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Fukasawa H, Hashimoto R, Hagihara K, Takahashi I, Sugiyama M, Yoshioka K. Histological species differences among chickens, rats, and mice in experimental cholestasis by bile duct ligation. Res Vet Sci 2024; 176:105343. [PMID: 38970869 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105343] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Cholestasis is a hepatic disease reported in humans, dogs, and chickens and is characterized by various signs. Bile duct ligation (BDL) is a standard model for research in cholestasis in male rats and mice. However, the timing and degree of structural changes in BDL-subjected liver differ in the two animal species. This study focused on chickens as a choice model for cholestasis. Specifically, we aimed to evaluate the features of BDL in hens and compare them with those in rats and mice. Eighteen hens, 19 female ICR mice, and 18 female SD rats were randomly divided into the sham-operated and BDL groups. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks after BDL, and 4 weeks after the sham operation, liver and blood samples were collected and analyzed histologically and biochemically. Histologically, bile duct proliferation in BDL-subjected livers was first observed in the chickens and then the rats and mice, whereas CD44-positive small hepatocytes were observed only in chickens in the BDL group. Biochemically, the mRNA expression of the hepatocyte growth factor was higher in BDL-subjected chickens, while Interleukin 6 expression was higher in the BDL-subjected rats and mice than in animals in the sham group. In addition, farnesoid X receptor mRNA expression was lower in the BDL-subjected chickens than in the sham chickens. The BDL group had significantly higher total bile acid blood concentration than the sham group. In conclusion, the signs of hepatopathy caused by BDL differ among animal species. Furthermore, we propose that compared to BDL-subjected mice and rats, BDL-subjected chickens are a novel cholestasis animal model that demonstrates severe hepatopathy and liver restructuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanae Fukasawa
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan.
| | - Ryunosuke Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kodai Hagihara
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Ikumi Takahashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Makoto Sugiyama
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
| | - Kazuki Yoshioka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy, School of Veterinary Medicine, Kitasato University, Aomori, Japan
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Gunardi H, Alatas FS, Antarianto RD, Rahayatri TH. The Effect of Intrahepatic and Intrasplenic Administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cell to Liver Function and Degree of Liver Fibrosis in Common Bile Duct Ligation Model in Rabbit. J Pediatr Surg 2024; 59:634-639. [PMID: 38160190 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2023.12.004] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) is a promising alternative method in liver cirrhosis management. Several administration routes of MSC have been studied, but few studies compared one to another. The purpose of this study is to compare the intrahepatic and intrasplenic route of MSC administration in terms of liver function and degree of liver fibrosis in the bile duct ligation model in rabbits. METHOD Experimental study was conducted using rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) model undergoing bile duct ligation (BDL). The subjects were randomized into 4 groups: sham surgery; bile duct ligation; bile duct ligation followed by intrahepatic route of MSC (BDL + IH MSC), and bile duct ligation followed by intrasplenic route of MSC (BDL + IS MSC). Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC MSC) was administered on the fifth day after bile duct ligation, and the subjects were observed until the fourteenth day after bile duct ligation. The liver function was evaluated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total and direct bilirubin. The degree of fibrosis was evaluated with Laennec score, fibrosis area fraction, the number of viable and necrosis hepatocytes, and the number of hepatic progenitor cells. RESULT The subjects were randomized into 4 groups: 2 in sham surgery group, and 7 in each of the following groups: BDL, BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups. The mortality rate in BDL group was 57.1 %, while mortality in BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups were 14.3 % and 28.6 % respectively. No significant difference was found regarding liver function in each group, such as AST, ALT, total, and direct bilirubin. Histopathology examination in almost every subject undergone bile duct ligation (regardless of MSC administration) showed degree of fibrosis of Laennec 4B. Fibrosis area fraction, the number of viable and necrotic hepatocytes, and progenitor cells were analyzed; no significant difference was found between BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups, but the groups administered with MSC showed a larger number of viable hepatocytes compared to BDL group. No difference was found between BDL + IH MSC and BDL + IS MSC groups in terms of liver function and histologic parameters. CONCLUSION Administration of MSC increases the number of viable hepatocytes, but no difference was found in terms of liver function and degree of liver fibrosis between the intrahepatic route and intrasplenic route of administration. TYPE OF STUDY Animal Research, Randomized Controlled Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level I? (animal research is not indicated in the levels of evidence table in the journal website).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hardian Gunardi
- Pediatric Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Fatima Safira Alatas
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Tri Hening Rahayatri
- Pediatric Surgery Division, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
