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Mohammed OS, Attia HG, Mohamed BMSA, Elbaset MA, Fayed HM. Current investigations for liver fibrosis treatment: between repurposing the FDA-approved drugs and the other emerging approaches. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES : A PUBLICATION OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, SOCIETE CANADIENNE DES SCIENCES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2023; 26:11808. [PMID: 38022905 PMCID: PMC10662312 DOI: 10.3389/jpps.2023.11808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Long-term liver injuries lead to hepatic fibrosis, often progressing into cirrhosis, liver failure, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is currently no effective therapy available for liver fibrosis. Thus, continuous investigations for anti-fibrotic therapy are ongoing. The main theme of anti-fibrotic investigation during recent years is the rationale-based selection of treatment molecules according to the current understanding of the pathology of the disease. The research efforts are mainly toward repurposing current FDA-approved drugs targeting etiological molecular factors involved in developing liver fibrosis. In parallel, investigations also focus on experimental small molecules with evidence to hinder or reverse the fibrosis. Natural compounds, immunological, and genetic approaches have shown significant encouraging effects. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety of current under-investigation antifibrosis medications targeting various molecular targets, as well as the properties of antifibrosis medications, mainly in phase II and III clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omima S. Mohammed
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hany G. Attia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassim M. S. A. Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marawan A. Elbaset
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hany M. Fayed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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2
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Borrello MT, Mann D. Chronic liver diseases: From development to novel pharmacological therapies: IUPHAR Review 37. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2880-2897. [PMID: 35393658 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15853] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases comprise a broad spectrum of burdensome diseases that still lack effective pharmacological therapies. Our research group focuses on fibrosis, which is a major precursor of liver cirrhosis. Fibrosis consists in a progressive disturbance of liver sinusoidal architecture characterised by connective tissue deposition as a reparative response to tissue injury. Multifactorial events and several types of cells participate in fibrosis initiation and progression, and the process still needs to be completely understood. The development of experimental models of liver fibrosis alongside the identification of critical factors progressing fibrosis to cirrhosis will facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for such condition. This review provides an overlook of the main process leading to hepatic fibrosis and therapeutic approaches that have emerged from a deep knowledge of the molecular regulation of fibrogenesis in the liver. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Advances in Fibrosis as a Therapeutic Target. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.22/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Borrello
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Derek Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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3
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Fraser DA, Harrison SA, Schuppan D. Icosabutate: targeting metabolic and inflammatory pathways for the treatment of NASH. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:1269-1278. [PMID: 36527256 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2159804] [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: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Via pleiotropic targeting of membrane and nuclear fatty acid receptors regulating key metabolic and inflammatory pathways in the liver, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids could offer a unique therapeutic approach for the treatment of metabolic-inflammatory diseases such as NASH. However, they lack efficacy for the treatment of NASH, likely due to unfavorable distribution, metabolism, and susceptibility to peroxidation. AREAS COVERED Structurally engineered fatty acids (SEFAs), as exemplified by icosabutate, circumvent the inherent limitations of unmodified long-chain fatty acids, and demonstrate markedly enhanced pharmacodynamic effects without sacrificing safety and tolerability. We cover icosabutate's structural modifications, their rationale and the fatty acid receptor and pathway targeting profile. We also provide an overview of the clinical data to date, including interim data from a Phase 2b trial in NASH subjects. EXPERT OPINION Ideally, candidate drugs for NASH and associated liver fibrosis should be pleiotropic in mechanism and work upstream on multiple drivers of NASH, including lipotoxic lipid species, oxidative stress, and key modulators of inflammation, liver cell injury, and fibrosis. Icosabutate has demonstrated the ability to target these pathways in preclinical NASH models with interim data from the ICONA trial supporting, at least noninvasively, the clinical translation of highly promising pre-clinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen A Harrison
- NorthSea Therapeutics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford UK
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
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4
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Femtosecond laser attenuates oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver fibrosis in rats: Possible role of PPARγ and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Life Sci 2022; 307:120877. [PMID: 35963297 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that occurs in chronic liver injury. Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in fibrogenesis which can develop into cirrhosis and carcinoma. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has promising therapeutic effects against fibrogenesis; however, the specific underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. We investigated the potential of LLLT to attenuate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats, focusing on oxidative injury, inflammatory response, and the possible role of PPARγ and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. Rats were given CCl4 and exposed to LLLT twice/week for 6 weeks and blood and liver samples were collected for analysis. CCl4 caused liver injury and fibrosis manifested by hepatocyte injury, steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and accumulation of collagen, elevated serum transaminases and bilirubin, and decreased albumin. ROS, MDA, NO, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, iNOS, TGF-β1, and IL-6 were increased in the liver of CCl4-administered rats. Exposure to LLLT ameliorated histopathological alterations, collagen deposition, and liver function markers, and downregulated hepatic α-SMA, collagen 1A1, and collagen 3A1. In Addition, LLLT decreased ROS, MDA, NO, NF-κB p65, TGF-β1, and pro-inflammatory mediators, and enhanced antioxidant defenses. These effects were associated with upregulated PPARγ, Nrf2, and HO-1, both gene and protein expression. In conclusion, LLLT attenuated liver fibrosis by suppressing ECM production and deposition, oxidative injury and inflammation, and upregulating PPARγ and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.
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5
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Circadian rhythm of lipid metabolism. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1191-1204. [PMID: 35604112 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lipids comprise a diverse group of metabolites that are indispensable as energy storage molecules, cellular membrane components and mediators of inter- and intra-cellular signaling processes. Lipid homeostasis plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic health in mammals including human beings. A growing body of evidence suggests that the circadian clock system ensures temporal orchestration of lipid homeostasis, and that perturbation of such diurnal regulation leads to the development of metabolic disorders comprising obesity and type 2 diabetes. In view of the emerging role of circadian regulation in maintaining lipid homeostasis, in this review, we summarize the current knowledge on lipid metabolic pathways controlled by the mammalian circadian system. Furthermore, we review the emerging connection between the development of human metabolic diseases and changes in lipid metabolites that belong to major classes of lipids. Finally, we highlight the mechanisms underlying circadian organization of lipid metabolic rhythms upon the physiological situation, and the consequences of circadian clock dysfunction for dysregulation of lipid metabolism.
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6
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Fan C, Ma Y, Chen S, Zhou Q, Jiang H, Zhang J, Wu F. Comprehensive Analysis of the Transcriptome-Wide m6A Methylation Modification Difference in Liver Fibrosis Mice by High-Throughput m6A Sequencing. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:767051. [PMID: 34869362 PMCID: PMC8635166 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.767051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A), a unique and common mRNA modification method in eukaryotes, is involved in the occurrence and development of many diseases. Liver fibrosis (LF) is a common response to chronic liver injury and may lead to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. However, the involvement of m6A methylation in the development of LF is still unknown. In this study, we performed a systematic evaluation of hepatic genome-wide m6A modification and mRNA expression by m6A-seq and RNA-seq using LF mice. There were 3,315 genes with significant differential m6A levels, of which 2,498 were hypermethylated and 817 hypomethylated. GO and KEGG analyses illustrated that differentially expressed m6A genes were closely correlated with processes such as the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, PPAR signaling pathway and TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, a total of 90 genes had both a significant change in the m6A level and mRNA expression shown by joint analysis of m6A-seq and RNA-seq. Hence, the critical elements of m6A modification, including methyltransferase WTAP, demethylases ALKBH5 and binding proteins YTHDF1 were confirmed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. In an additional cell experiment, we also observed that the decreased expression of WTAP induced the development of LF as a result of promoting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Therefore, this study revealed unique differential m6A methylation patterns in LF mice and suggested that m6A methylation was associated with the occurrence and course of LF to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Fan
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yanzhen Ma
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Sen Chen
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qiumei Zhou
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Furong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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7
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Lambert J, Saliba J, Calderon C, Sii-Felice K, Salma M, Edmond V, Alvarez JC, Delord M, Marty C, Plo I, Kiladjian JJ, Soler E, Vainchenker W, Villeval JL, Rousselot P, Prost S. PPARγ agonists promote the resolution of myelofibrosis in preclinical models. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:136713. [PMID: 33914703 DOI: 10.1172/jci136713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a non-BCR-ABL myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with poor outcomes. Current treatment has little effect on the natural history of the disease. MF results from complex interactions between (a) the malignant clone, (b) an inflammatory context, and (c) remodeling of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. Each of these points is a potential target of PPARγ activation. Here, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential of PPARγ agonists in resolving MF in 3 mouse models. We showed that PPARγ agonists reduce myeloproliferation, modulate inflammation, and protect the BM stroma in vitro and ex vivo. Activation of PPARγ constitutes a relevant therapeutic target in MF, and our data support the possibility of using PPARγ agonists in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Lambert
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA/DRF/François Jacob Biology Institute, UMR1184 IMVA-HB/IDMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France.,Opale Carnot Institute, Paris, France
| | - Joseph Saliba
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA/DRF/François Jacob Biology Institute, UMR1184 IMVA-HB/IDMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Carolina Calderon
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA/DRF/François Jacob Biology Institute, UMR1184 IMVA-HB/IDMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Opale Carnot Institute, Paris, France
| | - Karine Sii-Felice
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA/DRF/François Jacob Biology Institute, UMR1184 IMVA-HB/IDMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Mohammad Salma
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,Université de Paris, Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Edmond
- INSERM, UMR1287, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Jean-Claude Alvarez
- Département de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris Ile-de-France Ouest, AP-HP, Hôpital Raymond-Poincaré, FHU Sepsis, Garches, France.,MasSpecLab, Plateforme de spectrométrie de masse, INSERM U-1173, Université Paris-Saclay (Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), UFR des sciences de la santé, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Marc Delord
- Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France
| | - Caroline Marty
- INSERM, UMR1287, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Isabelle Plo
- INSERM, UMR1287, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Jean-Jacques Kiladjian
- Opale Carnot Institute, Paris, France.,Université de Paris, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Centre d'Investigations Cliniques CIC 1427, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Eric Soler
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,Université de Paris, Laboratory of Excellence GR-Ex, Paris, France
| | | | - Jean-Luc Villeval
- INSERM, UMR1287, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Philippe Rousselot
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA/DRF/François Jacob Biology Institute, UMR1184 IMVA-HB/IDMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Le Chesnay, France.,Opale Carnot Institute, Paris, France.,Université Paris-Saclay (Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines), UFR des sciences de la santé, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Stéphane Prost
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CEA/DRF/François Jacob Biology Institute, UMR1184 IMVA-HB/IDMIT, Université Paris-Saclay, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.,Opale Carnot Institute, Paris, France
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8
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Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Inactivation in NASH-Fibrosis-Roles as Putative Treatment Targets? Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9040365. [PMID: 33807461 PMCID: PMC8066583 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the primary predictor of mortality in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this process, the activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) constitute the principal cells responsible for the deposition of a fibrous extracellular matrix, thereby driving the hepatic scarring. HSC activation, migration, and proliferation are controlled by a complex signaling network involving growth factors, lipotoxicity, inflammation, and cellular stress. Conversely, the clearance of activated HSCs is a prerequisite for the resolution of the extracellular fibrosis. Hence, pathways regulating the fate of the HSCs may represent attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment and prevention of NASH-associated hepatic fibrosis. However, the development of anti-fibrotic drugs for NASH patients has not yet resulted in clinically approved therapeutics, underscoring the complex biology and challenges involved when targeting the intricate cellular signaling mechanisms. This narrative review investigated the mechanisms of activation and inactivation of HSCs with a focus on NASH-associated hepatic fibrosis. Presenting an updated overview, this review highlights key cellular pathways with potential value for the development of future treatment modalities.
