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Gokavi J, Sadawarte S, Shelke A, Kulkarni-Kale U, Thakar M, Saxena V. Inhibition of miR-155 Promotes TGF-β Mediated Suppression of HIV Release in the Cervical Epithelial Cells. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112266. [PMID: 34835072 PMCID: PMC8624372 DOI: 10.3390/v13112266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β has been shown to play a differential role in either restricting or aiding HIV infection in different cell types, however its role in the cervical cells is hitherto undefined. Among females, more than 80% of infections occur through heterosexual contact where cervicovaginal mucosa plays a critical role, however the early events during the establishment of infection at female genital mucosa are poorly understood. We earlier showed that increased TGF-β level has been associated with cervical viral shedding in the HIV infected women, however a causal relationship could not be examined. Therefore, here we first established an in vitro cell-associated model of HIV infection in the cervical epithelial cells (ME-180) and demonstrated that TGF-β plays an important role as a negative regulator of HIV release in the infected cervical epithelial cells. Inhibition of miR-155 upregulated TGF-β signaling and mRNA expression of host restriction factors such as APOBEC-3G, IFI-16 and IFITM-3, while decreased the HIV release in ME-180 cells. To conclude, this is the first study to decipher the complex interplay between TGF-β, miR-155 and HIV release in the cervical epithelial cells. Collectively, our data suggest the plausible role of TGF-β in promoting HIV latency in cervical epithelial cells which needs further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsna Gokavi
- Division of Immunology and Serology, Indian Council of Medical Research-National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Bhosari, Pune 411026, India; (J.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Sharwari Sadawarte
- Bioinformatics Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India; (S.S.); (A.S.); or (U.K.-K.)
| | - Anant Shelke
- Bioinformatics Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India; (S.S.); (A.S.); or (U.K.-K.)
| | - Urmila Kulkarni-Kale
- Bioinformatics Centre, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune 411007, India; (S.S.); (A.S.); or (U.K.-K.)
| | - Madhuri Thakar
- Division of Immunology and Serology, Indian Council of Medical Research-National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Bhosari, Pune 411026, India; (J.G.); (M.T.)
| | - Vandana Saxena
- Division of Immunology and Serology, Indian Council of Medical Research-National AIDS Research Institute, MIDC, Bhosari, Pune 411026, India; (J.G.); (M.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Khan N, Geiger JD. Role of Viral Protein U (Vpu) in HIV-1 Infection and Pathogenesis. Viruses 2021; 13:1466. [PMID: 34452331 PMCID: PMC8402909 DOI: 10.3390/v13081466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and HIV-2 originated from cross-species transmission of simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs). Most of these transfers resulted in limited spread of these viruses to humans. However, one transmission event involving SIVcpz from chimpanzees gave rise to group M HIV-1, with M being the principal strain of HIV-1 responsible for the AIDS pandemic. Vpu is an HIV-1 accessory protein generated from Env/Vpu encoded bicistronic mRNA and localized in cytosolic and membrane regions of cells capable of being infected by HIV-1 and that regulate HIV-1 infection and transmission by downregulating BST-2, CD4 proteins levels, and immune evasion. This review will focus of critical aspects of Vpu including its zoonosis, the adaptive hurdles to cross-species transmission, and future perspectives and broad implications of Vpu in HIV-1 infection and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan D. Geiger
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 504 Hamline Street, Room 110, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA;
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Ganesan M, Poluektova LY, Kharbanda KK, Osna NA. Liver as a target of human immunodeficiency virus infection. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4728-4737. [PMID: 30479460 PMCID: PMC6235802 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i42.4728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver injury is a characteristic feature of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which is the second most common cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients. Now it is recognized that liver plays a key role in HIV infection pathogenesis. Antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses HIV infection in permissive immune cells, is less effective in hepatocytes, thereby making these cells a silent reservoir of HIV infection. In addition to direct hepatotoxic effects of HIV, certain ART treatment modalities provide hepatotoxic effects. The exact mechanisms of HIV-triggered chronic hepatitis progression are not elucidated, but the liver is adversely affected by HIV-infection and liver cells are prominently involved in HIV-elicited injury. These effects are potentiated by second hits like alcohol. Here, we will focus on the incidence of HIV, clinical evidence of HIV-related liver damage, interactions between HIV and liver cells and the role of alcohol and co-infection with hepatotropic viruses in liver inflammation and fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murali Ganesan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
| | - Larisa Y Poluektova
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, United States
| | - Kusum K Kharbanda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
| | - Natalia A Osna
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, United States
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Abstract
As the HIV population continues to live longer as a result of antiretroviral therapy, liver-related mortality has become one of the leading causes of non-AIDS related death in this patient population. The liver possesses a remarkable regenerative capacity but undergoes complex biological changes in response to aging and inflammation that result in decreased cellular regeneration and a tipping of the scales towards fibrogenesis. Patients with HIV infection have serological evidence of ongoing inflammation, with elevations in some biomarkers persisting despite adequate virologic control. In addition, HIV-co-infected patients have markers of advanced age on liver biopsy and increased prevalence of fibrosis as compared to an age-matched HCV mono-infected cohort. In this review, we will discuss the biology of aging, age-related changes in the liver, and the relevant mechanisms by which HIV causes inflammation in the context of accelerated aging, fibrosis of the liver, and other viral co-infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin W Chan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, 315 Trent Dr, PO Box 102359, Durham, NC, 27710, USA.
