RNA pull-down-immunoblotting, and ChIP experiments were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of Airn. RESULTS We have identified Airn was significantly upregulated in liver tissues and LSEC of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Moreover, the expression of AIRN in fibrotic human liver tissues and serums was remarkably increased compared with healthy controls. In vivo studies showed that Airn deficiency aggravated CCl4- and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis, while Airn over-expression by AAV8 alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Furthermore, we revealed that Airn maintained LSEC differentiation in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, Airn inhibited HSC activation indirectly by regulating LSEC differentiation and promoted hepatocyte (HC) proliferation by increasing paracrine secretion of Wnt2a and HGF from LSEC. Mechanistically, Airn interacted with EZH2 to maintain LSEC differentiation through KLF2-eNOS-sGC pathway, thereby maintaining HSC quiescence and promoting HC proliferation. CONCLUSIONS Our work identified that Airn is beneficial to liver fibrosis by maintaining LSEC differentiation and might be a serum biomarker for liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhemin Shi
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanmian Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Meng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Sicong Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Lina Zheng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohui Han
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhimei Hu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qingbin Yao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huajiang Lin
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Union Medical Center affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Du
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Union Medical Center affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
| | - Wei Hong
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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31
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Nasiri-Ansari N, Androutsakos T, Flessa CM, Kyrou I, Siasos G, Randeva HS, Kassi E, Papavassiliou AG. Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Concise Review. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162511. [PMID: 36010588 PMCID: PMC9407007 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. It is strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and other metabolic syndrome features. Reflecting the underlying pathogenesis and the cardiometabolic disorders associated with NAFLD, the term metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has recently been proposed. Indeed, over the past few years, growing evidence supports a strong correlation between NAFLD and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, independent of the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. This implies that NAFLD may also be directly involved in the pathogenesis of CVD. Notably, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) dysfunction appears to be implicated in the progression of NAFLD via numerous mechanisms, including the regulation of the inflammatory process, hepatic stellate activation, augmented vascular resistance, and the distortion of microcirculation, resulting in the progression of NAFLD. Vice versa, the liver secretes inflammatory molecules that are considered pro-atherogenic and may contribute to vascular endothelial dysfunction, resulting in atherosclerosis and CVD. In this review, we provide current evidence supporting the role of endothelial cell dysfunction in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NAFLD-associated atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells could thus represent a "golden target" for the development of new treatment strategies for NAFLD and its comorbid CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Nasiri-Ansari
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Androutsakos
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina-Maria Flessa
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Third Department of Cardiology, ‘Sotiria’ Thoracic Diseases General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Harpal S. Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Eva Kassi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, ‘Laiko’ General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (A.G.P.)
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (A.G.P.)
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32
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Li N, Zhang X, Zhou J, Li W, Shu X, Wu Y, Long M. Multiscale biomechanics and mechanotransduction from liver fibrosis to cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114448. [PMID: 35820602 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of multiscale biomechanical studies has been proposed to highlight the mechanical cues in the development of hepatic fibrosis and cancer. At the cellular level, changes in mechanical microenvironment induce phenotypic and functional alterations of hepatic cells, initiating a positive feedback loop that promotes liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Tumor mechanical microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma facilitates tumor cell growth and metastasis, and hinders the drug delivery and immunotherapy. At the molecular level, mechanical forces are sensed and transmitted into hepatic cells via allosteric activation of mechanoreceptors on the cell membrane, leading to the activation of various mechanotransduction pathways including integrin and YAP signaling and then regulating cell function. Thus, the application of mechanomedicine concept in the treatment of liver diseases is promising for rational design and cell-specific delivery of therapeutic drugs. This review mainly discusses the correlation between biomechanical cues and liver diseases from the viewpoint of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Shu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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33
