1
|
Xu AL, Han L, Yan J, Liu D, Wang W. Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Inhibition of Hepatic Fibrosis by Delivering miR-200a. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:609-624. [PMID: 38568409 PMCID: PMC11087440 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-024-00631-7] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a common pathological feature of chronic hepatic diseases. We aimed to illuminate the significance of amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (AMSCs-EVs) in HF. METHODS Human AMSCs-EVs were isolated and identified. HF mice were constructed and treated with EVs. The fibrosis was observed by staining experiments and Western blot (WB) assay. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp) were detected to confirm liver function. For the in vitro experiments, human hepatic stellate cells were induced with transforming growth factor-β and treated with EVs. To measure the degree of HF, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen I was detected by WB assay, and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit 8 assay. The levels of miR-200a, Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 3 (PIK3R3) were detected by WB and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The binding of ZEB1 to PIK3R3 and miR-200a to ZEB1 was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase assays to validate their relationships. RESULTS Human AMSCs and AMSCs-EVs were obtained. Serum ALT, AST, TBIL, and hepatic Hyp were increased, implying the fibrosis degree was aggravated in HF mice, which was decreased again after EV treatment. EVs inhibited HF degree by reducing α-SMA and Collagen I and promoting cell proliferation. AMSCs-EVs delivered miR-200a into hepatocytes, which up-regulated miR-200a expression, inhibited ZEB1 expression, and reduced its enrichment on the PIK3R3 promoter, therefore inhibiting PIK3R3 expression and alleviating HF. Overexpression of ZEB1 or PIK3R3 attenuated the anti-fibrotic effect of AMSCs-EVs. CONCLUSION Human AMSCs-derived EVs mediated miR-200a delivery and inhibition of intracellular ZEB1/PIK3R3 axis to exert anti-fibrosis effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Lei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Long Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jiang J, Gareev I, Ilyasova T, Shumadalova A, Du W, Yang B. The role of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory networks in liver fibrosis. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:463-470. [PMID: 38511056 PMCID: PMC10950566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In the dynamic realm of molecular biology and biomedical research, the significance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) continues to grow, encompassing a broad spectrum of both physiological and pathological conditions. Particularly noteworthy is their pivotal role in the intricate series of events leading to the development of hepatic fibrosis, where hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role. Recent strides in scientific exploration have unveiled the intricate involvement of lncRNAs as ceRNAs in orchestrating the activation of HSCs. This not only deepens our comprehension of the functioning of proteins, DNA, and the extensive array of coding and noncoding RNAs but also sheds light on the intricate molecular interactions among these molecules. Furthermore, the well-established ceRNA networks, involving classical interactions between lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs), are not mere bystanders; they actively participate in instigating and advancing liver fibrosis. This underscores the pressing need for additional thorough research to fully grasp the potential of ceRNA. The unyielding pursuit of knowledge in this field remains a potent driving force with the capacity to enhance the quality of life for numerous individuals grappling with such diseases. It holds the promise of ushering in a new era of precision medicine, signifying a relentless dedication to unraveling the intricacies of molecular interactions that could pave the way for transformative advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, 150067, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ilgiz Gareev
- Central Research Laboratory, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 3 Lenin Street, 450008, Russia
| | - Tatiana Ilyasova
- Department of Internal Diseases, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 3 Lenin Street, 450008, Russia
| | - Alina Shumadalova
- Department of General Chemistry, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 3 Lenin Street, 450008, Russia
| | - Weijie Du
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, 150067, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Baofeng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, 150067, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin 150081, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vidal-Correoso D, Mateo SV, Muñoz-Morales AM, Lucas-Ruiz F, Jover-Aguilar M, Alconchel F, Martínez-Alarcón L, Sánchez-Redondo S, Santos V, López-López V, Ríos-Zambudio A, Cascales P, Pons JA, Ramírez P, Pelegrín P, Peinado H, Baroja-Mazo A. Cell-specific Extracellular Vesicles and Their miRNA Cargo Released Into the Organ Preservation Solution During Cold Ischemia Storage as Biomarkers for Liver Transplant Outcomes. Transplantation 2024:00007890-990000000-00721. [PMID: 38578699 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000005008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver transplantation (LT) is crucial for end-stage liver disease patients, but organ shortages persist. Donation after circulatory death (DCD) aims to broaden the donor pool but presents challenges. Complications like acute rejection, hepatic artery thrombosis, and biliary issues still impact posttransplant prognosis. Biomarkers, including extracellular vesicles (EVs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), show promise in understanding and monitoring posttransplant events. This study explores the role of EVs and their miRNA cargo in LT, including their potential as diagnostic tools. METHODS EVs from intrahepatic end-ischemic organ preservation solution (eiOPS) in 79 donated livers were detected using different techniques (nanosight tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and flow cytometry). EV-derived miRNAs were identified by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using the R platform. RESULTS Different-sized and origin-specific EVs were found in eiOPS, with significantly higher concentrations in DCD compared with donation after brain death organs. Additionally, several EV-associated miRNAs, including let-7d-5p, miR-28-5p, miR-200a-3p, miR-200b-3p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-429, were overexpressed in DCD-derived eiOPS. These miRNAs also exhibited differential expression patterns in liver tissue biopsies. Pathway analysis revealed enrichment in signaling pathways involved in extracellular matrix organization and various cellular processes. Moreover, specific EVs and miRNAs correlated with clinical outcomes, including survival and early allograft dysfunction. A predictive model combining biomarkers and clinical variables showed promise in acute rejection detection after LT. