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Mahmoudi A, Jalili A, Butler AE, Aghaee-Bakhtiari SH, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Exploration of the Key Genes Involved in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Possible MicroRNA Therapeutic Targets. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101365. [PMID: 38433957 PMCID: PMC10904918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising therapeutic agents for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study aimed to identify key genes/proteins involved in NAFLD pathogenesis and progression and to evaluate miRNAs influencing their expression. Methods Gene expression profiles from datasets GSE151158, GSE163211, GSE135251, GSE167523, GSE46300, and online databases were analyzed to identify significant NAFLD-related genes. Then, protein-protein interaction networks and module analysis identified hub genes/proteins, which were validated using real-time PCR in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Functional enrichment analysis evaluated signaling pathways and biological processes. Gene-miRNA interaction networks identified miRNAs targeting critical NAFLD genes. Results The most critical overexpressed hub genes/proteins included: TNF, VEGFA, TLR4, CYP2E1, ACE, SCD, FASN, SREBF2, and TGFB1 based on PPI network analysis, of which TNF, TLR4, SCD, FASN, SREBF2, and TGFB1 were up-regulated in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Functional enrichment analysis for biological processes highlighted programmed necrotic cell death, lipid metabolic process response to reactive oxygen species, and inflammation. In the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, the highest adjusted P-value signaling pathways encompassed AGE-RAGE in diabetic complications, TNF, and HIF-1 signaling pathways. In gene-miRNA network analysis, miR-16 and miR-124 were highlighted as the miRNAs exerting the most influence on important NAFLD-related genes. Conclusion In silico analyses identified NAFLD therapeutic targets and miRNA candidates to guide further experimental investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | - Amin Jalili
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
| | | | - Seyed H. Aghaee-Bakhtiari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran
- Bioinformatics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Mahmoudi A, Jalili A, Aghaee-Bakhtiari SH, Oskuee RK, Butler AE, Rizzo M, Sahebkar A. Analysis of the therapeutic potential of miR-124 and miR-16 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Diabetes Complications 2024; 38:108722. [PMID: 38503000 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdiacomp.2024.108722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition affecting >25 % of the population worldwide. This disorder ranges in severity from simple steatosis (fat accumulation) to severe steatohepatitis (inflammation), fibrosis and, at its end-stage, liver cancer. A number of studies have identified overexpression of several key genes that are critical in the initiation and progression of NAFLD. MiRNAs are potential therapeutic agents that can regulate several genes simultaneously. Therefore, we transfected cell lines with two key miRNAs involved in targeting NAFLD-related genes. METHODS The suppression effects of the investigated miRNAs (miR-124 and miR-16) and genes (TNF, TLR4, SCD, FASN, SREBF2, and TGFβ-1) from our previous study were investigated by real-time PCR in Huh7 and HepG2 cells treated with oleic acid. Oil red O staining and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay were utilized to assess cell lipid accumulation and cytotoxic effects of the miRNAs, respectively. The pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) assay was undertaken for miR-16 and miR-124 after cell transfection. RESULTS Following transfection of miRNAs into HepG2, oil red O staining showed miR-124 and miR-16 reduced oleic acid-induced lipid accumulation by 35.2 % and 28.6 % respectively (p < 0.05). In Huh7, miR-124 and miR-16 reduced accumulation by 23.5 % and 31.3 % respectively (p < 0.05) but without impacting anti-oxidant activity. Real-time PCR in HepG2 revealed miR-124 decreased expression of TNF by 0.13-fold, TLR4 by 0.12-fold and SREBF2 by 0.127-fold (p < 0.05). miR-16 decreased TLR4 by 0.66-fold and FASN by 0.3-fold (p < 0.05). In Huh7, miR-124 decreased TNF by 0.12-fold and FASN by 0.09-fold (p < 0.05). miR-16 decreased SCD by 0.28-fold and FASN by 0.64-fold (p < 0.05). MTT assays showed, in HepG2, viability was decreased 24.7 % by miR-124 and decreased 33 % by miR-16 at 72 h (p < 0.05). In Huh7, miR-124 decreased viability 42 % at 48 h and 29.33 % at 72 h (p < 0.05), while miR-16 decreased viability by 32.3 % (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION These results demonstrate the ability of miR-124 and miR-16 to significantly reduce lipid accumulation and expression of key pathogenic genes associated with NAFLD through direct targeting. Though this requires further in vivo investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amin Jalili
