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Carter JK, Tsai MC, Venturini N, Hu J, Lemasters JJ, Torres Martin M, Sia D, Wang S, Lee YA, Friedman SL. Stellate cell-specific adhesion molecule protocadherin 7 regulates sinusoidal contraction. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00755. [PMID: 38373106 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Sustained inflammation and hepatocyte injury in chronic liver disease activate HSCs to transdifferentiate into fibrogenic, contractile myofibroblasts. We investigated the role of protocadherin 7 (PCDH7), a cadherin family member not previously characterized in the liver, whose expression is restricted to HSCs. APPROACH AND RESULTS We created a PCDH7 fl/fl mouse line, which was crossed to lecithin retinol acyltransferase-Cre mice to generate HSC-specific PCDH7 knockout animals. HSC contraction in vivo was tested in response to the HSC-selective vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 using intravital multiphoton microscopy. To establish a PCDH7 null HSC line, cells were isolated from PCDH7 fl/fl mice and infected with adenovirus-expressing Cre. Hepatic expression of PCDH7 was strictly restricted to HSCs. Knockout of PCDH7 in vivo abrogated HSC-mediated sinusoidal contraction in response to endothelin-1. In cultured HSCs, loss of PCDH7 markedly attenuated contractility within collagen gels and led to altered gene expression in pathways governing adhesion and vasoregulation. Loss of contractility in PCDH7 knockout cells was impaired Rho-GTPase signaling, as demonstrated by altered gene expression, reduced assembly of F-actin fibers, and loss of focal adhesions. CONCLUSIONS The stellate cell-specific cadherin, PCDH7, is a novel regulator of HSC contractility whose loss leads to cytoskeletal remodeling and sinusoidal relaxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Carter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ming-Chao Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Nicholas Venturini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jiangting Hu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - John J Lemasters
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Miguel Torres Martin
- Genetics Department, Clinical Genomics Unit, Clinical Genetics Service, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniela Sia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Shuang Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Youngmin A Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Elwakeel E, Brüggemann M, Wagih J, Lityagina O, Elewa MAF, Han Y, Froemel T, Popp R, Nicolas AM, Schreiber Y, Gradhand E, Thomas D, Nüsing R, Steinmetz-Späh J, Savai R, Fokas E, Fleming I, Greten FR, Zarnack K, Brüne B, Weigert A. Disruption of prostaglandin E2 signaling in cancer-associated fibroblasts limits mammary carcinoma growth but promotes metastasis. Cancer Res 2022; 82:1380-1395. [PMID: 35105690 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The activation and differentiation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are involved in tumor progression. Here we show that the tumor-promoting lipid mediator prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) plays a paradoxical role in CAF activation and tumor progression. Restricting PGE2 signaling via knockout of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in PyMT mice or of the prostanoid E receptor 3 (EP3) in CAFs stunted mammary carcinoma growth associated with strong CAF proliferation. CAF proliferation upon EP3 inhibition required p38 MAPK signaling. Mechanistically, TGF-β-activated kinase-like protein (TAK1L), which was identified as a negative regulator of p38 MAPK activation, was decreased following ablation of mPGES-1 or EP3. In contrast to its effects on primary tumor growth, disruption of PGE2 signaling in CAFs induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cancer organoids and promoted metastasis in mice. Moreover, TAK1L expression in CAFs was associated with decreased CAF activation, reduced metastasis, and prolonged survival in human breast cancer. These data characterize a new pathway of regulating inflammatory CAF activation, which affects breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiman Elwakeel
- Faculty of Medicine/Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Mirko Brüggemann
- Computational RNA Biology, Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS) and Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Jessica Wagih
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Olga Lityagina
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | | | - Yingying Han
- Institute of Biochemistry I, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | | | - Rüdiger Popp
- Insitute of Vascular Signalling, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | - Adele M Nicolas
- Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Georg Speyer Haus
| | - Yannick Schreiber
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Frankfurt
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Senckenbergisches Institut für Pathologie, Goethe University Frankfurt
| | | | - Rolf Nüsing
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe University
| | - Julia Steinmetz-Späh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospita
| | - Rajkumar Savai
- Lung Microenvironmental Niche in Cancerogenesis, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
| | - Emmanouil Fokas
- Radiation Therapy and Oncology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main
| | | | - Florian R Greten
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy Paul-Ehrlich-Str
| | - Kathi Zarnack
- Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (BMLS) and Faculty of Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt