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Abbas N, Rajoriya N, Elsharkawy AM, Chauhan A. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in 2022: have novel treatment paradigms already arrived? Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:639-652. [PMID: 35786130 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2097070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute-on-chronic failure (ACLF) is a recognized syndrome in patients with chronic liver disease and is characterized by acute decompensation, organ failure(s), and a high short-term mortality. ACLF is often triggered by ongoing alcohol consumption, gastrointestinal bleeding and/or infections, and is pathophysiologically characterized by uncontrolled systemic inflammation coupled with paradoxical immunoparesis. Patients with ACLF require prompt and early recognition. Management requires extensive utilization of clinical resources often including escalation to intensive care. AREAS COVERED Currently, there are no specific targeted treatments for established ACLF, and management revolves around treating underlying precipitants and providing organ support. In this article, we review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of ACLF and summarize recent advances in management strategies of this syndrome, focusing specifically on novel emerging therapies. EXPERT COMMENTARY ACLF is a challenging condition with rapid clinical course, high short-term mortality and varying clinical phenotypes. Management of ACLF is broadly focused on supportive care often in an intensive care setting with liver transplantation proving to be an increasingly relevant and effective rescue therapy. This disease has clear pathogenesis and epidemiological burden, thus distinguishing it from decompensated cirrhosis; there is clear clinical need for the development of specific and nuanced therapies to treat this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadir Abbas
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, the Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Neil Rajoriya
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, the Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ahmed M Elsharkawy
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, the Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Abhishek Chauhan
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.,Centre for Liver Research, Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, the Medical School, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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34
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Yun B, Ahn SH, Yoon JH, Kim BK. Statin use and risk of progression to liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B independent of conventional risk factors: A nationwide study. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2455-2464. [PMID: 35766457 PMCID: PMC9426396 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have elucidated the protective associations of statin use with liver cancer or mortality, but studies examining statin's effect on the risk of progression to liver cirrhosis considering medical/metabolic conditions or lifestyle factors are lacking. We aimed to assess statin's benefit independent of conventional risk factors. We identified 25,033 pairs of statin users (using statins for ≥90 days) and nonusers among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in the Republic of Korea's National Health Insurance Service database from 2010 to 2018. The primary endpoint was progression to cirrhosis from an inactive carrier or simple CHB. The cumulative probability was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using the multivariable Cox proportional hazard model. During a 218,472 person-year follow-up, 2210 incident cases of progression to cirrhosis occurred. The 5-year cumulative risks were 4.0% and 6.3% in statin users and nonusers, respectively (p < 0.001). Statin use was significantly associated with a decreased risk of progression to cirrhosis (aHR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.55-0.65; p < 0.001), after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, antiviral therapy, aspirin use, metformin use, nonstatin medication for dyslipidemia, smoking, drinking, obesity, exercise, and liver dysfunction. This protective association was still significant in a dose-response manner and with different time lags for outcomes. Conclusion: Statin use is associated with a decreased risk of progression to cirrhosis among patients with CHB, independent of metabolic and lifestyle factors. Future studies are required to validate this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byungyoon Yun
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Kyung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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35