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new insights into the use of EVs and miRNAs as biomarkers and their possible influence on posttransplantation outcomes, potentially contributing to improved diagnostic approaches and personalized treatment strategies in LT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vidal-Correoso
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Sandra V Mateo
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana M Muñoz-Morales
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Fernando Lucas-Ruiz
- Experimental Ophthalmology Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla) & Ophthalmology Department, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
- Institute of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marta Jover-Aguilar
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Felipe Alconchel
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez-Alarcón
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| | - Sara Sánchez-Redondo
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Santos
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor López-López
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Ríos-Zambudio
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pedro Cascales
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pons
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Ramírez
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- General Surgery and Abdominal Solid Organ Transplantation Unit, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Pablo Pelegrín
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology B and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Héctor Peinado
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Baroja-Mazo
- Molecular Inflammation Group, University Clinical Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Pascual Parrilla), Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ren C, Carrillo ND, Cryns VL, Anderson RA, Chen M. Environmental pollutants and phosphoinositide signaling in autoimmunity. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 465:133080. [PMID: 38091799 PMCID: PMC10923067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Environmental pollution stands as one of the most critical challenges affecting human health, with an estimated mortality rate linked to pollution-induced non-communicable diseases projected to range from 20% to 25%. These pollutants not only disrupt immune responses but can also trigger immunotoxicity. Phosphoinositide signaling, a pivotal regulator of immune responses, plays a central role in the development of autoimmune diseases and exhibits high sensitivity to environmental stressors. Among these stressors, environmental pollutants have become increasingly prevalent in our society, contributing to the initiation and exacerbation of autoimmune conditions. In this review, we summarize the intricate interplay between phosphoinositide signaling and autoimmune diseases within the context of environmental pollutants and contaminants. We provide an up-to-date overview of stress-induced phosphoinositide signaling, discuss 14 selected examples categorized into three groups of environmental pollutants and their connections to immune diseases, and shed light on the associated phosphoinositide signaling pathways. Through these discussions, this review advances our understanding of how phosphoinositide signaling influences the coordinated immune response to environmental stressors at a biological level. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into potential research directions and therapeutic targets aimed at mitigating the impact of environmental pollutants on the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. SYNOPSIS: Phosphoinositide signaling at the intersection of environmental pollutants and autoimmunity provides novel insights for managing autoimmune diseases aggravated by pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Noah D Carrillo
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Vincent L Cryns
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA; University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Richard A Anderson
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mo Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Joint Laboratory of Guangdong-Hong Kong Universities for Vascular Homeostasis and Diseases, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yu Q, Koda S, Xu N, Li J, Wang JL, Liu M, Liu JX, Zhang Y, Yang HM, Zhang BB, Li XY, Li XC, Tang RX, Zheng KY, Yan C. CsHscB Derived from a Liver Fluke Clonorchis sinensis Ameliorates Cholestatic Hepatic Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Sclerosing Cholangitis. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:505-515. [PMID: 37076961 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230418111949] [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: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammatory fibrosis usually involving the whole biliary tree. However, there are very limited treatment options to treat this disease. Our previous study found a lipid-protein rCsHscB from a liver fluke - Clonorchis sinensis, which had full capacities of immune regulation. Therefore, we investigated the role of rCsHscB in a mouse model of sclerosing cholangitis induced by xenobiotic 3,5- diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) to explore whether this protein had potential therapeutic value for PSC. METHODS Mice were fed 0.1% DDC for 4 weeks and treated with CsHscB (30 μg/mouse, intraperitoneal injection, once every 3 days); the control group was given an equal amount of PBS or CsHscB under normal diet conditions. All the mice were sacrificed at 4 weeks for the evaluation of biliary proliferation, fibrosis, and inflammation. RESULTS rCsHscB treatment attenuated DDC-induced liver congestion and enlargement and significantly decreased the upregulation of serum AST and ALT levels. The administration of rCsHscB to DDC-fed mice significantly decreased cholangiocyte proliferation and pro-inflammatory cytokine production compared to mice fed with DDC alone. Also, rCsHscB treatment showed a decreased expression of α-SMA in the liver and other markers of liver fibrosis (Masson staining, Hydroxyproline content, and collagen deposit). More interestingly, DDC-fed mice treated with rCsHscB showed a significant up-regulation of PPAR-γ expression, which was similar to control mice, indicating the involvement of PPAR-γ signaling in the protective action of rCsHscB. CONCLUSION Overall, our data show that rCsHscB attenuates the progression of cholestatic fibrosis induced by DDC and supports the potential for manipulating the parasite-derived molecule to treat certain immune-mediated disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Stephane Koda