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Odagiri N, Matsubara T, Sato-Matsubara M, Fujii H, Enomoto M, Kawada N. Anti-fibrotic treatments for chronic liver diseases: The present and the future. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 27:413-424. [PMID: 33317250 PMCID: PMC8273638 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis reflects tissue scarring in the liver due to the accumulation of excessive extracellular matrix in response to chronically persistent liver injury. Hepatocyte cell death can trigger capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, stimulation of immune cells including macrophages and Kupffer cells, and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), resulting in progression of liver fibrosis. Liver cirrhosis is the terminal state of liver fibrosis and is associated with severe complications, such as liver failure, portal hypertension, and liver cancer. Nevertheless, effective therapy for cirrhosis has not yet been established, and liver transplantation is the only radical treatment for severe cases. Studies investigating HSC activation and regulation of collagen production in the liver have made breakthroughs in recent decades that have advanced the knowledge regarding liver fibrosis pathophysiology. In this review, we summarize molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and discuss the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoshi Odagiri
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Matsubara
- Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Misako Sato-Matsubara
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Endowed Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- Department of Premier Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
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10
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Hu S, Bae M, Park YK, Lee JY. n-3 PUFAs inhibit TGFβ1-induced profibrogenic gene expression by ameliorating the repression of PPARγ in hepatic stellate cells. J Nutr Biochem 2020; 85:108452. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2020.108452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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11
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Su S, Tian H, Jia X, Zhu X, Wu J, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Li Z, Zhou Y. Mechanistic insights into the effects of SREBP1c on hepatic stellate cell and liver fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:10063-10074. [PMID: 32678475 PMCID: PMC7520338 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) plays key roles in maintenance of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) quiescence. The present researches investigated the mechanisms underlying the effects of SREBP1c on HSCs and liver fibrogenesis by HSC-targeted overexpression of the active SREBP1c using adenovirus in vitro and in vivo. Results demonstrated that SREBP1c exerted inhibitory effects on TAA-induced liver fibrosis. SREBP1c down-regulated TGFβ1 level in liver, reduced the receptors for TGFβ1 and PDGFβ, and interrupted the signalling pathways of Smad3 and Akt1/2/3 but not ERK1/2 in HSCs. SREBP1c also led to the decreases in the protein levels of the bromodomain-containing chromatin-modifying factor bromodomain protein 4, methionine adenosyltransferase 2B (MAT2B) and TIMP1 in HSCs. In vivo activated HSCs did not express cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 but SREBP1c down-regulated both cyclins in vitro. SREBP1c elevated PPARγ and MMP1 protein levels in the model of liver fibrosis. The effect of SREBP1c on MAT2B expression was associated with its binding to MAT2B1 promoter. Taken together, the mechanisms underlying the effects of SREBP1c on HSC activation and liver fibrosis were involved in its influences on TGFβ1 level, the receptors for TGFβ1 and PDGFβ and their downstream signalling, and the molecules for epigenetic regulation of genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengyan Su
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Haimeng Tian
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xin Jia
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xiaofei Zhu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Juanjuan Wu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ziqiang Li
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yajun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Key Laboratory of Microenvironment and Translational Cancer Research, Medical College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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12
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Shin SK, Kim KO, Kim SH, Kwon OS, Choi CS, Jeong SH, Kim YS, Kim JH, Chung MH. Exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine ameliorates liver fibrosis through the inhibition of Rac1-NADPH oxidase signaling. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:1078-1087. [PMID: 31907970 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Exogenous 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was suggested as an inhibitor of Rac1 and NADPH oxidase (NOX). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the exogenous 8-OHdG on hepatic fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo model of liver fibrosis. METHODS Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to sham-operated rats (n = 7), rats that underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) (n = 6), and BDL rats treated with 8-OHdG (60 mg/kg/day by gavage, n = 6). All rats were sacrificed on day 21. Double immunofluorescence staining between either NOX1 or NOX2 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) in liver was performed. Hepatic fibrotic contents were assessed by hydroxyproline assay and quantified by Sirius red staining. In vitro, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 and HHSteC cells were stimulated by angiotensin II (10 μM). The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by confocal microscopy. The expressions of NOX1, NOX2, α-SMA, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and collagen Iα were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or immunoblotting. RESULTS The 8-OHdG treatment in BDL rats reduced the NOX1 and NOX2 protein expression, which overlapped with α-SMA compared with BDL rats. The 8-OHdG treatment in BDL rats significantly decreased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, and collagen Iα, and fibrotic contents. Increases of ROS production, Rac1 activation, NOX1, NOX2, and fibronectin expression induced by angiotensin II in HSCs were attenuated by 8-OHdG. CONCLUSIONS Rac1 activation and NOX-derived ROS are implicated to liver fibrosis. The 8-OHdG ameliorates liver fibrosis through the inhibition of Rac1 activation and NOX-derived ROS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Kyung-Ok Kim
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Se-Hee Kim
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Oh Sang Kwon
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Cheol Soo Choi
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.,Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Jeong
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yun Soo Kim
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Myung-Hee Chung
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea.,Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
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13
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Trivella JP, Martin P, Carrion AF. Novel targeted therapies for the management of liver fibrosis. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2020; 25:59-70. [PMID: 32098512 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2020.1735350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Trivella
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Paul Martin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Andres F. Carrion
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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14
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Sinturel F, Petrenko V, Dibner C. Circadian Clocks Make Metabolism Run. J Mol Biol 2020; 432:3680-3699. [PMID: 31996313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most organisms adapt to the 24-h cycle of the Earth's rotation by anticipating the time of the day through light-dark cycles. The internal time-keeping system of the circadian clocks has been developed to ensure this anticipation. The circadian system governs the rhythmicity of nearly all physiological and behavioral processes in mammals. In this review, we summarize current knowledge stemming from rodent and human studies on the tight interconnection between the circadian system and metabolism in the body. In particular, we highlight recent advances emphasizing the roles of the peripheral clocks located in the metabolic organs in regulating glucose, lipid, and protein homeostasis at the organismal and cellular levels. Experimental disruption of circadian system in rodents is associated with various metabolic disturbance phenotypes. Similarly, perturbation of the clockwork in humans is linked to the development of metabolic diseases. We discuss recent studies that reveal roles of the circadian system in the temporal coordination of metabolism under physiological conditions and in the development of human pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flore Sinturel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Hypertension and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet, 1, CH-1211, Geneva, 14, Switzerland; Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Diabetes Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Volodymyr Petrenko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Hypertension and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet, 1, CH-1211, Geneva, 14, Switzerland; Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Diabetes Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Charna Dibner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Hypertension and Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet, 1, CH-1211, Geneva, 14, Switzerland; Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Diabetes Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
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15
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Umbelliferone Ameliorates CCl 4-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats by Upregulating PPARγ and Attenuating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and TGF-β1/Smad3 Signaling. Inflammation 2019; 42:1103-1116. [PMID: 30741365 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-019-00973-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Umbelliferone (UMB) is a natural coumarin that has diverse biological activities. However, its potential to protect against liver fibrosis has not been reported yet. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of UMB against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Rats received CCl4 and UMB for 8 weeks and samples were collected for analyses. CCl4 induced a significant increase in serum levels of liver function markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Treatment with UMB significantly ameliorated liver function markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines and prevented CCl4-induced histological alterations. CCl4 promoted significant upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), collagen I, collagen III, NF-κB p65, TGF-β1, and p-Smad3. Masson's trichrome staining revealed a significant fibrogenesis in CCl4-induced rats. Treatment with UMB suppressed TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling and downregulated α-SMA, collagen I, collagen III, and NF-κB p65. In addition, UMB diminished malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels, boosted reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes, and upregulated the expression of PPARγ. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that UMB prevented CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling, and upregulating PPARγ. Therefore, UMB may be a promising candidate for preventing hepatic fibrogenesis, given that further research is needed to delineate the exact molecular mechanisms underlying its antifibrotic efficacy.
