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Leaker BD, Wang Y, Tam J, Anderson RR. Analysis of culture and RNA isolation methods for precision-cut liver slices from cirrhotic rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:15349. [PMID: 38961190 PMCID: PMC11222550 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66235-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) are increasingly used as a model to investigate anti-fibrotic therapies. However, many studies use PCLS from healthy animals treated with pro-fibrotic stimuli in culture, which reflects only the early stages of fibrosis. The effects of different culture conditions on PCLS from cirrhotic animals has not been well characterized and there is no consensus on optimal methods. In this study, we report a method for the collection and culture of cirrhotic PCLS and compare the effect of common culture conditions on viability, function, and gene expression. Additionally, we compared three methods of RNA isolation and identified a protocol with high yield and purity. We observed significantly increased albumin production when cultured with insulin-transferrin-selenium and dexamethasone, and when incubated on a rocking platform. Culturing with insulin-transferrin-selenium and dexamethasone maintained gene expression closer to the levels in fresh slices. However, despite stable viability and function up to 4 days, we found significant changes in expression of key genes by day 2. Interestingly, we also observed that cirrhotic PCLS maintain viability in culture longer than slices from healthy animals. Due to the influence of matrix stiffness on fibrosis and hepatocellular function, it is important to evaluate prospective anti-fibrotic therapies in a platform that preserves tissue biomechanics. PCLS from cirrhotic animals represent a promising tool for the development of treatments for chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben D Leaker
- Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard-Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua Tam
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - R Rox Anderson
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Thier Research Building, MGH, 55 Blossom Street, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Lenti MV, Santacroce G, Broglio G, Rossi CM, Di Sabatino A. Recent advances in intestinal fibrosis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101251. [PMID: 38359700 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101251] [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: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Despite many progresses have been made in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, especially due to the increasing number of effective therapies, the development of tissue fibrosis is a very common occurrence along the natural history of this condition. To a certain extent, fibrogenesis is a physiological and necessary process in all those conditions characterised by chronic inflammation. However, the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix within the bowel wall will end up in the formation of strictures, with the consequent need for surgery. A number of mechanisms have been described in this process, but some of them are not yet clear. For sure, the main trigger is the presence of a persistent inflammatory status within the mucosa, which in turn favours the occurrence of a pro-fibrogenic environment. Among the main key players, myofibroblasts, fibroblasts, immune cells, growth factors and cytokines must be mentioned. Although there are no available therapies able to target fibrosis, the only way to prevent it is by controlling inflammation. In this review, we summarize the state of art of the mechanisms involved in gut fibrogenesis, how to diagnose it, and which potential targets could be druggable to tackle fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Vincenzo Lenti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Santacroce
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Broglio
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlo Maria Rossi
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Sabatino
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Therapeutics, University of Pavia, First Department of Internal Medicine, San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
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Perramón M, Navalón-López M, Fernández-Varo G, Moreno-Lanceta A, García-Pérez R, Faneca J, López-Moya M, Fornaguera C, García-Villoria J, Morales-Ruiz M, Melgar-Lesmes P, Borrós S, Jiménez W. Liver-targeted nanoparticles delivering nitric oxide reduce portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116143. [PMID: 38219387 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a small vasodilator playing a key role in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension. Here, we assessed the potential therapeutic effect of a NO donor targeted to the liver by poly(beta-amino ester) nanoparticles (pBAE NPs) in experimental cirrhosis. Retinol-functionalized NO donor pBAE NPs (Ret pBAE NPs) were synthetized with the aim of actively targeting the liver. Administration of Ret pBAE NPs resulted in uptake and transfection by the liver and spleen. NPs were not found in other organs or the systemic circulation. Treatment with NO donor Ret pBAE NPs (30 mg/ kg body weight) significantly decreased aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and portal pressure (9.75 ± 0.64 mmHg) compared to control NPs (13.4 ± 0.53 mmHg) in cirrhotic rats. There were no effects on mean arterial pressure and cardiac output. Liver-targeted NO donor NPs reduced collagen fibers and steatosis, activation of hepatic stellate cells and mRNA expression of profibrogenic and proinflammatory genes. Finally, Ret pBAE NPs displayed efficient transfection in human liver slices. Overall, liver-specific NO donor NPs effectively target the liver and mitigated inflammation and portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats. The use of Ret pBAE may prove to be an effective therapeutic strategy to treat advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Perramón