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Quantitative real-time measurement of endothelin-1-induced contraction in single non-activated hepatic stellate cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255656. [PMID: 34343209 PMCID: PMC8330899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been suggested to regulate hepatic blood flow, there is no direct evidence that quiescent HSCs display contractile abilities. Here, we developed a new method to quantitatively measure the contraction of single isolated HSCs and evaluated whether endothelin-1 (ET-1) induced contraction of HSCs in a non-activated state. HSCs isolated from mice were seeded on collagen gel containing fluorescent beads. The beads around a single HSC were observed gravitating toward the cell upon contraction. By recording the movement of each bead by fluorescent microscopy, the real-time contraction of HSCs was quantitatively evaluated. ET-1 induced a slow contraction of non-activated HSCs, which was inhibited by the non-muscle myosin II inhibitor blebbistatin, the calmodulin inhibitor W-7, and the ETA receptor antagonist ambrisentan. ET-1-induced contraction was also largely reduced in Ca2+-free conditions, but sustained contraction still remained. The tonic contraction was further diminished by the Rho-kinase inhibitor H-1152. The mRNA expression of P/Q-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels (VDCC), as well as STIM and Orai, constituents of store-operated channels (SOCs), was observed in mouse non-activated HSCs. ET-1-induced contraction was not affected by amlodipine, a VDCC blocker, whereas it was partly reduced by Gd3+ and amiloride, non-selective cation channel blockers. However, neither YM-58483 nor SKF-96365, which inhibit SOCs, had any effects on the contraction. These results suggest that ET-1 leads to Ca2+-influx through cation channels other than SOCs and produces myosin II-mediated contraction of non-activated HSCs via ETA receptors, as well as via mechanisms involving Ca2+-calmodulin and Rho kinase.
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Wang S, Gao S, Li Y, Qian X, Luan J, Lv X. Emerging Importance of Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 and Its Ligand in Liver Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:716842. [PMID: 34386499 PMCID: PMC8353181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.716842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokine receptors are members of the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, which together with chemokine ligands form chemokine networks to regulate various cellular functions, immune and physiological processes. These receptors are closely related to cell movement and thus play a vital role in several physiological and pathological processes that require regulation of cell migration. CXCR4, one of the most intensively studied chemokine receptors, is involved in many functions in addition to immune cells recruitment and plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of liver disease. Aberrant CXCR4 expression pattern is related to the migration and movement of liver specific cells in liver disease through its cross-talk with a variety of significant cell signaling pathways. An in-depth understanding of CXCR4-mediated signaling pathway and its role in liver disease is critical to identifying potential therapeutic strategies. Current therapeutic strategies for liver disease mainly focus on regulating the key functions of specific cells in the liver, in which the CXCR4 pathway plays a crucial role. Multiple challenges remain to be overcome in order to more effectively target CXCR4 pathway and identify novel combination therapies with existing strategies. This review emphasizes the role of CXCR4 and its important cell signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of liver disease and summarizes the targeted therapeutic studies conducted to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China.,The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Songsen Gao
- Department of Orthopedics (Spinal Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yueran Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Xueyi Qian
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jiajie Luan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Disease of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Cheng QN, Yang X, Wu JF, Ai WB, Ni YR. Interaction of non‑parenchymal hepatocytes in the process of hepatic fibrosis (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:364. [PMID: 33760176 PMCID: PMC7986015 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is the process of fibrous scar formation caused by chronic liver injury of different etiologies. Previous studies have hypothesized that the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the central process in HF. The interaction between HSCs and surrounding cells is also crucial. Additionally, hepatic sinusoids capillarization, inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis develop during HF. The process involves multiple cell types that are highly connected and work in unison to maintain the homeostasis of the hepatic microenvironment, which serves a key role in the initiation and progression of HF. The current review provides novel insight into the intercellular interaction among liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, HSCs and Kupffer cells, as well as the hepatic microenvironment in the development of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Ni Cheng
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
| | - Xue Yang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wu
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bing Ai
- The Yiling Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, Hubei 443100, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Ran Ni