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Lee YS, Seki E. In Vivo and In Vitro Models to Study Liver Fibrosis: Mechanisms and Limitations. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:355-367. [PMID: 37270060 PMCID: PMC10444957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common result of liver injury owing to various kinds of chronic liver diseases. A deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and identifying potential therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis is important because liver fibrosis may progress to advanced liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite numerous studies, the underlying mechanisms of liver fibrosis remain unclear. Mechanisms of the development and progression of liver fibrosis differ according to etiologies. Therefore, appropriate liver fibrosis models should be selected according to the purpose of the study and the type of underlying disease. Many in vivo animal and in vitro models have been developed to study liver fibrosis. However, there are no perfect preclinical models for liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the current in vivo and in vitro models for studying liver fibrosis and highlight emerging in vitro models, including organoids and liver-on-a-chip models. In addition, we discuss the mechanisms and limitations of each model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Sun Lee
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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Guedes PLR, Carvalho CPF, Carbonel AAF, Simões MJ, Icimoto MY, Aguiar JAK, Kouyoumdjian M, Gazarini ML, Nagaoka MR. Chondroitin Sulfate Protects the Liver in an Experimental Model of Extra-Hepatic Cholestasis Induced by Common Bile Duct Ligation. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27030654. [PMID: 35163920 PMCID: PMC8839946 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27030654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During liver fibrogenesis, there is an imbalance between regeneration and wound healing. The current treatment is the withdrawal of the causing agent; thus, investigation of new and effective treatments is important. Studies have highlighted the action of chondroitin sulfate (CS) in different cells; thus, our aim was to analyze its effect on an experimental model of bile duct ligation (BDL). Adult Wistar rats were subjected to BDL and treated with CS for 7, 14, 21, or 28 days intraperitoneally. We performed histomorphometric analyses on Picrosirius-stained liver sections. Cell death was analyzed according to caspase-3 and cathepsin B activity and using a TUNEL assay. Regeneration was evaluated using PCNA immunohistochemistry. BDL led to increased collagen content with corresponding decreased liver parenchyma. CS treatment reduced total collagen and increased parenchyma content after 21 and 28 days. The treatment also promoted changes in the hepatic collagen type III/I ratio. Furthermore, it was observed that CS treatment reduced caspase-3 activity and the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells after 14 days and cathepsin B activity only after 28 days. The regeneration increased after 14, 21, and 28 days of CS treatment. In conclusion, our study showed a promising hepatoprotective action of CS in fibrogenesis induced by BDL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro L. R. Guedes
- Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil;
| | - Carolina P. F. Carvalho
- Department of Biosciences, Instituto Saúde Sociedade, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos 11015-020, Brazil; (C.P.F.C.); (M.L.G.)
| | - Adriana A. F. Carbonel
- Department of Gynecology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-001, Brazil;
| | - Manuel J. Simões
- Department of Morphology and Genetic, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-900, Brazil;
| | - Marcelo Y. Icimoto
- Department of Biophysics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04039-032, Brazil;
| | - Jair A. K. Aguiar
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora 36036-900, Brazil;
| | - Maria Kouyoumdjian
- Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil;
| | - Marcos L. Gazarini
- Department of Biosciences, Instituto Saúde Sociedade, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos 11015-020, Brazil; (C.P.F.C.); (M.L.G.)
| | - Marcia R. Nagaoka
- Department of Biosciences, Instituto Saúde Sociedade, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos 11015-020, Brazil; (C.P.F.C.); (M.L.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Hashizume N, Shin R, Akiba J, Sotogaku N, Asagiri K, Hikida S, Fukahori S, Ishii S, Saikusa N, Koga Y, Egami H, Tanaka Y, Nishi A, Yagi M. The herbal medicines Inchinkoto and Saireito improved hepatic fibrosis via aquaporin 9 in the liver of a rat bile duct ligation model. Pediatr Surg Int 2021; 37:1079-1088. [PMID: 33710364 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-021-04882-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if the administration of the Japanese herbal medicines Inchinkoto (ICKT) and Saireito (SRT) ameliorate hepatic fibrosis and derangement of hepatocyte aquaporins (AQPs) following bile duct ligation (BDL) in a rat model of obstructive cholestasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five groups of Wistar rats were used, and the groups included sham surgery (Sham group), BDL with no treatment (NT group), BDL plus ICKT (ICKT group), BDL plus SRT (SRT group), and BDL plus ICKT and SRT (SRT/ICKT group). Each herbal medicine was administered at 1 g/kg/day on the first postoperative day. The serum levels and various clinical markers were measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Staining was used to evaluate the degree of fibrosis and the inflammatory responses. RESULTS Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in the ICKT and SRT/ICKT groups were significantly lower than those in the NT group. NF-κB mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the ICKT group and the SRT/ICKT group compared with the NT group. AQP9 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the ICKT group and the SRT/ICKT group compared with the NT group. The degree of Masson's trichrome staining in the SRT/ICKT group was significantly lower than that in the NT group. The degree of NF-κB staining in the SRT/ICKT group was significantly lower than that in the NT, ICKT, or SRT group. CONCLUSIONS The postoperative administration of ICKT and SRT induced synergistic beneficial effects, resulting in the reduction of hepatic fibrosis via mechanisms involving the inhibition of NF-κB expression and the improvement of AQP9 downregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Hashizume
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan.