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Rodrigues SG, Mendoza YP, Bosch J. Investigational drugs in early clinical development for portal hypertension. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:825-842. [PMID: 35758843 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2095259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced chronic liver disease is considered a reversible condition after removal of the primary aetiological factor. This has led to a paradigm shift in which portal hypertension (PH) is a reversible complication of cirrhosis. The pharmacologic management of PH is centered on finding targets to modify the natural history of cirrhosis and PH. AREAS COVERED This paper offers an overview of the use of pharmacological strategies in early clinical development that modify PH. Papers included were selected from searching clinical trials sites and PubMed from the last 10 years. EXPERT OPINION A paradigm shift has generated a new concept of PH in cirrhosis as a reversible complication of a potentially curable disease. Decreasing portal pressure to prevent decompensation and further complications of cirrhosis that may lead liver transplantation or death is a goal. Therapeutic strategies also aspire achieve total or partial regression of fibrosis thus eliminating the need for treatment or screening of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana G Rodrigues
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yuly P Mendoza
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Health Sciences (GHS), University of Bern
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
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Pinheiro I, Barberá A, Raurell I, Estrella F, de Leeuw M, Bolca S, Gottardi D, Horscroft N, Possemiers S, Salcedo MT, Genescà J, Martell M, Augustin S. A Nine-Strain Bacterial Consortium Improves Portal Hypertension and Insulin Signaling and Delays NAFLD Progression In Vivo. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051191. [PMID: 35625927 PMCID: PMC9175091 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome has a recognized role in Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and associated comorbidities such as Type-2 diabetes and obesity. Stool transplantation has been shown to improve disease by restoring endothelial function and insulin signaling. However, more patient-friendly treatments are required. The present study aimed to test the effect of a defined bacterial consortium of nine gut commensal strains in two in vivo rodent models of Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): a rat model of NASH and portal hypertension (PHT), and the Stelic animal (mouse) model (STAM™). In both studies the consortium was administered orally q.d. after disease induction. In the NASH rats, the consortium was administered for 2 weeks and compared to stool transplant. In the STAM™ study administration was performed for 4 weeks, and the effects compared to vehicle or Telmisartan at the stage of NASH/early fibrosis. A second group of animals was followed for another 3 weeks to assess later-stage fibrosis. In the NASH rats, an improvement in PHT and endothelial function was observed. Gut microbial compositional changes also revealed that the consortium achieved a more defined and richer replacement of the gut microbiome than stool transplantation. Moreover, liver transcriptomics suggested a beneficial modulation of pro-fibrogenic pathways. An improvement in liver fibrosis was then confirmed in the STAM™ study. In this study, the bacterial consortium improved the NAFLD activity score, consistent with a decrease in steatosis and ballooning. Serum cytokeratin-18 levels were also reduced. Therefore, administration of a specific bacterial consortium of defined composition can ameliorate NASH, PHT, and fibrosis, and delay disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Pinheiro
- MRM Health NV, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.d.L.); (S.B.); (D.G.); (N.H.); (S.P.)
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (S.A.); Tel.: +32-92770864 (I.P.)
| | - Aurora Barberá
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Institut de Recerca Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (I.R.); (F.E.); (J.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Imma Raurell
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Institut de Recerca Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (I.R.); (F.E.); (J.G.); (M.M.)
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Estrella
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Institut de Recerca Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (I.R.); (F.E.); (J.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcel de Leeuw
- MRM Health NV, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.d.L.); (S.B.); (D.G.); (N.H.); (S.P.)
| | - Selin Bolca
- MRM Health NV, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.d.L.); (S.B.); (D.G.); (N.H.); (S.P.)
| | - Davide Gottardi
- MRM Health NV, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.d.L.); (S.B.); (D.G.); (N.H.); (S.P.)
| | - Nigel Horscroft
- MRM Health NV, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.d.L.); (S.B.); (D.G.); (N.H.); (S.P.)
| | - Sam Possemiers
- MRM Health NV, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (M.d.L.); (S.B.); (D.G.); (N.H.); (S.P.)
| | - María Teresa Salcedo
- Pathology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Joan Genescà
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Institut de Recerca Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (I.R.); (F.E.); (J.G.); (M.M.)
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Martell
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Institut de Recerca Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (I.R.); (F.E.); (J.G.); (M.M.)
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Augustin
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Institut de Recerca Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.B.); (I.R.); (F.E.); (J.G.); (M.M.)
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (I.P.); (S.A.); Tel.: +32-92770864 (I.P.)