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
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Chalin A, Lefevre B, Devisme C, Pronier C, Carrière V, Thibault V, Amiot L, Samson M. Serum CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, and CXCL14 chemokine patterns in patients with acute liver injury. Cytokine 2018; 111:500-504. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Extracellular ubiquitin modulates cardiac fibroblast phenotype and function via its interaction with CXCR4. Life Sci 2018; 211:8-16. [PMID: 30195032 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS β-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) stimulation increases extracellular levels of ubiquitin (UB), and exogenous UB plays an important role in β-AR-stimulated myocardial remodeling with effects on heart function, fibrosis and myocyte apoptosis. Cardiac fibroblasts are vital for maintaining the normal function of the heart, and in the structural remodeling of the heart in response to injury. Here we hypothesized that extracellular UB modulates cardiac fibroblast phenotype and function via its interaction with CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4). MAIN METHODS Serum starved adult cardiac fibroblasts were used to identify CXCR4 as a receptor for UB. Fluorescent microscopy, co-immunoprecipitation, western blot, proliferation, migration and collagen contraction assays were performed to investigate the role of UB/CXCR4 axis on cell signaling, and modulation of fibroblast phenotype and function. KEY FINDINGS Using fluorescent microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation assay, we provide evidence that extracellular UB interacts with CXCR4. CXCR4 antagonist, AMD3100, inhibited interaction of UB with CXCR4. UB activated ERK1/2, not Akt. It enhanced VEGF-A expression, while decreasing β3 integrins expression. Two mutated UB proteins (V70A and F4A; unable to interact with CXCR4) failed to affect the expression of VEGF-A and β3 integrins. UB treatment inhibited migration of cells into the wound and FBS-stimulated cell proliferation. UB enhanced expression of α-smooth muscle actin (marker of myofibroblast differentiation) and contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gel pads. Most of the effects of UB were negated by AMD3100. SIGNIFICANCE The data presented here suggest that UB interacts with CXCR4, and UB/CXCR4 interaction affects intracellular signaling, and modulates fibroblast phenotype and function.
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Abstract
Portal hypertension develops as a result of increased intrahepatic vascular resistance often caused by chronic liver disease that leads to structural distortion by fibrosis, microvascular thrombosis, dysfunction of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. While the basic mechanisms of LSEC and HSC dysregulation have been extensively studied, the role of microvascular thrombosis and platelet function in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension remains to be clearly characterized. As a secondary event, portal hypertension results in splanchnic and systemic arterial vasodilation, leading to the development of a hyperdynamic circulatory syndrome and subsequently to clinically devastating complications including gastroesophageal varices and variceal hemorrhage, hepatic encephalopathy from the formation of portosystemic shunts, ascites, and renal failure due to the hepatorenal syndrome. This review article discusses: (1) mechanisms of sinusoidal portal hypertension, focusing on HSC and LSEC biology, pathological angiogenesis, and the role of microvascular thrombosis and platelets, (2) the mesenteric vasculature in portal hypertension, and (3) future directions for vascular biology research in portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew McConnell
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, 1080 LMP, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yasuko Iwakiri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, 1080 LMP, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Decoding the role of the nuclear receptor SHP in regulating hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrogenesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41055. [PMID: 28117422 PMCID: PMC5259793 DOI: 10.1038/srep41055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The small heterodimer partner (SHP) is an orphan nuclear receptor that lacks the DNA binding domain while conserves a putative ligand-binding site, thought that endogenous ligands for this receptor are unknown. Previous studies have determined that SHP activation protects against development of liver fibrosis a process driven by trans-differentiation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a miofibroblast like cell type, involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. To dissect signals involved in this activity we generated SHP-overexpressing human and rat HSCs. Forced expression of SHP in HSC-T6 altered the expression of 574 genes. By pathway and functional enrichment analyses we detected a cluster of 46 differentially expressed genes involved in HSCs trans-differentiation. Using a isoxazole scaffold we designed and synthesized a series of SHP agonists. The most potent member of this group, ISO-COOH (EC50: 9 μM), attenuated HSCs trans-differentiation and ECM deposition in vitro, while in mice rendered cirrhotic by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT), protected against development of liver fibrosis as measured by morphometric analysis and expression of α-SMA and α1-collagen mRNAs. In aggregate, present results identify SHP as a counter-regulatory signal for HSCs transactivation and describe a novel class of SHP agonists endowed with anti-fibrotic activity.
