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Kelidari M, Abedi F, Hayes AW, Jomehzadeh V, Karimi G. The protective effects of protocatechuic acid against natural and chemical toxicants: cellular and molecular mechanisms. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:5597-5616. [PMID: 38607443 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a water-soluble polyphenol compound that is extracted from certain fruits and plants or obtained from glucose fermentation. Several in vivo and in vitro studies have determined that PCA has protective effects against the toxicity of natural and chemical toxicants. We searched these articles in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus with appropriate keywords from inception up to August 2023. Forty-nine studies were found about protective effects of PCA against drug toxicity, metal toxicity, toxins, chemical toxicants, and some other miscellaneous toxicants. PCA indicates these protective effects by suppression of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. PCA reduces reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS) and enhances the level of antioxidant parameters mainly through the activation of the Nrf-2 signaling pathway. PCA also decreases the levels of inflammatory mediators via downregulating the TLR-4-mediated IKBKB/NF-κB and MAPK/Erk signaling pathways. In addition, PCA inhibits apoptosis by lowering the expression of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 along with enhancing the level of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Further evaluation, especially in humans, is necessary to confirm PCA as a potential therapeutic approach to intervene in such toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdieh Kelidari
- School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farshad Abedi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Vahid Jomehzadeh
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Flores-Cortez D, Villalobos-Pacheco E, Ignacio-Punin C, Gutierrez-Guerra G, Tovar-Brandan J, Rodriguez-Tafur J. Hepatoprotective Effect of Cannabidiol on the Progression of Experimental Hepatic Cirrhosis in Rats. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2024. [PMID: 38885158 DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Liver cirrhosis is a condition characterized by the gradual replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue, ultimately leading to liver failure. This slow and progressive disease begins with a chronic inflammatory process induced by a noxious agent. In its advanced stages, the disease lacks effective therapies. Research has demonstrated the significant involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of this disease. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of cannabidiol (CBD) in the progression of experimental hepatic cirrhosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. Methods: A randomized experimental design was employed using Holtzman rats. Hepatic cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of TAA at a dose of 150 mg/kg for 6 weeks, with treatment initiated additionally. The groups were as follows: Group 1: TAA + vehicle; Group 2: TAA + CBD 2 mg/kg; Group 3: TAA + CBD 9 mg/kg; Group 4: TAA + CBD 18 mg/kg; Group 5: TAA + silymarin 50 mg/kg; and Group 6: Healthy control. Serum biochemical analysis (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin) and hepatic histopathological study were performed. The Knodell histological activity index (HAI) was determined, considering periportal necrosis, intralobular degeneration, portal inflammation, fibrosis, and focal necrosis. Results: All groups receiving TAA exhibited an elevation in AST levels; however, only those treated with CBD at doses of 2 mg/kg and 18 mg/kg did not experience significant changes compared to their baseline values (152.8 and 135.7 IU/L, respectively). Moreover, ALT levels in animals treated with CBD showed no significant variation compared to baseline. The HAI of hepatic tissue was notably lower in animals treated with CBD at doses of 9 and 18 mg/kg, scoring 3.0 and 3.25, respectively, in contrast to the TAA + vehicle group, which recorded a score of 7.00. Animals treated with CBD at 18 mg/kg showed a reduced degree of fibrosis and necrosis compared to those receiving TAA alone (p ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that cannabidiol exerts a hepatoprotective effect in the development of experimental hepatic cirrhosis induced in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisy Flores-Cortez
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
| | - Eduardo Villalobos-Pacheco
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
| | - Cecilia Ignacio-Punin
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
| | | | - Javier Tovar-Brandan
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
| | - Juan Rodriguez-Tafur
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Faculty of Human Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos-UNMSM, Lima, Peru
- Research Group in Basic and Clinical Pharmacology of Drugs and Natural Products (FARMANAT)
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Lin YL, Wu YHS, Chao MY, Yang DJ, Liu CW, Tseng JK, Chen YC. An alleviative effect of Lonicerae japonicae flos water extract against liver fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:2881-2892. [PMID: 38294203 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24154] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Lonicerae japonicae (L. japonicae) flos is a medical and food homology herb. This study investigated the phenolic acid and flavonoid contents in L. japonicae flos water extract solution (LJWES) and the preventive effects of LJWES against liver fibrogenesis via FL83B cells and rats. LJWES contains many polyphenols, such as chlorogenic acid, morin, and epicatechin. LJWES increased cell viability and decreased cytotoxicity in thioacetamide (TAA)-treated FL83B cells (75 mM) (p < .05). LJWES decreased (p < .05) gene expressions of Tnf-α, Tnfr1, Bax, and cytochrome c but upregulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl in TAA-treated cells; meanwhile, increased protein levels of P53, cleaved caspase 3, and cleaved caspase 9 in TAA treated cells were downregulated (p < .05) by LJWES supplementation. In vivo, results indicated that TAA treatment increased serum liver damage indices (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] and alkaline phosphatase [ALP]) and cytokines (interleukin-6 and transforming growth factor-β1) levels and impaired liver antioxidant capacities (increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substance value but decreased catalase/glutathione peroxidase activities) in rats (p < .05) while LJWES supplementation amended (p < .05) them. Liver fibrosis scores, collagen deposition, and alpha-smooth muscle actin deposition in TAA-treated rats were also decreased by LJWES supplementation (p < .05). To sum up, LJWES could be a potential hepatoprotective agent against liver fibrogenesis by enhancing antioxidant ability, downregulating inflammation in livers, and reducing apoptosis in hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Lin
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Undergraduate and Graduate Programs of Nutrition Science, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsieng Samuel Wu
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yuan Chao
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Deng-Jye Yang
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Wei Liu
- Department of Smart and Quality Agriculture, MingDao University, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Kai Tseng
- Department of Optometry, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Chen
- Department of Animal Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Master Program in Global Agriculture Technology and Genomic Science, International College, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Tong XY, Hussain H, Shamaladevi N, Norenberg MD, Fadel A, El Hiba O, Abdeljalil EG, Bilal EM, Kempuraj D, Natarajan S, Schally AV, Jaszberenyi M, Salgueiro L, Paidas MJ, Jayakumar AR. Age and Sex in the Development of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Role of Alcohol. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:228. [PMID: 38666840 PMCID: PMC11048384 DOI: 10.3390/biology13040228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological condition linked to liver failure. Acute HE (Type A) occurs with acute liver failure, while chronic HE (Type C) is tied to cirrhosis and portal hypertension. HE treatments lag due to gaps in understanding its development by gender and age. We studied how sex and age impact HE and its severity with combined liver toxins. Our findings indicate that drug-induced (thioacetamide, TAA) brain edema was more severe in aged males than in young males or young/aged female rats. However, adding alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) worsens TAA's brain edema in both young and aged females, with females experiencing a more severe effect than males. These patterns also apply to Type A HE induced by azoxymethane (AZO) in mice. Similarly, TAA-induced behavioral deficits in Type C HE were milder in young and aged females than in males. Conversely, EtOH and TAA in young/aged males led to severe brain edema and fatality without noticeable behavioral changes. TAA metabolism was slower in aged males than in young or middle-aged rats. When TAA-treated aged male rats received EtOH, there was a slow and sustained plasma level of thioacetamide sulfoxide (TASO). This suggests that with EtOH, TAA-induced HE is more severe in aged males. TAA metabolism was similar in young, middle-aged, and aged female rats. However, with EtOH, young and aged females experience more severe drug-induced HE as compared to middle-aged adult rats. These findings strongly suggest that gender and age play a role in the severity of HE development and that the presence of one or more liver toxins may aggravate the severity of the disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Y. Tong
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (X.Y.T.); (M.D.N.)
| | - Hussain Hussain
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, FL 33143, USA;
| | | | - Michael D. Norenberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (X.Y.T.); (M.D.N.)
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Aya Fadel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ocean Medical Center-Hackensack Meridian Health, Brick, NJ 08724, USA;
| | - Omar El Hiba
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology, Health, and Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neuroscience and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (O.E.H.); (E.-M.B.)
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Sciences and Health Technologies, Epidemiology and Biomedical Unit, Settat 26000, Morocco;
| | - El got Abdeljalil
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Sciences and Health Technologies, Epidemiology and Biomedical Unit, Settat 26000, Morocco;
| | - El-Mansoury Bilal
- Laboratory of Anthropogenic, Biotechnology, Health, and Nutritional Physiopathologies, Neuroscience and Toxicology Team, Faculty of Sciences, Chouaib Doukkali University, Av. Des Facultés, El Jadida 24000, Morocco; (O.E.H.); (E.-M.B.)
- Hassan First University of Settat, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Laboratory of Sciences and Health Technologies, Epidemiology and Biomedical Unit, Settat 26000, Morocco;
| | - Deepak Kempuraj
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA;
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Sampath Natarajan
- Department of Chemistry, School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur 613401, India;
| | - Andrew V. Schally
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Pathology, Laboratory Medicine, Endocrine, Polypeptide and Cancer Institute, Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Miklos Jaszberenyi
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Luis Salgueiro
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Michael J. Paidas
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Arumugam R. Jayakumar
- General Medical Research, Neuropathology Section, R&D Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA; (A.V.S.); (M.J.); (L.S.)