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Guo H, Wang M, Wang B, Guo L, Cheng Y, Wang Z, Sun YQ, Wang Y, Chang YJ, Huang XJ. PRDM1 Drives Human Primary T Cell Hyporesponsiveness by Altering the T Cell Transcriptome and Epigenome. Front Immunol 2022; 13:879501. [PMID: 35572579 PMCID: PMC9097451 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.879501] [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: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell hyporesponsiveness is crucial for the functional immune system and prevents the damage induced by alloreactive T cells in autoimmune pathology and transplantation. Here, we found low expression of PRDM1 in T cells from donor and recipients both related to the occurrence of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD). Our systematic multiomics analysis found that the transcription factor PRDM1 acts as a master regulator during inducing human primary T cell hyporesponsiveness. PRDM1-overexpression in primary T cells expanded Treg cell subset and increased the expression level of FOXP3, while decreased expression had the opposite effects. Moreover, the binding motifs of key T cell function regulators, such as FOS, JUN and AP-1, were enriched in PRDM1 binding sites and that PRDM1 altered the chromatin accessibility of these regions. Multiomics analysis showed that PRDM1 directly upregulated T cell inhibitory genes such as KLF2 and KLRD1 and downregulated the T cell activation gene IL2, indicating that PRDM1 could promote a tolerant transcriptional profile. Further analysis showed that PRDM1 upregulated FOXP3 expression level directly by binding to FOXP3 upstream enhancer region and indirectly by upregulating KLF2. These results indicated that PRDM1 is sufficient for inducing human primary T cell hyporesponsiveness by transcriptomic and epigenetic manners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huidong Guo
- Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Wang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bixia Wang
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liping Guo
- Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Cheng
- Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Zhidong Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qian Sun
- Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Jun Chang
- Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital & Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies (2019RU029), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Li H. Intercellular crosstalk of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:598-613. [PMID: 34344577 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intercellular crosstalk among various liver cells plays an important role in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) precedes fibrosis and accumulating evidence suggests that the crosstalk between LSECs and other liver cells is critical in the development and progression of liver fibrosis. LSECs dysfunction, a key event in the progression from fibrosis to cirrhosis, and subsequently obstruction of hepatic sinuses and increased intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR) contribute to development of portal hypertension (PHT) and cirrhosis. More importantly, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which is closely related to the crosstalk between LSECs and immune liver cells like CD8+ T cells, promotes advances tumorigenesis, especially HCC. However, the connections within the crosstalk between LSECs and other liver cells during the progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis to HCC have yet to be discussed. In this review, we first summarize the current knowledge of how different crosstalk between LSECs and other liver cells, including hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), macrophoges, immune cells in liver and extra cellular matrix (ECM) contribute to the physiological function and the progrssion from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis, or even to HCC. Then we examine current treatment strategies for LSECs crosstalk in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Central Laboratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, NO. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, PR China.
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Renoprotective Effect of KLF2 on Glomerular Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypertensive Nephropathy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050762. [PMID: 35269384 PMCID: PMC8909753 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) regulates endothelial cell metabolism; endothelial dysfunction is associated with hypertension and is a predictor of atherosclerosis development and cardiovascular events. Here, we investigated the role of KLF2 in hypertensive nephropathy by regulating KLF2 expression in human primary glomerular endothelial cells (hPGECs) and evaluating this expression in the kidney tissues of a 5/6 nephrectomy mouse model as well as patients with hypertension. Hypertension-mimicking devices and KLF2 siRNA were used to downregulate KLF2 expression, while the expression of KLF2 was upregulated by administering simvastatin. After 4 mmHg of pressure was applied on hPGECs for 48 h, KLF2 mRNA expression decreased, while alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) mRNA expression increased. Apoptosis and fibrosis rates were increased under pressure, and these phenomena were aggravated following KLF2 knockdown, but were alleviated after simvastatin treatment; additionally, these changes were observed in angiotensin II, angiotensin type-1 receptor (AT1R) mRNA, and interleukin-18 (IL-18), but not in angiotensin type-2 receptor mRNA. Reduced expression of KLF2 in glomerular endothelial cells due to hypertension was found in both 5/6 nephrectomy mice and patients with hypertensive nephropathy. Thus, our study demonstrates that the pressure-induced apoptosis and fibrosis of glomerular endothelial cells result from angiotensin II, AT1R activation, and KLF2 inhibition, and are associated with IL-18.
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Simvastatin Improves Microcirculatory Function in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Downregulates Oxidative and ALE-RAGE Stress. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030716. [PMID: 35277075 PMCID: PMC8838100 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased reactive oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and fibrosis, which contribute to tissue damage and development and progression of nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), play important roles in microcirculatory disorders. We investigated the effect of the modulatory properties of simvastatin (SV) on the liver and adipose tissue microcirculation as well as metabolic and oxidative stress parameters, including the advanced lipoxidation end product–receptors of advanced glycation end products (ALE-RAGE) pathway. SV was administered to an NAFLD model constructed using a high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet (HFHC). HFHC caused metabolic changes indicative of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; treatment with SV protected the mice from developing NAFLD. SV prevented microcirculatory dysfunction in HFHC-fed mice, as evidenced by decreased leukocyte recruitment to hepatic and fat microcirculation, decreased hepatic stellate cell activation, and improved hepatic capillary network architecture and density. SV restored basal microvascular blood flow in the liver and adipose tissue and restored the endothelium-dependent vasodilatory response of adipose tissue to acetylcholine. SV treatment restored antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased lipid peroxidation, ALE-RAGE pathway activation, steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory parameters. Thus, SV may improve microcirculatory function in NAFLD by downregulating oxidative and ALE-RAGE stress and improving steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory parameters.