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
| | - Seyed Hamid Aghaee-Bakhtiari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Bioinformatics Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Reza Kazemi Oskuee
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Targeted Drug Delivery Research Center, Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alexandra E Butler
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain
| | - Manfredi Rizzo
- School of Medicine, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Promise), University of Palermo, Italy; Department of Biochemistry, Mohamed Bin Rashid University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Simental-Mendía LE, Simental-Mendía M, Sahebkar A, Atkin SL, Jamialahmadi T. Effect of Fibrate Treatment on Circulating Adipokine Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. Arch Med Res 2024; 55:102957. [PMID: 38266418 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.102957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrates are widely used in the treatment of dyslipidemia and associated metabolic abnormalities; however, their effects on adipokines are unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This meta-analysis of clinical trials aimed to evaluate the effect of fibrates on circulating adipokine levels. METHODS Only randomized controlled trials investigating the impact/effect of fibrate treatment on circulating adipokine levels were included from searches in PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. A random effects model and the generic inverse variance method were used for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave-one-out method. RESULTS This meta-analysis of 22 clinical trials showed a significant reduction on/in leptin (WMD: -1.58 ng/mL, 95% CI: -2.96, -0.20, p = 0.02, I2 = 0%), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) (WMD: -13.86 ng/mL, 95% CI: -26.70, -1.03, p = 0.03, I2 = 99%), and visfatin (WMD: -1.52 ng/mL, 95% CI: -2.49, -0.56, p = 0.002, I2 = 0%) after fibrate therapy; no significant effect was observed on adiponectin (WMD: -0.69 µg/ml, 95% CI: -1.40, 0.02, p = 0.06, I2 = 83%) and resistin (WMD: -2.27 ng/mL, 95% CI: -7.11, 2.57, p = 0.36, I2 = 0%). The sensitivity analysis was robust only for visfatin, while the effect size was sensitive to one arm for leptin, four for adiponectin, and two for PAI-1. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis showed that fibrate treatment significantly improves adipokine levels with a decrease in leptin, PAI-1, and visfatin, suggesting potential additional clinical therapeutic benefits through/of fibrate treatment on adipose tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Simental-Mendía
- Biomedical Research Unit, Delegación Durango, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico.
| | - Mario Simental-Mendía
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Hospital Universitario Dr. José E. González, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Monterrey, NL, Mexico
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Stephen L Atkin
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Bahrain
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Li Y, Pan Y, Zhao X, Wu S, Li F, Wang Y, Liu B, Zhang Y, Gao X, Wang Y, Zhou H. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors: A key link between lipid metabolism and cancer progression. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:332-345. [PMID: 38142478 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Lipids represent the essential components of membranes, serve as fuels for high-energy processes, and play crucial roles in signaling and cellular function. One of the key hallmarks of cancer is the reprogramming of metabolic pathways, especially abnormal lipid metabolism. Alterations in lipid uptake, lipid desaturation, de novo lipogenesis, lipid droplets, and fatty acid oxidation in cancer cells all contribute to cell survival in a changing microenvironment by regulating feedforward oncogenic signals, key oncogenic functions, oxidative and other stresses, immune responses, or intercellular communication. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are transcription factors activated by fatty acids and act as core lipid sensors involved in the regulation of lipid homeostasis and cell fate. In addition to regulating whole-body energy homeostasis in physiological states, PPARs play a key role in lipid metabolism in cancer, which is receiving increasing research attention, especially the fundamental molecular mechanisms and cancer therapies targeting PPARs. In this review, we discuss how cancer cells alter metabolic patterns and regulate lipid metabolism to promote their own survival and progression through PPARs. Finally, we discuss potential therapeutic strategies for targeting PPARs in cancer based on recent studies from the last five years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunkuo Li
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yujie Pan