- South Florida VA Foundation for Research and Education Inc., Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA;
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Mavila N, Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah M, Kennedy J. Ductular Reactions in Liver Injury, Regeneration, and Disease Progression-An Overview. Cells 2024; 13:579. [PMID: 38607018 PMCID: PMC11011399 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070579] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ductular reaction (DR) is a complex cellular response that occurs in the liver during chronic injuries. DR mainly consists of hyper-proliferative or reactive cholangiocytes and, to a lesser extent, de-differentiated hepatocytes and liver progenitors presenting a close spatial interaction with periportal mesenchyme and immune cells. The underlying pathology of DRs leads to extensive tissue remodeling in chronic liver diseases. DR initiates as a tissue-regeneration mechanism in the liver; however, its close association with progressive fibrosis and inflammation in many chronic liver diseases makes it a more complicated pathological response than a simple regenerative process. An in-depth understanding of the cellular physiology of DRs and their contribution to tissue repair, inflammation, and progressive fibrosis can help scientists develop cell-type specific targeted therapies to manage liver fibrosis and chronic liver diseases effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmala Mavila
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
- Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Mallikarjuna Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
| | - Jaquelene Kennedy
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
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Ramadan MM, El Haggar EF, Mohamed RS, Mahmoud KF, Mabrouk AM, Hussien AG, Mahmoud AE, Mohawed OA, El-Messery TM. Development of a functional cake with probiotics and micro-encapsulated essential oils: Evaluation of nutritional properties, liver protection, and immune boosting. Heliyon 2024; 10:e22918. [PMID: 38163218 PMCID: PMC10756961 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22918] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
This study used probiotics and micro-encapsulated clove and cinnamon oils to develop a functional cream-stuffed cake based on sweet potatoes flour and rice flour instead of wheat flour. The cake was evaluated for its physical, chemical, and sensory properties and its antioxidant capacity. The protective effect of the cake against liver injury and immunosuppression induced by thioacetamide injection in male rats was also evaluated. The study found that eugenol and cinnamaldehyde were the majority of volatile compounds in the essential oils used in the cake, with values of 78.73 % and 81.57 %, respectively, as determined by GC-MS analysis. The viable counts of added probiotics in the cake ranged from 13.15 to 11.21 log CFU/g and were still above the threshold for health benefits. The cake had an increased dietary fiber and protein content while containing a low-fat percentage compared to a commercial cake sample. The innovative cake also contained higher levels of water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc. The antioxidant capacity of the cake was evaluated, and it was found to contain 1827.23 mg GAE/100 g of total phenols and 97.13 mg QE/100 g of flavonoids. The cake was also found to have antioxidant activity and was effective in protecting the liver from oxidative stress and inflammation and reducing immunodeficiency associated with liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal M. Ramadan
- Chemistry of Flavors and Aromas Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman F. El Haggar
- Nutrition and Food Science Department, Faculty of Home Economics, Arish University, Egypt
| | - Rasha S. Mohamed
- Nutrition and Food Science Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled F. Mahmoud
- Food Technology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Amal G. Hussien
- Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abeer E. Mahmoud
- Biochemistry Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ola A.M. Mohawed
- Hormones Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tamer M. El-Messery
- International Research Centre “Biotechnologies of the Third Millennium”, Faculty of Biotechnologies (BioTech), ITMO University, St. Petersburg, 191002, Russia
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Sharma N, Sistla R, Andugulapati SB. Yohimbine ameliorates liver inflammation and fibrosis by regulating oxidative stress and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155182. [PMID: 37952411 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic liver injury, caused by various aetiologies, causes recurrent tissue damage, culminating in decreased liver regenerative ability and resulting in fibrosis followed by cirrhosis. In this study, the anti-fibrotic activity of Yohimbine hydrochloride (YHC) was investigated using various in vitro models and in vivo models. METHODS To assess the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects of YHC, lipopolysaccharide or TGF-β induced differentiation or lipid-induced oxidative-stress models were employed using HLECs, HSC-LX2, and HepG2 cells. Further, thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatic inflammation/fibrosis models were utilized to validate the YHC's anti-fibrotic activity in rats. RESULTS Inflammation/differentiation experiments in HLECs and HSC-LX2 revealed that YHC treatment significantly (p < 0.001) mitigated the lipopolysaccharide or TGF-β induced upregulation of inflammatory and fibrotic markers expression respectively. In addition, YHC dose-dependently reduced the TGF-β induced migration and palmitic acid-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Further, TAA administration (5 weeks) in vivo rat model showed increased inflammatory marker levels/expression, oxidative stress, and pathological abnormalities. Additionally, TAA administration (9 weeks) elevated the fibrotic marker expression, collagen deposition in liver tissues, and shortened longevity in rats. Treatment with YHC dose-dependently mitigated the TAA-induced abnormalities in both inflammation and fibrosis models and improved the survival of the rats. Further mechanistic approaches revealed that TAA administration elevated the JNK, Wnt components and β-catenin expression in hepatic stellate cells and animal tissues. Further treatment with YHC significantly modulated the JNK/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, the β-catenin nuclear translocation results showed that β-catenin levels were significantly elevated in the nuclear fraction of TAA control samples and reduced in YHC-treated samples. CONCLUSION Yohimbine treatment significantly improved inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting differentiation, oxidative stress, and collagen deposition by partly modulating the JNK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These results might serve as a foundation for proposing yohimbine as a potential lead compound for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh-201 002, India
| | - Ramakrishna Sistla
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh-201 002, India
| | - Sai Balaji Andugulapati
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh-201 002, India.
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Yang X, Wang M, Liu W, Hou M, Zhao J, Huang X, Wang M, Zheng J, Wang X. Quantitative susceptibility mapping in rats with minimal hepatic encephalopathy: Does iron overload aggravate cognitive impairment by promoting neuroinflammation? Neuroimage 2023; 283:120418. [PMID: 37866757 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120418] [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: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is a mild form of hepatic encephalopathy that lacks observable signs and symptoms. Nevertheless, MHE can cause neurocognitive dysfunction, although the neurobiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, the effects of hippocampal iron deposition on cognitive function and its role in MHE were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen rats were assigned to experimental and control groups. MHE was induced by thioacetamide. Spatial memory and exploratory behavior were assessed by the Morris water and elevated plus mazes. Hippocampal susceptibility was measured by quantitative susceptibility mapping, iron deposition in the hippocampus and liver by Prussian blue staining, and inflammatory cytokine and ferritin levels in the hippocampus were measured by ELISA. RESULTS MHE rats showed impaired spatial memory and exploratory behavior (P < 0.05 for all parameters). The bilateral hippocampal susceptibility values were significantly raised in MHE rats, together with evidence of neuroinflammation (increased pro-inflammatory and reduced anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (all P < 0.05). Further analysis indicated good correlations between hippocampal susceptibility values with latency time and inflammatory cytokine levels in MHE but not in control rats. CONCLUSION MHE induced by thioacetamide was associated with hippocampal iron deposition and inflammation, suggesting that iron overload may be an important driver of neuroinflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuhong Yang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Minglei Wang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Wenxiao Liu
- Department of Radiology, the Fourth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100037, China
| | - Mingli Hou
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xueying Huang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Minxing Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jiarui Zheng
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Radiology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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Varlamova EG, Goltyaev MV, Rogachev VV, Gudkov SV, Karaduleva EV, Turovsky EA. Antifibrotic Effect of Selenium-Containing Nanoparticles on a Model of TAA-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2023; 12:2723. [PMID: 38067151 PMCID: PMC10706216 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
For the first time, based on the expression analysis of a wide range of pro- and anti-fibrotic, pro- and anti-inflammatory, and pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, key markers of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER-stress), molecular mechanisms for the regulation of fibrosis, and accompanying negative processes caused by thioacetamide (TAA) injections and subsequent injections of selenium-containing nanoparticles and sorafenib have been proposed. We found that selenium nanoparticles of two types (doped with and without sorafenib) led to a significant decrease in almost all pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory genes. Sorafenib injections also reduced mRNA expression of pro-fibrotic and pro-inflammatory genes but less effectively than both types of nanoparticles. In addition, it was shown for the first time that TAA can be an inducer of ER-stress, most likely activating the IRE1α and PERK signaling pathways of the UPR, an inducer of apoptosis and pyroptosis. Sorafenib, despite a pronounced anti-apoptotic effect, still did not reduce the expression of caspase-3 and 12 or mitogen-activated kinase JNK1 to control values, which increases the risk of persistent apoptosis in liver cells. After injections of selenium-containing nanoparticles, the negative effects caused by TAA were leveled, causing an adaptive UPR signaling response through activation of the PERK signaling pathway. The advantages of selenium-containing nanoparticles over sorafenib, established in this work, once again emphasize the unique properties of this microelement and serve as an important factor for the further introduction of drugs based on it into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena G. Varlamova
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (M.V.G.); (V.V.R.); (E.V.K.); (E.A.T.)
| | - Michail Victorovich Goltyaev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (M.V.G.); (V.V.R.); (E.V.K.); (E.A.T.)
| | - Vladimir Vladimirovich Rogachev
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (M.V.G.); (V.V.R.); (E.V.K.); (E.A.T.)
| | - Sergey V. Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute, the Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia;
- Department of Biophysics, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Elena V. Karaduleva
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (M.V.G.); (V.V.R.); (E.V.K.); (E.A.T.)
| | - Egor A. Turovsky
- Institute of Cell Biophysics, the Russian Academy of Sciences, Federal Research Center “Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences”, 142290 Pushchino, Russia; (M.V.G.); (V.V.R.); (E.V.K.); (E.A.T.)
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10
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Iakovleva V, Wuestefeld A, Ong ABL, Gao R, Kaya NA, Lee MY, Zhai W, Tam WL, Dan YY, Wuestefeld T. Mfap4: a promising target for enhanced liver regeneration and chronic liver disease treatment. NPJ Regen Med 2023; 8:63. [PMID: 37935709 PMCID: PMC10630300 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-023-00337-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver has a remarkable regenerative capacity. Nevertheless, under chronic liver-damaging conditions, this capacity becomes exhausted, allowing the accumulation of fibrotic tissue and leading to end-stage liver disease. Enhancing the endogenous regenerative capacity by targeting regeneration breaks is an innovative therapeutic approach. We set up an in vivo functional genetic screen to identify such regeneration breaks. As the top hit, we identified Microfibril associated protein 4 (Mfap4). Knockdown of Mfap4 in hepatocytes enhances cell proliferation, accelerates liver regeneration, and attenuates chronic liver disease by reducing liver fibrosis. Targeting Mfap4 modulates several liver regeneration-related pathways including mTOR. Our research opens the way to siRNA-based therapeutics to enhance hepatocyte-based liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoriia Iakovleva
- Laboratory of In Vivo Genetics and Gene Therapy, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Republic of Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Anna Wuestefeld
- Laboratory of In Vivo Genetics and Gene Therapy, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Agnes Bee Leng Ong
- Laboratory of In Vivo Genetics and Gene Therapy, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Rong Gao
- Laboratory of In Vivo Genetics and Gene Therapy, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Neslihan Arife Kaya
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - May Yin Lee
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
| | - Weiwei Zhai
- Key Laboratory of Zoological Systematics and Evolution, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
- Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650223, China
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Biology, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Republic of Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, 119074, Republic of Singapore
| | - Torsten Wuestefeld
- Laboratory of In Vivo Genetics and Gene Therapy, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Singapore, 138672, Republic of Singapore.
- School of Biological Science, Nanyang University of Singapore, Singapore, 637551, Republic of Singapore.
- National Cancer Centre, Singapore, 169610, Republic of Singapore.
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11
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Dwivedi DK, Sahu C, Jena GB. Simultaneous intervention against oxidative stress and inflammation by targeting Nrf2/ARE and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway mitigates thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rat. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2023; 101:509-520. [PMID: 37665062 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2023-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a typical pathological state/stage involved in most chronic liver diseases and its persistence results in cirrhosis. Inflammasomes are cytoplasmic sensors that induce inflammation in response to stress. Glibenclamide (GLB) is an USFDA-approved drug for type 2 diabetes and is reported to possess anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an USFDA-approved drug for multiple sclerosis and has been reported to activate the Nrf2/ARE pathway to maintain the cellular antioxidant balance. A total of 36 rats were randomized into six groups (n = 6 each). The rats were injected with thioacetamide (TAA) 200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally every third day for eight consecutive weeks to induce liver fibrosis and oral treatment of GLB 0.5 mg/kg/day and DMF 25 mg/kg/day, and their combinations were provided for the last four consecutive weeks. Treatment with GLB, DMF, and GLB+DMF significantly protected against TAA-mediated oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions by improving hepatic function test, triglycerides, hydroxyproline, and histopathological alterations, by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and fibrogenic markers, and by activating Nrf2/ARE pathway in Wistar rats. The present results suggest that simultaneous Nrf2/ARE activation and NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition could significantly contribute to developing a novel therapy for patients with liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Durgesh Kumar Dwivedi
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
- CCRUM-National Research Institute of Unani Medicine for Skin Disorders (NRIUMSD), Hyderabad, Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM), New Delhi, India
| | - Chittaranjan Sahu
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - G B Jena
- Facility for Risk Assessment and Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Sector 67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
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12
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Erdem Koc G, Gokcimen A, Sahin F. The Effect of Boric Acid and Sodium Pentaborate Pentahydrate-Treated Foreskin Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Liver Fibrosis. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:4834-4849. [PMID: 36735212 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-03565-8] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a worldwide public health problem due to its life-threatening complications, including portal hypertension, liver failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver fibrosis is the net result of a complex excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the cause of deposition of ECM and are commonly recognized as a key step in liver fibrosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foreskin-derived mesenchymal stem cells treated with boron compounds on liver fibrosis. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with thioacetamide (TAA) at a dose of 150 mg/kg except sham and control groups' rats. Thioacetamide (TAA), foreskin-derived mesenchymal stem cells (TAA + FSDMSC), FSDMSC treated with boric acid (TAA + FSDMSC + BA), FSDMSC treated with sodium pentaborate pentahydrate (TAA + FSDMSC + NaB), control and sham groups were studied. Boron compound treated foreskin-derived mesenchymal stem cells were injected into the tail vein, and evaluations were conducted after 4 weeks and liver tissues were obtained for structural, immunohistochemical, and western blot studies and blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. FSDMSC (BA) alleviates TAA-induced rats liver fibrosis, and BA showed a positive effect on foreskin-derived mesenchymal stem cells viability. After using BA-treated mesenchymal stem cells, we observed that there was regression in the fibrotic areas at TAA-induced liver fibrosis. The result demonstrates that the contribution of TAA + FSDMSC and TAA + FSDMSC (NaB) at the level of structure is not effective in regression of fibrosis in TAA-generated liver fibrosis. We concluded that FSDMSC treated with BA may be a factor in the regression of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guluna Erdem Koc
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey.