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Liepelt A, Tacke F. Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) as a target in liver diseases. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2016; 311:G203-9. [PMID: 27313175 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00193.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) or CXCL12 is constitutively expressed in healthy liver. However, its expression increases following acute or chronic liver injury. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC), hepatic stellate cells (HSC), and malignant hepatocytes are important sources of SDF-1/CXCL12 in liver diseases. CXCL12 is able to activate two chemokine receptors with different downstream signaling pathways, CXCR4 and CXCR7. CXCR7 expression is relevant on LSEC, while HSC, mesenchymal stem cells, and tumor cells mainly respond via CXCR4. Here, we summarize recent developments in the field of liver diseases involving this chemokine and its receptors. SDF-1-dependent signaling contributes to modulating acute liver injury and subsequent tissue regeneration. By activating HSC and recruiting mesenchymal cells from bone marrow, CXCL12 can promote liver fibrosis progression, while CXCL12-CXCR7 interactions endorse proregenerative responses in chronic injury. Moreover, the SDF-1 pathway is linked to development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis, and HCC metastasis. High hepatic CXCR4 expression has been suggested as a biomarker indicating poor prognosis of HCC patients. Tumor-infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) also express CXCR4 and migrate toward CXCL12. Thus CXCL12 inhibition might not only directly block HCC growth but also modulate the tumor microenvironment (angiogenesis, MDSC), thereby sensitizing HCC patients to conventional or emerging novel cancer therapies (e.g., sorafenib, regorafenib, nivolumab, pembrolizumab). We herein summarize the current knowledge on the complex interplay between CXCL12 and CXCR4/CXCR7 in liver diseases and discuss approaches on the therapeutic targeting of these axes in hepatitis, fibrosis, and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Liepelt
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Zhang CG, Zhang B, Deng WS, Duan M, Chen W, Wu ZY. Role of estrogen receptor β selective agonist in ameliorating portal hypertension in rats with CCl 4-induced liver cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:4484-4500. [PMID: 27182159 PMCID: PMC4858631 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i18.4484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the role of diarylpropionitrile (DPN), a selective agonist of estrogen receptor β (ERβ), in liver cirrhosis with portal hypertension (PHT) and isolated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).
METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized (OVX), and liver cirrhosis with PHT was induced by CCl4 injection. DPN and PHTPP, the selective ERβ agonist and antagonist, were used as drug interventions. Liver fibrosis was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson’s trichrome staining and by analyzing smooth muscle actin expression. Hemodynamic parameters were determined in vivo using colored microspheres technique. Protein expression and phosphorylation were determined by immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis. Messenger RNA levels were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Collagen gel contraction assay was performed using gel lattices containing HSCs treated with DPN, PHTPP, or Y-27632 prior to ET-1 addition.
RESULTS: Treatment with DPN in vivo greatly lowered portal pressure and improved hemodynamic parameters without affecting mean arterial pressure, which was associated with the attenuation of liver fibrosis and intrahepatic vascular resistance (IHVR). In CCl4-treated rat livers, DPN significantly decreased the expression of RhoA and ROCK II, and even suppressed ROCK II activity. Moreover, DPN remarkedly increased the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and phosphorylated eNOS, and promoted the activities of protein kinase G (PKG), which is an NO effector in the liver. Furthermore, DPN reduced the contractility of activated HSCs in the 3-dimensional stress-relaxed collagen lattices, and decreased the ROCK II activity in activated HSCs. Finally, in vivo/in vitro experiments demonstrated that MLC activity was inhibited by DPN.
CONCLUSION: For OVX rats with liver cirrhosis, DPN suppressed liver RhoA/ROCK signal, facilitated NO/PKG pathways, and decreased IHVR, giving rise to reduced portal pressure. Therefore, DPN represents a relevant treatment choice against PHT in cirrhotic patients, especially postmenopausal women.