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16
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Mahmoud AM, Desouky EM, Hozayen WG, Bin-Jumah M, El-Nahass ES, Soliman HA, Farghali AA. Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Trigger Liver and Kidney Injury and Fibrosis Via Altering TLR4/NF-κB, JAK2/STAT3 and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling in Rats. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E528. [PMID: 31557909 PMCID: PMC6843412 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) represent a promising inorganic platform for multiple biomedical applications. Previous studies have reported MSNs-induced hepatic and renal toxicity; however, the toxic mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate MSNs-induced hepatic and nephrotoxicity and test the hypothesis that altered TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, JAK2/STAT3, and Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathways mediate oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis induced by MSNs. Rats were administered 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg MSNs for 30 days, and samples were collected for analyses. MSNs induced functional and histologic alterations, increased the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide, suppressed antioxidants, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in the liver and kidney of rats. MSNs up-regulated the expression of liver and kidney TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p65, and caspase-3 and increased serum pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, MSNs activated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, down-regulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and promoted fibrosis evidenced by the increased collagen expression and deposition. In conclusion, this study conferred novel information on the role of ROS and deregulated TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, JAK2/STAT3, PPARγ, and Nrf2/ARE/HO-1 signaling pathways in MSNs hepatic and nephrotoxicity. These findings provide experimental evidence for further studies employing genetic and pharmacological strategies to evaluate the safety of MSNs for their use in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman M Mahmoud
- Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt.
| | - Ekram M Desouky
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt.
| | - Walaa G Hozayen
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt.
| | - May Bin-Jumah
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 84428, Saudi Arabia.
| | - El-Shaymaa El-Nahass
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt.
| | - Hanan A Soliman
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed A Farghali
- Materials Science and Nanotechnology Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt.
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17
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Moore A, Wu L, Chuang JC, Sun X, Luo X, Gopal P, Li L, Celen C, Zimmer M, Zhu H. Arid1a Loss Drives Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice Through Epigenetic Dysregulation of Hepatic Lipogenesis and Fatty Acid Oxidation. Hepatology 2019; 69:1931-1945. [PMID: 30584660 PMCID: PMC6461494 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a rapidly growing cause of chronic liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. How fatty liver pathogenesis is subject to epigenetic regulation is unknown. We hypothesized that chromatin remodeling is important for the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease. AT-rich interactive domain-containing protein 1A (ARID1A), a DNA-binding component of the SWItch/sucrose nonfermentable adenosine triphosphate-dependent chromatin-remodeling complex, contributes to nucleosome repositioning and access by transcriptional regulators. Liver-specific deletion of Arid1a (Arid1a liver knockout [LKO]) caused the development of age-dependent fatty liver disease in mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed up-regulation of lipogenesis and down-regulation of fatty acid oxidation genes. As evidence of direct regulation, ARID1A demonstrated direct binding to the promoters of many of these differentially regulated genes. Additionally, Arid1a LKO mice were more susceptible to high-fat diet-induced liver steatosis and fibrosis. We deleted Pten in combination with Arid1a to synergistically drive fatty liver progression. Inhibition of lipogenesis using CAT-2003, a potent sterol regulatory element-binding protein inhibitor, mediated improvements in markers of fatty liver disease progression in this Arid1a/Pten double knockout model. Conclusion: ARID1A plays a role in the epigenetic regulation of hepatic lipid homeostasis, and its suppression contributes to fatty liver pathogenesis. Combined Arid1a and Pten deletion shows accelerated fatty liver disease progression and is a useful mouse model for studying therapeutic strategies for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin Moore
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Linwei Wu
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jen-Chieh Chuang
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xuxu Sun
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xin Luo
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Purva Gopal
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cemre Celen
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Michael Zimmer
- Biology, Catabasis Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Hao Zhu
- Children’s Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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18
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Wang F, Zhang ZF, He YR, Wu HY, Wei SS. Effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors on transforming growth factor-β1 signal transduction pathways in the ovarian fibrosis of polycystic ovary syndrome rats. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2018; 45:600-608. [PMID: 30515927 PMCID: PMC6587993 DOI: 10.1111/jog.13847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Aim Examine the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) inhibitor Sitagliptin on the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) signal transduction pathway in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats with ovarian fibrosis. Methods Thirty rats were divided randomly into the PCOS model group, Sitagliptin treatment group and blank control group. Dehydroepiandrosterone was administered to the model group and treatment group to establish the models. Then, the phenotype of rats was recorded, and the serum sex hormone levels were measured. The pathological structures of the rat ovaries were observed. The protein and mRNA expression levels of DPP4, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), TGF‐β1 and Smad2/3 in the ovaries were analyzed. Results There was no statistically difference in fasting body weight and blood glucose among the three groups before Sitagliptin treatment (P > 0.05). The fasting blood glucose level was significantly decreased after the administration of Sitagliptin (P < 0.05). The level of testosterone in the model group was reduced remarkably after Sitagliptin treatment (P < 0.001). The protein expression levels of DPP4, CTGF and TGF‐β1 in the ovarian stroma were lower in the treatment group than in the model group (P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of DPP4, CTGF and TGF‐β1 in the model group also greatly declined after Sitagliptin treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, P < 0.01). Conclusion The DPP4 inhibitor Sitagliptin lowers fasting blood glucose, relieves the high androgen state of PCOS rats and delays the process of ovarian fibrosis, which may be related to reducing the levels of factors related to the TGF‐β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Wang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Gynecology, Xuzhou Medical University Affiliated Hospital of Lianyungang, The First People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhi-Fen Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Ran He
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong-Yan Wu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Wei
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Vella S, Conaldi PG, Cova E, Meloni F, Liotta R, Cuzzocrea S, Martino L, Bertani A, Luca A, Vitulo P. Lung resident mesenchymal cells isolated from patients with the Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome display a deregulated epigenetic profile. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11167. [PMID: 30042393 PMCID: PMC6057887 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29504-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome is the major determinant of the graft function loss after lung transplantation, but its pathogenesis is still incompletely understood and currently available therapeutic strategies are poorly effective. A deeper understanding of its pathogenic mechanisms is crucial for the development of new strategies to prevent and treat this devastating complication. In this study, we focused on the mesenchymal stromal cells, recently recognized as BOS key effectors, and our primary aim was to identify their epigenetic determinants, such as histone modifications and non-coding RNA regulation, which could contribute to their differentiation in myofibroblasts. Interestingly, we identified a deregulated expression of histone deacetylases and methyltransferases, and a microRNA-epigenetic regulatory network, which could represent novel targets for anti-fibrotic therapy. We validated our results in vitro, in a cell model of fibrogenesis, confirming the epigenetic involvement in this process and paving the way for a new application for epigenetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Vella
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy.
- Anemocyte S.r.l, Gerenzano, Italy.