| | - Yuval A Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Steve Choi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Durham VA Medical Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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5
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Debes JD, Bohjanen PR, Boonstra A. Mechanisms of Accelerated Liver Fibrosis Progression during HIV Infection. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2016; 4:328-335. [PMID: 28097102 PMCID: PMC5225153 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2016.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), a dramatic reduction in HIV-related morbidity and mortality has been observed. However, it is now becoming increasingly clear that liver-related complications, particularly rapid fibrosis development from ART as well as from the chronic HIV infection itself, are of serious concern to HIV patients. The pathophysiology of liver fibrosis in patients with HIV is a multifactorial process whereby persistent viral replication, and bacterial translocation lead to chronic immune activation and inflammation, which ART is unable to fully suppress, promoting production of fibrinogenic mediators and fibrosis. In addition, mitochondrial toxicity, triggered by both ART and HIV, contributes to intrahepatic damage, which is even more severe in patients co-infected with viral hepatitis. In recent years, new insights into the mechanisms of accelerated fibrosis and liver disease progression in HIV has been obtained, and these are detailed and discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose D. Debes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- *Correspondence to: Jose D. Debes, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. Tel: +1-612-624-6353, Fax: +1-612-301-1292, E-mail:
| | - Paul R. Bohjanen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Mitchell BI, Byron MM, Ng RC, Chow DC, Ndhlovu LC, Shikuma CM. Elevation of Non-Classical (CD14+/lowCD16++) Monocytes Is Associated with Increased Albuminuria and Urine TGF-β1 in HIV-Infected Individuals on Stable Antiretroviral Therapy. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153758. [PMID: 27097224 PMCID: PMC4838224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High rates of albuminuria are observed among HIV-infected individuals on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART). Though pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses are described as components of albuminuria in the general population, it is unclear how these responses are associated to albuminuria in ART-treated chronic HIV. We investigated the relationship of monocyte subsets and urine inflammatory and fibrotic biomarkers to albuminuria in ART-treated HIV-infected participants. DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional analyses were performed on Hawaii Aging with HIV-cardiovascular disease study cohort participants who were required at entry to be ≥40 years old and on ART ≥3 months. Monocyte subpopulations were determined in banked peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using multi-parametric flow-cytometry. Entry random urine samples were assessed for albumin-to-creatinine ratios (UACR). Urine samples were measured for inflammatory and fibrotic biomarkers using Luminex technology. RESULTS Among 96 HIV-infected subjects with measured UACR (87% male, 59% Caucasian, and 89% undetectable HIV RNA with median CD4 of 495.5 cells/μL), 18 patients (19%) had albuminuria. Non-classical (CD14low/+CD16++) monocytes were significantly elevated in subjects with albuminuria (p = 0.034) and were correlated to UACR (r = 0.238, p = 0.019). Elevated non-classical monocyte counts were significant predictors of worsening albuminuria, independent of traditional- and ART-associated risk factors (β = 0.539, p = 0.007). Urine TGF-β1 and collagen-IV were significantly higher in albuminuric compared to non-albuminuric participants (TGF-β1; p = 0.039 and collagen-IV; p = 0.042). Urine TGF-β1 was significantly correlated with non-classical monocyte counts (r = 0.464, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION Alterations in monocyte subpopulations and urine pro-fibrotic factors may play a role in kidney dysfunction during chronic HIV infection and warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooks I. Mitchell
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mary Margaret Byron
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Roland C. Ng
- Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Dominic C. Chow
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Cecilia M. Shikuma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