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Xu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Ling Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Xin Liu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui-Min Yang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Bei-Bei Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang-Yang Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Cui Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-Xian Tang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Kui-Yang Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Yan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Science Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No. 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou, 221004, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Goncalves BDS, Meadows A, Pereira DG, Puri R, Pillai SS. Insight into the Inter-Organ Crosstalk and Prognostic Role of Liver-Derived MicroRNAs in Metabolic Disease Progression. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1597. [PMID: 37371692 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional hepatic metabolism has been linked to numerous diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide, which can progress to hepatic fibrosis, and is closely associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the liver secretes a wide array of metabolites, biomolecules, and microRNAs (miRNAs) and many of these secreted factors exert significant effects on metabolic processes both in the liver and in peripheral tissues. In this review, we summarize the involvement of liver-derived miRNAs in biological processes with an emphasis on delineating the communication between the liver and other tissues associated with metabolic disease progression. Furthermore, the review identifies the primary molecular targets by which miRNAs act. These consolidated findings from numerous studies provide insight into the underlying mechanism of various metabolic disease progression and suggest the possibility of using circulatory miRNAs as prognostic predictors and therapeutic targets for improving clinical intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno de Souza Goncalves
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Avery Meadows
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Duane G Pereira
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Raghav Puri
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Sneha S Pillai
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Koustas E, Trifylli EM, Sarantis P, Papadopoulos N, Papanikolopoulos K, Aloizos G, Damaskos C, Garmpis N, Garmpi A, Matthaios D, Karamouzis MV. An Insight into the Arising Role of MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Future Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087168. [PMID: 37108330 PMCID: PMC10138911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) constitutes a frequent highly malignant form of primary liver cancer and is the third cause of death attributable to malignancy. Despite the improvement in the therapeutic strategies with the exploration of novel pharmacological agents, the survival rate for HCC is still low. Shedding light on the multiplex genetic and epigenetic background of HCC, such as on the emerging role of microRNAs, is considered quite promising for the diagnosis and the prediction of this malignancy, as well as for combatting drug resistance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) constitute small noncoding RNA sequences, which play a key role in the regulation of several signaling and metabolic pathways, as well as of pivotal cellular functions such as autophagy, apoptosis, and cell proliferation. It is also demonstrated that miRNAs are significantly implicated in carcinogenesis, either acting as tumor suppressors or oncomiRs, while aberrations in their expression levels are closely associated with tumor growth and progression, as well as with local invasion and metastatic dissemination. The arising role of miRNAs in HCC is in the spotlight of the current scientific research, aiming at the development of novel therapeutic perspectives. In this review, we will shed light on the emerging role of miRNAs in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Koustas
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni-Myrto Trifylli
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Sarantis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, 401 General Army Hospital of Athens, 11525 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Georgios Aloizos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, 417 Army Equity Fund Hospital, 11521 Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Damaskos
- 'N.S. Christeas' Laboratory of Experimental Surgery and Surgical Research, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Renal Transplantation Unit, 'Laiko' General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Garmpis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, 'Laiko' General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Garmpi
