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Khodayari N, Oshins R, Aranyos AM, Duarte S, Mostofizadeh S, Lu Y, Brantly M. Characterization of hepatic inflammatory changes in a C57BL/6J mouse model of alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 323:G594-G608. [PMID: 36256438 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00207.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a genetic disease caused by a hepatic accumulation of mutant alpha-1 antitrypsin (ZAAT). Individuals with AATD are prone to develop a chronic liver disease that remains undiagnosed until late stage of the disease. Here, we sought to characterize the liver pathophysiology of a human transgenic mouse model for AATD with a manifestation of liver disease compared with normal transgenic mice model. Male and female transgenic mice for normal (Pi*M) and mutant variant (Pi*Z) human alpha-1 antitrypsin at 3 and 6 mo of age were subjected to this study. The progression of hepatic ZAAT accumulation, hepatocyte injury, steatosis, liver inflammation, and fibrotic features were monitored by performing an in vivo study. We have also performed a Next-Gene transcriptomic analysis of the transgenic mice liver tissue 16 h after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration to delineate liver inflammatory response in Pi*Z mice as compared with Pi*M. Our results show hepatic ZAAT accumulation, followed by hepatocyte ballooning and liver steatosis developed at 3 mo in Pi*Z mice compared with the mice carrying normal variant of human alpha-1 antitrypsin. We observed higher levels of hepatic immune cell infiltrations in both 3- and 6-mo-old Pi*Z mice compared with Pi*M as an indication of liver inflammation. Liver fibrosis was observed as accumulation of collagen in 6-mo-old Pi*Z liver tissues compared with Pi*M control mice. Furthermore, the transcriptomic analysis revealed a dysregulated liver immune response to LPS in Pi*Z mice compared with Pi*M. Of particular interest for translational work, this study aims to establish a mouse model of AATD with a strong manifestation of liver disease that will be a valuable in vivo tool to study the pathophysiology of AATD-mediated liver disease. Our data suggest that the human transgenic mouse model of AATD could provide a suitable model for the evaluation of therapeutic approaches and preventive reagents against AATD-mediated liver disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We have characterized a mouse model of human alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency with a strong manifestation of liver disease that can be used as an in vivo tool to test preventive and therapeutic reagents. Our data explores the altered immunophenotype of alpha-1 antitrypsin-deficient liver macrophages and suggests a relationship between acute inflammation, immune response, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Khodayari
- Division of Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Regina Oshins
- Division of Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Alek M Aranyos
- Division of Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sergio Duarte
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Sayedamin Mostofizadeh
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Yuanqing Lu
- Division of Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mark Brantly
- Division of Pulmonary, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Ding Y, Liu P, Chen ZL, Zhang SJ, Wang YQ, Cai X, Luo L, Zhou X, Zhao L. Emodin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury via Inhibiting the TLR4 Signaling Pathway in vitro and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:962. [PMID: 30186181 PMCID: PMC6113398 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Emodin is an anthraquinone with potential anti-inflammatory properties. However, the possible molecular mechanisms and protective effects of emodin are not clear. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms and protective effects of emodin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury (ALI) via the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway in the Raw264.7 cell line and in Balb/c mice. Methods: This study established an inflammatory cellular model and induced an ALI animal model. TLR4 was overexpressed by lentivirus and downregulated by small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology. The mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and downstream molecules were detected in cells and liver tissue. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in supernatant and serum were determined by ELISA. The distribution and expression of mannose receptor C type 1 (CD206) and arginase 1 (ARG1) in the liver were tested by immunofluorescence. Mouse liver function and histopathological observations were assessed. Results: Administration of emodin reduced the protein and/or mRNA levels of TLR4 and its downstream molecules following LPS challenge in Raw264.7 cells and in an animal model. Additionally, emodin suppressed the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in cell culture supernatant and serum. The inhibitory effect of emodin was also confirmed in RAW264.7 cells, in which TLR4 was overexpressed or knocked down. Additionally, ARG1 and CD206 were elevated in the emodin groups. Emodin also decreased serum ALT and AST levels and alleviated the liver histopathological damage induced by LPS. Conclusion: Emodin showed excellent hepatoprotective effects against LPS-induced ALI, possibly by inhibiting TLR4 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Pan Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Lin Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shao-Jun Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center for High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio-resources, Hubei University, Wuhan, China
| | - You-Qin Wang
- Graduate School of Jinzhou Medical University, Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xin Cai
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Luo
- School of Clinical Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Mitchell EL, Khan Z. Liver Disease in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency: Current Approaches and Future Directions. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2017; 5:243-252. [PMID: 29399420 PMCID: PMC5780543 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-017-0147-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review The aim of the study is to review the liver disease caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD), including pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnostic testing, and recent therapeutic developments. Recent Findings Therapeutic approaches target several intracellular pathways to reduce the cytotoxic effects of the misfolded mutant globular protein (ATZ) on the hepatocyte. These include promoting ATZ transport out of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), enhancing ATZ degradation, and preventing ATZ globule-aggregation. Summary A1ATD is the leading genetic cause of liver disease among children. It is a protein-folding disorder in which toxic insoluble ATZ proteins aggregate in the ER of hepatocytes leading to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. The absence of the normal A1AT serum protein also predisposes patients to pan lobar emphysema as adults. At this time, the only approved therapy for A1ATD-associated liver disease is orthotopic liver transplantation, which is curative. However, there has been significant recent progress in the development of small molecule therapies with potential both to preserve the native liver and prevent hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen L Mitchell
- 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Faculty Pavilion 6th Fl, Pittsburgh, PA 15224-1334 USA.,2Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Zahida Khan
- 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, 4401 Penn Avenue, Faculty Pavilion 6th Fl, Pittsburgh, PA 15224-1334 USA.,2Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA.,3Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA.,4McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA.,5Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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Khan Z, Yokota S, Ono Y, Bell AW, Oertel M, Stolz DB, Michalopoulos GK. Bile Duct Ligation Induces ATZ Globule Clearance in a Mouse Model of α-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency. Gene Expr 2017; 17:115-127. [PMID: 27938510 PMCID: PMC5296240 DOI: 10.3727/105221616x692991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
α-1 Antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; however, not all patients are susceptible to severe liver disease. In A1ATD, a toxic gain-of-function mutation generates insoluble ATZ "globules" in hepatocytes, overwhelming protein clearance mechanisms. The relationship between bile acids and hepatocytic autophagy is less clear but may involve altered gene expression pathways. Based on previous findings that bile duct ligation (BDL) induces autophagy, we hypothesized that retained bile acids may have hepatoprotective effects in PiZZ transgenic mice, which model A1ATD. We performed BDL and partial BDL (pBDL) in PiZZ mice, followed by analysis of liver tissues. PiZZ liver subjected to BDL showed up to 50% clearance of ATZ globules, with increased expression of autophagy proteins. Analysis of transcription factors revealed significant changes. Surprisingly nuclear TFEB, a master regulator of autophagy, remained unchanged. pBDL confirmed that ATZ globule clearance was induced by localized stimuli rather than diet or systemic effects. Several genes involved in bile metabolism were overexpressed in globule-devoid hepatocytes, compared to globule-containing cells. Retained bile acids led to a dramatic reduction of ATZ globules, with enhanced hepatocyte regeneration and autophagy. These findings support investigation of synthetic bile acids as potential autophagy-enhancing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahida Khan
- *Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shinichiro Yokota
- §Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ¶Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ono
- §Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Aaron W. Bell
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael Oertel
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Donna B. Stolz
- ‡McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- #Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - George K. Michalopoulos
- †Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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