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Imam H, Bano AS, Patel P, Holla P, Jameel S. The lncRNA NRON modulates HIV-1 replication in a NFAT-dependent manner and is differentially regulated by early and late viral proteins. Sci Rep 2015; 5:8639. [PMID: 25728138 PMCID: PMC4345339 DOI: 10.1038/srep08639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A majority of the human genome is transcribed into noncoding RNAs, of which the functions of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are poorly understood. Many host proteins and RNAs have been characterized for their roles in HIV/AIDS pathogenesis, but there is only one lncRNA, NEAT1, which is shown to affect the HIV-1 life cycle. We profiled 90 disease-related lncRNAs and found NRON (noncoding repressor of Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells [NFAT]) to be one of several lncRNAs whose expression was significantly altered following HIV-1 infection. The regulation of NRON expression during the HIV-1 life cycle was complex; its levels were reduced by the early viral accessory protein Nef and increased by the late protein Vpu. Consequently, Nef and Vpu also modulated activity of the transcription factor NFAT. The knockdown of NRON enhanced HIV-1 replication through increased activity of NFAT and the viral LTR. Using siRNA-mediated NFAT knockdown, we show the effects of NRON on HIV-1 replication to be mediated by NFAT, and the viral Nef and Vpu proteins to modulate NFAT activity through their effects on NRON. These findings add the lncRNA, NRON to the vast repertoire of host factors utilized by HIV for infection and persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Imam
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Aalia Shahr Bano
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Paresh Patel
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Prasida Holla
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
| | - Shahid Jameel
- Virology Group, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, India
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8
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Izadi A, Asadikaram G, Nakhaee N, Hadizadeh S, Ayatollahi Mousavi A. Plasma levels of Transforming Growth Factor Beta in HIV-1 patients with oral candidiasis. Curr Med Mycol 2015; 1:22-25. [PMID: 28680977 PMCID: PMC5490318 DOI: 10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.1.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE TGF-β is a potent regulator and suppressor of the immune system and overproduction of this cytokine may contribute to immunosuppression in HIV-infected patients. Increasing population of immunosuppressed patients has resulted in increasingly frequent of fungal infections, including oral candidiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma levels of TGF-β under in vivo conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy- two samples were obtained from the oral cavities of HIV-positive Iranian patients and cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar and CHROMagar. Also blood samples were obtained to assess TGF-β levels using ELISA technique. RESULTS Thirty-three out of 72 oral samples yielded candida isolates, Candida albicans in 14 and non-albicans candida in 19.Fungal infection decreased significantly more TGF-β level than non-fungal infection also HIV negative were significantly more TGF-β than HIV positive. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a significant interaction between fungal infection and HIV on expression of Transforming Growth Factor Beta.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Izadi
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology,School of Medicine,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,Iran
| | - G Asadikaram
- Physiology Research Center,Institute of Neuropharmacology and Department of Biochemistry,School of Medicine,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,Iran
| | - N Nakhaee
- Neuroscience Research Center,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,Iran
| | - S Hadizadeh
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology,School of Medicine,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,Iran
| | - A Ayatollahi Mousavi
- Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology,School of Medicine,Kerman University of Medical Sciences,Kerman,Iran
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Ansari AWW, Schmidt RE, Shankar EM, Kamarulzaman A. Immuno-pathomechanism of liver fibrosis: targeting chemokine CCL2-mediated HIV:HCV nexus. J Transl Med 2014; 12:341. [PMID: 25528160 PMCID: PMC4272802 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-014-0341-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Even in the era of successful combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), co-infection of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains one of the leading causes of non-AIDS-related mortality and morbidity among HIV-positive individuals as a consequence of accelerated liver fibrosis and end-stage liver disease (ESLD). The perturbed liver microenvironment and induction of host pro-inflammatory mediators in response to HIV and HCV infections, play a pivotal role in orchestrating the disease pathogenesis and clinical outcomes. How these viruses communicate each other via chemokine CCL2 and exploit the liver specific cellular environment to exacerbate liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infection setting is a topic of intense discussion. Herein, we provide recent views and insights on potential mechanisms of CCL2 mediated immuno-pathogenesis, and HIV-HCV cross-talk in driving liver inflammation. We believe CCL2 may potentially serve an attractive target of anti-fibrotic intervention against HIV/HCV co-infection associated co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Wahid Ansari