| | - Alpaslan Gokcimen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Fikrettin Sahin
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
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13
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Nishi K, Yagi H, Ohtomo M, Nagata S, Udagawa D, Tsuchida T, Morisaku T, Kitagawa Y. A thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis model for pre-clinical studies in microminipig. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14996. [PMID: 37696857 PMCID: PMC10495379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced liver fibrosis models are used in normal and immunosuppressed small animals for transplantation and regenerative medicine to improve liver fibrosis. Although large animal models are needed for pre-clinical studies, they are yet to be established owing to drug sensitivity in animal species and difficulty in setting doses. In this study, we evaluated liver fibrosis by administering thioacetamide (TA) to normal microminipig and thymectomized microminipig; 3 times for 1 week (total duration: 8 weeks). The pigs treated with TA showed elevated blood cytokine levels and a continuous liver injury at 8 weeks. RNA-seq of the liver showed increased expression of fibrosis-related genes after TA treatment. Histopathological examination showed degenerative necrosis of hepatocytes around the central vein, and revealed fibrogenesis and hepatocyte proliferation. TA treatment caused CD3-positive T cells and macrophages scattered within the hepatic lobule to congregate near the center of the lobule and increased αSMA-positive cells. Thymectomized pigs showed liver fibrosis similar to that of normal pigs, although the clinical signs tended to be milder. This model is similar to pathogenesis of liver fibrosis reported in other animal models. Therefore, it is expected to contribute to research as a drug discovery and pre-clinical transplantation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Nishi
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yagi
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Mana Ohtomo
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Nagata
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Udagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonori Tsuchida
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshinori Morisaku
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Amer J, Salhab A, Snobar H, Alhabil Y. The immune and metabolic treatment approach of using testosterone on mice models of liver injury. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1219709. [PMID: 37614321 PMCID: PMC10442657 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1219709] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Natural killer (NK) cells showed an anti-fibrotic effect; however, their function is thought to be impaired in advanced liver injury. In the current study, we aimed to assess the immune and metabolic impact of testosterone on mice models of liver injury. Methods: Carbon-tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis male mice models was i.p injected for 2 weeks (acute) and 4 weeks (chronic) (n = 36). Testosterone (4 mg/kg mouse body weight) was injected i.p. following the first week of the acute model of CCl4 and following the second week of the chronic model of CCl4. At the end of the experiments, mice were sacrificed, and serum was collected for assessing liver enzymes of ALT and AST, as well as inflammatory markers of IL-6, metabolic makers of C-peptide levels, and lipid and glucose profiles. Livers were harvested and used for histological assessments for inflammation and fibrosis. Fibrosis profiles from liver extracts, αSMA and Collagen III, were assessed by RT-PCR. Moreover, liver tissue-resident NK cells were isolated and evaluated for their activity by assessing INF-γ and IL-6 receptors using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. Results: Serum ALT, AST, and IL-6, as well as metabolic assessments of cholesterol, triglyceride, C-peptide, fasting blood sugar, and fibrotic profiles, were linearly correlated with disease progressions. Histological characterization of the liver was worsened in the chronic model of liver injury. Testosterone-treated mice exhibit a significant reduction in collagen depositions with less dense fibrosis tissue associated with reduced liver injury enzymes and metabolic markers in both the acute and chronic CCl4 mice models in favor of the latter one (p < 0.05). Moreover, testosterone treatments displayed a significant decrease in serum IL-6 of 2.4-fold (p = 0.0001) and 2.3-fold (p = 0.0003) in the acute and chronic models, respectively (p = 0.002), and data showed an increase in INF-γ release from NK associated with a reduction in their IL-6 receptor expressions (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicated effects of testosterone on mediating a decreased expressions of NK IL-6 receptors and consequently inducing their activation; which in part, could explain the amelioration of liver injury. Our data suggest an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic treatment approach of using testosterone for delaying disease progressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Amer
- Department of Allied Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ahmad Salhab
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Hadeel Snobar
- Department of Higher Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Yazan Alhabil
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
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15
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Liu XF, Lu JJ, Li Y, Yang XY, Qiang JW. The interaction of ammonia and manganese in abnormal metabolism of minimal hepatic encephalopathy: A comparison metabolomics study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289688. [PMID: 37540683 PMCID: PMC10403054 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was to investigate the effects of ammonia and manganese in the metabolism of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). A total of 32 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four subgroups: chronic hyperammonemia (CHA), chronic hypermanganese (CHM), MHE and control group (CON). 1H-NMR-based metabolomics was used to detect the metabolic changes. Sparse projection to latent structures discriminant analysis was used for identifying and comparing the key metabolites. Significant elevated blood ammonia were shown in the CHA, CHM, and MHE rats. Significant elevated brain manganese (Mn) were shown in the CHM, and MHE rats, but not in the CHA rats. The concentrations of γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), lactate, alanine, glutamate, glutamine, threonine, and phosphocholine were significantly increased, and that of myo-inositol, taurine, leucine, isoleucine, arginine, and citrulline were significantly decreased in the MHE rats. Of all these 13 key metabolites, 10 of them were affected by ammonia (including lactate, alanine, glutamate, glutamine, myo-inositol, taurine, leucine, isoleucine, arginine, and citrulline) and 5 of them were affected by manganese (including GABA, lactate, myo-inositol, taurine, and leucine). Enrichment analysis indicated that abnormal metabolism of glutamine and TCA circle in MHE might be affected by the ammonia, and abnormal metabolism of GABA might be affected by the Mn, and abnormal metabolism of glycolysis and branched chain amino acids metabolism might be affected by both ammonia and Mn. Both ammonia and Mn play roles in the abnormal metabolism of MHE. Chronic hypermanganese could lead to elevated blood ammonia. However, chronic hyperammonemia could not lead to brain Mn deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Fei Liu
- Department of Radiology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jing Lu
- Department of Radiology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Radiology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu-Ying Yang
- Department of Radiology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin-Wei Qiang
- Department of Radiology, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Jones AK, Chen H, Ng KJ, Villalona J, McHugh M, Zeveleva S, Wilks J, Brilisauer K, Bretschneider T, Qian HS, Fryer RM. Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Activator BI 685509 Reduces Portal Hypertension and Portosystemic Shunting in a Rat Thioacetamide-Induced Cirrhosis Model. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 386:70-79. [PMID: 37230799 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PT) commonly occurs in cirrhosis. Nitric oxide (NO) imbalance contributes to PT via reduced soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) activation and cGMP production, resulting in vasoconstriction, endothelial cell dysfunction, and fibrosis. We assessed the effects of BI 685509, an NO-independent sGC activator, on fibrosis and extrahepatic complications in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced cirrhosis and PT model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received TAA twice-weekly for 15 weeks (300-150 mg/kg i.p.). BI 685509 was administered daily for the last 12 weeks (0.3, 1, and 3 mg/kg p.o.; n = 8-11 per group) or the final week only (Acute, 3 mg/kg p.o.; n = 6). Rats were anesthetized to measure portal venous pressure. Pharmacokinetics and hepatic cGMP (target engagement) were measured by mass spectrometry. Hepatic Sirius Red morphometry (SRM) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) were measured by immunohistochemistry; portosystemic shunting was measured using colored microspheres. BI 685509 dose-dependently increased hepatic cGMP at 1 and 3 mg/kg (3.92 ± 0.34 and 5.14 ± 0.44 versus 2.50 ± 0.19 nM in TAA alone; P < 0.05). TAA increased hepatic SRM, αSMA, PT, and portosystemic shunting. Compared with TAA, 3 mg/kg BI 685509 reduced SRM by 38%, αSMA area by 55%, portal venous pressure by 26%, and portosystemic shunting by 10% (P < 0.05). Acute BI 685509 reduced SRM and PT by 45% and 21%, respectively (P < 0.05). BI 685509 improved hepatic and extrahepatic cirrhosis pathophysiology in TAA-induced cirrhosis. These data support the clinical investigation of BI 685509 for PT in patients with cirrhosis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: BI 685509 is an NO-independent sGC activator that was tested in a preclinical rat model of TAA-induced nodular, liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and portal systemic shunting. BI 685509 reduced liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and portal-systemic shunting in a dose-dependent manner, supporting its clinical assessment to treat portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K Jones
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - Hongxing Chen
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - Khing Jow Ng
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - Jorge Villalona
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - Mark McHugh
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - Svetlana Zeveleva
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - James Wilks
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - Klaus Brilisauer
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - Tom Bretschneider
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - Hu Sheng Qian
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
| | - Ryan M Fryer
- Department of Cardiometabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut (A.K.J., H.C., K.J.N., J.V., M.M., S.Z., J.W., H.S.Q., R.M.F.); and Department of Drug Discovery Sciences, Discovery Science Technologies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co., Biberach an der Riss, Germany (K.B., T.B.)
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17
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Sayed AA, Soliman AM, Marzouk M, Mohammed FF, Desouky S. Bromelain mitigates liver fibrosis via targeting hepatic stellate cells in vitro and in vivo. Tissue Cell 2023; 82:102118. [PMID: 37269556 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102118] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Various therapeutic approaches are conducted for regression of liver fibrosis and prevent possible further carcinogenic transformation. This study was aimed to assess the prospective therapeutic potential of bromelain against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis using in-vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro study, HSC-T6 cell line was used to evaluate the effect of bromelain on HSC-T6 cell viability and apoptosis. In vivo, Rats were treated by TAA for 6 weeks for induction of hepatic fibrosis followed by post treatment by different doses of bromelain and silymarin for further 4 weeks to assess the regression of hepatic fibrosis. The in-vitro findings indicated that bromelain hindered the proliferation of HSCs in concentration dependent manner compared with the untreated cells. The in vivo study revealed that treatment of TAA fibrotic rats with different doses of bromelain and silymarin induced a significant restoration in liver function biomarkers, attenuation of oxidative stress, upregulation of total antioxidant capacity and thereby decline of fibrotic biomarkers and improving histopathological and immunohistochemical changes. In conclusion, This study indicates that bromelain can regress TAA induced hepatic fibrosis in rats via inhibiting HSCs activation, α-SMA expression and the ECM deposition in hepatic tissue in addition to its antioxidants pathway, these findings prove the promising therapeutic potential of bromelain as a novel therapeutic approach for chronic hepatic fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany A Sayed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Amel M Soliman
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Marzouk
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
| | - Faten F Mohammed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt.