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Advanced Biotechnologies, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Emanuela Cova
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Meloni
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Rosa Liotta
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, Pathology Service, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Lavinia Martino
- Department for the Treatment and Study of Cardiothoracic Diseases and Cardiothoracic Transplantation, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bertani
- Department for the Treatment and Study of Cardiothoracic Diseases and Cardiothoracic Transplantation, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Angelo Luca
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services, Radiology Service, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
| | - Patrizio Vitulo
- Department for the Treatment and Study of Cardiothoracic Diseases and Cardiothoracic Transplantation, IRCCS-ISMETT (Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione), Palermo, Italy
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20
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Xing X, Chen S, Li L, Cao Y, Chen L, Wang X, Zhu Z. The Active Components of Fuzheng Huayu Formula and Their Potential Mechanism of Action in Inhibiting the Hepatic Stellate Cells Viability - A Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomics Approach. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:525. [PMID: 29881350 PMCID: PMC5976863 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to identify the active components of Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) formula and the mechanism by which they inhibit the viability of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by a combination of network pharmacology and transcriptomics. Methods: The active components of FZHY formula were screened out by text mining. Similarity match and molecular docking were used to predict the target proteins of these compounds. We then searched the STRING database to analyze the key enriched processes, pathways and related diseases of these target proteins. The relevant networks were constructed by Cytoscape. A network analysis method was established by integrating data from above network pharmacology with known transcriptomics analysis of quiescent HSCs-activated HSCs to identify the most possible targets of the active components in FZHY formula. A cell-based assay (LX-2 and T6 cells) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis were used to validate the most possible active component-target protein interactions (CTPIs). Results: 40 active ingredients in FZHY formula and their 79 potential target proteins were identified by network pharmacology approach. Further network analysis reduced the 79 potential target proteins to 31, which were considered more likely to be the target proteins of the active components in FZHY formula. In addition, further enrichment analysis of 31 target proteins indicated that the HIF-1, PI3K-Akt, FoxO, and chemokine signaling pathways may be the primary pathways regulated by FZHY formula in inhibiting the HSCs viability for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Of the 31 target proteins, peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPARG) was selected for validation by experiments at the cellular and molecular level. The results demonstrated that schisandrin B, salvianolic acid A and kaempferol could directly bind to PPARG, decreasing the viability of HSCs (T6 cells and LX-2 cells) and exerting anti-fibrosis effects. Conclusion: The active ingredients of FZHY formula were successfully identified and the mechanisms by which they inhibit HSC viability determined, using network pharmacology and transcriptomics. This work is expected to benefit the clinical application of this formula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Xing
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Postdoctoral Research Workstation, 210th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dalian, China
| | - Ling Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Langdong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Postdoctoral Research Workstation, 210th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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21
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Shin SK, Kwon OS, Lee JJ, Park YH, Choi CS, Jeong SH, Choi DJ, Kim YS, Kim JH. Effect of Rifaximin on Hepatic Fibrosis in Bile Duct-ligated Rat Model. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2017; 70:239-246. [PMID: 29161793 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2017.70.5.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aims The translocation of bacteria and their lipopolysaccharides from the gut can promote fibrosis in cirrhotic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rifaximin on hepatic fibrosis in a bile duct-ligated rat model. Methods The bile duct ligation (BDL) was carried out for eight days (acute injury model: sham-operated rats [G1], BDL rats [G2], and BDL rats treated with rifaximin [G3]) or 22 days (chronic injury model: sham-operated rats [G4], BDL rats [G5], and BDL rats treated with rifaximin [G6]). Rifaximin (50 mg/kg/day) was administered daily via gavage after BDL. Liver function, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and hepatic hydroxyproline levels were measured. Moreover, a histological analysis of fibrosis contents was performed using sirius red stain. Results In the acute injury model, the liver function and TNF-α level were not improved after the rifaximin treatment. The hydroxyproline levels (µg/g liver tissue) in G1, G2, and G3 were 236.4±103.1, 444.8±114.4, and 312.5±131.6, respectively; and fibrosis contents (%) were 0.22±0.04, 1.64±0.53, and 1.66±0.44, respectively. The rifaximin treatment did not ameliorate acute BDL-induced fibrosis. In the chronic injury model, the hydroxyproline levels in G4, G5, and G6 were 311.5±72.9, 1,110.3±357.9, and 944.3±209.3, respectively; and fibrosis contents (%) were 0.19±0.03, 5.04±0.18, and 4.42±0.68, respectively (G5 vs. G6, p=0.059). The rifaximin treatment marginally ameliorated chronic BDL-induced fibrosis. Conclusions Rifaximin did not reduce inflammation and fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Oh Sang Kwon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jong Joon Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yeon Ho Park
- Department of Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Cheol Soo Choi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Jeong
- Division Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Duck Joo Choi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yun Soo Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
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22
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Li X, Zhu L, Wang B, Yuan M, Zhu R. Drugs and Targets in Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:855. [PMID: 29218009 PMCID: PMC5703866 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis contributes to the development of many diseases and many target molecules are involved in fibrosis. Currently, the majority of fibrosis treatment strategies are limited to specific diseases or organs. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates great similarities among fibroproliferative diseases, and more and more drugs are proved to be effective anti-fibrotic therapies across different diseases and organs. Here we comprehensively review the current knowledge on the pathological mechanisms of fibrosis, and divide factors mediating fibrosis progression into extracellular and intracellular groups. Furthermore, we systematically summarize both single and multiple component drugs that target fibrosis. Future directions of fibrosis drug discovery are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Center, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Genome, Environment and Microbiome Community of Excellence, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meifei Yuan
- Center for Drug Discovery, SINO High Goal Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ruixin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Karsdal MA, Henriksen K, Nielsen MJ, Byrjalsen I, Leeming DJ, Gardner S, Goodman Z, Patel K, Krag A, Christiansen C, Schuppan D. Fibrogenesis assessed by serological type III collagen formation identifies patients with progressive liver fibrosis and responders to a potential antifibrotic therapy. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 311:G1009-G1017. [PMID: 27765759 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00283.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
There are no approved treatments for liver fibrosis. To aid development of antifibrotic therapies, noninvasive biomarkers that can identify patients with progressive fibrosis and that permit monitoring of the response to antifibrotic therapy are much needed. Samples from a phase II antifibrotic trial of the glitazone farglitazar in patients with advanced hepatitis C, with matched follow-up liver biopsies, and from a phase III study of balaglitazone in patients with late-stage Type 2 diabetes (BALLET study) were analyzed for serological Pro-C3 levels in conjunction with other disease parameters. In the farglitazar study, a predefined cutoff value for Pro-C3 as a selection criterion led to the identification of subjects who 1) progressed by histological scores and 2) responded to therapy, as documented by attenuated fibrosis in liver biopsies. In the BALLET trial, subjects with the highest tertile of Pro-C3 levels responded to balaglitazone with reductions in levels of alanine aminotransferase and Pro-C3, as well as improved insulin sensitivity and lipid profile. Elevated Pro-C3 levels are indicative of active fibrogenesis and structural progression of fibrosis, and it can potentially identify patients most likely to benefit from antimetabolic and antifibrotic treatments. Serum Pro-C3 may facilitate patient selection and could help to speed up antifibrotic drug development and validation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kim Henriksen
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | - Inger Byrjalsen
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Diana J Leeming
- Nordic Bioscience Biomarkers & Research A/S, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Stephen Gardner
- Infectious Diseases Therapeutic Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
| | - Zachary Goodman
- Hepatic Pathology Consultation and Research, INOVA Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Keyur Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immune Therapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; and.,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts
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Clinical Advancements in the Targeted Therapies against Liver Fibrosis. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:7629724. [PMID: 27999454 PMCID: PMC5143744 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7629724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins leading to liver dysfunction, is a growing cause of mortality worldwide. Hepatocellular damage owing to liver injury leads to the release of profibrotic factors from infiltrating inflammatory cells that results in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Upon activation, HSCs undergo characteristic morphological and functional changes and are transformed into proliferative and contractile ECM-producing myofibroblasts. Over recent years, a number of therapeutic strategies have been developed to inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and HSCs proliferation and activation. Preclinical studies have yielded numerous targets for the development of antifibrotic therapies, some of which have entered clinical trials and showed improved therapeutic efficacy and desirable safety profiles. Furthermore, advancements have been made in the development of noninvasive markers and techniques for the accurate disease assessment and therapy responses. Here, we focus on the clinical developments attained in the field of targeted antifibrotics for the treatment of liver fibrosis, for example, small molecule drugs, antibodies, and targeted drug conjugate. We further briefly highlight different noninvasive diagnostic technologies and will provide an overview about different therapeutic targets, clinical trials, endpoints, and translational efforts that have been made to halt or reverse the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Panebianco C, Oben JA, Vinciguerra M, Pazienza V. Senescence in hepatic stellate cells as a mechanism of liver fibrosis reversal: a putative synergy between retinoic acid and PPAR-gamma signalings. Clin Exp Med 2016; 17:269-280. [PMID: 27655446 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-016-0438-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), also known as perisinusoidal cells, are pericytes found in the perisinusoidal space of the liver. HSCs are the major cell type involved in liver fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue in response to liver damage. When the liver is damaged, stellate cells can shift into an activated state, characterized by proliferation, contractility and chemotaxis. The activated HSCs secrete collagen scar tissue, which can lead to cirrhosis. Recent studies have shown that in vivo activation of HSCs by fibrogenic agents can eventually lead to senescence of these cells, which would contribute to reversal of fibrosis although it may also favor the insurgence of liver cancer. HSCs in their non-active form store huge amounts of retinoic acid derivatives in lipid droplets, which are progressively depleted upon cell activation in injured liver. Retinoic acid is a metabolite of vitamin A (retinol) that mediates the functions of vitamin A, generally required for growth and development. The precise function of retinoic acid and its alterations in HSCs has yet to be elucidated, and nonetheless in various cell types retinoic acid and its receptors (RAR and RXR) are known to act synergistically with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma) signaling through the activity of transcriptional heterodimers. Here, we review the recent advancements in the understanding of how retinoic acid signaling modulates the fibrogenic potential of HSCs and proposes a synergistic combined action with PPAR-gamma in the reversal of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Panebianco
- Gastroenterology Unit, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, Viale dei Cappuccini, 1, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy
| | - Jude A Oben
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Manlio Vinciguerra
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital, University College London (UCL), London, UK.,Center for Translational Medicine (CTM), International Clinical Research Center (ICRC), St. Anne's University Hospital, Brno, Czech Republic.,Centro Studi Fegato (CSF)-Liver Research Center, Fondazione Italiana Fegato, Trieste, Italy
| | - Valerio Pazienza
- Gastroenterology Unit, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, Viale dei Cappuccini, 1, San Giovanni Rotondo, FG, Italy.