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Yu Z, Guo J, Liu Y, Wang M, Liu Z, Gao Y, Huang L. Nano delivery of simvastatin targets liver sinusoidal endothelial cells to remodel tumor microenvironment for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:9. [PMID: 34983554 PMCID: PMC8725360 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-021-01205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed in fibrotic liver does not respond well to immunotherapy, mainly due to the stromal microenvironment and the fibrosis-related immunosuppressive factors. The characteristic of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in contributing to fibrosis and orchestrating immune response is responsible for the refractory to targeted therapy or immunotherapy of HCC. We aim to seek a new strategy for HCC treatment based on an old drug simvastatin which shows protecting effect on LSEC. METHOD The features of LSECs in mouse fibrotic HCC model and human HCC patients were identified by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of simvastatin on LSECs and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was examined by immunoblotting, quantitative RT-PCR and RNA-seq. LSEC-targeted delivery of simvastatin was designed using nanotechnology. The anti-HCC effect and toxicity of the nano-drug was evaluated in both intra-hepatic and hemi-splenic inoculated mouse fibrotic HCC model. RESULTS LSEC capillarization is associated with fibrotic HCC progression and poor survival in both murine HCC model and HCC patients. We further found simvastatin restores the quiescence of activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) via stimulation of KLF2-NO signaling in LSECs, and up-regulates the expression of CXCL16 in LSECs. In intrahepatic inoculated fibrotic HCC mouse model, LSEC-targeted nano-delivery of simvastatin not only alleviates LSEC capillarization to regress the stromal microenvironment, but also recruits natural killer T (NKT) cells through CXCL16 to suppress tumor progression. Together with anti-programmed death-1-ligand-1 (anti-PD-L1) antibody, targeted-delivery of simvastatin achieves an improved therapeutic effect in hemi-splenic inoculated advanced-stage HCC model. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal an immune-based therapeutic mechanism of simvastatin for remodeling immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, therefore providing a novel strategy in treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Yu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- Department of Liver Disease, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Menglin Wang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Zhengsheng Liu
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Department of Liver Disease, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
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Francis P, Forman LM. Statins Show Promise Against Progression of Liver Disease. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2021; 18:280-287. [PMID: 34976372 PMCID: PMC8688902 DOI: 10.1002/cld.1143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Content available: Audio Recording.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of ColoradoAuroraCO
| | - Lisa M. Forman
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of ColoradoAuroraCO
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The Hepatic Sinusoid in Chronic Liver Disease: The Optimal Milieu for Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225719. [PMID: 34830874 PMCID: PMC8616349 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary During the development of chronic liver disease, the hepatic sinusoid undergoes major changes that further compromise the hepatic function, inducing persistent inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, together with alterations in liver hemodynamics. This diseased background may induce the formation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common form of primary liver cancer and a major cause of mortality. In this review, we describe the ways in which the dysregulation of hepatic sinusoidal cells—including liver sinusoidal cells, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells—may have an important role in the development of HCC. Our review summarizes all of the known sinusoidal processes in both health and disease, and possible treatments focusing on the dysregulation of the sinusoid; finally, we discuss how some of these alterations occurring during chronic injury are shared with the pathology of HCC and may contribute to its development. Abstract The liver sinusoids are a unique type of microvascular beds. The specialized phenotype of sinusoidal cells is essential for their communication, and for the function of all hepatic cell types, including hepatocytes. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) conform the inner layer of the sinusoids, which is permeable due to the fenestrae across the cytoplasm; hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) surround LSECs, regulate the vascular tone, and synthetize the extracellular matrix, and Kupffer cells (KCs) are the liver-resident macrophages. Upon injury, the harmonic equilibrium in sinusoidal communication is disrupted, leading to phenotypic alterations that may affect the function of the whole liver if the damage persists. Understanding how the specialized sinusoidal cells work in coordination with each other in healthy livers and chronic liver disease is of the utmost importance for the discovery of new therapeutic targets and the design of novel pharmacological strategies. In this manuscript, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of sinusoidal cells and their communication both in health and chronic liver diseases, and their potential pharmacologic modulation. Finally, we discuss how alterations occurring during chronic injury may contribute to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, which is usually developed in the background of chronic liver disease.