- First Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michalis V Karamouzis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75, M. Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Feriani A, Bizzarri M, Tir M, Aldawood N, Alobaid H, Allagui MS, Dahmash W, Tlili N, Mnafgui K, Alwasel S, Harrath AH. High-fat diet-induced aggravation of cardiovascular impairment in permethrin-treated Wistar rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 222:112461. [PMID: 34224971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study characterized the impact of post-weaning high-fat diet (HFD) and/or permethrin (PER) treatment on heart dysfunction and fibrosis, as well as atherogenic risk, in rats by investigating interactions between HFD and PER. Our results revealed that HFD and/or PER induced remarkable cardiotoxicity by promoting cardiac injury, biomarker leakage into the plasma and altering heart rate and electrocardiogram pattern, as well as plasma ion levels. HFD and/or PER increased plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels but significantly reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Cardiac content of peroxidation malonaldehyde, protein carbonyls, and reactive oxygen species were remarkably elevated, while glutathione levels and superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were inhibited in animals receiving a HFD and/or PER. Furthermore, cardiac DNA fragmentation and upregulation of Bax and caspase-3 gene expression supported the ability of HFD and/or PER to induce apoptosis and inflammation in rat hearts. High cardiac TGF-β1 expression explained the profibrotic effects of PER either with the standard diet or HFD. Masson's Trichrome staining clearly demonstrated that HFD and PER could cause cardiac fibrosis. Additionally, increased oxidized LDL and the presence of several lipid droplets in arterial tissues highlighted the atherogenic effects of HFD and/or PER in rats. Such PER-induced cardiac and vascular dysfunctions were aggravated by and associated with a HFD, implying that obese individuals may be more vulnerable to PER exposure. Collectively, post-weaning exposure to HFD and/or PER may promote heart failure and fibrosis, demonstrating the pleiotropic effects of exposure to environmental factors early in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anouar Feriani
- Research Unit of Macromolecular Biochemistry and Genetics, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, 2112 Gafsa, Tunisia
| | - Mariano Bizzarri
- Sapienza University of Rome, Dept of Experimental Medicine, Syst Biol Grp Lab, Rome, Italy
| | - Meriam Tir
- Laboratoire des Sciences de l'Environnement, Biologie et Physiologie des Organismes Aquatiques, LR18ES41, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, Université Tunis EL Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nouf Aldawood
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussah Alobaid
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Waleed Dahmash
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nizar Tlili
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences et Technologies de l'Environnement, Université de Carthage, Tunisia
| | - Kais Mnafgui
- Laboratory of Animal Ecophysiology, Faculty of Science of Sfax, 3018 Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Saleh Alwasel
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdel Halim Harrath
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Xia S, Wang Z, Chen L, Zhou Y, Li Y, Wang S, Chen A, Xu X, Shao J, Zhang Z, Tan S, Zhang F, Zheng S. Dihydroartemisinin regulates lipid droplet metabolism in hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting lncRNA-H19-induced AMPK signal. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114730. [PMID: 34400125 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central event in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and is often accompanied by the disappearance of lipid droplets (LDs). Although interference with LD metabolism can effectively reverse the activation of HSCs, there is currently no effective therapy for liver fibrosis. Our previous evidence indicates that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)-H19 plays an essential role in LD metabolism of HSC. In this study, we investigated the potential molecular mechanism of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) inhibits LD metabolism and liver fibrosis by regulating H19-AMPK pathway. We found that DHA restores LDs content in activated HSCs via reducing the transcription of H19 driven by hypoxia inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1α) and inhibiting the lipid oxidation signal mediated by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. In vivo experiments, we have proved that DHA reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and reduce the level of liver fibrosis in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis of mice. In summary, our results emphasize the importance of H19 in liver fibrosis and the potential of DHA to regulate H19 to treat liver fibrosis, providing a new direction for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siwei Xia
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhimin Wang
- Jiangsu Provincial Xuzhou Pharmaceutical Vocational College, Xuzhou 221116, China
| | - Li Chen
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250035, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, MO 63104, USA
| | - Xuefen Xu
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM and Western Medicine, Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zheng D, Jiang Y, Qu C, Yuan H, Hu K, He L, Chen P, Li J, Tu M, Lin L, Chen H, Lin Z, Lin W, Fan J, Cheng G, Hong J. Pyruvate Kinase M2 Tetramerization Protects against Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 190:2267-2281. [PMID: 32805235 PMCID: PMC7786052 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an increasing health problem worldwide, for which no effective antifibrosis drugs are available. Although the involvement of aerobic glycolysis in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation has been reported, the role of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in liver fibrogenesis still remains unknown. We examined PKM2 expression and location in liver tissues and primary hepatic cells. The in vitro and in vivo effects of a PKM2 antagonist (shikonin) and its allosteric agent (TEPP-46) on liver fibrosis were investigated in HSCs and liver fibrosis mouse model. Chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and immunoprecipitation were performed to identify the relevant molecular mechanisms. PKM2 expression was significantly up-regulated in both mouse and human fibrotic livers compared with normal livers, and mainly detected in activated, rather than quiescent, HSCs. PKM2 knockdown markedly inhibited the activation and proliferation of HSCs in vitro. Interestingly, the PKM2 dimer, rather than the tetramer, induced HSC activation. PKM2 tetramerization induced by TEPP-46 effectively inhibited HSC activation, reduced aerobic glycolysis, and decreased MYC and CCND1 expression via regulating histone H3K9 acetylation in activated HSCs. TEPP-46 and shikonin dramatically attenuated liver fibrosis in vivo. Our findings demonstrate a nonmetabolic role of PKM2 in liver fibrosis. PKM2 tetramerization or suppression could prevent HSC activation and protects against liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zheng