| | - Ryusuke Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Jun Akiba
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Naoki Sotogaku
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Kimio Asagiri
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Shigeki Hikida
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Suguru Fukahori
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Shinji Ishii
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Saikusa
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Koga
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Hideaki Egami
- Department of Innovative Kampo Medicine, Kurume University Medical Center, Kurume, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Tanaka
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan.,Division of Medical Safety Management, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Akinori Nishi
- Department of Pharmacology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Minoru Yagi
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan
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Berquist MD, McGill MR, Mazur A, Findley DL, Gorman G, Jones CB, Hambuchen MD. Effect of bile duct ligation-induced liver dysfunction on methamphetamine pharmacokinetics in male and female rats. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 215:108190. [PMID: 32736295 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several disease states commonly associated with methamphetamine (METH) use produce liver dysfunction, and in the bile duct ligation (BDL) model of hepatic dysfunction, rats with liver injury are more sensitive to METH effects. Additionally, both female rats and humans are known to be more sensitive to METH than males. In consideration of known sex-dependent differences in METH pharmacokinetics, this study sought to determine the potential interaction between sex and liver dysfunction variables on METH pharmacokinetics. METHODS Sham or BDL surgery was performed on male and female rats on day 0. Serum biomarker and pharmacokinetics studies with 3 mg/kg subcutaneous (SC) METH were performed on day 7. METH-induced weight loss was measured on day 8. Liver histology evaluation and brain METH concentration measurements were performed on day 9. RESULTS While BDL surgery produced significantly elevated alanine aminotransferase and bile duct proliferation in male compared to female rats, there were no significant interactions between sex and liver function in the pharmacokinetic parameters. Both liver dysfunction and female sex, however, were associated with significantly slower METH serum clearance and significantly higher brain METH concentrations (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS BDL-induced hepatic dysfunction produces substantial reductions in METH clearance and increased brain METH concentrations in both male and female rats, despite less liver injury in females. This preclinical model may be useful to identify and correct potential liver dysfunction comorbidity-related problems with future pharmacotherapy for stimulant use disorder with METH prior to expensive clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Berquist
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Mitchell R McGill
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham Street, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA
| | - Anna Mazur
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marshall University School of Medicine, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
| | - David L Findley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
| | - Greg Gorman
- Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, Samford University McWhorter School of Pharmacy, 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL, 35209, USA
| | - Cynthia B Jones
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA
| | - Michael D Hambuchen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, 1 John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV, 25755, USA.
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Hambuchen MD, Berquist MD, Simecka CM, McGill MR, Gunnell MG, Hendrickson HP, Owens SM. Effect of Bile Duct Ligation-induced Liver Dysfunction on Methamphetamine Pharmacokinetics and Locomotor Activity in Rats. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES 2020; 22:301-312. [PMID: 31329536 DOI: 10.18433/jpps30471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Methamphetamine (METH) abuse is associated with hepatic dysfunction related comorbidities such as HIV, hepatitis C, and polysubstance abuse with acetaminophen-containing opioid formulations. We aimed to develop a bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatic dysfunction model for studying both METH and experimental treatments for METH abuse in this comorbidity. METHODS Sham or BDL surgery was performed in male Wistar rats on day 0. Liver function was measured throughout the study. On days 7 and 19, serum pharmacokinetics studies were performed with 1 mg/kg subcutaneous (sc) METH. On day 21, this dose was repeated to determine 2 h post-METH brain concentrations. METH-induced open field behaviors were measured every other day (days 12 - 16) with ascending sc doses (0.3 - 3 mg/kg). RESULTS BDL transiently increased alanine aminotransferase levels and altered liver structure, which resulted in significantly greater METH serum and brain exposure. In the BDL compared to sham group, there was a longer duration of METH-induced locomotor activity (after 1 and 3 mg/kg) and stereotypy (after 3 mg/kg). CONCLUSIONS In rats, liver dysfunction reduced METH clearance, increased brain METH concentrations, and enhanced METH effects on locomotor activity in a dose dependent manner. In addition, this model could be further developed to simulate the associated hepatic dysfunction of key METH abuse comorbidities for preclinical testing of novel pharmacotherapies for effectiveness and/or toxicity in vulnerable populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Hambuchen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Huntington, WV, USA. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Shao T, Chen Z, Belov V, Wang X, Rwema SH, Kumar V, Fu H, Deng X, Rong J, Yu Q, Lang L, Lin W, Josephson L, Samir AE, Chen X, Chung RT, Liang SH. [ 18F]-Alfatide PET imaging of integrin αvβ3 for the non-invasive quantification of liver fibrosis. J Hepatol 2020; 73:161-169. [PMID: 32145257 PMCID: PMC7363052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The vitronectin receptor integrin αvβ3 drives fibrogenic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Molecular imaging targeting the integrin αvβ3 could provide a non-invasive method for evaluating the expression and the function of the integrin αvβ3 on activated HSCs (aHSCs) in the injured liver. In this study, we sought to compare differences in the uptake of [18F]-Alfatide between normal and injured liver to evaluate its utility for assessment of hepatic fibrogenesis. METHODS PET with [18F]-Alfatide, non-enhanced CT, histopathology, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting and gene analysis were performed to evaluate and quantify hepatic integrin αvβ3 levels and liver fibrosis progression in mouse models of fibrosis (carbon tetrachloride [CCl4] and bile duct ligation [BDL]). The liver AUC divided by the blood AUC over 30 min was used as an integrin αvβ3-PET index to quantify fibrosis progression. Ex vivo analysis of frozen liver tissue from patients with fibrosis and cirrhosis verified the animal findings. RESULTS Fibrotic mouse livers showed enhanced [18F]-Alfatide uptake and retention compared to control livers. The radiotracer was demonstrated to bind specifically with integrin αvβ3, which is mainly expressed on aHSCs. Autoradiography and histopathology confirmed the PET imaging results. Further, the mRNA and protein level of integrin αvβ3 and its signaling complex were higher in CCl4 and BDL models than controls. The results obtained from analyses on human fibrotic liver sections supported the animal findings. CONCLUSIONS Imaging hepatic integrin αvβ3 with PET and [18F]-Alfatide offers a potential non-invasive method for monitoring the progression of liver fibrosis. LAY SUMMARY Integrin αvβ3 expression on activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) is associated with HSC proliferation during hepatic fibrogenesis. Herein, we show that a radioactive tracer, [18F]-Alfatide, binds to integrin αvβ3 with high affinity and specificity. [18F]-Alfatide could thus be used as a non-invasive imaging biomarker to track hepatic fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Shao
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA; Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Zhen Chen
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Vasily Belov
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, USA
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Center for Ultrasound Research & Translation, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Steve H Rwema
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Viksit Kumar
- Center for Ultrasound Research & Translation, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Hualong Fu
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Deng
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Jian Rong
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Qingzhen Yu
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Lixin Lang
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Wenyu Lin
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Lee Josephson
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Anthony E Samir
- Center for Ultrasound Research & Translation, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
| | - Steven H Liang
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
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Wu YL, Li ZL, Zhang XB, Liu H. Yinchenhao decoction attenuates obstructive jaundice-induced liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis by suppressing protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase-induced pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:6205-6221. [PMID: 31749592 PMCID: PMC6848016 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i41.6205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic biliary obstruction results in ischemia and hypoxia of hepatocytes, and leads to apoptosis. Apoptosis is very important in regulating the homeostasis of the hepatobiliary system. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is one of the signaling pathways that induce apoptosis. Moreover, the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)-induced apoptotic pathway is the main way; but its role in liver injury remains unclear. Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that alleviates liver injury and apoptosis, yet its mechanism is unknown. We undertook this study to investigate the effects of YCHD on the expression of ER stress proteins and hepatocyte apoptosis in rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ).
AIM To investigate whether YCHD can attenuate OJ-induced liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the PERK-CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP)-growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible protein 34 (GADD34) pathway and B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 related X protein (Bax)/B cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 (Bcl-2) ratio.
METHODS For in vivo experiments, 30 rats were divided into three groups: control group, OJ model group, and YCHD-treated group. Blood was collected to detect the indicators of liver function, and liver tissues were used for histological analysis. For in vitro experiments, 30 rats were divided into three groups: G1, G2, and G3. The rats in group G1 had their bile duct exposed without ligation, the rats in group G2 underwent total bile duct ligation, and the rats in group G3 were given a gavage of YCHD. According to the serum pharmacology, serum was extracted and centrifuged from the rat blood to cultivate the BRL-3A cells. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) assay was used to detect BRL-3A hepatocyte apoptosis. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in the medium were detected. Western blot and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses were used to detect protein and gene expression levels of PERK, CHOP, GADD34, Bax, and Bcl-2 in the liver tissues and BRL-3A cells.
RESULTS Biochemical assays and haematoxylin and eosin staining suggested severe liver function injury and liver tissue structure damage in the OJ model group. The TUNEL assay showed that massive BRL-3A rat hepatocyte apoptosis was induced by OJ. Elevated ALT and AST levels in the medium also demonstrated that hepatocytes could be destroyed by OJ. Western blot or qRT-PCR analyses showed that the protein and mRNA expression levels of PERK, CHOP, and GADD34 were significantly increased both in the rat liver tissue and BRL-3A rat hepatocytes by OJ. The Bax and Bcl-2 levels were increased, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was also increased. When YCHD was used, the PERK, CHOP, GADD34, and Bax levels quickly decreased, while the Bcl-2 levels increased, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio decreased.