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhao
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shouwang Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Faping Li
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuxiong Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yanghe Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yishu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Honglan Zhou
- Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Dehghan H, Ghasempour A, Sabeti Akbar-Abad M, Khademi Z, Sedighi M, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. An update on the therapeutic role of RNAi in NAFLD/NASH. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 204:45-67. [PMID: 38458743 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Unhealthy lifestyles have given rise to a growing epidemic of metabolic liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NAFLD often occurs as a consequence of obesity, and currently, there is no FDA-approved drug for its treatment. However, therapeutic oligonucleotides, such as RNA interference (RNAi), represent a promising class of pharmacotherapy that can target previously untreatable conditions. The potential significance of RNAi in maintaining physiological homeostasis, understanding pathogenesis, and improving metabolic liver diseases, including NAFLD, is discussed in this article. We explore why NAFLD/NASH is an ideal target for therapeutic oligonucleotides and provide insights into the delivery platforms of RNAi and its therapeutic role in addressing NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Dehghan
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Alireza Ghasempour
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Sabeti Akbar-Abad
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Zahra Khademi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Sedighi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Nanotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Medical Toxicology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Mahmoudi A, Atkin SL, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Identification of key upregulated genes involved in foam cell formation and the modulatory role of statin therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 119:110209. [PMID: 37130442 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110209] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the possible effect of statins on important genes/proteins involved in foam cell formation. METHODS The gene expression profile of the GSE9874, GSE54666, and GSE7138from the Omnibus database were usedto identify genes involved in foam cell formation. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and MCODE analysis of the intersection of three databases were analyzed. We used molecular docking analysis to investigate the possible interaction of different statins with the overexpressed hub genes obtained from PPI analysis. RESULTS The intersection among the three datasets showed 54 upregulated and 26 down-regulated genes. The most critical overexpressed genes/proteins obtained as hub genes included: G6PD, NPC1, ABCA1, ABCG1, PGD, PLIN2, PPAP2B, and TXNRD1 based on PPI analysis. Functional enrichment analysis of 81 intersection DEGs at the biological process level focusing on the cholesterol metabolic process, secondary alcohol biosynthetic process and the cholesterol biosynthetic process. Under cellular components, the analysis confirmed that these 81 intersection DEGs were mainly applied in endoplasmic reticulum membrane, lysosome and lytic vacuole. The molecular functions were identified as sterol binding, oxidoreductase activity and NADP binding. The molecular docking showed that all statins appear to affect important protein targets overexpressed in foam cell formation. However, lipophilic statins, especially pitavastatin and lovastatin, had a greater effect than hydrophilic statins. The most significant protein target of all the overexpressed genes interacting with all statin types was ABCA1. CONCLUSION The effect of lipophilic statins was shown for several critical proteins in foam cell formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177899191, Iran
| | - Stephen L Atkin
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Chu X, Zhou Y, Zhang S, Liu S, Li G, Xin Y. Chaetomorpha linum polysaccharides alleviate NAFLD in mice by enhancing the PPARα/CPT-1/MCAD signaling. Lipids Health Dis 2022; 21:140. [PMID: 36529726 PMCID: PMC9762026 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-022-01730-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Green algae contain many polysaccharides. However, there is no information on whether Chaetomorpha linum polysaccharides (CLP) can modulate lipid and glucose metabolism. MATERIAL AND METHODS CLP were extracted from chlorella and their components were characterized. Male C57BL/6 mice were randomized and provided with control chow as the control, or high fat diet (HFD) to induce nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD mice were treated orally with water as the HFD group or with 50 or 150 mg/kg CLP daily for 10 weeks. The impact of CLP treatment on lipid and glucose metabolism and the PPARα signaling was examined by histology, Western blotting and biochemistry. RESULTS CLP mainly contained arabinogalactan sulfate. Compared with the control, HFD feeding increased body weights, lipid droplet liver deposition and induced hyperlipidemia, liver functional impairment and glucose intolerance in mice. Treatment with CLP, particularly with a higher dose of CLP, limited the HFD-increased body weights and liver lipid droplet deposition, mitigated the HFD-induced hyperlipidemia and improved liver function and glucose tolerance in mice. Mechanistically, feeding with HFD dramatically decreased the expression of liver PPARα, CPT-1, and MCAD, but treatment with CLP enhanced their expression in a trend of dose-dependent in mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that CLP treatment alleviated the gain in body weights, NAFLD, and glucose intolerance in mice after HFD feeding by enhancing the PPARα/CPT-1/MCAD signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueru Chu
- grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Department of Infectious Disease, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, 266011 Shandong Province China
| | - Yu Zhou
- grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Department of Infectious Disease, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, 266011 Shandong Province China
| | - Shuimi Zhang
- grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Department of Infectious Disease, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, 266011 Shandong Province China
| | - Shousheng Liu
- grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893Clinical Research Center, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, 266071 Shandong Province China
| | - Guoyun Li
- grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Department of Infectious Disease, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, 266011 Shandong Province China
| | - Yongning Xin
- grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Department of Infectious Disease, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao, 266003, 266011 Shandong Province China ,grid.415468.a0000 0004 1761 4893Department of Infectious Disease, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, 1 Jiaozhou Road, Qingdao, 266011 Shandong Province China
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Mahmoudi A, Atkin SL, Jamialahmadi T, Banach M, Sahebkar A. Effect of Curcumin on Attenuation of Liver Cirrhosis via Genes/Proteins and Pathways: A System Pharmacology Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204344. [PMID: 36297027 PMCID: PMC9609422 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening seqsuel of many chronic liver disorders of varying etiologies. In this study, we investigated protein targets of curcumin in liver cirrhosis based on a bioinformatics approach. Methods: Gene/protein associations with curcumin and liver cirrhosis were probed in drug−gene and gene−diseases databases including STITCH/DGIdb/DisGeNET/OMIM/DISEASES/CTD/Pharos and SwissTargetPrediction. Critical clustering groups (MCODE), hub candidates and critical hub genes in liver cirrhosis were identified, and connections between curcumin and liver cirrhosis-related genes were analyzed via Venn diagram. Interaction of hub genes with curcumin by molecular docking using PyRx-virtual screening tools was performed. Results: MCODE analysis indicated three MCODEs; the cluster (MCODE 1) comprised 79 nodes and 881 edges (score: 22.59). Curcumin database interactions recognized 318 protein targets. Liver cirrhosis genes and curcumin protein targets analysis demonstrated 96 shared proteins, suggesting that curcumin may influence 20 candidate and 13 hub genes, covering 81% of liver cirrhosis critical genes and proteins. Thirteen shared proteins affected oxidative stress regulation, RNA, telomerase activity, cell proliferation, and cell death. Molecular docking analysis showed the affinity of curcumin binding hub genes (Binding affinity: ΔG < −4.9 kcal/mol). Conclusions: Curcumin impacted on several critical liver cirrhosis genes mainly involved in extracellular matrix communication, focal adhesion, and the response to oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Stephen L. Atkin
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen, Bahrain
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Surgical Oncology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Preventive Cardiology and Lipidology, Medical University of Lodz (MUL), 93-338 Lodz, Poland
- Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Zielona Gora, 65-417 Zielona Gora, Poland
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +98-513-180-1239 (A.S.); Fax: +98-513-800-2287 (A.S.)
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Correspondence: (M.B.); or (A.S.); Tel.: +98-513-180-1239 (A.S.); Fax: +98-513-800-2287 (A.S.)