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchuan Jiang
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chen Qu
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Yuan
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaishun Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lu He
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinying Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengxian Tu
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lehang Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hengxing Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zelong Lin
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyu Lin
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jun Fan
- Departments of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohua Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Hong
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Devaraj E, Roy A, Royapuram Veeraragavan G, Magesh A, Varikalam Sleeba A, Arivarasu L, Marimuthu Parasuraman B. β-Sitosterol attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and chronic liver injury in rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2020; 393:1067-1075. [PMID: 31930431 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01810-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases are clinically silent and responsible for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. β-Sitosterol (BSS), major phytosterol in plants, has a wide spectrum of protective effect against various chronic ailments. We investigated the hepatoprotective effect of BSS against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic liver injury in rats. Thirty rats were divided into five groups, with six animals in each group. Group I rats served as control while groups II, III, IV, and V rats were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 (0.2 mL/100 g b.w. in olive oil (1:1)) for 7 consecutive weeks. After 7 weeks, group II rats were left without any treatments and served as CCl4 alone group, while groups III, IV, and V rats were treated with BSS 25 and 50 mg/kg b.w. and silymarin 100 mg/kg b.w. as oral post-treatments respectively, for the next 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, hepatotoxicity marker enzymes in serum, oxidative stress, and fibrosis marker were analyzed. CCl4 administration caused significant elevation of marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity in serum and increased lipid peroxidation and fibrosis markers such as hydroxyproline, collagen, α-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, desmin, and matrix metalloproteinases 9 in liver tissue of rats. This treatment also caused a significant diminution of intracellular enyzmic antioxidants such as SOD and CAT in the liver tissue of rats. All the above adversities were significantly mitigated by the BSS post-treatments. The results suggest that BSS could have a hepatoprotective effect against oxidative stress-mediated CLD induced by CCl4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ezhilarasan Devaraj
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India.
| | - Anitha Roy
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India
| | - Geetha Royapuram Veeraragavan
- Department of Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India
| | - Anitha Magesh
- Department of Research and Development, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, 602 105, India
| | | | - Lakshminarayanan Arivarasu
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India
| | - Brundha Marimuthu Parasuraman
- Department of Pathology, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhangdi HJ, Su SB, Wang F, Liang ZY, Yan YD, Qin SY, Jiang HX. Crosstalk network among multiple inflammatory mediators in liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:4835-4849. [PMID: 31543677 PMCID: PMC6737310 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i33.4835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common pathological basis of all chronic liver diseases, and is the necessary stage for the progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis. As one of pathogenic factors, inflammation plays a predominant role in liver fibrosis via communication and interaction between inflammatory cells, cytokines, and the related signaling pathways. Damaged hepatocytes induce an increase in pro-inflammatory factors, thereby inducing the development of inflammation. In addition, it has been reported that inflammatory response related signaling pathway is the main signal transduction pathway for the development of liver fibrosis. The crosstalk regulatory network leads to hepatic stellate cell activation and proinflammatory cytokine production, which in turn initiate the fibrotic response. Compared with the past, the research on the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has been greatly developed. However, the liver fibrosis mechanism is complex and many pathways involved need to be further studied. This review mainly focuses on the crosstalk regulatory network among inflammatory cells, cytokines, and the related signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory liver diseases. Moreover, we also summarize the recent studies on the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis and clinical efforts on the targeted therapies against the fibrotic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han-Jing Zhangdi