| | - Shreen Desouky
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
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Kolaric TO, Kuna L, Covic M, Roguljic H, Matic A, Sikora R, Hefer M, Petrovic A, Mihaljevic V, Smolic R, Bilic-Curcic I, Vcev A, Smolic M. Preclinical Models and Promising Pharmacotherapeutic Strategies in Liver Fibrosis: An Update. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:4246-4260. [PMID: 37232739 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis represents one of the greatest challenges in medicine. The fact that it develops with the progression of numerous diseases with high prevalence (NAFLD, viral hepatitis, etc.) makes liver fibrosis an even greater global health problem. Accordingly, it has received much attention from numerous researchers who have developed various in vitro and in vivo models to better understand the mechanisms underlying fibrosis development. All these efforts led to the discovery of numerous agents with antifibrotic properties, with hepatic stellate cells and the extracellular matrix at the center of these pharmacotherapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the current data on numerous in vivo and in vitro models of liver fibrosis and on various pharmacotherapeutic targets in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Omanovic Kolaric
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Lucija Kuna
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marina Covic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Hrvoje Roguljic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Anita Matic
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pathophysiology and Physiology with Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Renata Sikora
- Department of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marija Hefer
- Department of Physics, Biophysics, and Chemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ana Petrovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Vjera Mihaljevic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Robert Smolic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ines Bilic-Curcic
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Aleksandar Vcev
- Department of Pathophysiology and Physiology with Immunology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Smolic
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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Abdelmageed ME, Abdelrahman RS. Canagliflozin attenuates thioacetamide-induced liver injury through modulation of HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4 signaling pathways. Life Sci 2023; 322:121654. [PMID: 37023955 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121654] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Thioacetamide (TAA), a classic liver toxic compound, is used to establish experimental models of liver injury via induction of inflammation and oxidative stress. The current study was employed to explore the effects of canagliflozin (CANA), a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor and antidiabetic agent, on TAA-induced acute liver injury. METHODS A rat model of acute hepatic injury was established using single intraperitoneal injection of TAA (500 mg/kg) and rats received CANA (10 and 30 mg/kg, orally) once daily for 10 days prior to TAA challenge. Liver function, oxidative stress, and inflammatory parameters were measured in serum and hepatic tissues of rats. RESULTS Elevated levels of liver enzymes, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly attenuated by CANA. CANA also increased hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Hepatic levels of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), toll like receptor4 (TLR4), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, and IL-1β) were normalized with CANA. Additionally, Hepatic expression of p-JNK/p-p38 MAPK was significantly attenuated by CANA compared to TAA-treated rats. CANA also decreased hepatic immunoexpression of NF-κB and TNF-α and attenuated hepatic histopathological alterations via reduction of inflammation and necrosis scores and collagen deposition. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were reduced upon CANA treatment. CONCLUSION CANA attenuates TAA-prompted acute liver damage, via suppressing HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4 signaling, regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa E Abdelmageed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt.
| | - Rehab S Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, 35516 Mansoura, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madina Al-Munawwarah 30001, Saudi Arabia
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20
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Ezhilarasan D. Molecular mechanisms in thioacetamide-induced acute and chronic liver injury models. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 99:104093. [PMID: 36870405 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2023.104093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Thioacetamide (TAA) undergoes bioactivation in the liver by the CYP450 2E1 enzyme, resulting in the formation of TAA-S-oxide and TAA-S-dioxide. TAA-S-dioxide induces oxidative stress via lipid peroxidation of the hepatocellular membrane. A single TAA dose (50-300 mg/kg) administration initiates hepatocellular necrosis around the pericentral region after its covalent binding to macromolecules in the liver. Intermittent TAA administration (150-300 mg/kg, weekly thrice, for 11-16 weeks) activates transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/smad3 downstream signaling in injured hepatocytes, causing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to acquire myofibroblast like phenotype. The activated HSCs synthesize a variety of extracellular matrix, leading to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension. The TAA induced liver injury varies depending on the animal model, dosage, frequency, and routes of administration. However, TAA induces hepatotoxicity in a reproducible manner, and it is an ideal model to evaluate the antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antifibrotic compounds in experimental animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077, India.
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21
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Metformin Suppresses Thioacetamide-Induced Chronic Kidney Disease in Association with the Upregulation of AMPK and Downregulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation as Well as Dyslipidemia and Hypertension. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062756. [PMID: 36985728 PMCID: PMC10056045 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Toxic chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide (TAA) are reported to induce hepato-nephrotoxicity. The potential protective outcome of the antidiabetic and pleiotropic drug metformin against TAA-induced chronic kidney disease in association with the modulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), oxidative stress, inflammation, dyslipidemia, and systemic hypertension has not been investigated before. Therefore, 200 mg/kg TAA was injected (via the intraperitoneal route) in a model group of rats twice a week starting at week 3 for 8 weeks. The control rats were injected with the vehicle for the same period. The metformin-treated group received 200 mg/kg metformin daily for 10 weeks, beginning week 1, and received TAA injections with dosage and timing similar to those of the model group. All rats were culled at week 10. It was observed that TAA induced substantial renal injury, as demonstrated by significant kidney tissue damage and fibrosis, as well as augmented blood and kidney tissue levels of urea, creatinine, inflammation, oxidative stress, dyslipidemia, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and hypertension. TAA nephrotoxicity substantially inhibited the renal expression of phosphorylated AMPK. All these markers were significantly protected by metformin administration. In addition, a link between kidney fibrosis and these parameters was observed. Thus, metformin provides profound protection against TAA-induced kidney damage and fibrosis associated with the augmentation of the tissue protective enzyme AMPK and inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, the profibrogenic gene TIMP-1, dyslipidemia, and hypertension for a period of 10 weeks in rats.
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22
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Chandrashekar DV, DuBois BN, Rashid M, Mehvar R. Effects of chronic cirrhosis induced by intraperitoneal thioacetamide injection on the protein content and Michaelis-Menten kinetics of cytochrome P450 enzymes in the rat liver microsomes. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 132:197-210. [PMID: 36370118 PMCID: PMC10100077 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13813] [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: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA) in rats has been used as an animal model of human cirrhosis to study the effects of the disease on drug metabolism. However, TAA inhibits P450 enzymes directly and independently of cirrhosis. We investigated the effects of chronic cirrhosis in rats, induced by 10 weeks of intraperitoneal TAA, on the P450 enzymes after a 10-day washout period to eliminate TAA. Liver histology and serum biomarkers of hepatic function confirmed cirrhosis in all animals. Microsomal total P450 content, P450 reductase activity and ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity, a general marker of P450 activity, were significantly reduced by 30%-50% in cirrhotic animals. Additionally, the protein content and Michaelis-Menten kinetics of the activities of CYP2D, CYP2E1 and CYP3A were investigated. Whereas cirrhosis reduced the microsomal protein contents of CYP2D and CYP3A by 70% and 30%, respectively, the protein contents of CYP2E1 were not affected. However, the activities of all the tested isoenzymes were substantially lower in the cirrhotic livers. It is concluded that the TAA model of cirrhosis that incorporates a 10-day washout period after intraperitoneal injection of the chemical to rats produces isoenzyme-selective reductions in the P450 proteins or activities, which are independent of the direct inhibitory effects of TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Barent N DuBois
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Mamunur Rashid
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Reza Mehvar
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Chapman University, Irvine, California, USA
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23
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AbouSamra MM, Elgohary R, Mansy SS. Innovated pirfenidone loaded lecithin nanocapsules for targeting liver fibrosis: Formulation, characterization and in vivo study. Int J Pharm 2023; 631:122539. [PMID: 36572266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122539] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Increasing interest in developing antifibrotic therapies became a paramount priority due to the globally raised incidence of deaths secondary to hepatic cirrhosis. This work deals with the development of innovative antifibrotic pirfenidone -loaded lecithin core nanocapsules. This with the intention to target the liver and to increase the drug bioavailability, reducing drug liver toxicity, and studying the associated hepatic microenvironment changes. PFD-loaded lecithin nanocapsules (PFD-LENCs) were prepared using the natural lipoid S45 for its dual benefits of being both a lipid and an amphiphilic surfactant. The selected formulation exhibited in vitro sustained drug release up to 24 h compared to free PFD, which is consistent with the studied pharmacokinetic profile. The studied cytotoxicity of PFD as well as PFD-LENCs exhibited negligible cytotoxicity in normal oral epithelial cells. For exploring the capability of the PFD-LENCs in reaching the liver; in vivo tracing using CLSM, in vivo biodistribution to the vital organs were conducted and electron microscopic examination for depicting nanoparticles in liver tissue was performed. Results revealed the capability of the prepared fluorescent LENC2 in reaching the liver, PFD-LENCs detection in the Disse space of the liver and the significant accumulation of PFD-LENCs in liver tissue compared to the other tested organs. The assessment of the necro-inflammatory, antioxidant and the anti-fibrotic effect of PFD-LENCs (50 & 100 mg/kg) exhibited a significant decrease of liver enzymes, TNF-α, TGF-β, Col-1, α-SMA, and TIMP-1, and a significant increase of catalase enzyme and MMP2 compared to free PFD. EM studies, revealed often detection of dendritic cells in PFD-LENCs (100 mg/kg) treated mice and abnormal collagen structure which can represent an adjunct contribution to the antifibrotic mechanism of PFD-LENCs. In conclusion, the development of this innovative PFD loaded lecithin nanocapsules achieved a targeting ability to the liver, controlled drug release, thereby increase the PFD therapeutic value in downregulating hepatic fibrosis in adjunct with the reduction of liver toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M AbouSamra
- Pharmaceutical Technology Department, National Research Centre, Egypt.