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Zaccherini G, Tufoni M, Bernardi M, Caraceni P. Prevention of Cirrhosis Complications: Looking for Potential Disease Modifying Agents. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4590. [PMID: 34640608 PMCID: PMC8509683 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194590] [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: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The current therapeutic strategies for the management of patients with cirrhosis rely on the prevention or treatment of specific complications. The removal of the causative agents (i.e., viruses or alcohol) prevents decompensation in the vast majority of patients with compensated cirrhosis. In contrast, even when etiological treatment has been effective, a significant proportion of patients with decompensated cirrhosis remains at risk of further disease progression. Therefore, therapies targeting specific key points in the complex pathophysiological cascade of decompensated cirrhosis could represent a new approach for the management of these severely ill patients. Some of the interventions currently employed for treating or preventing specific complications of cirrhosis or used in other diseases (i.e., poorly absorbable oral antibiotics, statins, albumin) have been proposed as potential disease-modifying agents in cirrhosis (DMAC) since clinical studies have shown their capacity of improving survival. Additional multicenter, large randomized clinical trials are awaited to confirm these promising results. Finally, new drugs able to antagonize key pathophysiological mechanisms are under pre-clinical development or at the initial stages of clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Zaccherini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Manuel Tufoni
- IRCCS AOU di Bologna—Policlinico di S. Orsola, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
| | - Paolo Caraceni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (G.Z.); (M.B.)
- IRCCS AOU di Bologna—Policlinico di S. Orsola, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Center for Biomedical Applied Research, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Muñoz AE, Pollarsky FD, Marino M, Cartier M, Vázquez H, Salgado P, Romero G. Addition of statins to the standard treatment in patients with cirrhosis: Safety and efficacy. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:4639-4652. [PMID: 34366626 PMCID: PMC8326251 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i28.4639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes the safety and efficacy of statins in patients with cirrhosis. Due to concerns about the safety of statins in patients with impaired liver function, they have recently been investigated as a potential treatment option in cirrhosis. The most clinically significant adverse event is statin-related myopathy, and this may be related to the high serum statin concentrations in the setting of severely impaired liver function. Rhabdomyolysis is the most serious and potentially life-threatening manifestation. It has recently been demonstrated that the recommended dose of simvastatin in patients with decompensated cirrhosis would be 20 mg/d because higher values, such as 40 mg/d, are associated with many adverse events, especially muscle injury. Likewise, simvastatin should not be administered to patients with Model for End-stage Liver Disease score > 12 and/or Child-Pugh class C because of the high risk of severe muscle injury. Due to the pleiotropic effects, the focus on statins has shifted from being considered harmful to something useful. Through these effects, statins could prevent liver-related morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients. Observational studies in large populations of patients with cirrhosis have shown that treatment with statins to decrease high cholesterol levels was associated with a reduced risk of hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma development and death. The few randomized controlled trials in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension showed that statins lower portal pressure, quite likely through a reduction in hepatic resistance. Another large randomized controlled trial in patients with variceal bleeding showed that simvastatin in addition to standard of care did not prevent rebleeding but improved survival rate. Despite these encouraging outcomes, the quality of the evidence regarding the use of statins is low or very low due to the observational characteristics of most of the studies involved. Therefore, it is advisable to perform further randomized controlled trials on a large series of patients with hard clinical endpoints, using different statin types and varying doses. The objectives would be to prevent liver-related morbidity and mortality rather than treating cirrhosis complications to take additional information that makes it possible to add statins to the standard of care of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto E Muñoz
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1264, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud Pública, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1122, Argentina
| | - Florencia D Pollarsky
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1264, Argentina
| | - Mónica Marino
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1264, Argentina
| | - Mariano Cartier
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1264, Argentina
| | - Horacio Vázquez
- Unidad Clínica, Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Investigador Asociado del Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1264, Argentina
| | - Pablo Salgado
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Salud Pública, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1122, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Romero