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Navalón-López
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Fernández-Varo
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alazne Moreno-Lanceta
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocío García-Pérez
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Transplantation, General & Digestive Surgery Service, Digestive & Metabolic Disease Institute (ICMDM) of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joana Faneca
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mario López-Moya
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Fornaguera
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith García-Villoria
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Morales-Ruiz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Melgar-Lesmes
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Salvador Borrós
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Boo YC. Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Rosmarinic Acid and the Extracts of Lamiaceae Plants for the Treatment of Fibrosis of Various Organs. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:146. [PMID: 38397744 PMCID: PMC10886237 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, which causes structural hardening and functional degeneration in various organs, is characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of connective tissue containing collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), etc. In traditional medicine, extracts of medicinal plants or herbal prescriptions have been used to treat various fibrotic diseases. The purpose of this narrative review is to discuss the antifibrotic effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) and plant extracts that contain RA, as observed in various experimental models. RA, as well as the extracts of Glechoma hederacea, Melissa officinalis, Elsholtzia ciliata, Lycopus lucidus, Ocimum basilicum, Prunella vulgaris, Salvia rosmarinus (Rosmarinus officinalis), Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Perilla frutescens, have been shown to attenuate fibrosis of the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs, and abdomen in experimental animal models. Their antifibrotic effects were associated with the attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, cell activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and fibrogenic gene expression. RA treatment activated peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) while suppressing the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Wnt signaling pathways. Interestingly, most plants that are reported to contain RA and exhibit antifibrotic activity belong to the family Lamiaceae. This suggests that RA is an active ingredient for the antifibrotic effect of Lamiaceae plants and that these plants are a useful source of RA. In conclusion, accumulating scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of RA and Lamiaceae plant extracts in alleviating fibrosis and maintaining the structural architecture and normal functions of various organs under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Chool Boo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea;
- BK21 Plus KNU Biomedical Convergence Program, Department of Biomedical Science, The Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
- Cell and Matrix Research Institute, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
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Wang Y, Leaker B, Qiao G, Sojoodi M, Eissa IR, Epstein ET, Eddy J, Dimowo O, Lauer GM, Chung RT, Qadan M, Lanuti M, Fuchs BC, Tanabe KK. Precision-Cut Liver Slices as an ex vivo model to evaluate antifibrotic therapies for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.30.564772. [PMID: 37961334 PMCID: PMC10635008 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Precision-Cut Liver Slices (PCLS) are an ex vivo culture model developed to study hepatic drug metabolism. One of the main benefits of this model is that it retains the structure and cellular composition of the native liver. PCLS also represents a potential model system to study liver fibrosis in a setting that more closely approximates in vivo pathology than in vitro methods. The aim of this study was to assess whether responses to antifibrotic interventions can be detected and quantified with PCLS. Methods PCLS of 250 μm thickness were prepared from four different murine fibrotic liver models: choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD), thioacetamide (TAA), diethylnitrosamine (DEN), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). PCLS were treated with 5 μM Erlotinib for 72 hours. Histology and gene expression were then compared with in vivo murine experiments and TGF-β1 activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). These types of PCLS characterization were also evaluated in PCLS from human cirrhotic liver. Results PCLS viability in culture was stable for 72 hours. Treatment of erlotinib, an EGFR inhibitor significantly inhibited the expression of profibrogenic genes Il6, Col1a1 and Timp1 in PCLS from CDAHFD-induced cirrhotic mice, and Il6, Col1a1 