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Luo T, Nocon A, Fry J, Sherban A, Rui X, Jiang B, Xu XJ, Han J, Yan Y, Yang Q, Li Q, Zang M. AMPK Activation by Metformin Suppresses Abnormal Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in Adipose Tissue and Ameliorates Insulin Resistance in Obesity. Diabetes 2016; 65:2295-310. [PMID: 27207538 PMCID: PMC4955985 DOI: 10.2337/db15-1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is emerging as a hallmark of metabolically dysregulated white adipose tissue (WAT) in obesity. Although adipose tissue fibrosis impairs adipocyte plasticity, little is known about how aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling of WAT is initiated during the development of obesity. Here we show that treatment with the antidiabetic drug metformin inhibits excessive ECM deposition in WAT of ob/ob mice and mice with diet-induced obesity, as evidenced by decreased collagen deposition surrounding adipocytes and expression of fibrotic genes including the collagen cross-linking regulator LOX Inhibition of interstitial fibrosis by metformin is likely attributable to the activation of AMPK and the suppression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad3 signaling, leading to enhanced systemic insulin sensitivity. The ability of metformin to repress TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis is abolished by the dominant negative AMPK in primary cells from the stromal vascular fraction. TGF-β1-induced insulin resistance is suppressed by AMPK agonists and the constitutively active AMPK in 3T3L1 adipocytes. In omental fat depots of obese humans, interstitial fibrosis is also associated with AMPK inactivation, TGF-β1/Smad3 induction, aberrant ECM production, myofibroblast activation, and adipocyte apoptosis. Collectively, integrated AMPK activation and TGF-β1/Smad3 inhibition may provide a potential therapeutic approach to maintain ECM flexibility and combat chronically uncontrolled adipose tissue expansion in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Luo
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Allison Nocon
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Jessica Fry
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Alex Sherban
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Xianliang Rui
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Bingbing Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - X Julia Xu
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Jingyan Han
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Yun Yan
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospital and University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Medicine, Physiology and Biophysics, Center for Diabetes Research and Treatment and Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Qifu Li
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Mengwei Zang
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, Center for Healthy Aging, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
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27
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Ramot Y, Mastrofrancesco A, Camera E, Desreumaux P, Paus R, Picardo M. The role of PPARγ-mediated signalling in skin biology and pathology: new targets and opportunities for clinical dermatology. Exp Dermatol 2016; 24:245-51. [PMID: 25644500 DOI: 10.1111/exd.12647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that modulate the expression of multiple different genes involved in the regulation of lipid, glucose and amino acid metabolism. PPARs and cognate ligands also regulate important cellular functions, including cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as inflammatory responses. This includes a role in mediating skin and pilosebaceous unit homoeostasis: PPARs appear to be essential for maintaining skin barrier permeability, inhibit keratinocyte cell growth, promote keratinocyte terminal differentiation and regulate skin inflammation. They also may have protective effects on human hair follicle (HFs) epithelial stem cells, while defects in PPARγ-mediated signalling may promote the death of these stem cells and thus facilitate the development of cicatricial alopecia (lichen planopilaris). Overall, however, selected PPARγ modulators appear to act as hair growth inhibitors that reduce the proliferation and promote apoptosis of hair matrix keratinocytes. The fact that commonly prescribed PPARγ-modulatory drugs of the thiazolidine-2,4-dione class can exhibit a battery of adverse cutaneous effects underscores the importance of distinguishing beneficial from clinically undesired cutaneous activities of PPARγ ligands and to better understand on the molecular level how PPARγ-regulated cutaneous lipid metabolism and PPARγ-mediated signalling impact on human skin physiology and pathology. Surely, the therapeutic potential that endogenous and exogenous PPARγ modulators may possess in selected skin diseases, ranging from chronic inflammatory hyperproliferative dermatoses like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, via scarring alopecia and acne can only be harnessed if the complexities of PPARγ signalling in human skin and its appendages are systematically dissected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Ramot
- Department of Dermatology, Hadassah - Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Shores NJ, Mendes-Corrêa MC, Maida I, Turner J, High KP, Babudieri S, Núñez M. Hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ and α-mRNA expression in HCV-infected adults is decreased by HIV co-infection and is also affected by ethnicity. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2015; 70:790-6. [PMID: 26735218 PMCID: PMC4676314 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2015(12)05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α and γ mRNA expression in liver tissue of hepatitis C virus-infected patients with and without human immunodeficiency virus and its possible contribution to an acceleration of liver disease progression. METHODS We measured peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and γ mRNA expression by real-time polymerase chain reaction in liver tissues from 40 subjects infected only with hepatitis C virus, 36 subjects co-infected with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus and 11 normal adults. RESULTS Hepatic mRNA expression of both peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors was significantly lower in hepatitis C virus-infected subjects with and without human immunodeficiency virus co-infection compared to the controls. Non-black race was also identified as a predictor of lower peroxisome receptor α and γ mRNA expression. Compared to subjects infected only with hepatitis C virus, liver peroxisome receptor γ mRNA expression was significantly lower in hepatitis C virus/human immunodeficiency virus-co-infected subjects (0.0092 in hepatitis C virus/human immunodeficiency virus-co-infection vs. 0.0120 in hepatitis C virus-only; p=0.004). Hepatic peroxisome receptor α mRNA expression in the hepatitis C virus-infected patients was lower in the presence of human immunodeficiency virus co-infection in non-black subjects (0.0769 vs. 0.1061; p=0.02), whereas the levels did not vary based on human immunodeficiency virus status among black subjects. CONCLUSION mRNA expression of both peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors is impaired in hepatitis C virus-infected liver and further reduced by human immunodeficiency virus co-infection, although the suppressive effects of the viruses are substantially mitigated in black patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Shores
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Infectious Diseases, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston Salem, NC, United States
- Charleston Gastroenterology Spec, Charleston/SC, United States
| | - Maria Cássia Mendes-Corrêa
- Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Unidade de Referência em Doenças Infecciosas, Santo André/SP, Brazil
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, São Paulo/SP, Brazil
- Corresponding author: E-mail:
| | - Ivana Maida
- Università degli Studi Sassari, Istituto Malattie Infettive e Parassitarie, Sassari/SS, Italy
| | - JoLyn Turner
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Infectious Diseases, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kevin P High
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Infectious Diseases, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - Sergio Babudieri
- Università degli Studi Sassari, Istituto Malattie Infettive e Parassitarie, Sassari/SS, Italy
| | - Marina Núñez
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Department of Internal Medicine, Section on Infectious Diseases, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston Salem, NC, United States
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Adiponectin as an anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory adipokine in the liver. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2015; 3:243-252. [PMID: 26858914 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-015-0094-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic process resulting from excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the liver; uncontrolled progression of fibrosis can eventually lead to liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. The fibrogenic process is complex and modulated by a number of both hepatic and extra-hepatic biological factors. Growing evidence indicates that adipokines, a group of cytokines produced by adipose tissue, impart dynamic functions in liver and are involved in modulation of hepatic fibrosis. In particular, two key adipokines, adiponectin and leptin, directly regulate many biological responses closely associated with development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Leptin acts as a pro-fibrogenic cytokine, while adiponectin possesses anti-fibrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Adiponectin, acting via its cognate receptors, adiponectin receptors 1 and 2, potently suppresses fibrosis and inflammation in liver via multiple mechanisms. This review summarizes recent findings concerning the role of adiponectin in fibrogenic process in liver and addresses the underlying molecular mechanisms in modulation of fibrosis.