- Sección Hepatología, Hospital de Gastroenterología Dr. Carlos Bonorino Udaondo, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires 1264, Argentina
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46
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Vitiello A, Ferrara F. Plausible Positive Effects of Statins in COVID-19 Patient. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2021; 21:781-789. [PMID: 34255300 PMCID: PMC8275916 DOI: 10.1007/s12012-021-09674-x] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, there has been much discussion about the advantages and disadvantages of ongoing chronic drug therapies in SARS-CoV-2-positive patients. These discussions include also statins treatment. The statins are among the most widely used drugs in the global population. Statins aim to lower cholesterol, which is essential for many biological processes but can lead to heart disease if levels are too high; however, also the pleiotropic effects of statins are well known. So could the anti-inflammatory or the potential antiviral effects of statins be helpful in avoiding extreme inflammation and severity in COVID-19? To date, there are conflicting opinions on the effects of statins in the course of COVID-19 infection. The aim of this article is to describe the molecular and pharmacological basis of the pleiotropic effects of statins that could be more involved in the fight against COVID-19 infection and to investigate the current epidemiological evidence in the literature on the current and important topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vitiello
- Clinical Pharmacologist, Pharmaceutical Department, Usl Umbria 1, A.Migliorati street, 06132, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferrara
- Hospital Pharmacist Manager, Pharmaceutical Department, Usl Umbria 1, A.Migliorati street, 06132, Perugia, Italy.
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47
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Caraceni P, Abraldes JG, Ginès P, Newsome PN, Sarin SK. The search for disease-modifying agents in decompensated cirrhosis: From drug repurposing to drug discovery. J Hepatol 2021; 75 Suppl 1:S118-S134. [PMID: 34039483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with decompensated cirrhosis are currently managed through targeted strategies aimed at preventing or treating specific complications. In contrast, a disease-modifying agent should, by definition, be aimed at globally addressing 'decompensated cirrhosis'. To be defined as a disease-modifying agent in decompensated cirrhosis, interventions need to demonstrate an unequivocal benefit on the course of disease in well-designed and adequately powered randomised clinical trials with hard endpoints (i.e. patient survival). These trials also need to define the target population, dosage and timing of administration, factors guiding treatment, temporary or permanent stopping rules, transferability to daily clinical practice, cost-effectiveness, and global treatment access. By eliminating the underlying cause of cirrhosis, aetiologic treatments can still influence the course of decompensated disease by halting or slowing down disease progression or even inducing reversion to the compensated state. In contrast, there remains an unmet clinical need for disease-modifying agents which can antagonise key pathophysiological mechanisms of decompensated cirrhosis, such as portal hypertension, gut translocation, circulatory dysfunction, systemic inflammation, and immunological dysfunction. However, in the last few years, the repurposing of "old drugs" that have already been prescribed for more limited indications in hepatology or for other diseases has provided a few candidates, including human albumin, statins, and poorly absorbable oral antibiotics, which are under further evaluation in large-scale randomised clinical trials. New disease-modifying agents are also expected to be identified in the next decade through the systematic repurposing of existing drugs and the development of novel molecules which are currently undergoing pre-clinical or early clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Caraceni
- Division of Medical Semeiotics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Center for Biomedical Applied Research, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, Canada
| | - Pere Ginès
- Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBEReHD, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Phil N Newsome
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Birmingham, UK; Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK; Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Shiv K Sarin
- Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), New Delhi, India
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48
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Engelmann C, Clària J, Szabo G, Bosch J, Bernardi M. Pathophysiology of decompensated cirrhosis: Portal hypertension, circulatory dysfunction, inflammation, metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction. J Hepatol 2021; 75 Suppl 1:S49-S66. [PMID: 34039492 PMCID: PMC9272511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis have a dismal prognosis and frequently progress to acute-on-chronic liver failure, which is characterised by hepatic and extrahepatic organ failure(s). The pathomechanisms involved in decompensation and disease progression are still not well understood, and as specific disease-modifying treatments do not exist, research to identify novel therapeutic targets is of the utmost importance. This review amalgamates the latest knowledge on disease mechanisms that lead to tissue injury and extrahepatic organ failure - such as systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and metabolic changes - and marries these with the classical paradigms of acute decompensation to form a single paradigm. With this detailed breakdown of pathomechanisms, we identify areas for future research. Novel disease-modifying strategies that break the vicious cycle are urgently required to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Engelmann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Section Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Joan Clària