CONCLUSION OJ-induced liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis are associated with the activation of the PERK-CHOP-GADD34 pathway and increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. YCHD can attenuate these changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Li Wu
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhong-Lian Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, China
| | - Xi-Bo Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin 300100, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
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Mahmoud HM, Osman M, Elshabrawy O, Abdallah HMI, Khairallah A. AM-1241 CB2 Receptor Agonist Attenuates Inflammation, Apoptosis and Stimulate Progenitor Cells in Bile Duct Ligated Rats. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2019; 7:925-936. [PMID: 30976335 PMCID: PMC6454175 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) plays a pleiotropic role in the innate immunity and is considered a crucial mediator of liver disease. Cannabinoid CB2 receptor activation has been reported to attenuate liver fibrosis in CCl4 exposed mice and also plays a potential role in liver regeneration in a mouse model of I/R and protection against alcohol-induced liver injury. AIM: In this study, we investigated the impact of CB2 receptors on the antifibrotic and regenerative process associated with cholestatic liver injury. METHODS: Twenty-six rats had bile duct ligation co-treated with silymarin and AM1241 for 3 consecutive weeks. Serum hepatotoxicity markers were determined, and histopathological evaluation was performed. RESULTS: Following bile duct ligation (BDL) for 3 weeks, there was increased aminotransferase levels, marked inflammatory infiltration and hepatocyte apoptosis with induced oxidative stress, as reflected by increased lipid peroxidation. Conversely, following treatment with the CB2 agonist, AM-1241, BDL rats displayed a reduction in liver injury and attenuation of fibrosis as reflected by expression of hydroxyproline and α-smooth muscle actin. AM1241 treatment also significantly attenuated lipid peroxidation end-products, p53-dependent apoptosis and also attenuated inflammatory process by stimulating IL-10 production. Moreover, AM1241 treated rats were associated with significant expression of hepatic progenitor/oval cell markers. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study points out that CB2 receptors reduce liver injury and promote liver regeneration via distinct mechanisms including IL-10 dependent inhibition of inflammation, reduction of p53-reliant apoptosis and through stimulation of oval/progenitor cells. These results suggest that CB2 agonists display potent hepatoregenrative properties, in addition to their antifibrogenic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham M Mahmoud
- Cairo University Kasr Alainy, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona Osman
- Cairo University Kasr Alainy, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacology, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | - Ahmed Khairallah
- Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Cairo 11211, Egypt
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Stefanovic B, Manojlovic Z, Vied C, Badger CD, Stefanovic L. Discovery and evaluation of inhibitor of LARP6 as specific antifibrotic compound. Sci Rep 2019; 9:326. [PMID: 30674965 PMCID: PMC6344531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36841-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by excessive production of type I collagen. Biosynthesis of type I collagen in fibrosis is augmented by binding of protein LARP6 to the 5' stem-loop structure (5'SL), which is found exclusively in type I collagen mRNAs. A high throughput screen was performed to discover inhibitors of LARP6 binding to 5'SL, as potential antifibrotic drugs. The screen yielded one compound (C9) which was able to dissociate LARP6 from 5' SL RNA in vitro and to inactivate the binding of endogenous LARP6 in cells. Treatment of hepatic stellate cells (liver cells responsible for fibrosis) with nM concentrations of C9 reduced secretion of type I collagen. In precision cut liver slices, as an ex vivo model of hepatic fibrosis, C9 attenuated the profibrotic response at 1 μM. In prophylactic and therapeutic animal models of hepatic fibrosis C9 prevented development of fibrosis or hindered the progression of ongoing fibrosis when administered at 1 mg/kg. Toxicogenetics analysis revealed that only 42 liver genes changed expression after administration of C9 for 4 weeks, suggesting minimal off target effects. Based on these results, C9 represents the first LARP6 inhibitor with significant antifibrotic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branko Stefanovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA.