| | - Rania Elgohary
- Narcotics, Ergogenics and Poisons Department, National Research Centre, Egypt
| | - Soheir S Mansy
- Electron Microscopy Research Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
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Gong L, Zhou H, Zhang S, Wang C, Fu K, Ma C, Zhang Y, Peng C, Li Y. CD44-Targeting Drug Delivery System of Exosomes Loading Forsythiaside A Combats Liver Fibrosis via Regulating NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202228. [PMID: 36603210 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive pathological process induced by various stimuli and may progress to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Forsythiaside A (FA) is an active ingredient extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Forsythiae Fructus and has prominent hepatoprotective activities. However, the unsatisfactory pharmacokinetic properties restrict its clinical application. In this study, the nanocarrier of CD44-specific ligand Hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified milk-derived exosomes (mExo) encapsulated with FA (HA-mExo-FA) is developed. As a result, HA modification could deliver drug-loaded exosomes to the target cells and form a specific ligand-receptor interaction with CD44, thus improving the anti-liver fibrosis effect of FA. In vitro findings indicate that HA-mExo-FA could inhibit TGF-β1-induced LX2 cell proliferation, reduce α-SMA and collagen gene and protein levels, and promote the apoptosis of activated LX2 cells. In vivo results demonstrate that HA-mExo-FA could improve liver morphology and function changes in zebrafish larvae. The anti-liver fibrosis mechanism of HA-mExo-FA may be attributed to the inhibition of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. In addition, the effect of HA-mExo-FA on TAA-induced increase in NLRP3 production is attenuated by NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. Collectively, this study demonstrates the promising application of HA-mExo-FA in drug delivery with high specificity and provides a powerful and novel delivery platform for liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Honglin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
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Nevzorova YA, Weiskirchen R, Liedtke C. Mouse Models for Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis Initiation. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2669:177-191. [PMID: 37247060 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3207-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a severe health problem worldwide with increasing incidence. However, specific drugs for treatment of hepatic fibrosis are currently not available. Accordingly, there is a strong need to conduct intensive basic research, which also includes the necessity to use animal models to evaluate new anti-fibrotic therapy concepts. Numerous mouse models of liver fibrogenesis have been described. This involves chemical, nutritional, surgical, and genetic mouse models, which involve also activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, for many investigators, it may be challenging to identify the most suitable model for a specific question on liver fibrosis research. In this chapter, we will provide a brief overview about the most common mouse models of HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis and thereafter provide detailed step-by-step protocols of two selected mouse fibrosis models based on own experience, which in our opinion are best suited to cover many current scientific issues. On the one hand, there is the classical carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model; this model of toxic liver fibrogenesis is still one of the best suited and most reproducible models for basic features of hepatic fibrogenesis. On the other hand, we also introduce the novel DUAL model of alcohol plus metabolic/alcoholic fatty liver disease developed in our laboratory, which mimics all histological, metabolic, and transcriptomic gene signatures of human advanced steatohepatitis and related liver fibrosis. We describe all the information required for proper preparation and detailed implementation of both models including animal welfare aspects, thereby serving as a useful laboratory guide for mouse experimentation in liver fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia A Nevzorova
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Complutense University Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institut für Molekulare Pathobiochemie, Experimentelle Gentherapie und Klinische Chemie (IFMPEGKC), Universitätsklinikum Aachen AöR, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Liedtke
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
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Enciso N, Amiel J, Fabián-Domínguez F, Pando J, Rojas N, Cisneros-Huamaní C, Nava E, Enciso J. Model of Liver Fibrosis Induction by Thioacetamide in Rats for Regenerative Therapy Studies. Anal Cell Pathol (Amst) 2022; 2022:2841894. [PMID: 36411771 PMCID: PMC9675604 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2841894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is caused by chronic injury due to toxic, infectious, or metabolic causes, and it may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is currently no antifibrotic therapy authorized for human use; however, there are promising studies using cell therapies. There are also no animal models that exactly reproduce human liver fibrosis that can be used to better understand the mechanisms of its regression and identify new targets for treatment and therapeutic approaches. On the other hand, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have experimentally demonstrated fibrosis regression effects, but it is necessary to have an animal model of advanced liver fibrosis to evaluate the effect of these cells. The aim of this work was to establish a protocol for the induction of advanced liver fibrosis in rats using thioacetamide (TAA), which will allow us to perform trials using MSC as a possible therapy for fibrosis regression. For this purpose, we selected 24 female rats and grouped them into three experimental groups: the control group (G-I) without treatment and groups II (G-II) and III (G-III) that received TAA by intraperitoneal injection for 24 weeks. Then, 1 × 106/kg adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) were infused intravenously. Groups G-I and G-II were sacrificed 7 days after the last dose of ASC, and G-III was sacrificed 8 weeks after the last ASC infusion, all with xylazine/ketamine (40 mg/kg). The protocol used in this work established a model of advanced hepatic fibrosis as corroborated by METAVIR tests of the histological lesions; by the high levels of the markers α-SMA, CD68, and collagen type I; by functional alterations due to elevated markers of the hepatic lesions; and by alterations of the leukocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets. Finally, transplanted cells in the fibrous liver were detected. We conclude that TAA applied using the protocol introduced in this study induces a good model of advanced liver fibrosis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly Enciso
- Grupo de Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 150142, Peru
- Dirección General de Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 150142, Peru
| | - José Amiel
- Grupo de Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 150142, Peru
| | - Fredy Fabián-Domínguez
- Investigador Adjunto, Grupo de Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 150142, Peru
| | - Jhon Pando
- Instituto de Criopreservación y Terapia Celular, Lima 15074, Peru
| | - Nancy Rojas
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 506, Peru
| | - Carlos Cisneros-Huamaní
- Investigador Adjunto, Grupo de Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 150142, Peru
| | - Ernesto Nava
- Laboratorio de Microscopía Electrónica, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 506, Peru
| | - Javier Enciso
- Grupo de Medicina Regenerativa, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima 150142, Peru
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Hefler J, Hatami S, Thiesen A, Olafson C, Durand K, Acker J, Karvellas CJ, Bigam DL, Freed DH, Shapiro AMJ. Model of Acute Liver Failure in an Isolated Perfused Porcine Liver-Challenges and Lessons Learned. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102496. [PMID: 36289758 PMCID: PMC9598959 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a rare but devastating disease associated with substantial morbidity and a mortality rate of almost 45%. Medical treatments, apart from supportive care, are limited and liver transplantation may be the only rescue option. Large animal models, which most closely represent human disease, can be logistically and technically cumbersome, expensive and pose ethical challenges. The development of isolated organ perfusion technologies, originally intended for preservation before transplantation, offers a new platform for experimental models of liver disease, such as ALF. In this study, female domestic swine underwent hepatectomy, followed by perfusion of the isolated liver on a normothermic machine perfusion device. Five control livers were perfused for 24 h at 37 °C, while receiving supplemental oxygen and nutrition. Six livers received toxic doses of acetaminophen given over 12 h, titrated to methemoglobin levels. Perfusate was sampled every 4 h for measurement of biochemical markers of injury (e.g., aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT]). Liver biopsies were taken at the beginning, middle, and end of perfusion for histological assessment. Acetaminophen-treated livers received a median dose of 8.93 g (8.21–9.75 g) of acetaminophen, achieving a peak acetaminophen level of 3780 µmol/L (3189–3913 µmol/L). Peak values of ALT (76 vs. 105 U/L; p = 0.429) and AST (3576 vs. 4712 U/L; p = 0.429) were not significantly different between groups. However, by the end of perfusion, histology scores were significantly worse in the acetaminophen treated group (p = 0.016). All acetaminophen treated livers developed significant methemoglobinemia, with a peak methemoglobin level of 19.3%, compared to 2.0% for control livers (p = 0.004). The development of a model of ALF in the ex vivo setting was confounded by the development of toxic methemoglobinemia. Further attempts using alternative agents or dosing strategies may be warranted to explore this setting as a model of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Hefler
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Sanaz Hatami
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Canadian Donation & Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Aducio Thiesen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Carly Olafson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Kiarra Durand
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Jason Acker
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Canadian Blood Services, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Constantine J. Karvellas
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - David L. Bigam
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Darren H. Freed
- Canadian Donation & Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Andrew Mark James Shapiro
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Canadian Donation & Transplantation Research Program, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Clinical Islet Transplant Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Hsieh YC, Wu PS, Lin YT, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lee KC, Lin HC. (Pro)renin receptor inhibition attenuated liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice with steatohepatitis. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22526. [PMID: 36063123 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202200594r] [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: 04/16/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is reportedly involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and hepatocyte PRR knockdown protects mice against hepatosteatosis. However, the impact of PRR inhibition on liver inflammation and fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains unclear. Herein, C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet or fast food diet (FFD) for 24 weeks. Lentivirus-mediated PRR short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or handle region peptide (HRP), a PRR blocker, was administered for PRR inhibition. Mouse primary hepatocytes were cultured with palmitic acid, prorenin, siRNA-targeted PRR, and HRP. In FFD-fed mice, PRR inhibition via lentivirus-mediated PRR knockdown or HRP significantly attenuated liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Mechanistically, PRR knockdown or HRP decreased hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) abundance and upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα). HRP treatment also decreased hepatic PRR expression. In addition, intrahepatic oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammatory cell recruitment were ameliorated by PRR knockdown or HRP treatment, along with suppression of proinflammatory cytokine expression. PRR inhibition downregulated the hepatic expression of profibrotic factors, as well as TGF-β1/SMAD3 pathway. In primary mouse hepatocytes, PRR knockdown with siRNA or HRP downregulated cellular ACC and increased PPARα expression. In conclusion, our findings revealed that PRR inhibition attenuated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice with NASH. Accordingly, targeting PRR signaling may serve as a potential treatment for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Cheng Hsieh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Shan Wu
- Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Endoscopy Center for Diagnosis and Treatment, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tsung Lin
- Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Chuan Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Yang X, Liu W, Dang P, Wang Y, Ge X, Huang X, Wang M, Zheng J, Ding X, Wang X. Decreased brain noradrenaline in minimal hepatic encephalopathy is associated with cognitive impairment in rats. Brain Res 2022; 1793:148041. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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MiR-155 Dysregulation Is Associated with the Augmentation of ROS/p53 Axis of Fibrosis in Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Is Protected by Resveratrol. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071762. [PMID: 35885665 PMCID: PMC9322790 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a hallmark of thioacetamide (TAA) intoxications. MicroRNAs (miRs), such as miR-155, have been implied in the pathogenesis of liver disease, and regulated by the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound resveratrol (RES). The link between reactive oxygen species (ROS), tumour suppressor p53 (p53), and liver fibrosis-during the pathogenesis of TAA-induced liver injury-associated with miR-155 dysregulation with and without RES incorporation has not been previously studied. Therefore, one group of rats received TAA injections of 200 mg/kg; twice a week at the beginning of week 3 for 8 weeks (TAA group; or model group), whereas the protective group was pretreated daily with RES suspension (20 mg/kg; orally) for the first two weeks and subsequently sustained on receiving both RES and TAA until being sacrificed at the 10th week. Liver injuries developed in the model group were confirmed by a significant (p < 0.0001) elevation of hepatic tissue levels of miR-155, ROS, p53, and the profibrogenic biomarkers: tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and α-smooth muscle actin, as well as collagen deposition (fibrosis). All these parameters were significantly (p ≤ 0.0234) protected by resveratrol (RES + TAA). In addition, we observed a significant (p < 0.0001) correlation between ROS/p53 axis mediated liver fibrosis and miR-155. Thus, TAA intoxication induced miR-155 imbalance and ROS/p53-mediated liver fibrosis, with resveratrol, conversely displaying beneficial hepatic pleiotropic effects for a period of 10 weeks.