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF-Clif) and Grifols Chair, Barcelona, Spain,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital ClínicIDIBAPS and CIBERehd, Spain,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Jaume Bosch
- IDIBAPS and CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), Bern University, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences; Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna; Italy
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49
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Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) form the wall of the hepatic sinusoids. Unlike other capillaries, they lack an organized basement membrane and have cytoplasm that is penetrated by open fenestrae, making the hepatic microvascular endothelium discontinuous. LSECs have essential roles in the maintenance of hepatic homeostasis, including regulation of the vascular tone, inflammation and thrombosis, and they are essential for control of the hepatic immune response. On a background of acute or chronic liver injury, LSECs modify their phenotype and negatively affect neighbouring cells and liver disease pathophysiology. This Review describes the main functions and phenotypic dysregulations of LSECs in liver diseases, specifically in the context of acute injury (ischaemia-reperfusion injury, drug-induced liver injury and bacterial and viral infection), chronic liver disease (metabolism-associated liver disease, alcoholic steatohepatitis and chronic hepatotoxic injury) and hepatocellular carcinoma, and provides a comprehensive update of the role of LSECs as therapeutic targets for liver disease. Finally, we discuss the open questions in the field of LSEC pathobiology and future avenues of research.
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50
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Bravo M, Raurell I, Barberá A, Hide D, Gil M, Estrella F, Salcedo MT, Augustin S, Genescà J, Martell M. Synergic effect of atorvastatin and ambrisentan on sinusoidal and hemodynamic alterations in a rat model of NASH. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:268318. [PMID: 34014280 PMCID: PMC8188885 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.048884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), decreased nitric oxide and increased endothelin-1 (ET-1, also known as EDN1) released by sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) induce hepatic stellate cell (HSC) contraction and contribute to portal hypertension (PH). Statins improve LSEC function, and ambrisentan is a selective endothelin-receptor-A antagonist. We aimed to analyse the combined effects of atorvastatin and ambrisentan on liver histopathology and hemodynamics, together with assessing the underlying mechanism in a rat NASH model. Diet-induced NASH rats were treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), ambrisentan (30 mg/kg/day or 2 mg/kg/day) or a combination of both for 2 weeks. Hemodynamic parameters were registered and liver histology and serum biochemical determinations analysed. Expression of proteins were studied by immunoblotting. Conditioned media experiments were performed with LSEC. HSCs were characterized by RT-PCR, and a collagen lattice contraction assay was performed. Atorvastatin and ambrisentan act synergistically in combination to completely normalize liver hemodynamics and reverse histological NASH by 75%. Atorvastatin reversed the sinusoidal contractile phenotype, thus improving endothelial function, whereas ambrisentan prevented the contractile response in HSCs by blocking ET-1 response. Additionally, ambrisentan also increased eNOS (also known as Nos3) phosphorylation levels in LSEC, via facilitating the stimulation of endothelin-receptor-B in these cells. Furthermore, the serum alanine aminotransferase of the combined treatment group decreased to normal levels, and this group exhibited a restoration of the HSC quiescent phenotype. The combination of atorvastatin and ambrisentan remarkably improves liver histology and PH in a diet-induced NASH model. By recovering LSEC function, together with inhibiting the activation and contraction of HSC, this combined treatment may be an effective treatment for NASH patients. Summary: Combining atorvastatin with ambrisentan is safe and effective in reducing intrahepatic resistance and portal hypertension in an experimental model of NASH. This liver histology amelioration highlights a promising therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miren Bravo
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Imma Raurell
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Aurora Barberá
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Diana Hide
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Mar Gil
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Federico Estrella
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - María Teresa Salcedo
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona 08035, Spain
| | - Salvador Augustin
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Joan Genescà
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - María Martell
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona 08035, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
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