| | - Zarko Manojlovic
- Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street, NRT 4510, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Cynthia Vied
- Translational Science Laboratory, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Crystal-Dawn Badger
- Translational Science Laboratory, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility, Colorado State University, 401 West Pitkin Street, Fort Collins, CO, 80521, USA
| | - Lela Stefanovic
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, 1115 West Call Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
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Shin SK, Kwon OS, Lee JJ, Park YH, Choi CS, Jeong SH, Choi DJ, Kim YS, Kim JH. Effect of Rifaximin on Hepatic Fibrosis in Bile Duct-ligated Rat Model. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2017; 70:239-246. [PMID: 29161793 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2017.70.5.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background/Aims The translocation of bacteria and their lipopolysaccharides from the gut can promote fibrosis in cirrhotic patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rifaximin on hepatic fibrosis in a bile duct-ligated rat model. Methods The bile duct ligation (BDL) was carried out for eight days (acute injury model: sham-operated rats [G1], BDL rats [G2], and BDL rats treated with rifaximin [G3]) or 22 days (chronic injury model: sham-operated rats [G4], BDL rats [G5], and BDL rats treated with rifaximin [G6]). Rifaximin (50 mg/kg/day) was administered daily via gavage after BDL. Liver function, serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and hepatic hydroxyproline levels were measured. Moreover, a histological analysis of fibrosis contents was performed using sirius red stain. Results In the acute injury model, the liver function and TNF-α level were not improved after the rifaximin treatment. The hydroxyproline levels (µg/g liver tissue) in G1, G2, and G3 were 236.4±103.1, 444.8±114.4, and 312.5±131.6, respectively; and fibrosis contents (%) were 0.22±0.04, 1.64±0.53, and 1.66±0.44, respectively. The rifaximin treatment did not ameliorate acute BDL-induced fibrosis. In the chronic injury model, the hydroxyproline levels in G4, G5, and G6 were 311.5±72.9, 1,110.3±357.9, and 944.3±209.3, respectively; and fibrosis contents (%) were 0.19±0.03, 5.04±0.18, and 4.42±0.68, respectively (G5 vs. G6, p=0.059). The rifaximin treatment marginally ameliorated chronic BDL-induced fibrosis. Conclusions Rifaximin did not reduce inflammation and fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Oh Sang Kwon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Jong Joon Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yeon Ho Park
- Department of Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Cheol Soo Choi
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sung Hwan Jeong
- Division Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Duck Joo Choi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Yun Soo Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea
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Gabbia D, Pozza AD, Albertoni L, Lazzari R, Zigiotto G, Carrara M, Baldo V, Baldovin T, Floreani A, Martin SD. Pregnane X receptor and constitutive androstane receptor modulate differently CYP3A-mediated metabolism in early- and late-stage cholestasis. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:7519-7530. [PMID: 29204052 PMCID: PMC5698245 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i42.7519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To ascertain whether cholestasis affects the expression of two CYP3A isoforms (CYP3A1 and CYP3A2) and of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR).
METHODS Cholestasis was induced by bile duct ligation in 16 male Wistar rats; whereas 8 sham-operated rats were used as controls. Severity of cholestasis was assessed on histological examination of liver sections, and serum concentrations of albumin, AST, ALT, GGT, ALPK and bilirubin. Gene and protein expressions of PXR, CAR, CYP3A1 and CYP3A2 were assessed by means of qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Alterations in CYP3A activity were measured by calculating the kinetic parameters of 4-OH and 1’-OH-midazolam hydroxylation, marker reactions for CYP3A enzymes.
RESULTS The mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A1 increased significantly in mild cholestasis (P < 0.01). At variance, mRNA and protein expression of CYP3A2 didn’t change in mild cholestasis, whereas the expression and activity of both CYP3A1 and CYP3A2 decreased dramatically when cholestasis became severe. Consistently with these observations, the nuclear expression of both PXR and CAR, which was measured because they both translocate into the cell nucleus after their activation, virtually disappeared in the late stage of cholestatic injury, after an initial increase. These results indicate that early- and late-stage cholestasis affects CYP3A-mediated drug metabolism differently, probably as consequence of the different activation of PXR and CAR.