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30
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Yao HW, Li J. Epigenetic Modifications in Fibrotic Diseases: Implications for Pathogenesis and Pharmacological Targets. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2014; 352:2-13. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.114.219816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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31
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Liu Q, Wang CY, Liu Z, Ma XS, He YH, Chen SS, Bai XY. Hydroxysafflor yellow A suppresses liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride with high-fat diet by regulating PPAR-γ/p38 MAPK signaling. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2014; 52:1085-1093. [PMID: 24618007 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2013.877491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT One approach to protect against liver fibrosis is the use of herb-derived natural compounds, such as hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA). The antifibrosis effect of HYSA against liver fibrosis has been investigated; however, its mechanisms have not yet been entirely revealed. OBJECTIVES To study the protective effects of HSYA on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and a high-fat diet (HFD), and to determine the mechanism of action of HSYA. MATERIALS AND METHODS CCl4 and HFD were used to mimic liver fibrosis in rats, and serum biochemical indicators were determined. The antifibrosis effects of HSYA were evaluated and its mechanisms were investigated by histopathological analysis, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, real-time-PCR, and western blotting. RESULTS HSYA reduced CCl4- and HFD-mediated liver fibrosis and ameliorated serum biochemical indicator, downregulated the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) (0.31 ± 0.03 protein, 0.59 ± 0.02 mRNA) and transformin growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (0.81 ± 0.02 protein, 0.58 ± 0.04 mRNA), and upregulated the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) (1.57 ± 0.13 protein, 2.48 ± 0.19 mRNA) and matrix metallopeptidases-2 (MMP-2) (2.31 ± 0.16 protein, 2.79 ± 0.22 mRNA) (p < 0.01, versus model group). These effects were significantly attenuated by PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 via blocking the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION These data demonstrate a novel role for HSYA in inhibiting CCl4- and HFD-mediated liver fibrosis, and reveal that PPAR-γ and p38 MAPK signaling play pivotal roles in the prevention of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 and HFD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Binzhou Medical University , Yantai, Shandong , PR China
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Wang SN, Yang SF, Tsai HH, Lee KT, Yeh YT. Increased adiponectin associated with poor survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol 2014; 49:1342-51. [PMID: 24132578 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-013-0898-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations of adiponectin (APN), one of the adipokines, have been associated with human cancers. However, the clinical significance and impacts of APN on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain undetermined. METHODS Using immunohistochemistry, expression patterns of APN were semiquantitatively scored and further statistically correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and patient survival. Furthermore, the bioeffects and underlying mechanisms of ectopic APN overexpression were determined in Hep3B and HepG2 cells by XTT, immunoblotting, flowcytometry, and invasion assays with or without chemical inhibitors and neutralization antibody. RESULTS We found that cytoplasmic APN staining in 85 cancerous lesions was increased and associated with a poor survival rate (P = 0.007), even when using the Cox regression model (OR = 3.590; 95 % CI = 1.240-10.394; P = 0.018). Ectopic overexpression of APN in Hep3B and HepG2 cells increased proliferation and invasion as well as the levels of p-AKT (Ser473), p-STAT3 (Tyr705), and those downstream, i.e., cyclin D1 and β-catenin. Similar results were also demonstrated in a stable APN-overexpressing clone, HepG2#136. APN neutralization antibody and LY294002 blocked the APN-mediated effects via inhibition of activated AKT. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that increased APN may contribute to HCC at least in part through its activation of AKT signalling and may serve as a prognostic factor in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shen-Nien Wang
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Ziyou 1st Rd., Sanmin Dist., Kaohsiung, 80756, Taiwan, ROC
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Tsolaki E, Athanasiou E, Gounari E, Zogas N, Siotou E, Yiangou M, Anagnostopoulos A, Yannaki E. Hematopoietic stem cells and liver regeneration: differentially acting hematopoietic stem cell mobilization agents reverse induced chronic liver injury. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2014; 53:124-32. [PMID: 24923531 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 02/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bone marrow (BM) could serve as a source of cells facilitating liver repopulation in case of hepatic damage. Currently available hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) mobilizing agents, were comparatively tested for healing potential in liver fibrosis. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-injured mice previously reconstituted with Green Fluorescent Protein BM were mobilized with Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF), Plerixafor or G-CSF+Plerixafor. Hepatic fibrosis, stellate cell activation and oval stem cell frequency were measured by Gomori and by immunohistochemistry for a-Smooth Muscle Actin and Cytokeratin-19, respectively. Angiogenesis was evaluated by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA levels of liver Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis-alpha (TNFα). BM-derived cells were tracked by double immunofluorescence. The spontaneous migration of mobilized HSCs towards injured liver and its cytokine secretion profile was determined in transwell culture systems. Either single-agent mobilization or the combination of agents significantly ameliorated hepatic damage by decreasing fibrosis and restoring the abnormal vascular network in the liver of mobilized mice compared to CCl4-only mice. The degree of fibrosis reduction was similar among all mobilized mice despite that G-CSF+Plerixafor yielded significantly higher numbers of circulating HSCs over other agents. The liver homing potential of variously mobilized HSCs differed among the agents. An extended G-CSF treatment provided the highest anti-fibrotic effect over all tested modalities, induced by the proliferation of hepatic stem cells and decreased hepatic inflammation. Plerixafor-mobilized HSCs, despite their reduced liver homing potential, reversed fibrosis mainly by increasing hepatic PPAR-γ and VEGF expression. In all groups, BM-derived mature hepatocytes as well as liver-committed BM stem cells were detected only at low frequencies, further supporting the concept that alternative mechanisms rather than direct HSC effects regulate liver recovery. Overall, our data suggest that G-CSF, Plerixafor and G-CSF+Plerixafor act differentially during the wound healing process, ultimately providing a potent anti-fibrotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria Tsolaki
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department-BMT Unit, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Athanasiou
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department-BMT Unit, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Gounari
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department-BMT Unit, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Zogas
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department-BMT Unit, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece; Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Siotou
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department-BMT Unit, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Minas Yiangou
- Department of Genetics, Development and Molecular Biology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Achilles Anagnostopoulos
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department-BMT Unit, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Yannaki
- Gene and Cell Therapy Center, Hematology Department-BMT Unit, George Papanicolaou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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Yang L, Kwon J, Popov Y, Gajdos GB, Ordog T, Brekken RA, Mukhopadhyay D, Schuppan D, Bi Y, Simonetto D, Shah VH. Vascular endothelial growth factor promotes fibrosis resolution and repair in mice. Gastroenterology 2014; 146:1339-50.e1. [PMID: 24503129 PMCID: PMC4001704 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.01.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced angiogenesis is implicated in fibrogenesis and portal hypertension. However, the function of VEGF in fibrosis resolution has not been explored. METHODS We developed a cholecystojejunostomy procedure to reconstruct biliary flow after bile duct ligation in C57BL/6 mice to generate a model of fibrosis resolution. These mice were then given injections of VEGF-neutralizing (mcr84) or control antibodies, and other mice received an adenovirus that expressed mouse VEGF or a control vector. The procedure was also performed on macrophage fas-induced apoptosis mice, in which macrophages can be selectively depleted. Liver and blood samples were collected and analyzed in immunohistochemical, morphometric, vascular permeability, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and flow cytometry assays. RESULTS VEGF-neutralizing antibodies prevented development of fibrosis but also disrupted hepatic tissue repair and fibrosis resolution. During fibrosis resolution, VEGF inhibition impaired liver sinusoidal permeability, which was associated with reduced monocyte migration, adhesion, and infiltration of fibrotic liver. Scar-associated macrophages contributed to this process by producing the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 9 (CXCL9) and matrix metalloproteinase 13. Resolution of fibrosis was impaired in macrophage fas-induced apoptosis mice but increased after overexpression of CXCL9. CONCLUSIONS In a mouse model of liver fibrosis resolution, VEGF promoted fibrogenesis, but was also required for hepatic tissue repair and fibrosis resolution. We observed that VEGF regulates vascular permeability, monocyte infiltration, and scar-associated macrophages function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Junghee Kwon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Yury Popov
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gabriella B. Gajdos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Tamas Ordog
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Rolf A. Brekken
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | | | - Detlef Schuppan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yan Bi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Douglas Simonetto
- 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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Verduci E, Banderali G, Barberi S, Radaelli G, Lops A, Betti F, Riva E, Giovannini M. Epigenetic effects of human breast milk. Nutrients 2014; 6:1711-24. [PMID: 24763114 PMCID: PMC4011062 DOI: 10.3390/nu6041711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A current aim of nutrigenetics is to personalize nutritional practices according to genetic variations that influence the way of digestion and metabolism of nutrients introduced with the diet. Nutritional epigenetics concerns knowledge about the effects of nutrients on gene expression. Nutrition in early life or in critical periods of development, may have a role in modulating gene expression, and, therefore, have later effects on health. Human breast milk is well-known for its ability in preventing several acute and chronic diseases. Indeed, breastfed children may have lower risk of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, infectious diseases, and also of non-communicable diseases, such as obesity and related-disorders. Beneficial effects of human breast milk on health may be associated in part with its peculiar components, possible also via epigenetic processes. This paper discusses about presumed epigenetic effects of human breast milk and components. While evidence suggests that a direct relationship may exist of some components of human breast milk with epigenetic changes, the mechanisms involved are still unclear. Studies have to be conducted to clarify the actual role of human breast milk on genetic expression, in particular when linked to the risk of non-communicable diseases, to potentially benefit the infant's health and his later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elvira Verduci
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A Di Rudinì 8, I-20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Banderali
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A Di Rudinì 8, I-20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Barberi
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A Di Rudinì 8, I-20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Radaelli
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A Di Rudinì 8, I-20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Lops
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A Di Rudinì 8, I-20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Federica Betti
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A Di Rudinì 8, I-20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Enrica Riva
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A Di Rudinì 8, I-20142 Milan, Italy.
| | - Marcello Giovannini
- Department of Pediatrics, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Via A Di Rudinì 8, I-20142 Milan, Italy.
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Tsai TH, Shih SC, Ho TC, Ma HI, Liu MY, Chen SL, Tsao YP. Pigment epithelium-derived factor 34-mer peptide prevents liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation through down-regulation of the PDGF receptor. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95443. [PMID: 24763086 PMCID: PMC3998957 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) has been shown previously to prevent liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. By investigating the functional domains in PEDF, we identified a 34-mer peptide (residues Asp44-Asn77) that harbors the same function as the full-length PEDF protein. Not only did the 34-mer suppress the development of fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mouse liver but it also upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) expression in HSCs in vivo. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a crucial role on the process of HSC activation in response to liver damage. The 34-mer suppressed PDGF-induced cell proliferation and expression of myofibroblastic marker proteins in primary rat HSC culture, increased the levels of PPARγ mRNA and protein in a dose-dependent manner and markedly reduced the level of active β-catenin protein, an HSC activating factor, in HSC-T6 cells. Similarly, IWR-1, an inhibitor of the Wnt response, displayed the same effect as the 34-mer in preventing HSC-T6 activation. The Wnt signaling-mediated PPARγ suppression was abolished by both the IWR-1 inhibitor and a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting β-catenin and the Wnt coreceptor, LRP6. Both PEDF and the 34-mer down-regulated PDGF receptor-α/β expression and blocked the PDGF-induced phosphorylation of Akt and ERK. Moreover, the inhibitory effect on PDGF receptor expression was abolished by PPARγ antagonists and PPARγ siRNA. Our observations indicate that the PEDF-derived 34-mer peptide can mimic PEDF in attenuating HSC activation. Investigation of this 34-mer peptide led to the identification of a signaling mechanism involving PPARγ induction, suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and down-regulation of the PDGF receptor-α/β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Han Tsai
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Center, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Shou-Chuan Shih
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipai, Republic of China
- Mackay Medicine, Nursing and Management College, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Tsung-Chuan Ho
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Hsin-I Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Center, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Ying Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Center, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Show-Li Chen
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Republic of China
| | - Yeou-Ping Tsao
- Department of Medical Research, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Republic of China
- * E-mail:
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Overexpression of c-myc in hepatocytes promotes activation of hepatic stellate cells and facilitates the onset of liver fibrosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2013; 1832:1765-75. [PMID: 23770341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a consequence of chronic liver injury and can further progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fibrogenesis involves activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and proliferation of hepatocytes upon liver injury. HCC is frequently associated with overexpression of the proto-oncogene c-myc. However, the impact of c-myc for initiating pathological precursor stages such as liver fibrosis is poorly characterized. In the present study we thus investigated the impact of c-myc for liver fibrogenesis. METHODS Expression of c-myc was measured in biopsies of patients with liver fibrosis of different etiologies by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Primary HSC were isolated from mice with transgenic overexpression of c-myc in hepatocytes (alb-myc(tg)) and wildtype (WT) controls and investigated for markers of cell cycle progression and fibrosis by qPCR and immunofluorescence microscopy. Liver fibrosis in WT and alb-myc(tg) mice was induced by repetitive CCl4 treatment. RESULTS We detected strong up-regulation of hepatic c-myc in patients with advanced liver fibrosis. In return, overexpression of c-myc in alb-myc(tg) mice resulted in increased liver collagen deposition and induction of α-smooth-muscle-actin indicating HSC activation. Primary HSC derived from alb-myc(tg) mice showed enhanced proliferation and accelerated transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts in vitro. Accordingly, fibrosis initiation in vivo after chronic CCl4 treatment was accelerated in alb-myc(tg) mice compared to controls. CONCLUSION Overexpression of c-myc is a novel marker of liver fibrosis in man and mice. We conclude that chronic induction of c-myc especially in hepatocytes has the potential to prime resident HSC for activation, proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation.