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Ahmed AR, Ahmed M, Vun-Sang S, Iqbal M. Is Glyceryl Trinitrate, a Nitric Oxide Donor Responsible for Ameliorating the Chemical-Induced Tissue Injury In Vivo? Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27144362. [PMID: 35889233 PMCID: PMC9318303 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27144362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress induced by well-known toxins including ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and thioacetamide (TAA) has been attributed to causing tissue injury in the liver and kidney. In this study, the effect of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), a donor of nitric oxide and NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (l-NAME), a nitric oxide inhibitor on TAA-induced hepatic oxidative stress, GSH and GSH-dependent enzymes, serum transaminases and tumor promotion markers such as ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and [3H]-thymidine incorporation in rats were examined. The animals were divided into seven groups consisting of six healthy rats per group. The six rats were injected intraperitoneally with TAA to evaluate its toxic effect, improvement in its toxic effect if any, or worsening in its toxic effect if any, when given in combination with GTN or l-NAME. The single necrogenic dose of TAA administration caused a significant change in the levels of both hepatic and serum enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), alanine aminotransferase (AST) and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT). In addition, treatment with TAA also augmented malondialdehyde (MDA), ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity and [3H]-thymidine incorporation in rats liver. Concomitantly, TAA treatment depleted the levels of GSH. However, most of these changes were alleviated by the treatment of animals with GTN dose-dependently. The protective effect of GTN against TAA was also confirmed histopathologically. The present data confirmed our earlier findings with other oxidants including Fe-NTA and CCl4. The GTN showed no change whatsoever when administered alone, however when it was given along with TAA then it showed protection thereby contributing towards defending the role against oxidants-induced organ toxicity. Overall, GTN may contribute to protection against TAA-induced oxidative stress, toxicity, and proliferative response in the liver, according to our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Rahman Ahmed
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Faculty of Science, Hamdard University, New Delhi 110062, India;
| | - Mahiba Ahmed
- Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Senty Vun-Sang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia;
| | - Mohammad Iqbal
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Sabah, Malaysia;
- Correspondence: or
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Shaban NZ, Zaki MM, Koutb F, Abdul-Aziz AA, Elshehawy AAH, Mehany H. Protective and therapeutic role of mango pulp and eprosartan drug and their anti-synergistic effects against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:51427-51441. [PMID: 35244847 PMCID: PMC9288381 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
The present study was done to evaluate the protective and therapeutic role of mango pulp (M), eprosartan drug (E), and their co-administration (EM) against hepatotoxicity induced by thioacetamide (T). Seven groups of rats were prepared as follows: the control (C) group (normal rats), T group (the rats were injected with T), T-M group (the rats were injected with T, and then treated with M), T-E group (the rats were injected with T, and then treated with E), T-EM group (the rats were injected with T, and then treated with E and M), M-TM-M group (the rats were administered with M before, during, and after T injection), and M group (the healthy rats were administered with M only). Firstly, the characterizations of M were determined. Also, the markers of hepatic oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GSR)], inflammation and fibrosis [(tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) levels and gene expression of transforming growth factor-beta1(TGF-β1)], and liver functions and microscopic examination were evaluated. The present results revealed that M contains 419 ± 1.04 μg total phenolics as gallic acid equivalent and 6.8 ± 0.05 μg total flavonoids as quercetin equivalent. The analysis of phenolics and flavonoids showed the presence of chlorogenic, caffeic, 2,5-dihydroxy benzoic, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic, tannic, cinnamic acidS, and catechin, phloridzin, and quercetin with different concentrations. Also, M contains various minerals with different concentrations involving potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese. The current results showed that the total antioxidant capacity of 1 g of M was 117.2 ± 1.16 as μg ascorbic acid equivalent. Our biochemical studies showed that all treatments significantly reduced T-induced hepatotoxicity and liver injuries, as the oxidative stress and inflammatory and fibrotic markers were diminished where MDA level and the activities of GST, GSSG, and GR were decreased when compared with T group. In contrast, GSH level and the activities of SOD and GPx and GSH/GSSG ratio were increased. In addition, TNF-α and PDGF-BB levels were reduced, and the gene expression of TGF-β1 was down-regulated. Consequently, the liver functions were significantly improved. In conclusion, each E, M, and EM has a therapeutic effect against T-induced hepatotoxicity via the reduction of the OS, inflammation, and fibrosis. Unfortunately, treatment with M and E simultaneously revealed the less effectiveness than the treatment with M or E demonstrates the presence of anti-synergistic effect between them. Additionally, M-TM-M treatment showed a better effect than T-M treatment against T-induced hepatotoxicity revealing the prophylactic role of M. The administration of healthy rats with M for 12 weeks has no side effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Zaki Shaban
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Mohammad Mohammad Zaki
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
| | - Fayed Koutb
- Nucleic Acid Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Alaa Abdul-Aziz
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | | | - Hany Mehany
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt
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33
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Huang R, Zhang X, Gracia-Sancho J, Xie WF. Liver regeneration: Cellular origin and molecular mechanisms. Liver Int 2022; 42:1486-1495. [PMID: 35107210 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The liver is known as an organ with high proliferation potential. Clarifying the cellular origin and deepening the understanding of liver regeneration mechanisms will help provide new directions for the treatment of liver disease. With the development and application of lineage tracing technology, the specific distribution and dynamic changes of hepatocyte subpopulations in homeostasis and liver injury have been illustrated. Self-replication of hepatocytes is responsible for the maintenance of liver function and mass under homeostasis. The compensatory proliferation of remaining hepatocytes is the main mechanism of liver regeneration following acute and chronic liver injury. Transdifferentiation between hepatocytes and cholangiocytes has been recognized upon severe chronic liver injury. Wnt/β-catenin, Hippo/YAP and Notch signalling play essential roles in the maintenance of homeostatic liver and hepatocyte-to-cholangiocyte conversion under liver injury. In this review, we summarized the recent studies on cell origin of newly generated hepatocytes and the underlying mechanisms of liver regeneration in homeostasis and liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Unit, IDIBAPS, CIBEREHD, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wei-Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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34
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Ebrahim HA, Kamar SS, Haidara MA, Latif NSA, Ellatif MA, ShamsEldeen AM, Al-Ani B, Dawood AF. Association of resveratrol with the suppression of TNF-α/NF-kB/iNOS/HIF-1α axis-mediated fibrosis and systemic hypertension in thioacetamide-induced liver injury. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2022; 395:1087-1095. [PMID: 35729229 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02264-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury can lead to hepatic failure and the only available method of treatment would be liver transplantation. The link between inflammation (TNF-α), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB), nitrosative stress (iNOS) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in thioacetamide (TAA) induced liver fibrosis, and hypertension with and without the incorporation of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant resveratrol (RES) has not been investigated before. Consequently, we injected rats with either 200 mg/kg TAA for 8 weeks starting at week 2 (model group) or pretreated them before TAA injections with RES (20 mg/kg) for 2 weeks and continued them on RES and TAA until being culled at week 10 (protective group). In the model group, we documented the induction of hepatic fibrosis and upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), NF-kB, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), HIF-1α and the profibrotic biomarkers alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) that was significantly (p ≤ 0.0014) ameliorated by RES. RES also significantly (p ≤ 0.0232) reduced triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), very low-density lipoprotein (vLDL-C), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure, and heart rate (HR) induction by TAA. Also, a significant (p < 0.0001) positive correlation between TNF-α/NF-kB/iNOS/HIF-1α axis-mediated fibrosis and hypertension and liver injury biomarkers was observed. These findings suggest that in the hepatotoxic compound, TAA is associated with TNF-α/NF-kB/iNOS/HIF-1α-mediated fibrosis and hypertension, whilst being inhibited by RES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasnaa A Ebrahim
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samaa S Kamar
- Department of Medical Histology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Haidara
- Department of Physiology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha S Abdel Latif
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abd Ellatif
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M ShamsEldeen
- Department of Physiology, Kasr Al-Aini Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Bahjat Al-Ani
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal F Dawood
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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35
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Ghanim M, Amer J, Salhab A, Jaradat N. Ecballium elaterium improved stimulatory effects of tissue-resident NK cells and ameliorated liver fibrosis in a thioacetamide mice model. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:112942. [PMID: 35429743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecballium elaterium (EE), widely used plant in Mediterranean medicine, showed anticancer activity. This study aimed to investigate EE effects on liver fibrosis in an animal model of thioacetamide (TAA). Intraperitoneal administration of TAA was performed twice weekly for four weeks in C57BL6J mice. Livers were extracted and serum were evaluated for inflammatory markers (H&E staining, ALT, AST, ALP), pro-inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis (Sirius red staining, Masson's trichrome, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen III), and metabolic (cholesterol, triglyceride, C-peptide, and fasting-blood-sugar) profiles. Glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase liver antioxidant markers were assessed. Tissue-resident NK cells from mice livers were functionally assessed for activating receptors and cytotoxicity. Compared to vehicle-treated mice, the TAA-induced liver injury showed attenuation in the histopathology outcome following EE treatment. In addition, EE-treated mice resulted in decreased serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP, associated with a decrease in IL-20, TGF-β, IL-17, IL-22 and MCP-1 concentrations. Moreover, EE-treated mice exhibited improved lipid profile of cholesterol, triglycerides, C-peptide, and FBS. EE treatment maintained GSH, GPX, and CAT liver antioxidant activity and led to elevated counts of tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells in the TAA-mice. Consequently, trNK demonstrated an increase in CD107a and IFN-γ with improved potentials to kill activated hepatic-stellate cells in an in vitro assay. EE exhibited antifibrotic and antioxidative effects, increased the number of trNK cells, and improved metabolic outcomes. This plant extract could be a targeted therapy for patients with advanced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ghanim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Johnny Amer
- Department of Allied and Applied Medical Sciences, Division of Anatomy Biochemistry and Genetics, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Ahmad Salhab
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Nidal Jaradat
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
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36
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Saito S, Arihara N, Sawaya R, Morimoto-Ishikawa D, Ueda J. Metabolites Alterations and Liver Injury in Hepatic Encephalopathy Models Evaluated by Use of 7T-MRI. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12050396. [PMID: 35629900 PMCID: PMC9147964 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12050396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study is to observe a thioacetamide (TAA) administered Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) model rats at three and ten days after TAA administration using liver MRI and brain MR Spectroscopy (MRS) by use of 7T-MRI. Forty-two Wistar rats (control group, n = 14) were intraperitoneally administered at 300 mg/kg (low-dose group, n = 14) or 400 mg/kg (high-dose group, n = 14) doses of TAA for induced of HE. At three days after TAA administration, glutamine (Gln) measured by MRS in high-dose and low-dose TAA groups showed significant increases in comparison to those of the control group (p < 0.05). Other metabolites measured by MRS showed no significant changes. Liver T1ρ and T2 relaxation times significantly increased three days after TAA injection compared to pre-injection. There was a correlation between Gln levels in the brain and the relaxation time of the liver. Furthermore, Gln levels and relaxation time changed depending on the TAA dose. The Gln concentration in the brain increased with the deterioration of liver function, as inferred from the prolonged relaxation time of the liver. The prolonged relaxation time of the liver corresponded with the level of Gln in the brain. Gln concentration for the alterations of brain metabolites and T1ρ relaxation time for the assessment of liver damage are useful markers for inter-organ association analysis in the HE model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeyoshi Saito
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Area of Medical Imaging Technology and Science, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (N.A.); (R.S.); (J.U.)
- Department of Advanced Medical Technologies, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita 565-0871, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-6-6879-2619
| | - Narumi Arihara
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Area of Medical Imaging Technology and Science, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (N.A.); (R.S.); (J.U.)
| | - Reika Sawaya
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Area of Medical Imaging Technology and Science, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (N.A.); (R.S.); (J.U.)
| | | | - Junpei Ueda
- Department of Medical Physics and Engineering, Area of Medical Imaging Technology and Science, Division of Health Sciences, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita 565-0871, Japan; (N.A.); (R.S.); (J.U.)