and Tgfb1 in PCLS from TAA-induced cirrhotic rats. Erlotinib treatment of PCLS from DEN-induced cirrhotic rats inhibited the expression of Col1a1, Timp1, Tgfb1 and Il6, which was consistent with the impact of erlotinib on Col1a1 and Tgfb1 expression in in vivo DEN-induced cirrhosis. Erlotinib treatment of PCLS from CCl4-induced cirrhosis caused reduced expression of Timp1, Col1a1 and Tgfb1, which was consistent with the effect of erlotinib in in vivo CCl4-induced cirrhosis. In addition, in HSCs at PCLS from normal mice, TGF-β1 treatment upregulated Acta2 (αSMA), while treatment with erlotinib inhibited the expression of Acta2. Similar expression results were observed in TGF-β1 treated in vitro HSCs. Expression of MMPs and TIMPs, key regulators of fibrosis progression and regression, were also significantly altered under erlotinib treatment in PCLS. Expression changes under erlotinib treatment were also corroborated with PCLS from human cirrhosis samples. Conclusion The responses to antifibrotic interventions can be detected and quantified with PCLS at the gene expression level. The antifibrotic effects of erlotinib are consistent between PCLS models of murine cirrhosis and those observed in vivo and in vitro. Similar effects were also reproduced in PCLS derived from patients with cirrhosis. PCLS is an excellent model to assess antifibrotic therapies that is aligned with the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3Rs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongtao Wang
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ben Leaker
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard-MIT program in Health Sciences and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Guoliang Qiao
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mozhdeh Sojoodi
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ibrahim Ragab Eissa
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Eliana T. Epstein
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jonathan Eddy
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Oizoshimoshiofu Dimowo
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Georg M. Lauer
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Raymond T. Chung
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Motaz Qadan
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michael Lanuti
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Bryan C. Fuchs
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncologic Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Abd El-Fattah EE, Zakaria AY. Targeting HSP47 and HSP70: promising therapeutic approaches in liver fibrosis management. J Transl Med 2022; 20:544. [DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03759-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractLiver fibrosis is a liver disease in which there is an excessive buildup of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen. By regulating cytokine production and the inflammatory response, heat shock proteins (HSPs) contribute significantly to a wider spectrum of fibrotic illnesses, such as lung, liver, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis by aiding in the folding and assembly of freshly synthesized proteins, HSPs serve as chaperones. HSP70 is one of the key HSPs in avoiding protein aggregation which induces its action by sending unfolded and/or misfolded proteins to the ubiquitin–proteasome degradation pathway and antagonizing influence on epithelial-mesenchymal transition. HSP47, on the other hand, is crucial for boosting collagen synthesis, and deposition, and fostering the emergence of fibrotic disorders. The current review aims to provide light on how HSP70 and HSP47 affect hepatic fibrogenesis. Additionally, our review looks into new therapeutic approaches that target HSP70 and HSP47 and could potentially be used as drug candidates to treat liver fibrosis, especially in cases of comorbidities.
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Gu C, Li W, Ju Q, Yao H, Yang L, An B, Hu W, Li X. Synthesis and evaluation of new pirfenidone derivatives as anti-fibrosis agents. RSC Adv 2022; 12:14492-14501. [PMID: 35702193 PMCID: PMC9102048 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00990k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Two series of new pirfenidone derivatives, in which phenyl groups or benzyl groups are attached to the nitrogen atom of the pyridin-2(1H)-one moiety were synthesized and evaluated as anti-fibrosis agents. Among them, compound 5d, with a (S)-2-(dimethylamino) propanamido group in the R2 position (series 1) exhibited 10 times the anti-fibrosis activity (IC50: 0.245 mM) of pirfenidone (IC50: 2.75 mM). Compound 9d (series 2) gave an IC50 of 0.035 mM against the human fibroblast cell line HFL1. The mechanism of the optimal compound inhibiting fibrosis was also studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxi Gu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Qing Ju
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Yantai Shandong Province 264003 PR China
| | - Han Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Lisheng Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Baijiao An
- Medicine and Pharmacy Research Center, Binzhou Medical University Yantai Shandong Province 264003 PR China
| | - Wenhao Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
| | - Xingshu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University Guangzhou 510006 PR China