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Si-Biao Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Zi-Yu Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yu-Dong Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shan-Yu Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hai-Xing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yu LX, Zhang BL, Yang MY, Liu H, Xiao CH, Zhang SG, Liu R. MicroRNA-106b-5p promotes hepatocellular carcinoma development via modulating FOG2. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:5639-5647. [PMID: 31406464 PMCID: PMC6642636 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s203382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A recent study has revealed that miR-106b-5p might promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stemness maintenance and metastasis by targeting PTEN via PI3K/Akt pathway based on HCC cell lines and animal models. Its clinical relevance remains unknown. Purpose: Herein, we aimed to evaluate associations of miR-106b-5p dysregulation with various clinicopathological features of HCC patients and investigate its functions during HCC progression. Patients and methods: At first, miR-106b-5p expression in 130 pairs of HCC and adjacent normal liver tissues was detected by quantitative PCR. Chi-square test was then performed to determine clinical significance. Further investigations on its functions were performed by miRNA target prediction and validation, as well as cellular experiments. Results: miR-106b-5p levels in HCC tissues were significantly higher than those in the adjacent normal liver tissues (P<0.001). High miR-106b-5p expression was significantly associated with advanced tumor stage (P=0.02) and high tumor grade (P=0.03). In addition, Friend of GATA 2 (FOG2) was identified as a direct target of miR-106b-5p in HCC cells. Moreover, the clinical relevance to HCC progression of the combined high miR-106b-5p and low FOG2 expression was more significant than high miR-106b-5p alone. Functionally, enforced expression of miR-106b-5p reduced FOG2 expression and promoted the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Furthermore, co-transfection of FOG2 restored the oncogenic roles of miR-106b-5p over-expression. Conclusion: Our data offer the convincing evidence that miR-106b-5p upregulation may promote the aggressive progression of HCC. miR-106b-5p overexpression may promote HCC cell proliferation and invasion by suppressing FOG2, implying its potentials as a promising therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Xiang Yu
- Departments of Surgical Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, 302 Military Hospital of China, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo-Lun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Clinical Medical College of Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, People's Republic of China
| | - Mu-Yi Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, 302 Military Hospital of China, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, 302 Military Hospital of China, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao-Hui Xiao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, 302 Military Hospital of China, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Shao-Geng Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, 302 Military Hospital of China, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Liu
- Departments of Surgical Oncology, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100039, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li Q, Ma L, Shen S, Guo Y, Cao Q, Cai X, Feng J, Yan Y, Hu T, Luo S, Zhou L, Peng B, Yang Z, Hua Y. Intestinal dysbacteriosis-induced IL-25 promotes development of HCC via alternative activation of macrophages in tumor microenvironment. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019. [PMID: 31296243 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1271-3.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut microbiota and the tumor microenvironment are thought to be critical factors that modulate the processes of liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interleukin-25 (IL-25) promotes type 2 immunity via alternative activation of macrophages, and is closely associated with inflammation-related diseases, even malignancies. However, it is not clear which role IL-25 plays in the development of HCC, and whether gut microbiota are involved. METHODS IL-25 was detected by ELISA, Western blotting (WB), and immunohistochemistry. Chemokines were measured by RT-qPCR and WB. After co-culture with IL-25-stimulated macrophages, the cell growth, migration, invasion and EMT marker of HCC cell lines (MHCC97L and HepG2) were evaluated by Brdu proliferation, Transwell assays and WB. An antibody neutralization assay of chemokine CXCL10 was performed to confirm its role in HCC development. Furthermore, the effects of IL-25 in HCC were investigated in vivo. Dysbiosis of gut microflora was induced by antibiotics (vancomycin, cefoperazone or combination of ampicillin, neomycin, metronidazole, and vancomycin). We used feces suspension to treat colonic epithelial NCM460 cells, and detected IL-25 and tuft cell marker DCLK1 using WB and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS We found that the level of IL-25 was significantly elevated in HCC patients, and was negatively correlated with survival rate after hepatectomy. However, IL-25 did not directly promote the development of HCC cells. Then, we observed the significant positive correlation between IL-25 level and M2 percentage (CD206/CD68) in HCC tumors. In vitro and in vivo, IL-25 induced alternative activation of macrophages promoted HCC cell migration, invasion and tumorigenesis, increased the expression of vimentin, Snail and phospho-ERK, and decreased the expression of E-cadherin in HCC cells. After IL-25 treatment, chemokine CXCL10 was increased in macrophages. Neutralizing CXCL10 in macrophage-conditioned medium reversed the IL-25-mediated effect on HCC cells. Vancomycin-induced dysbiosis promoted the growth of orthotopic HCC homograft. Surprisedly, we found the hyperplasia of colonic epithelial tuft cells, from which more IL-25 was secreted . CONCLUSIONS IL-25 promotes the progression of HCC through inducing alternative activation and CXCL10 secretion of macrophages in tumor microenvironment, and IL-25 secretion may partly result from hyperplastic epithelial tuft cells in colon, induced by gut microbiota dysbiosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Li
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunli Shen
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Guo
- Cancer Center & Precision Medicine Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghua Cao
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuqin Cai
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Feng
- School of Stomatology and Medicine, Foshan University, Foshan, Guangdong, 528000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Yan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, College of Basic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyu Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shiya Luo
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Baogang Peng
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhonghan Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yunpeng Hua