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Bae J, Kim JE, Perumalsamy H, Park S, Kim Y, Jun DW, Yoon TH. Mass Cytometry Study on Hepatic Fibrosis and Its Drug-Induced Recovery Using Mouse Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:814030. [PMID: 35222390 PMCID: PMC8863676 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.814030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The number of patients with liver diseases has increased significantly with the progress of global industrialization. Hepatic fibrosis, one of the most common liver diseases diagnosed in many developed countries, occurs in response to chronic liver injury and is primarily driven by the development of inflammation. Earlier immunological studies have been focused on the importance of the innate immune response in the pathophysiology of steatohepatitis and fibrosis, but recently, it has also been reported that adaptive immunity, particularly B cells, plays an essential role in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, despite recent data showing the importance of adaptive immunity, relatively little is known about the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis fibrosis. In this study, a single-cell-based, high-dimensional mass cytometric investigation of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from mice belonging to three groups [normal chow (NC), thioacetamide (TAA), and 11beta-HSD inhibitor drug] was conducted to further understand the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis through reliable noninvasive biomarkers. Firstly, major immune cell types and their population changes were qualitatively analyzed using UMAP dimensionality reduction and two-dimensional visualization technique combined with a conventional manual gating strategy. The population of B cells displayed a twofold increase in the TAA group compared to that in the NC group, which was recovered slightly after treatment with the 11beta-HSD inhibitor drug. In contrast, the populations of NK cells, effector CD4+ T cells, and memory CD8+ T cells were significantly reduced in the TAA group compared with those in the NC group. Further identification and quantification of the major immune cell types and their subsets were conducted based on automated clustering approaches [PhenoGraph (PG) and FlowSOM]. The B-cell subset corresponding to PhenoGraph cluster PG#2 (CD62LhighCD44highLy6chigh B cells) and PG#3 (CD62LhighCD44highLy6clow B cell) appears to play a major role in both the development of hepatic fibrosis and recovery via treatment, whereas PG#1 (CD62LlowCD44highLy6clow B cell) seems to play a dominant role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. These findings provide insights into the roles of cellular subsets of B cells during the progression of, and recovery from, hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwon Bae
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Haribalan Perumalsamy
- Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sehee Park
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yun Kim
- Hanyang Medicine-Engineering-Bio Collaborative & Comprehensive Center for Drug Development, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.,Hanyang Medicine-Engineering-Bio Collaborative & Comprehensive Center for Drug Development, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Medical and Digital Engineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Hyun Yoon
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Research Institute for Convergence of Basic Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Institute of Next Generation Material Design, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.,Yoon Idea Lab. Co. Ltd, Seoul, South Korea
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A promising antifibrotic drug, pyridoxamine attenuates thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis by combating oxidative stress, advanced glycation end products, and balancing matrix metalloproteinases. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 923:174910. [PMID: 35339478 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common chronic hepatic disease. This study was done to examine the effect of pyridoxamine against thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis. Animals were divided into four groups (1) control group; (2) Thioacetamide group (200 mg/kg, i.p.) twice a week for eight weeks; (3) Pyridoxamine-treated group treated with pyridoxamine (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for eight weeks; (4) Thioacetamide and pyridoxamine group, in which pyridoxamine was given (100 mg/kg/day, i.p.) during thioacetamide injections. Thioacetamide treatment resulted in hepatic dysfunction manifested by increased serum levels of bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Oxidative stress was noted by increased hepatic lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione (GSH). Increased concentrations of total nitrite/nitrate, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2&9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were noticed in hepatic tissues. Immunostaining sections also revealed overexpression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and collagen IV. Liver fibrosis was confirmed by severe histopathological changes. Pyridoxamine improved the assessed parameters. Moreover, histopathological and immunohistological studies supported the ability of pyridoxamine to reduce liver fibrosis. The findings of the present study provide evidence that pyridoxamine is a novel target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Alkreathy HM, Esmat A. Lycorine Ameliorates Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats: Emphasis on Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and STAT3 Inhibition Effects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15030369. [PMID: 35337166 PMCID: PMC8955817 DOI: 10.3390/ph15030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a foremost medical concern worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, numerous risk factors contribute to its high rates. Lycorine—a natural alkaloid—has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activates. It has been reported to inhibit STAT3 in cancer. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the possible antifibrotic effect of lycorine against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and at elucidating the possible mechanisms. Liver fibrosis was induced by TAA (200 mg/kg i.p.), three per week for four weeks. Treatment with lycorine (0.5 and 1 mg/kg/d) amended TAA-induced rise of serum transaminases that was confirmed histopathologically. Moreover, it ameliorated liver fibrosis in a dose-dependent manner, as indicated by hindering the TAA-induced increase of hepatic hydroxyproline content, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) expressions. TAA-induced oxidative stress was amended by lycorine treatment via restoring reduced glutathione and diminishing lipid peroxidation. Moreover, lycorine ameliorated hepatic inflammation by preventing the rise of inflammatory cytokines. Notably, lycorine inhibited STAT3 activity, as evidenced by the decreased phospho-STAT3 expression, accompanied by the elevation of the hepatic Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. In conclusion, lycorine hinders TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats, due to—at least partly—its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to inhibit STAT3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda Mohammed Alkreathy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed Esmat
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Correspondence:
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Zheng GH, Liu J, Yan Guo F, Zhang ZH, Jiang YJ, Lin YC, Lan XQ, Ren J, Wu YL, Nan JX, Hua Jin C, Lian LH. The in vitro and in vivo study of a pyrazole derivative, J-1063, as a novel anti-liver fibrosis agent: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and mechanistic analysis. Bioorg Chem 2022; 122:105715. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Zhu S, Rao X, Qian Y, Chen J, Song R, Yan H, Yang X, Hu J, Wang X, Han Z, Zhu Y, Liu R, Jong-Leong Wong J, McCaughan GW, Zheng X. Liver Endothelial Heg Regulates Vascular/Biliary Network Patterning and Metabolic Zonation Via Wnt Signaling. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 13:1757-1783. [PMID: 35202885 PMCID: PMC9059100 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The liver has complex interconnecting blood vessel and biliary networks; however, how the vascular and biliary network form and regulate each other and liver function are not well-understood. We aimed to examine the role of Heg in mammalian liver development and functional maintenance. METHODS Global (Heg-/-) or liver endothelial cell (EC)-specific deletion of Heg (Lyve1-Cre;Hegfl/fl ) mice were used to study the in vivo function of Heg in the liver. Carbon-ink anterograde and retrograde injection were used to visualize the 3-dimensional patterning of liver portal and biliary networks, respectively. RNA sequencing, histology, and molecular and biochemical assays were used to assess liver gene expression, protein distribution, liver injury response, and function. RESULTS Heg deficiency in liver ECs led to a sparse liver vascular and biliary network. This network paucity does not compromise liver function under baseline conditions but did alter liver zonation. Molecular analysis revealed that endothelial Heg deficiency decreased expression of Wnt ligands/agonists including Wnt2, Wnt9b, and Rspo3 in ECs, which limits Axin2 mediated canonical Wnt signaling and the expression of cytochrome P450 enzymes in hepatocytes. Under chemical-induced stressed conditions, Heg-deficiency in liver ECs protected mice from drug-induced liver injuries. CONCLUSION Our study found that endothelial Heg is essential for the 3-D patterning of the liver vascular and indirectly regulates biliary networks and proper liver zonation via its regulation of Wnt ligand production in liver endothelial cells. The endothelial Heg-initiated changes of the liver metabolic zonation and metabolic enzyme expression in hepatocytes was functionally relevant to xenobiotic metabolism and drug induced liver toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shichao Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiyun Rao
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yude Qian
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinbiao Chen
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, A.W Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Renhua Song
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Huili Yan
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Junhao Hu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiming Han
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Renjing Liu
- Vascular Epigenetics Laboratory, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Justin Jong-Leong Wong
- Epigenetics and RNA Biology Program Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Geoffrey W. McCaughan
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, A.W Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Xiangjian Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Inflammation Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China,Correspondence Address correspondence to: Dr Xiangjian Zheng, Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University, No 22 Qi Xiang Tai Rd, Tianjin 300070, China. tel: 86-22-8333-6835.
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Protocatechuic acid protects against thioacetamide-induced chronic liver injury and encephalopathy in mice via modulating mTOR, p53 and the IL-6/ IL-17/ IL-23 immunoinflammatory pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 440:115931. [PMID: 35202709 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.115931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Protocatechuic acid (PCA), a natural phenolic acid, is known for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic activities. However, the protective mechanisms of PCA on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver/brain injury are not well addressed. Chronic liver injury was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of TAA (200 mg/kg, 3 times/week) for 8 weeks. Simultaneously, PCA (100, 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was given daily from the 4th week. Protocatechuic acid ameliorated liver and brain damage indicated by the decrease in serum activities of aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, levels of bilirubin, and ammonia concomitant with restoration of normal albumin levels. Additionally, PCA treatment ameliorated oxidative stress in liver and brain, confirmed by the decrease in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels and the increase in antioxidant activities. Moreover, PCA showed anti-inflammatory actions through downregulation of TNF-α expression in the liver and IL-6/IL-17/IL-23 levels in the brain, which is confirmed by the decrease in CD4+ T brain cell numbers. Most importantly, PCA treatment showed a significant decrease in mTOR level and number of LC3 positive cells in both liver and brain tissues. Consequently, PCA could inhibit mTOR-induced apoptosis, as it showed anti-apoptotic actions through downregulation of caspase-3 expression in liver and p53 expression in liver and brain. Furthermore, liver and brain tissues of treated mice showed restoration of normal histology. It can be concluded that, several mechanisms, including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-autophagic and anti-apoptotic activities can be implicated in the hepato- and neuroprotective potentials of PCA.
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Gu CY, Lee TKW. Preclinical mouse models of hepatocellular carcinoma: An overview and update. Exp Cell Res 2022; 412:113042. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Shen DF, Cheng H, Cai BZ, Cai WF, Wang B, Zhu Q, Wu YB, Liu M, Chen RJ, Gao FF, Zhang YM, Niu YD, Shi GG. N-n-Butyl haloperidol iodide ameliorates liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation in mice. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:133-145. [PMID: 33758354 PMCID: PMC8724321 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00630-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
N-n-Butyl haloperidol iodide (F2) is a novel compound that has antiproliferative and antifibrogenic activities. In this study we investigated the therapeutic potential of F2 against liver fibrosis in mice and the underlying mechanisms. Two widely used mouse models of fibrosis was established in mice by injection of either carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or thioacetamide (TAA). The mice received F2 (0.75, 1.5 or 3 mg·kg-1·d-1, ip) for 4 weeks of fibrosis induction. We showed that F2 administration dose-dependently ameliorated CCl4- or TAA-induced liver fibrosis, evidenced by significant decreases in collagen deposition and c-Jun, TGF-β receptor II (TGFBR2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I expression in the liver. In transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated LX-2 cells (a human hepatic stellate cell line) and primary mouse hepatic stellate cells, treatment with F2 (0.1, 1, 10 μM) concentration-dependently inhibited the expression of α-SMA, and collagen I. In LX-2 cells, F2 inhibited TGF-β/Smad signaling through reducing the levels of TGFBR2; pretreatment with LY2109761 (TGF-β signaling inhibitor) or SP600125 (c-Jun signaling inhibitor) markedly inhibited TGF-β1-induced induction of α-SMA and collagen I. Knockdown of c-Jun decreased TGF-β signaling genes, including TGFBR2 levels. We revealed that c-Jun was bound to the TGFBR2 promoter, whereas F2 suppressed the binding of c-Jun to the TGFBR2 promoter to restrain TGF-β signaling and inhibit α-SMA and collagen I upregulation. In conclusion, the therapeutic benefit of F2 against liver fibrosis results from inhibition of c-Jun expression to reduce TGFBR2 and concomitant reduction of the responsiveness of hepatic stellate cells to TGF-β1. F2 may thus be a potentially new effective pharmacotherapy for human liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai-Fei Shen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - He Cheng
- Qingyuan Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Qingyuan, 511515, China
| | - Bo-Zhi Cai
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Wen-Feng Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Qing Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Yue-Bin Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Man Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Run-Ji Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Fen-Fei Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Yan-Mei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Yong-Dong Niu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
| | - Gang-Gang Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515041, China
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Hefler J, Marfil-Garza BA, Pawlick RL, Freed DH, Karvellas CJ, Bigam DL, Shapiro AMJ. Preclinical models of acute liver failure: a comprehensive review. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12579. [PMID: 34966588 PMCID: PMC8667744 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure is marked by the rapid deterioration of liver function in a previously well patient over period of days to weeks. Though relatively rare, it is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This makes it a challenging disease to study clinically, necessitating reliance on preclinical models as means to explore pathophysiology and novel therapies. Preclinical models of acute liver failure are artificial by nature, and generally fall into one of three categories: surgical, pharmacologic or immunogenic. This article reviews preclinical models of acute liver failure and considers their relevance in modeling clinical disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Hefler