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Dewyse L, De Smet V, Verhulst S, Eysackers N, Kunda R, Messaoudi N, Reynaert H, van Grunsven LA. Improved Precision-Cut Liver Slice Cultures for Testing Drug-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:862185. [PMID: 35433753 PMCID: PMC9007724 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.862185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro models of human liver disease often fail to mimic the complex 3D structures and cellular organizations found in vivo. Precision cut liver slices (PCLS) retain the complex physiological architecture of the native liver and therefore could be an exceptional in vitro liver model. However, the production of PCLS induces a spontaneous culture-induced fibrogenic reaction, limiting the application of PCLS to anti-fibrotic compounds. Our aim was to improve PCLS cultures to allow compound-induced fibrosis induction. Hepatotoxicity in PCLS cultures was analyzed by lactate dehydrogenase leakage and albumin secretion, while fibrogenesis was analyzed by qRT-PCR and western blot for hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers and collagen 6 secretion by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). We demonstrate that supplementation of 3 mm mouse PCLS cultures with valproate strongly reduces fibrosis and improves cell viability in our PCLS cultures for up to 5 days. Fibrogenesis can still be induced both directly and indirectly through exposure to TGFβ and the hepatotoxin acetaminophen, respectively. Finally, human PCLS cultures showed similar but less robust results. In conclusion, we optimized PCLS cultures to allow for drug-induced liver fibrosis modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liza Dewyse
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent De Smet
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Stefaan Verhulst
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Eysackers
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Rastislav Kunda
- Department of Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nouredin Messaoudi
- Department of Surgery, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hendrik Reynaert
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Liver Cell Biology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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9
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Wu SB, Hou TY, Kau HC, Tsai CC. Effect of Pirfenidone on TGF-β1-Induced Myofibroblast Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis of Human Orbital Fibroblasts in Graves' Ophthalmopathy. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11101424. [PMID: 34680057 PMCID: PMC8533421 DOI: 10.3390/biom11101424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pirfenidone is a pyridinone derivative that has been shown to inhibit fibrosis in animal models and in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Its effect on orbital fibroblasts remains poorly understood. We investigated the in vitro effect of pirfenidone in transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis in primary cultured orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). The expression of fibrotic proteins, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), fibronectin, and collagen type I, was determined by Western blots. The activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) responsible for the ECM homeostasis were examined. After pretreating the GO orbital fibroblasts with pirfenidone (250, 500, and 750 μg/mL, respectively) for one hour followed by TGF-β1 for another 24 h, the expression of α-SMA, CTGF, fibronectin, and collagen type I decreased in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreating the GO orbital fibroblasts with pirfenidone not only abolished TGF-β1-induced TIMP-1 expression but recovered the MMP-2/-9 activities. Notably, pirfenidone inhibited TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), the critical mediators in the TGF-β1 pathways. These findings suggest that pirfenidone modulates TGF-β1-mediated myofibroblast differentiation and ECM homeostasis by attenuating downstream signaling of TGF-β1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Bei Wu
- Biomedical Commercialization Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Tzu-Yu Hou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813414, Taiwan;
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Chuan Kau
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei 11259, Taiwan
| | - Chieh-Chih Tsai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-2-28757325; Fax: +886-2-28213984
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10
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Best Practices and Progress in Precision-Cut Liver Slice Cultures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137137. [PMID: 34281187 PMCID: PMC8267882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-five years ago, precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) were described as a promising tool and were expected to become the standard in vitro model to study liver disease as they tick off all characteristics of a good in vitro model. In contrast to most in vitro models, PCLS retain the complex 3D liver structures found in vivo, including cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, and therefore should constitute the most reliable tool to model and to investigate pathways underlying chronic liver disease in vitro. Nevertheless, the biggest disadvantage of the model is the initiation of a procedure-induced fibrotic response. In this review, we describe the parameters and potential of PCLS cultures and discuss whether the initially described limitations and pitfalls have been overcome. We summarize the latest advances in PCLS research and critically evaluate PCLS use and progress since its invention in 1985.