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Mahmoudi A, Atkin SL, Nikiforov NG, Sahebkar A. Therapeutic Role of Curcumin in Diabetes: An Analysis Based on Bioinformatic Findings. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153244. [PMID: 35956419 PMCID: PMC9370108 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetes is an increasingly prevalent global disease caused by the impairment in insulin production or insulin function. Diabetes in the long term causes both microvascular and macrovascular complications that may result in retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease. Considerable effort has been expended looking at the numerous genes and pathways to explain the mechanisms leading to diabetes-related complications. Curcumin is a traditional medicine with several properties such as being antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-microbial, which may have utility for treating diabetes complications. This study, based on the system biology approach, aimed to investigate the effect of curcumin on critical genes and pathways related to diabetes. METHODS We first searched interactions of curcumin in three different databases, including STITCH, TTD, and DGIdb. Subsequently, we investigated the critical curated protein targets for diabetes on the OMIM and DisGeNET databases. To find important clustering groups (MCODE) and critical hub genes in the network of diseases, we created a PPI network for all proteins obtained for diabetes with the aid of a string database and Cytoscape software. Next, we investigated the possible interactions of curcumin on diabetes-related genes using Venn diagrams. Furthermore, the impact of curcumin on the top scores of modular clusters was analysed. Finally, we conducted biological process and pathway enrichment analysis using Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG based on the enrichR web server. RESULTS We acquired 417 genes associated with diabetes, and their constructed PPI network contained 298 nodes and 1651 edges. Next, the analysis of centralities in the PPI network indicated 15 genes with the highest centralities. Additionally, MCODE analysis identified three modular clusters, which highest score cluster (MCODE 1) comprises 19 nodes and 92 edges with 10.22 scores. Screening curcumin interactions in the databases identified 158 protein targets. A Venn diagram of genes related to diabetes and the protein targets of curcumin showed 35 shared proteins, which observed that curcumin could strongly interact with ten of the hub genes. Moreover, we demonstrated that curcumin has the highest interaction with MCODE1 among all MCODs. Several significant biological pathways in KEGG enrichment associated with 35 shared included the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, HIF-1 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling, and JAK-STAT signaling pathway. The biological processes of GO analysis were involved with the cellular response to cytokine stimulus, the cytokine-mediated signaling pathway, positive regulation of intracellular signal transduction and cytokine production in the inflammatory response. CONCLUSION Curcumin targeted several important genes involved in diabetes, supporting the previous research suggesting that it may have utility as a therapeutic agent in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahmoudi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Stephen L. Atkin
- School of Postgraduate Studies and Research, RCSI Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
- Correspondence: (S.L.A.); or (A.S.)
| | - Nikita G. Nikiforov
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, 125315 Moscow, Russia
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Correspondence: (S.L.A.); or (A.S.)
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Liver Protective Effect of Fenofibrate in NASH/NAFLD Animal Models. PPAR Res 2022; 2022:5805398. [PMID: 35754743 PMCID: PMC9232374 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5805398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is initiated by excessive fat buildup in the liver, affecting around 35% of the world population. Various circumstances contribute to the initiation and progression of NAFLD, and it encompasses a wide range of disorders, from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Although several treatments have been proposed, there is no definitive cure for NAFLD. In recent decades, several medications related to other metabolic disorders have been evaluated in preclinical studies and in clinical trials due to the correlation of NAFLD with other metabolic diseases. Fenofibrate is a fibrate drug approved for dyslipidemia that could be used for modulation of hepatic fat accumulation, targeting peroxisome proliferator-activator receptors, and de novo lipogenesis. This drug offers potential therapeutic efficacy for NAFLD due to its capacity to decrease the accumulation of hepatic lipids, as well as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties. To better elucidate the pathophysiological processes underlying NAFLD, as well as to test therapeutic agents/interventions, experimental animal models have been extensively used. In this article, we first reviewed experimental animal models that have been used to evaluate the protective effects of fenofibrate on NAFLD/NASH. Next, we investigated the impact of fenofibrate on the hepatic microcirculation in NAFLD and then summarized the beneficial effects of fenofibrate, as compared to other drugs, for the treatment of NAFLD. Lastly, we discuss possible adverse side effects of fenofibrate on the liver.
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Lin Y, Wang Y, Li PF. PPARα: An emerging target of metabolic syndrome, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1074911. [PMID: 36589809 PMCID: PMC9800994 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1074911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that is involved in lipid metabolism of various tissues. Different metabolites of fatty acids and agonists like fibrates activate PPARα for its transactivative or repressive function. PPARα is known to affect diverse human diseases, and we focus on advanced studies of its transcriptional regulation in these diseases. In MAFLD, PPARα shows a protective function with its upregulation of lipid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis and transcriptional repression of inflammatory genes, which is similar in Alzheimer's disease and cardiovascular disease. Activation of PPARα also prevents the progress of diabetes complications; however, its role in diabetes and cancers remains uncertain. Some PPARα-specific agonists, such as Wy14643 and fenofibrate, have been applied in metabolic syndrome treatment, which might own potential in wider application. Future studies may further explore the functions and interventions of PPARα in cancer, diabetes, immunological diseases, and neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Lin
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Yijun Lin, ; Yan Wang, ; Pei-feng Li,
| | - Yan Wang
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Yijun Lin, ; Yan Wang, ; Pei-feng Li,
| | - Pei-feng Li
- Xiamen Cardiovascular Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Yijun Lin, ; Yan Wang, ; Pei-feng Li,
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