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Liu J, Peng L, Yang J, Wang M, Xu S, Liu J, Han P, He J, Tian D, Zhou Q. Sodium Ferulate Reduces Portal Pressure Through Inhibition of RhoA/Rho-Kinase and Activation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Cirrhotic Rats. Dig Dis Sci 2015; 60:2019-29. [PMID: 25724163 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-015-3544-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent studies have demonstrated that increased RhoA/Rho-kinase activity and reduced nitric oxide activity have the necessary machinery to induce cirrhosis. However, it is unclear whether this regulates the functions of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this study, we used sodium ferulate (SF) in a cirrhotic rat model and examined its roles in regulating RhoA activation in HSCs and the subsequent effects on contraction of HSCs. METHODS Bile duct ligation method was used to induce cirrhosis in rats. Intrahepatic resistance was investigated in in situ perfused livers. Hepatic RhoA, Rho-kinase and eNOS expressions were studied by RT-PCR and Western blot. RhoA pull-down assay and collagen gel contraction assay of HSCs were performed by incubation with SF in the absence or presence of GGPP. RESULTS We showed that in cirrhotic liver, SF can efficiently affect RhoA activation via lowering the synthesis of GGPP in HSCs. These actions effectively reduced basal intrahepatic resistance in cirrhotic rats. Our study further suggested that SF effectively decreased Rho-kinase activity and increased activity of eNOS at both the mRNA and protein levels. SF treatment of HSCs reduced RhoA GTP without affecting the total RhoA protein level, and GGPP had the ability to block SF-induced protein expression. Furthermore, SF inhibited the contraction of activated HSCs and this inhibition was efficiently reversed by addition of GGPP. CONCLUSIONS SF inhibits hepatic RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling and activates the NO/PKG pathway in cirrhotic rats. This may serve as a mechanism for reducing the contraction of activated HSCs upon SF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiqiao Liu
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, People's Republic of China,
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Czaja AJ. Review article: chemokines as orchestrators of autoimmune hepatitis and potential therapeutic targets. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2014; 40:261-79. [PMID: 24890045 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chemokines contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis by directing the migration and positioning of inflammatory and immune cells within the liver. AIM Describe the liver-infiltrating effector cell populations in autoimmune hepatitis, indicate the chemokines that influence their migration, describe the role of chemokines in hepatic fibrosis and identify chemokine-directed treatment opportunities. METHODS Studies cited in Pub Med from 1972 to 2014 for autoimmune hepatitis, chemokines in liver disease, pathogenesis of autoimmune hepatitis and chemokine therapy were selected. RESULTS T helper type 17 lymphocytes expressing CXCR3 and CCR6 are attracted to the liver by the secretion of CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11. These cells recruit pro-inflammatory T helper type 1 lymphocytes expressing CXCR3 and CCR5 by secreting CXCL10. Resident natural killer T cells expressing CXCR6 migrate in response to the local secretion of CXCL16, and they modulate the inflammatory response. T helper type 2 lymphocytes expressing CCR4 are attracted by CCL17 and CCL22, and they dampen the expansion of pro-inflammatory cells. Regulatory T cells expressing CXCR3 are attracted by the secretion of CXCL9, and they help dampen the pro-inflammatory responses. CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CXCL4, CXCL10 and CXCL16 promote fibrosis by activating or attracting hepatic stellate cells, and CX3CL1 may prevent fibrosis by affecting the apoptosis of monocytes. CONCLUSIONS Chemokines are requisites for mobilising, directing and positioning the effector cells in immune-mediated liver disease. They are feasible therapeutic targets in autoimmune hepatitis, and the evaluation of monoclonal antibodies that neutralise the pro-inflammatory ligands or designer peptides that block receptor activity are investigational opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
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Manti S, Marseglia L, D'Angelo G, Filippelli M, Cuppari C, Gitto E, Romano C, Arrigo T, Salpietro C. Portal hypertension as immune mediate disease. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2014; 14:e18625. [PMID: 24976841 PMCID: PMC4071352 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.18625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Portal Hypertension (PH) is a progressive complication due to chronic liver disease. In addition to pathophysiologic changes in the micro-circulation, in PH are established fibrous tissue (periportal fibrous septal) and regenerative hyperplastic nodules (from micro- to macro-nodules) promoting hepatic architectural distortion. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A literature search of electronic databases was undertaken for the major studies published from 1981 to today. The databases searched were: PubMed, EMBASE, Orphanet, Midline and Cochrane Library. We used the keywords: "portal hypertension, children, immune system, endocrine system, liver fibrosis". RESULTS It is believed that PH results from three "phenotype": ischemia-reperfusion, involving nervous system (NS); edema and oxidative damage, involving immune system; inflammation and angiogenesis, involving endocrine system. However, its exact cause still underdiagnosed and unknown. CONCLUSIONS PH is a dynamic and potentially reversible process. Researchers have tried to demonstrate mechanisms underlying PH and its related-complications. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis, and immune, endocrine-metabolic factors of disease. The strong positive association between immune system and development of PH could be efficient to identify non-invasive markers of disease, to modify prognosis of PH, and to development and application of specific and individual anti-inflammatory therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Manti
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Lucia Marseglia
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Angelo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Martina Filippelli
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Caterina Cuppari
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Eloisa Gitto
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Claudio Romano
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Arrigo
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Corresponding Author: Teresa Arrigo, Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. Tel +39-902213130, Fax: +39-902213788, E-mail:
| | - Carmelo Salpietro
- Department of Pediatric Sciences, Genetics and Pediatric Immunology Unit, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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