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Kartasheva-Ebertz D, Gaston J, Lair-Mehiri L, Massault PP, Scatton O, Vaillant JC, Morozov VA, Pol S, Lagaye S. Adult human liver slice cultures: Modelling of liver fibrosis and evaluation of new anti-fibrotic drugs. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:187-217. [PMID: 33708350 PMCID: PMC7934011 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i2.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis can result in end-stage liver failure and death.
AIM To examine human liver fibrogenesis and anti-fibrotic therapies, we evaluated the three dimensional ex vivo liver slice (LS) model.
METHODS Fibrotic liver samples (F0 to F4 fibrosis stage according to the METAVIR score) were collected from patients after liver resection. Human liver slices (HLS) were cultivated for up to 21 days. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, alcohol (ethanol stimulation) and steatosis (palmitate stimulation) were examined in fibrotic (F2 to F4) liver slices infected (or not) with HCV. F0-F1 HLS were used as controls. At day 0, either ursodeoxycholic acid (choleretic and hepatoprotective properties) and/or α-tocopherol (antioxidant properties) were added to standard of care on HLS and fibrotic liver slices, infected (or not) with HCV. Expression of the biomarkers of fibrosis and the triglyceride production were checked by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and/or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS The cultures were viable in vitro for 21 days allowing to study fibrosis inducers and to estimate the effect of anti-fibrotic drugs. Expression of the biomarkers of fibrosis and the progression to steatosis (estimated by triglycerides production) was increased with the addition of HCV and /or ethanol or palmitate. From day 15 of the follow-up studies, a significant decrease of both transforming growth factor β-1 and Procol1A1 expression and triglycerides production was observed when a combined anti-fibrotic treatment was applied on HCV infected F2-F4 LS cultures.
CONCLUSION These results show that the human three dimensional ex vivo model effectively reflects the in vivo processes in damaged human liver (viral, alcoholic, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis liver diseases) and provides the proof of concept that the LS examined model permits a rapid evaluation of new anti-fibrotic therapies when used alone or in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Kartasheva-Ebertz
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
- BioSPC, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
| | - Jesintha Gaston
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
- BioSPC, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
| | - Loriane Lair-Mehiri
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
- BioSPC, Université de Paris, Paris 75005, France
| | - Pierre-Philippe Massault
- Service de Chirurgie digestive, Hépato-biliaire et Endocrinienne, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Cochin, Paris 75014, France
| | - Olivier Scatton
- Service de Chirurgie digestive et Hépato bilio pancréatique, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier La Pitié-Salpétrière, Medecine Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Vaillant
- Service de Chirurgie digestive et Hépato bilio pancréatique, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier La Pitié-Salpétrière, Medecine Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Vladimir Alexei Morozov
- Center for HIV and Retrovirology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin 13353, Germany
| | - Stanislas Pol
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
- Département d'Hépatologie, AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Cochin, Université de Paris, Paris 75014, France
| | - Sylvie Lagaye
- Institut Pasteur, Immunobiologie des Cellules Dendritiques, INSERM U1223, Paris 75015, France
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Nanoparticle-induced inflammation and fibrosis in ex vivo murine precision-cut liver slices and effects of nanoparticle exposure conditions. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:1267-1285. [PMID: 33555372 PMCID: PMC8032640 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-02992-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic exposure and accumulation of persistent nanomaterials by cells have led to safety concerns on potential long-term effects induced by nanoparticles, including chronic inflammation and fibrosis. With this in mind, we used murine precision-cut liver tissue slices to test potential induction of inflammation and onset of fibrosis upon 72 h exposure to different nanomaterials (0–200 µg/ml). Tissue slices were chosen as an advanced ex vivo 3D model to better resemble the complexity of the in vivo tissue environment, with a focus on the liver where most nanomaterials accumulate. Effects on the onset of fibrosis and inflammation were investigated, with particular care in optimizing nanoparticle exposure conditions to tissue. Thus, we compared the effects induced on slices exposed to nanoparticles in the presence of excess free proteins (in situ), or after corona isolation. Slices exposed to daily-refreshed nanoparticle dispersions were used to test additional effects due to ageing of the dispersions. Exposure to amino-modified polystyrene nanoparticles in serum-free conditions led to strong inflammation, with stronger effects with daily-refreshed dispersions. Instead, no inflammation was observed when slices were exposed to the same nanoparticles in medium supplemented with serum to allow corona formation. Similarly, no clear signs of inflammation nor of onset of fibrosis were detected after exposure to silica, titania or carboxylated polystyrene in all conditions tested. Overall, these results show that liver slices can be used to test nanoparticle-induced inflammation in real tissue, and that the exposure conditions and ageing of the dispersions can strongly affect tissue responses to nanoparticles.