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Guo C, Xu L, He Q, Liang T, Duan X, Li R. Anti-fibrotic effects of puerarin on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats possibly through the regulation of PPAR-γ expression and inhibition of PI3K/Akt pathway. Food Chem Toxicol 2013; 56:436-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2013.02.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Wei J, Zhu H, Komura K, Lord G, Tomcik M, Wang W, Doniparthi S, Tamaki Z, Hinchcliff M, Distler JHW, Varga J. A synthetic PPAR-γ agonist triterpenoid ameliorates experimental fibrosis: PPAR-γ-independent suppression of fibrotic responses. Ann Rheum Dis 2013; 73:446-54. [PMID: 23515440 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2012-202716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent fibroblast activation initiated by transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) is a fundamental event in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis, and its pharmacological inhibition represents a potential therapeutic strategy. The nuclear receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ), exerts potent fibrotic activity. The synthetic oleanane triterpenoid, 2-cyano-3,12-dioxo-olean-1,9-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO), is a PPAR-γ agonist with potential effects on TGF-β signalling and dermal fibrosis. OBJECTIVE To examine the modulation of fibrogenesis by CDDO in explanted fibroblasts, skin organ cultures and murine models of scleroderma. MATERIAL AND METHODS The effects of CDDO on experimental fibrosis induced by bleomycin injection or by overexpression of constitutively active type I TGF-β receptor (TgfbR1ca) were evaluated. Modulation of fibrotic gene expression was examined in human skin organ cultures. To delineate the mechanisms underlying the antifibrotic effects of CDDO, explanted skin fibroblasts cultured in two-dimensional monolayers or in three-dimensional full-thickness human skin equivalents were studied. RESULTS CDDO significantly ameliorated dermal fibrosis in two complementary mouse models of scleroderma, as well as in human skin organ cultures and in three-dimensional human skin equivalents. In two-dimensional monolayer cultures of explanted normal fibroblasts, CDDO abrogated fibrogenic responses induced by TGF-β. These CDDO effects occurred via disruption of Smad-dependent transcription and were associated with inhibition of Akt activation. In scleroderma fibroblasts, CDDO attenuated the elevated synthesis of collagen. Remarkably, the in vitro antifibrotic effects of CDDO were independent of PPAR-γ. CONCLUSIONS The PPAR-γ agonist triterpenoid CDDO attenuates fibrogenesis by antagonistically targeting canonical TGF-β/Smad and Akt signalling in a PPAR-γ-independent manner. These findings identify this synthetic triterpenoid as a potential new therapy for the control of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wei
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, , Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Translating an understanding of the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis to novel therapies. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 11:224-31.e1-5. [PMID: 23305825 PMCID: PMC4151461 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The response to injury is one of wound healing and fibrogenesis, which ultimately leads to fibrosis. The fibrogenic response to injury is a generalized one across virtually all organ systems. In the liver, the injury response, typically occurring over a prolonged period of time, leads to cirrhosis (although it should be pointed out that not all patients with liver injury develop cirrhosis). The fact that many different diseases result in cirrhosis suggests a common pathogenesis. The study of hepatic fibrogenesis over the past 2 decades has been remarkably active, leading to a considerable understanding of this process. It clearly has been shown that the hepatic stellate cell is a central component in the fibrogenic process. It also has been recognized that other effector cells are important in the fibrogenic process, including resident fibroblasts, bone marrow-derived cells, fibrocytes, and even perhaps cells derived from epithelial cells (ie, through epithelial to mesenchymal transition). A key aspect of the biology of fibrogenesis is that the fibrogenic process is dynamic; thus, even advanced fibrosis (or cirrhosis) is reversible. Together, an understanding of the cellular basis for liver fibrogenesis, along with multiple aspects of the basic pathogenesis of fibrosis, have highlighted many exciting potential therapeutic opportunities. Thus, although the most effective antifibrotic therapy is simply treatment of the underlying disease, in situations in which this is not possible, specific antifibrotic therapy is likely not only to become feasible, but will soon become a reality. This review highlights the mechanisms underlying fibrogenesis that may be translated into future antifibrotic therapies and to review the current state of clinical development.
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Lim JH, Kim TW, Song IB, Park SJ, Kim MS, Cho ES, Jung JY, Son HY, Kim JW, Yun HI. Protective effect of the roots extract of Platycodon grandiflorum on bile duct ligation-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Hum Exp Toxicol 2013; 32:1197-205. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327112474832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous extract from Platycodon grandiflorum (BC703) on bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. BDL rats were divided into three groups, which orally received distilled water or BC703 (10 or 50 mg/kg/day) for consecutive 28 days. Antifibrotic effects of BC703 on BDL-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats were estimated by assessing serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) and hepatic levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), total superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO). The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver samples stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome stain. ALT, AST, TBIL and BUN were elevated in the group treated with BDL alone than in the sham-operated group. These elevations were significantly decreased by BC703 treatment. Hepatic GSH and SOD levels, depressed by BDL, were also increased in the BC703 group. In addition, increases in hepatic MDA and NO levels in the BDL-induced cholestasis were attenuated by BC703 treatment. Furthermore, BC703 treatment significantly reduced the serum level of fibrogenic cytokine, TGF-β1. Histopathological studies further substantiated the protective effect of BC703 on BDL-induced hepatic fibrosis in rat. BC703 may have beneficial effects not only on hepatic fibrosis by cholestasis but also on hepatic fibrosis development in patients with chronic hepatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-H Lim
- B&C Biopharm, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - T-W Kim
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - I-B Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - S-J Park
- B&C Biopharm, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - M-S Kim
- Jeollanamdo Development Institute for Traditional Korean Medicine, Jangheung, Jeollanam-Do, South Korea
| | - E-S Cho
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - J-Y Jung
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - H-Y Son
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - J-W Kim
- B&C Biopharm, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Suwon, Gyeonggi-Do, South Korea
| | - H-I Yun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
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Zhang F, Kong D, Lu Y, Zheng S. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ as a therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis: from bench to bedside. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:259-76. [PMID: 22699820 PMCID: PMC11113701 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1046-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic chronic liver disease occurring as a consequence of wound-healing responses to various hepatic injuries. This disorder is one of primary predictors for liver-associated morbidity and mortality worldwide. To date, no pharmacological agent has been approved for hepatic fibrosis or could be recommended for routine use in clinical context. Cellular and molecular understanding of hepatic fibrosis has revealed that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), the functioning receptor for antidiabetic thiazolidinediones, plays a pivotal role in the pathobiology of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), whose activation is the central event in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Activation of PPARγ inhibits HSC collagen production and modulates HSC adipogenic phenotype at transcriptional and epigenetic levels. These molecular insights indicate PPARγ as a promising drug target for antifibrotic chemotherapy. Intensive animal studies have demonstrated that stimulation of PPARγ regulatory system through gene therapy approaches and PPARγ ligands has therapeutic promise for hepatic fibrosis induced by a variety of etiologies. At the same time, thiazolidinedione agents have been investigated for their clinical benefits primarily in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a common metabolic liver disorder with high potential to progress to fibrosis and liver-related death. Although some studies have shown initial promise, none has established long-term efficacy in well-controlled randomized clinical trials. This comprehensive review covers the 10-year discoveries of the molecular basis for PPARγ regulation of HSC pathophysiology and then focuses on the animal investigations and clinical trials of various therapeutic modalities targeting PPARγ for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 282 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Desong Kong
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 282 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
| | - Yin Lu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 282 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046 China
- National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046 China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 282 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046 China
- National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046 China