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Lambah Pantai 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Patel P, Ansari MY, Bapat S, Thakar M, Gangakhedkar R, Jameel S. The microRNA miR-29a is associated with human immunodeficiency virus latency. Retrovirology 2014; 11:108. [PMID: 25486977 PMCID: PMC4269869 DOI: 10.1186/s12977-014-0108-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Latent reservoirs of HIV-1 provide a major challenge to its cure. There are increasing reports of interplay between HIV-1 replication and host miRNAs. Several host miRNAs, which potentially target the nef-3′LTR region of HIV-1 RNA, including miR-29a, are proposed to promote latency. Findings We used two established cellular models of HIV-1 latency – the U1 monocytic and J1.1 CD4+ T cell lines to show an inverse relationship between HIV-1 replication and miR-29a levels, which was mediated by the HIV-1 Nef protein. Using a miR-29a responsive luciferase reporter plasmid, an expression plasmid and an anti-miR29a LNA, we further demonstrate increased miR-29a levels during latency and reduced levels following active HIV replication. Finally, we show that miR-29a levels in the PBMCs and plasma of HIV infected persons also correlate inversely with latency and active viral replication. Conclusions The levels of miR-29a correlate inversely with active HIV-1 replication in cell culture models and in HIV infected persons. This links miR-29a to viral latency and suggests another approach to activate and destroy latent HIV-1 reservoirs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12977-014-0108-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paresh Patel
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | - Mohammad Yunus Ansari
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | | | | | | | - Shahid Jameel
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110067, India. .,Current Address: The Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance, Plot No. 19, 8-2-684/3 K/19, Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, 500034, India.
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Hassan S, Syed S, Kehar SI. Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) as a Mesenchymal marker of Early Hepatic Stellate Cells Activation in Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection. Pak J Med Sci 2014; 30:1027-32. [PMID: 25225520 PMCID: PMC4163226 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.305.5534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein and of Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin (α-SMA) in hepatic stellate cells of CHC cases and their association with stage of fibrosis. METHODS The study was conducted at Ziauddin University, Clifton Campus during the year 2010-2012. Sixty Chronic Hepatitis C cases were immmunostained using anti α-SMA antibody and anti-GFAP antibody. Semi quantitative scoring in pericentral, periportal and perisinusoidal area of each case was done to assess immunoexpression of each marker. Results : Immunoexpression of GFAP showed significant association with α-SMA. GFAP expression was inversely correlated with progression of fibrosis. Conclusion : GFAP could represent a useful marker for early hepatic stellate cells activation. Follow up biopsies showing decline in GFAP levels may help identify the target group requiring aggressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sobia Hassan
- Dr. Sobia Hassan, Lecturer, Pathology Department, Ziauddin University Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Serajuddaula Syed
- Prof. Serajuddaula Syed, Head of Pathology Department, Ziauddin University Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shahnaz Imdad Kehar
- Dr. Shahnaz Imdad Kehar, Associate Professor, Pathology Department, BMSI – JPMC, Karachi, Pakistan
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HIV-1 infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells modulate the fibrogenic activity of hepatic stellate cells through secreted TGF-β and JNK signaling. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91569. [PMID: 24637780 PMCID: PMC3956633 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Patients with liver disease infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) exhibit accelerated progression of hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis compared to uninfected individuals. We studied the effects of soluble factors secreted by HIV-infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which are central mediators of liver fibrosis. Methods An in vitro model was used in which a HSC line, LX2, was treated with culture supernatants of human PBMCs infected with macrophage tropic (R5) or T cell tropic (X4) strains of HIV-1. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to assess the expression of fibrogenic and proinflammatory markers; LX2 proliferation and intracellular signaling pathways were also studied. A qRT-PCR based miRNome array was used for comparative miRNA profiling of LX2 cells treated with infected PBMC culture supernatants. Results Pro-fibrogenic, angiogenic and proinflammatory markers, and proliferation of LX2 cells were increased following exposure to culture supernatants from HIV-1 infected PBMCs. The profiling of miRNAs in LX2 cells treated with culture supernatants from HIV-1 R5- or X4-infected PBMCs showed 66 and 22 miRNAs respectively, to be significantly altered compared to mock-treated LX2 cells. While different sets of miRNAs were altered in the two cases, bioinformatics analyses predicted these to be associated with common pathways, including TGF-β signaling and extracellular matrix receptor interaction pathways. Conclusions HIV infection creates a favorable milieu for the activation of hepatic stellate cells and increased hepatic fibrosis. We identify some regulatory molecules important for these effects.
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