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Pesce A, Ciurleo R, Bramanti A, Armeli Iapichino EC, Petralia MC, Magro GG, Fagone P, Bramanti P, Nicoletti F, Mangano K. Effects of Combined Admistration of Imatinib and Sorafenib in a Murine Model of Liver Fibrosis. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184310. [PMID: 32962198 PMCID: PMC7571085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is defined as excessive extracellular matrix deposition in the hepatic parenchyma as a consequence of complex interactions among matrix-producing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver-resident and infiltrating cells. In addition to the liver, the process of fibrosis may represent end-stage disease of several diseases including kidneys, lungs, spleens, heart, muscles and at certain extent, the central nervous system and the peripheral nerves. To date, antifibrotic treatment of fibrosis represents an unconquered area for drug development. The aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of a new drug combination for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in order to provide a proof-of-concept for the use of therapeutic agents in clinical practice. For this purpose, we have studied the effects of the PDGF inhibitor imatinib and the angiogenesis inhibitor sorafenib, administered alone or in combination, in reducing the progression of the fibrogenetic process in a pre-clinical model of liver damage induced in mice by repeated administration of Concanavalin A (ConA), resembling long-tern autoimmune hepatitis. Our results suggest that treatments with imatinib and sorafenib can modulate potently and, in a superimposable fashion, the fibrinogenic process when administered alone. However, and in agreement with the computational data presently generated, they only exert partial overlapping antifibrotic effects in modulating the main pathways involved in the process of liver fibrosis, without significant additive or synergist effects, when administered in combination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pesce
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technology G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 86, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Rosella Ciurleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Alessia Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | | | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.P.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
| | - Gaetano Giuseppe Magro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technology G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 86, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.P.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.P.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.P.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
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Iswandana R, Pham BT, Suriguga S, Luangmonkong T, van Wijk LA, Jansen YJM, Oosterhuis D, Mutsaers HAM, Olinga P. Murine Precision-cut Intestinal Slices as a Potential Screening Tool for Antifibrotic Drugs. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2020; 26:678-686. [PMID: 31943022 PMCID: PMC7150673 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izz329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis is a hallmark of Crohn's disease. Here, we investigated the impact of several putative antifibrotic compounds on the expression of fibrosis markers using murine precision-cut intestinal slices. METHODS Murine precision-cut intestinal slices were cultured for 48 hours in the presence of profibrotic and/or antifibrotic compounds. The fibrotic process was studied on gene and protein level using procollagen 1a1 (Col1α1), heat shock protein 47 (Hsp47), fibronectin (Fn2), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (Pai-1). The effects of potential antifibrotic drugs mainly inhibiting the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway (eg, valproic acid, tetrandrine, pirfenidone, SB203580, and LY2109761) and compounds mainly acting on the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) pathway (eg, imatinib, sorafenib, and sunitinib) were assessed in the model at nontoxic concentrations. RESULTS Murine precision-cut intestinal slices remained viable for 48 hours, and an increased expression of fibrosis markers was observed during culture, including Hsp47, Fn2, and Pai-1. Furthermore, TGF-β1 stimulated fibrogenesis, whereas PDGF did not have an effect. Regarding the tested antifibrotics, pirfenidone, LY2109761, and sunitinib had the most pronounced impact on the expression of fibrosis markers, both in the absence and presence of profibrotic factors, as illustrated by reduced levels of Col1α1, Hsp47, Fn2, and Pai-1 after treatment. Moreover, sunitinib significantly reduced Hsp47 and Fn2 protein expression and the excretion of procollagen 1. CONCLUSIONS Precision-cut intestinal slices can successfully be used as a potential preclinical screening tool for antifibrotic drugs. We demonstrated that sunitinib reduced the expression of several fibrosis markers, warranting further evaluation of this compound for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raditya Iswandana
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
| | - Bao Tung Pham
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Department of Pharmaceutics, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Su Suriguga
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Theerut Luangmonkong
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Louise A van Wijk