- Department of Liver Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Intestinal dysbacteriosis-induced IL-25 promotes development of HCC via alternative activation of macrophages in tumor microenvironment. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:303. [PMID: 31296243 PMCID: PMC6625119 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Gut microbiota and the tumor microenvironment are thought to be critical factors that modulate the processes of liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interleukin-25 (IL-25) promotes type 2 immunity via alternative activation of macrophages, and is closely associated with inflammation-related diseases, even malignancies. However, it is not clear which role IL-25 plays in the development of HCC, and whether gut microbiota are involved. Methods IL-25 was detected by ELISA, Western blotting (WB), and immunohistochemistry. Chemokines were measured by RT-qPCR and WB. After co-culture with IL-25-stimulated macrophages, the cell growth, migration, invasion and EMT marker of HCC cell lines (MHCC97L and HepG2) were evaluated by Brdu proliferation, Transwell assays and WB. An antibody neutralization assay of chemokine CXCL10 was performed to confirm its role in HCC development. Furthermore, the effects of IL-25 in HCC were investigated in vivo. Dysbiosis of gut microflora was induced by antibiotics (vancomycin, cefoperazone or combination of ampicillin, neomycin, metronidazole, and vancomycin). We used feces suspension to treat colonic epithelial NCM460 cells, and detected IL-25 and tuft cell marker DCLK1 using WB and immunofluorescence staining. Results We found that the level of IL-25 was significantly elevated in HCC patients, and was negatively correlated with survival rate after hepatectomy. However, IL-25 did not directly promote the development of HCC cells. Then, we observed the significant positive correlation between IL-25 level and M2 percentage (CD206/CD68) in HCC tumors. In vitro and in vivo, IL-25 induced alternative activation of macrophages promoted HCC cell migration, invasion and tumorigenesis, increased the expression of vimentin, Snail and phospho-ERK, and decreased the expression of E-cadherin in HCC cells. After IL-25 treatment, chemokine CXCL10 was increased in macrophages. Neutralizing CXCL10 in macrophage-conditioned medium reversed the IL-25-mediated effect on HCC cells. Vancomycin-induced dysbiosis promoted the growth of orthotopic HCC homograft. Surprisedly, we found the hyperplasia of colonic epithelial tuft cells, from which more IL-25 was secreted . Conclusions IL-25 promotes the progression of HCC through inducing alternative activation and CXCL10 secretion of macrophages in tumor microenvironment, and IL-25 secretion may partly result from hyperplastic epithelial tuft cells in colon, induced by gut microbiota dysbiosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1271-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
16
|
Mmu-miR-92a-2-5p targets TLR2 to relieve Schistosoma japonicum-induced liver fibrosis. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 69:126-135. [PMID: 30708193 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
According to conservative estimates, >230 million people are infected with schistosomiasis,which becomes one of the most common parasitic diseases. This study focuses on investigating in vivo and in vitro effects of mmu-miR-92a-2-5p in Schistosoma japonicum-induced liver fibrosis by targeting TLR2. Through bioinformatic analysis, the overexpression of TLR2 and the down-regulation of mmu-miR-92a-2-5p were revealed in the progression of S. japonicum-induced liver fibrosis. BALB/C mice were taken advantage to construct normal control and schistosomiasis liver fibrosis (SLF) model. The mice in model groups were transfected recombinant lentivirus (Lenti-mmu-miR-92a-2-5p or Lenti-NC) to alter the expression of mmu-miR-92a-2-5p in vivo. HE and Masson staining were employed to observe the pathological changes and collagenous fibrosis. QRT-PCR showed that mmu-miR-92a-2-5p was decreased while TLR2 was elevated in the infected groups. However, lenti-mmu-miR-92a-2-5p group could inhibit liver fibrosis. Then the effect of mmu-miR-92a-2-5p on S. japonicum-induced liver fibrosis including cell apoptosis rates, proliferation and proteins related to liver fibrosis was examined in NIH-3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Moreover, the association between mmu-miR-92a-2-5p and TLR2 was detected by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay and the expression of cytokines IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α in SLF model was detected by ELISA. Further, the knockout of TLR2 in C57BL/6J mice was used to confirm the association between mmu-miR-92a-2-5p and TLR2. Thus, these findings demonstrated that mmu-miR-92a-2-5p inhibited S. japonicum-induced liver fibrosis by targeting TLR2 in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
|
17
|
Cao S, Zheng B, Chen T, Chang X, Yin B, Huang Z, Shuai P, Han L. Semen Brassicae ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by regulating transforming growth factor-β1/Smad, nuclear factor-κB, and AKT signaling pathways in rats. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:1205-1213. [PMID: 29785090 PMCID: PMC5955013 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s155053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose There is no effective treatment for liver fibrosis, which is a common phase during the progression of many chronic liver diseases to cirrhosis. Previous studies found that Semen Brassicae therapy can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis, and chronic lung diseases; however, its effects on liver fibrosis in rats and its possible mechanisms of action remain unclear. Methods Rats were injected intraperitoneally with 4% thioacetamide aqueous solution (5 mL·kg−1) at a dose of 200 mg·kg−1 twice a week for 8 consecutive weeks to establish the liver fibrosis model and were then treated with different concentrations of Semen Brassicae extract. After Semen Brassicae treatment, the morphology of the liver tissue was analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining, and liver index and liver fibrosis grade were calculated. Thereafter, the levels of collagen-I, collagen-III, α-SMA, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, p-Smad 2/3, Smad 2/3, Smad4, NF-κB-p65, p-NF-κB-p65, IL-1β, IL-6, AKT, and p-AKT were determined using Western blotting. Results Compared with the untreated model group, the Semen Brassicae-treated group showed significantly decreased liver function indices; expression levels of collagen-I, collagen-III, and α-SMA; and hepatic fibrosis. Further studies also showed that the expression of TGF-β1, Smad4, p-Smad 2/3/Smad 2/3, p-NF-κB-p65/NF-κB-p65, IL-1β, IL-6, and p-AKT/AKT significantly decreased after the treatment. Conclusion These results indicate that Semen Brassicae exhibits an anti-hepatic fibrosis effect, and the underlying mechanism of action may be related to the regulation of TGF-β1/Smad, NF-κB, and AKT signaling pathways and the reduction of extracellular matrix deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Si Cao