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Braulio A Marfil-Garza
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,National Institutes of Medical Sciences & Nutrition Salvador Zubiran, Mexico City, Mexico.,CHRISTUS-LatAm Hub Excellence & Innovation Center, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Rena L Pawlick
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Darren H Freed
- Division of Cardiac Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Constantine J Karvellas
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Critical Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - David L Bigam
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - A M James Shapiro
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Clinical Islet Transplant Program, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Chen J, Cheng NC, Boland JA, Liu K, Kench JG, Watkins DN, Ferreira-Gonzalez S, Forbes SJ, McCaughan GW. Deletion of kif3a in CK19 positive cells leads to primary cilia loss, biliary cell proliferation and cystic liver lesions in TAA-treated mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1868:166335. [PMID: 34973373 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Loss of primary cilia in epithelial cells is known to cause cystic diseases of the liver and kidney. We have previously shown that during experimental and human cirrhosis that primary cilia were predominantly expressed on biliary cells in the ductular reaction. However, the role of primary cilia in the pathogenesis of the ductular reaction is not fully understood. METHODS Primary cilia were specifically removed in biliary epithelial cells (BECs) by the administration of tamoxifen to Kif3af/f;CK19CreERT mice at week 2 of a 20-week course of TAA treatment. Biliary progenitor cells were isolated and grown as organoids from gallbladders. Cells and tissue were analysed using histology, immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays. RESULTS At the end of 20 weeks TAA administration, primary cilia loss in liver BECs resulted in multiple microscopic cystic lesions within an unaltered ductular reaction. These were not seen in control mice who did not receive TAA. There was no effect of biliary primary cilia loss on the development of cirrhosis. Increased cellular proliferation was seen within the cystic structures associated with a decrease in hepatocyte lobular proliferation. Loss of primary cilia within biliary organoids was initially associated with reduced cell passage survival but this inhibitory effect was diminished in later passages. ERK but not WNT signalling was enhanced in primary cilia loss-induced cystic lesions in vivo and its inhibition reduced the expansion of primary cilia deficient biliary progenitor cells in vitro. CONCLUSIONS TAA-treated kif3a BEC-specific knockout mice had an unaltered progression to cirrhosis, but developed cystic lesions that showed increased proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinbiao Chen
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Ngan Ching Cheng
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Jade A Boland
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Ken Liu
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; A.W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - James G Kench
- Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Department of Tissue Pathology & Diagnostic Oncology, NSW Health Pathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - D Neil Watkins
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Sofia Ferreira-Gonzalez
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, EH16 4UU Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart J Forbes
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, 5 Little France Drive, EH16 4UU Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Geoffrey W McCaughan
- Liver Injury and Cancer Program, Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; A.W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
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Migdał M, Tralle E, Nahia KA, Bugajski Ł, Kędzierska KZ, Garbicz F, Piwocka K, Winata CL, Pawlak M. Multi-omics analyses of early liver injury reveals cell-type-specific transcriptional and epigenomic shift. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:904. [PMID: 34920711 PMCID: PMC8684102 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-08173-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to tissue injury and inflammation hallmarked by the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein deposition in the liver parenchyma and tissue remodelling. Different cell types of the liver are known to play distinct roles in liver injury response. Hepatocytes and liver endothelial cells receive molecular signals indicating tissue injury and activate hepatic stellate cells which produce ECM proteins upon their activation. Despite the growing knowledge on the molecular mechanism underlying hepatic fibrosis in general, the cell-type-specific gene regulatory network associated with the initial response to hepatotoxic injury is still poorly characterized. Results In this study, we used thioacetamide (TAA) to induce hepatic injury in adult zebrafish. We isolated three major liver cell types - hepatocytes, endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells - and identified cell-type-specific chromatin accessibility and transcriptional changes in an early stage of liver injury. We found that TAA induced transcriptional shifts in all three cell types hallmarked by significant alterations in the expression of genes related to fatty acid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as immune response-associated and vascular-specific genes. Interestingly, liver endothelial cells exhibit the most pronounced response to liver injury at the transcriptome and chromatin level, hallmarked by the loss of their angiogenic phenotype. Conclusion Our results uncovered cell-type-specific transcriptome and epigenome responses to early stage liver injury, which provide valuable insights into understanding the molecular mechanism implicated in the early response of the liver to pro-fibrotic signals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-021-08173-1.
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Mostafa RE, Shaffie NM, Allam RM. Panax Ginseng alleviates thioacetamide-induced liver injury in ovariectomized rats: Crosstalk between inflammation and oxidative stress. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0260507. [PMID: 34843587 PMCID: PMC8629276 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0260507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases impose a substantial health problem. Female hormones play a crucial role in the protection against chronic inflammatory diseases. Fifty female rats were allocated into five groups (n = 10). Group I comprised sham-operated rats. The remaining groups underwent ovariectomy at the beginning of the experiment. Group II served as the ovariectomy-control group. Groups III, IV & V received thioacetamide (TAA; 300 mg/kg; i.p.) to induce liver injury 6 weeks after ovariectomy. Group III served as the TAA-control group. Groups IV & V received panax ginseng (100 and 300 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 6 weeks post TAA administration. All groups were investigated for liver function tests along with total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Histopathological examination of liver tissues was performed followed by immunohistochemical staining for nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kβ p65) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Ovariectomized-rats showed a non-significant change in the measured parameters while TAA administration resulted in significant liver damage. Panax ginseng at both dose levels significantly improved the serum liver function tests and TAC along with decreasing the AGEs and TNF-α. It also restored the histopathological picture of liver tissue and decreased hepatic tissue inflammation via reduction of MPO and NF-kβ p65 immunoreactivity. The current study is the first to elucidate the effect of panax ginseng against TAA-induced liver injury in ovariectomized rats which mimic aged post-menopausal estrogen-deficient females. The study demonstrates the crosstalk between AGEs, NF-kβ and MPO in the modulation of inflammation. Panax ginseng possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha E. Mostafa
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermeen M. Shaffie
- Department of Pathology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha M. Allam
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Shin MR, Lee JA, Kim M, Lee S, Oh M, Moon J, Nam JW, Choi H, Mun YJ, Roh SS. Gardeniae Fructus Attenuates Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice via Both AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB Pathway and Nrf2 Signaling. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111837. [PMID: 34829709 PMCID: PMC8614944 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, which means a sort of the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrices (ECMs) components through the liver tissue, is considered as tissue repair or wound-healing status. This pathological stage potentially leads to cirrhosis, if not controlled, it progressively results in hepatocellular carcinoma. Herein, we investigated the pharmacological properties and underlying mechanisms of Gardeniae Fructus (GF) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis of mice model. GF not only attenuated hepatic tissue oxidation but also improved hepatic inflammation. We further confirmed that GF led to ameliorating liver fibrosis by ECMs degradations. Regarding the possible underlying mechanism of GF, we observed GF regulated epigenetic regulator, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), in TAA-injected liver tissue. These alterations were well supported by SIRT1 related signaling pathways through regulations of its downstream proteins including, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p47phox, NADPH oxidase 2, nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1, respectively. To validate the possible mechanism of GF, we used HepG2 cells with hydrogen peroxide treated oxidative stress and chronic exposure conditions via deteriorations of cellular SIRT1. Moreover, GF remarkably attenuated ECMs accumulations in transforming growth factor–β1-induced LX-2 cells relying on the SIRT1 existence. Taken together, GF attenuated liver fibrosis through AMPK/SIRT1 pathway as well as Nrf2 signaling cascades. Therefore, GF could be a clinical remedy for liver fibrosis patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Rae Shin
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu 42158, Korea; (M.-R.S.); (J.A.L.); (M.K.); (S.L.); (M.O.)
| | - Jin A Lee
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu 42158, Korea; (M.-R.S.); (J.A.L.); (M.K.); (S.L.); (M.O.)
| | - Minju Kim
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu 42158, Korea; (M.-R.S.); (J.A.L.); (M.K.); (S.L.); (M.O.)
| | - Sehui Lee
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu 42158, Korea; (M.-R.S.); (J.A.L.); (M.K.); (S.L.); (M.O.)
| | - Minhyuck Oh
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu 42158, Korea; (M.-R.S.); (J.A.L.); (M.K.); (S.L.); (M.O.)
| | - Jimin Moon
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea; (J.M.); (J.-W.N.); (H.C.)
| | - Joo-Won Nam
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea; (J.M.); (J.-W.N.); (H.C.)
| | - Hyukjae Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea; (J.M.); (J.-W.N.); (H.C.)
- Research Institute of Cell Culture, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
| | - Yeun-Ja Mun
- Department of Anatomy, School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Korea;
- Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan 54538, Korea
| | - Seong-Soo Roh
- Department of Herbology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu 42158, Korea; (M.-R.S.); (J.A.L.); (M.K.); (S.L.); (M.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-770-2258
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Choi J, Kang S, Kim B, So S, Han J, Kim GN, Lee MY, Roh S, Lee JY, Oh SJ, Sung YH, Lee Y, Kim SH, Kang E. Efficient hepatic differentiation and regeneration potential under xeno-free conditions using mass-producible amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:569. [PMID: 34772451 PMCID: PMC8588618 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02470-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AM-MSCs) are an attractive source of stem cell therapy for patients with irreversible liver disease. However, there are obstacles to their use due to low efficiency and xeno-contamination for hepatic differentiation. METHODS We established an efficient protocol for differentiating AM-MSCs into hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) by analyzing transcriptome-sequencing data. Furthermore, to generate the xeno-free conditioned differentiation protocol, we replaced fetal bovine serum (FBS) with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). We investigated the hepatocyte functions with the expression of mRNA and protein, secretion of albumin, and activity of CYP3A4. Finally, to test the transplantable potential of HPCs, we transferred AM-MSCs along with hepatic progenitors after differentiated days 11, 12, and 13 based on the expression of hepatocyte-related genes and mitochondrial function. Further, we established a mouse model of acute liver failure using a thioacetamide (TAA) and cyclophosphamide monohydrate (CTX) and transplanted AM-HPCs in the mouse model through splenic injection. RESULTS We analyzed gene expression from RNA sequencing data in AM-MSCs and detected downregulation of hepatic development-associated genes including GATA6, KIT, AFP, c-MET, FGF2, EGF, and c-JUN, and upregulation of GSK3. Based on this result, we established an efficient hepatic differentiation protocol using the GSK3 inhibitor, CHIR99021. Replacing FBS with PVA resulted in improved differentiation ability, such as upregulation of hepatic maturation markers. The differentiated hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) not only synthesized and secreted albumin, but also metabolized drugs by the CYP3A4 enzyme. The best time for translation of AM-HPCs was 12 days from the start of differentiation. When the AM-HPCs were transplanted into the liver failure mouse model, they settled in the damaged livers and differentiated into hepatocytes. CONCLUSION This study offers an efficient and xeno-free conditioned hepatic differentiation protocol and shows that AM-HPCs could be used as transplantable therapeutic materials. Thus, we suggest that AM-MSC-derived HPCs are promising cells for treating liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwan Choi
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Present Address: Center for Embryo & Stem Cell Research, CHA Advanced Research Institute and Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi, 13488, South Korea
| | - Seoon Kang
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Present Address: Center for Embryo & Stem Cell Research, CHA Advanced Research Institute and Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi, 13488, South Korea
| | - Bitnara Kim
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Present Address: Center for Embryo & Stem Cell Research, CHA Advanced Research Institute and Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi, 13488, South Korea
| | - Seongjun So
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Jongsuk Han
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Present Address: Center for Embryo & Stem Cell Research, CHA Advanced Research Institute and Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi, 13488, South Korea
| | - Gyeong-Nam Kim
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Convergence Medicine Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Mi-Young Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Seonae Roh
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Lee
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center and Department of Convergence Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Soo Jin Oh
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center and Department of Convergence Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ulsan, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Convergence Medicine Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
| | - Yeonmi Lee
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea
- Present Address: Center for Embryo & Stem Cell Research, CHA Advanced Research Institute and Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi, 13488, South Korea
| | - Sung Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
| | - Eunju Kang
- Department of Medical Science, Asan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and Technology (AMIST), University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
- Stem Cell Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, 05505, South Korea.
- Present Address: Center for Embryo & Stem Cell Research, CHA Advanced Research Institute and Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi, 13488, South Korea.
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