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Lee KC, Chan CC, Yang YY, Hsieh YC, Huang YH, Lin HC. Aliskiren attenuates chronic carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice. Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42:1261-71. [PMID: 22998019 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2012.02725.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased angiotensin II (Ang II) plays an important role in liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. Chronic administration of aliskiren, a newly developed direct renin inhibitor, decreases Ang II in the hypertensive patients and animals. AIMS Our study aims to evaluate the possible protective effects of chronic administration of aliskiren in a chronic liver injury model. METHODS C57BL6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) to induce chronic liver injury. The injured mice were randomly assigned to aliskiren-treated (25 mg/kg per day for 2 weeks, the CCl(4) + Ali group) or untreated group (the CCl(4) group). Mice without CCl(4) and aliskiren administration served as the normal control. RESULTS In the CCl(4)-injured mice, aliskiren attenuated liver inflammation and fibrosis. The levels of hepatocyte apoptosis, lipid peroxidation production, the activation of hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells, hepatic expression of p47 phox, inflammatory mediators and profibrotic markers were reduced in the CCl(4) + Ali group. Furthermore, aliskiren decreased Ang II, activated the renal expression of renin, but down-regulated the hepatic expression of renin and renin receptor in the CCl(4)-injected mice. CONCLUSIONS Aliskiren attenuates chronic liver injury in the CCl(4)-treated mice by reducing Ang II. Direct renin inhibition may serve as a potential treatment for chronic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuei-Chuan Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Ahmad A, Ahmad R. Understanding the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis and potential therapeutic approaches. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2012. [PMID: 22626794 DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.96445]] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a progressive condition with serious clinical complications arising from abnormal proliferation and amassing of tough fibrous scar tissue. This defiance of collagen fibers becomes fatal due to ultimate failure of liver functions. Participation of various cell types, interlinked cellular events, and large number of mediator molecules make the fibrotic process enormously complex and dynamic. However, with better appreciation of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, the assumption that HF cannot be cured is gradually changing. Recent findings have underlined the therapeutic potential of a number of synthetic compounds as well as plant derivatives for cessation or even the reversal of the processes that transforms the liver into fibrotic tissue. It is expected that future inputs will provide a conceptual framework to develop more specific strategies that would facilitate the assessment of risk factors, shortlist early diagnosis biomarkers, and eventually guide development of effective therapeutic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeba Ahmad
- Department of Zoology, Biochemical and Clinical Genetics Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
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Poelstra K, Prakash J, Beljaars L. Drug targeting to the diseased liver. J Control Release 2012; 161:188-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2012.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2011] [Revised: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Wei J, Bhattacharyya S, Jain M, Varga J. Regulation of Matrix Remodeling by Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ: A Novel Link Between Metabolism and Fibrogenesis. Open Rheumatol J 2012; 6:103-15. [PMID: 22802908 PMCID: PMC3396343 DOI: 10.2174/1874312901206010103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Revised: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The intractable process of fibrosis underlies the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and other diseases, and in aggregate contributes to 45% of deaths worldwide. Because currently there is no effective anti-fibrotic therapy, a better understanding of the pathways and cellular differentiation programs underlying fibrosis are needed. Emerging evidence points to a fundamental role of the nuclear hormone receptor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) in modulating fibrogenesis. While PPAR-γ has long been known to be important in lipid metabolism and in glucose homeostasis, its role in regulating mesenchymal cell biology and its association with pathological fibrosis had not been appreciated until recently. This article highlights recent studies revealing a consistent association of fibrosis with aberrant PPAR-γ expression and activity in various forms of human fibrosis and in rodent models, and reviews studies linking genetic manipulation of the PPAR-γ pathway in rodents and fibrosis. We survey the broad range of anti-fibrotic activities associated with PPAR-γ and the underlying mechanisms. We also summarize the emerging data linking PPAR-γ dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which together with fibrosis is responsible for the mortality in patients in SSc. Finally, we consider current and potential future strategies for targeting PPAR-γ activity or expression as a therapy for controlling fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wei
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Swati Bhattacharyya
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - Manu Jain
- Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
| | - John Varga
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, USA
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Yang H, Zhao LF, Zhao ZF, Wang Y, Zhao JJ, Zhang L. Heme oxygenase-1 prevents liver fibrosis in rats by regulating the expression of PPARγ and NF-κB. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:1680-8. [PMID: 22529699 PMCID: PMC3325536 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i14.1680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/22/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effects of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 on liver fibrosis and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in rats.
METHODS: Sixty Wistar rats were used to construct liver fibrosis models and were randomly divided into 5 groups: group A (normal, untreated), group B (model for 4 wk, untreated), group C (model for 6 wk, untreated), group D [model for 6 wk, treated with zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP-IX) from week 4 to week 6], group E (model for 6 wk, treated with hemin from week 4 to week 6). Next, liver injury was assessed by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and albumin levels. The degree of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by measuring serum hyaluronate acid (HA), type IV collagen (IV-C) and by histological examination. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in the liver homogenate was determined. The expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in liver tissue were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression levels of PPARγ and NF-κB were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting.
RESULTS: The expression of HO-1 increased with the development of fibrosis. Induction of HO-1 by hemin significantly attenuated the severity of liver injury and the levels of liver fibrosis as compared with inhibition of HO-1 by ZnPP-IX. The concentrations of serum ALT, AST, HA and IV-C in group E decreased compared with group C and group D (P < 0.01). Amount of Hyp and α-SMA in the liver tissues in group E decreased compared with group C (0.62 ± 0.14 vs 0.84 ± 0.07, 1.42 ± 0.17 vs 1.84 ± 0.17, respectively, P < 0.01) and group D (0.62 ± 0.14 vs 1.11 ± 0.16, 1.42 ± 0.17 vs 2.56 ± 0.37, respectively, P < 0.01). The expression of PPARγ at levels of transcription and translation decreased with the development of fibrosis especially in group D; and it increased in group E compared with groups C and D (0.88 ± 0.15 vs 0.56 ± 0.19, 0.88 ± 0.15 vs 0.41 ± 0.11, respectively, P < 0.01). The expression of NF-κB increased with the development of fibrosis especially in group D; and it decreased in group E compared with groups C and D (1.43 ± 0.31 vs 1.89 ± 0.29, 1.43 ± 0.31 vs 2.53 ± 0.54, respectively, P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate a potential mechanism that HO-1 can prevent liver fibrosis by enhancing the expression of PPARγ and decreasing the expression of NF-κB in liver tissues.
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Troglitazone induces extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton remodeling in mouse collecting duct cells. J Biomed Biotechnol 2012; 2012:507057. [PMID: 22500093 PMCID: PMC3304576 DOI: 10.1155/2012/507057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 11/09/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPARγ) has been shown to have a protective role in the nephron through its ability to inhibit a transforming growth factor- (TGF-β) mediated fibrotic response. In contrast, PPARγ was also shown to induce a mesenchymal transformation in epithelial intestinal cells. A fibrotic response in the collecting duct has only recently been established; however, the entire collecting duct has not been fully examined. Inner medullary collecting duct cells (IMCD-K2) and mouse cortical collecting duct cells (M1), representing the cortical and medullary collecting duct, were exposed to 5–10 μM troglitazone for 24 hours. Troglitazone resulted in an elongated morphology, 60% decreases in E-cadherin and β-catenin, a 35% decrease in α-catenin, and a 1.5-fold increase in fibronectin. These effects were not reversed with PPARγ antagonists or affected with PPARγ overexpression. Our results indicate that troglitazone induced a mesenchymal-like transformation in M1 and IMCD-K2 epithelial cells independently of PPARγ.
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Chen MJ, Yeh YT, Lee KT, Tsai CJ, Lee HH, Wang SN. The promoting effect of adiponectin in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Surg Oncol 2012; 106:181-7. [PMID: 22287480 DOI: 10.1002/jso.23059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Adipokines may explain the newly established association of obesity with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study investigated if adiponectin levels in HCC patients differed from healthy controls and their potential effect in the development of HCC. METHODS Radioimmunoassay was used to determine serum adiponectin levels of 65 HCC patients and 165 healthy controls. The expressions of adiponectin protein in the tumor and adjacent non-tumor parts were examined by the immunoblotting method. Cell proliferation assays were used to assess the bioeffects of adiponectin in two human liver cancer cell lines. RESULTS Serum adiponectin levels were significantly higher in the HCC patients than the controls. Significant correlations of serum adiponectin levels with serum triglyceride levels and insulin resistance were found in the controls, but not in the HCC patients. In contrast, serum adiponectin levels significantly correlated with serum albumin and alkaline phosphatase levels in the HCC patients, but this trend was not observed in the controls. The expression pattern of adiponectin protein between the paired tumor and adjacent non-tumor tissues significantly correlated with tumor size. In vitro, adiponectin increased cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS Increased adiponectin expressions were found in HCC and this increase might contribute to tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Jenn Chen
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a progressive condition with serious clinical complications arising from abnormal proliferation and amassing of tough fibrous scar tissue. This defiance of collagen fibers becomes fatal due to ultimate failure of liver functions. Participation of various cell types, interlinked cellular events, and large number of mediator molecules make the fibrotic process enormously complex and dynamic. However, with better appreciation of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, the assumption that HF cannot be cured is gradually changing. Recent findings have underlined the therapeutic potential of a number of synthetic compounds as well as plant derivatives for cessation or even the reversal of the processes that transforms the liver into fibrotic tissue. It is expected that future inputs will provide a conceptual framework to develop more specific strategies that would facilitate the assessment of risk factors, shortlist early diagnosis biomarkers, and eventually guide development of effective therapeutic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeba Ahmad
- Department of Zoology, Biochemical and Clinical Genetics Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Riaz Ahmad
- Department of Zoology, Biochemical and Clinical Genetics Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Riaz Ahmad, Department of Zoology, Biochemical and Clinical Genetics Research Laboratory, Section of Genetics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh- 202 002, Uttar Pradesh, India. E-mail:
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