CONCLUSION Early- and late-stage cholestasis affects CYP3A-mediated drug metabolism differently. PXR and CAR might be targeted therapeutically to promote CYP3A-mediated liver detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Arianna Dalla Pozza
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Laura Albertoni
- Department of Medicine, General Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Roberta Lazzari
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Giorgia Zigiotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Maria Carrara
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Baldo
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Tatjana Baldovin
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences, Hygiene and Public Health Unit, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Annarosa Floreani
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy
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Yovchev MI, Locker J, Oertel M. Biliary fibrosis drives liver repopulation and phenotype transition of transplanted hepatocytes. J Hepatol 2016; 64:1348-57. [PMID: 26855174 PMCID: PMC5137249 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Current research focuses on developing alternative strategies to restore decreased liver mass prior to the onset of end-stage liver disease. Cell engraftment/repopulation requires regeneration in normal liver, but we have shown that severe liver injury stimulates repopulation without partial hepatectomy (PH). We have now investigated whether a less severe injury, secondary biliary fibrosis, would drive engraftment/repopulation of ectopically transplanted mature hepatocytes. METHODS Ductular proliferation and progressive fibrosis in dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPPIV)(-) F344 rats was induced by common bile duct ligation (BDL). Purified DPPIV(+)/green fluorescent protein (GFP)(+) hepatocytes were infused without PH into the spleen of BDL rats and compared to rats without BDL. RESULTS Within one week, transplanted hepatocytes were detected in hepatic portal areas and at the periphery of expanding portal regions. DPPIV(+)/GFP(+) repopulating cell clusters of different sizes were observed in BDL rats but not untreated normal recipients. Surprisingly, some engrafted hepatocytes formed CK-19/claudin-7 expressing epithelial cells resembling cholangiocytes within repopulating clusters. In addition, substantial numbers of hepatocytes engrafted at the intrasplenic injection site assembled into multicellular groups. These also showed biliary "transdifferentiation" in the majority of intrasplenic injection sites of rats that received BDL but not in untreated recipients. PCR array analysis showed upregulation of osteopontin (SPP1). Cell culture studies demonstrated increased Itgβ4, HNF1β, HNF6, Sox-9, and CK-19 mRNA expression in hepatocytes incubated with osteopontin, suggesting that this secreted protein promotes dedifferentiation of hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Our studies show that biliary fibrosis stimulates liver repopulation by ectopically transplanted hepatocytes and also stimulates hepatocyte transition towards a biliary epithelial phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mladen I Yovchev
- Dept. of Pathology (Division of Experimental Pathology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Joseph Locker
- Dept. of Pathology (Division of Experimental Pathology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael Oertel
- Dept. of Pathology (Division of Experimental Pathology), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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Tag CG, Weiskirchen S, Hittatiya K, Tacke F, Tolba RH, Weiskirchen R. Induction of experimental obstructive cholestasis in mice. Lab Anim 2015; 49:70-80. [PMID: 25835740 DOI: 10.1177/0023677214567748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The induction of experimental obstructive cholestasis is a reliable model for cholestatic liver diseases in rodents. Bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice provokes typical time-dependent morphological and structural changes in the liver, ranging from liver cell injury and elevated serum enzyme levels after several days, to a severe inflammatory response in the liver after 5-7 days, up to an advanced hepatic fibrosis as soon as three to four weeks after surgical ligation of the common biliary duct. Upon BDL induction, hepatic stellate cells become activated and transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts that produce extracellular matrix proteins such as collagen. In principle, the periportal fibrosis induced by BDL in rat livers is reversible. After the relief of a biliary obstruction, the liver has the capacity to revert to a nearly normal histological architecture and a fully normal biochemical function. When BDL surgery is performed by an experienced scientist, this model has very high reproducibility among all fibrotic models. All these factors corroborate the outstanding value of this model for basic and translational research in biomedicine and hepatology. Nevertheless, this model can result in significant variations when surgery is carried out by untrained personnel or when unconscious modifications are implemented that affect the quality of the intervention. A detailed protocol is provided here for the provision of reliable and reproducible BDL in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Tag
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - S Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - K Hittatiya
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - F Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - R H Tolba
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH University Aachen, Aachen, Germany for the Transregional Collaborative Research Center 'Organ Fibrosis: From Mechanisms of Injury to Modulation of Disease' (SFB/TRR57)
| | - R Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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16
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Animal models of hepatotoxicity. Inflamm Res 2015; 65:13-24. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-015-0883-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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17
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The role of rosuvastatin in experimentally induced hepatic cholestasis in adult male albino rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1097/01.ehx.0000464733.26091.6b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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18
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Delire B, Stärkel P, Leclercq I. Animal Models for Fibrotic Liver Diseases: What We Have, What We Need, and What Is under Development. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2015; 3:53-66. [PMID: 26357635 PMCID: PMC4542084 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2014.00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2014] [Revised: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is part of the wound-healing response to liver damage of various origins and represents a major health problem. Although our understanding of the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis has grown considerably over the last 20 years, effective antifibrotic therapies are still lacking. The use of animal models is crucial for determining mechanisms underlying initiation, progression, and resolution of fibrosis and for developing novel therapies. To date, no animal model can recapitulate all the hepatic and extra-hepatic features of liver disease. In this review, we will discuss the current rodent models of liver injuries. We will then focus on the available ways to target specifically particular compounds of fibrogenesis and on the new models of liver diseases like the humanized liver mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Delire