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Baoping Zheng
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Tao Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xinfeng Chang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bao Yin
- School of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhihua Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ping Shuai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Limin Han
- Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Huang Y, Fan X, Tao R, Song Q, Wang L, Zhang H, Kong H, Huang J. Effect of miR-182 on hepatic fibrosis induced by Schistosomiasis japonica by targeting FOXO1 through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6693-6704. [PMID: 29323718 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the impact of miR-182 and FOXO1 on S. japonica-induced hepatic fibrosis. Microarray analysis was performed to screen out differential expressed miRNAs and mRNAs. Rat hepatic fibrosis model and human hepatocellular cell line LX-2 were used to study the effect of miR-182 and FOXO1. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miR-182, FOXO1 or other fibrosis markers. The targeting relationship between FOXO1 and miR-182 was verified by luciferase reporter assay. Immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence staining was conducted to detect FOXO1 or α-SMA in rat hepatic tissues. Cell viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The expression of PI3K/AKT pathway-related proteins was detected by Western blot. miR-182 was highly expressed in liver fibrosis samples, and FOXO1 expression was negatively correlated with miR-182 expression. After transfection of miR-182, FOXO1 expression was down-regulated, with the results of LX-2 cells proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction, as well as the aggravation of rat hepatic fibrosis. The expression of p-AKT/AKT and p-S6/S6 was increased, meaning that the PI3K/AKT signal pathway was activated. The results were reversed when treated with Wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor). After transfection of miR-182 inhibitor, FOXO1 expression was up-regulated, LX-2 cell proliferation was inhibited, and apoptosis rate was increased. High-expressed miR-182 and low-expressed FOXO1 promoted proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis on liver fibrosis cells, stimulating the development of S. japonica-induced hepatic fibrosis through feeding back to PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Huang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department of Nephrology, The First People's Hospital of Yichang, The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangxue Fan
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.,Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Ran Tao
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qiqin Song
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Likui Wang
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyue Zhang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hongyan Kong
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jiaquan Huang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Brea R, Motiño O, Francés D, García-Monzón C, Vargas J, Fernández-Velasco M, Boscá L, Casado M, Martín-Sanz P, Agra N. PGE 2 induces apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells and attenuates liver fibrosis in mice by downregulating miR-23a-5p and miR-28a-5p. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:325-337. [PMID: 29109031 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs modulating messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression, have emerged as key regulatory molecules in chronic liver diseases, whose end stage is hepatic fibrosis, a major global health burden. Pharmacological strategies for prevention or treatment of hepatic fibrosis are still limited, what makes it necessary to establish a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis. In this context, we have recently shown that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression in hepatocytes restricts activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a pivotal event in the initiation and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we evaluated the role of COX-2 in the regulation of a specific set of miRNAs on a mouse model of CCl4 and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis. Our results provide evidence that COX-2 represses miR-23a-5p and miR-28-5p expression in HSC. The decrease of miR-23a-5p and miR-28-5p expression promotes protection against fibrosis by decreasing the levels of pro-fibrogenic markers α-SMA and COL1A1 and increasing apoptosis of HSC. Moreover, we demonstrate that serum levels of miR-28-5p are decreased in patients with chronic liver disease. These results suggest a protective effect exerted by COX-2-derived prostanoids in the process of hepatofibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Brea
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - O Motiño
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - D Francés
- Instituto de Fisiología Experimental (IFISE-CONICET), Suipacha 570, 2000 Rosario, Argentina
| | - C García-Monzón
- Liver Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Amadeo Vives 2, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - J Vargas
- Liver Research Unit, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, Amadeo Vives 2, 28009 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Fernández-Velasco
- Instituto de Investigación Hospital Universitario La Paz, IDIPAZ, Pedro Rico 6, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - L Boscá
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERcv), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Casado
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERcv), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia, IBV-CSIC, Jaume Roig 11, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - P Martín-Sanz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERcv), Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - N Agra
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIB) "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Arturo Duperier 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|