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Stärkel
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saint-Luc Academic Hospital and Institute of Clinical Research, Catholic University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Leclercq
- Laboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Catholic University of Louvain (UCL), Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence to: Isabelle Leclercq, Laboratoire d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue E Mounier 53, Box B1.52.01, Brussels 1200, Belgium. Tel: +32-27645379, Fax: +32-27645346. E-mail:
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Tag CG, Sauer-Lehnen S, Weiskirchen S, Borkham-Kamphorst E, Tolba RH, Tacke F, Weiskirchen R. Bile duct ligation in mice: induction of inflammatory liver injury and fibrosis by obstructive cholestasis. J Vis Exp 2015. [PMID: 25741630 PMCID: PMC4354634 DOI: 10.3791/52438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In most vertebrates, the liver produces bile that is necessary to emulsify absorbed fats and enable the digestion of lipids in the small intestine as well as to excrete bilirubin and other metabolic products. In the liver, the experimental obstruction of the extrahepatic biliary system initiates a complex cascade of pathological events that leads to cholestasis and inflammation resulting in a strong fibrotic reaction originating from the periportal fields. Therefore, surgical ligation of the common bile duct has become the most commonly used model to induce obstructive cholestatic injury in rodents and to study the molecular and cellular events that underlie these pathophysiological mechanisms induced by inappropriate bile flow. In recent years, different surgical techniques have been described that either allow reconnection or reanastomosis after bile duct ligation (BDL), e.g., partial BDL, or other microsurgical methods for specific research questions. However, the most frequently used model is the complete obstruction of the common bile duct that induces a strong fibrotic response after 21 to 28 days. The mortality rate can be high due to infectious complications or technical inaccuracies. Here we provide a detailed surgical procedure for the BDL model in mice that induce a highly reproducible fibrotic response in accordance to the 3R rule for animal welfare postulated by Russel and Burch in 1959.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen G Tag
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University
| | - Sibille Sauer-Lehnen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University
| | - Erawan Borkham-Kamphorst
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University
| | - René H Tolba
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Experimental Surgery, RWTH Aachen University
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH Aachen University;
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Bannert K, Kuhla A, Abshagen K, Vollmar B. Anti-apoptotic therapeutic approaches in liver diseases: do they really make sense? Apoptosis 2015; 19:1243-53. [PMID: 24872082 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-014-1004-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A variety of data suggesting apoptotic cell death as a key feature of liver injury stimulated researchers to investigate the therapeutic potential of anti-apoptotic strategies in experimental models. However, the overestimated role of apoptotic cell death in liver injury has tempered the clinical translation of the protection afforded by anti-apoptotic regimes in experimental models. Thus, the hope for apoptosis modulation as potential treatment strategy for injured liver in humans could not be confirmed. Herein, we evaluated the degree of apoptosis in different hepatic stress models which are relevant for the human pathophysiology. Using morphological criteria of apoptosis, caspase-3 activation as well as TUNEL assay in combination with a positive control of apoptosis in liver injury, we quantified apoptotic cell death discriminating between parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells and confirmed these results by cleaved caspase-3 and PARP-1 protein expression. Discussing our findings and relating them to the existing literature on the potential role of apoptotic cell death, we strongly recommend reconsidering anti-apoptotic strategies to ameliorate liver injury efficiently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Bannert
- Institute for Experimental Surgery, Rostock University Medical School, Schillingallee 69 a, 18057, Rostock, Germany
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Probert PME, Ebrahimkhani MR, Oakley F, Mann J, Burt AD, Mann DA, Wright MC. A reversible model for periportal fibrosis and a refined alternative to bile duct ligation. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2014. [DOI: 10.1039/c3tx50069a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Basaranoglu M, Basaranoglu G, Sentürk H. From fatty liver to fibrosis: A tale of “second hit”. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:1158-65. [PMID: 23483818 PMCID: PMC3587471 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i8.1158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although much is known about how fat accumulates in the liver, much remains unknown about how this causes sustained hepatocellular injury. The consequences of injury are recognized as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and progressive fibrosis. The accumulation of fat within the hepatocytes sensitizes the liver to injury from a variety of causes and the regenerative capacity of a fatty liver is impaired. An additional stressor is sometimes referred to as a “second hit” in a paradigm that identifies the accumulation of fat as the “first hit”. Possible candidates for the second hit include increased oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and release of toxic products such as malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxynonenal, decreased antioxidants, adipocytokines, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, Fas ligand, mitochondrial dysfunction, fatty acid oxidation by CYPs (CYP 2E1, 4A10 and 4A14), and peroxisomes, excess iron, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and the generation of gut-derived toxins such as lipopolysaccharide and ethanol. Oxidative stress is one of the most popular proposed mechanisms of hepatocellular injury. Previous studies have specifically observed increased plasma and tissue levels of oxidative stress markers and lipid peroxidation products, with reduced hepatic and plasma levels of antioxidants. There is also some indirect evidence of the benefit of antioxidants such as vitamin E, S-adenosylmethionine, betaine, phlebotomy to remove iron, and N-acetylcysteine in NASH. However, a causal relationship or a pathogenic link between NASH and oxidative stress has not been established so far. A number of sources of increased reactive oxygen species production have been established in NASH that include proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, iron overload, overburdened and dysfunctional mitochondria, CYPs, and peroxisomes. Briefly, the pathogenesis of NASH is multifactorial and excess intracellular fatty acids, oxidant stress, ATP depletion, and mitochondrial dysfunction are important causes of hepatocellular injury in the steatotic liver.
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