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yvette J M Jansen
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dorenda Oosterhuis
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Henricus Antonius Maria Mutsaers
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Olinga
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Address correspondence to: Professor Peter Olinga, Division of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV, Groningen, the Netherlands. E-mail:
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15
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Oakley F, Gee LM, Sheerin NS, Borthwick LA. Implementation of pre-clinical methodologies to study fibrosis and test anti-fibrotic therapy. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 49:95-101. [PMID: 31731225 PMCID: PMC6904905 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Diseases where fibrosis plays a major role accounts for enormous morbidity and mortality and yet we have very little in our therapeutic arsenal despite decades of research and clinical trials. Our understanding of fibrosis biology is primarily built on data generated in conventional mono-culture or co-culture systems and in vivo model systems. While these approaches have undoubtedly enhanced our understanding of basic mechanisms, they have repeatedly failed to translate to clinical benefit. Recently, there had been a push to generate more physiologically relevant platforms to study fibrosis and identify new therapeutic targets. Here we review the state-of-the-art regarding the development and application of 3D complex cultures, bio-printing and precision cut slices to study pulmonary, hepatic and renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lucy M Gee
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Neil S Sheerin
- Renal Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Applied Immunobiology and Transplantation Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lee A Borthwick
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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16
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Bigaeva E, Gore E, Mutsaers HAM, Oosterhuis D, Kim YO, Schuppan D, Bank RA, Boersema M, Olinga P. Exploring organ-specific features of fibrogenesis using murine precision-cut tissue slices. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165582. [PMID: 31676376 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the hallmark of pathologic tissue remodelling in most chronic diseases. Despite advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of fibrosis, it remains uncured. Fibrogenic processes share conserved core cellular and molecular pathways across organs. In this study, we aimed to elucidate shared and organ-specific features of fibrosis using murine precision-cut tissue slices (PCTS) prepared from small intestine, liver and kidneys. PCTS displayed substantial differences in their baseline gene expression profiles: 70% of the extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes were differentially expressed across the organs. Culture for 48 h induced significant changes in ECM regulation and triggered the onset of fibrogenesis in all PCTS in organ-specific manner. TGFβ signalling was activated during 48 h culture in all PCTS. However, the degree of its involvement varied: both canonical and non-canonical TGFβ pathways were activated in liver and kidney slices, while only canonical, Smad-dependent, cascade was involved in intestinal slices. The treatment with galunisertib blocked the TGFβRI/SMAD2 signalling in all PCTS, but attenuated culture-induced dysregulation of ECM homeostasis and mitigated the onset of fibrogenesis with organ-specificity. In conclusion, regardless the many common features in pathophysiology of organ fibrosis, PCTS displayed diversity in culture-induced responses and in response to the treatment with TGFβRI kinase inhibitor galunisertib, even though it targets a core fibrosis pathway. A clear understanding of the common and organ-specific features of fibrosis is the basis for developing novel antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Bigaeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Emilia Gore
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Henricus A M Mutsaers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Dorenda Oosterhuis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yong Ook Kim
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Obere Zahlbacherstraße 63, Mainz 55131, Germany
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, Obere Zahlbacherstraße 63, Mainz 55131, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, 330 Brookline Avenue, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ruud A Bank
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Miriam Boersema
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, the Netherlands.
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Elufioye TO, Habtemariam S. Hepatoprotective effects of rosmarinic acid: Insight into its mechanisms of action. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 112:108600. [PMID: 30780110 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases such as hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma are one of the major health challenges in the world and many conditions such as inadequate nutrition, viral infection, ethanol and drug abuse, xenobiotic exposure, and metabolic diseases have been implicated in the development and progression of liver diseases. Several factors including lipid peroxidation, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), peroxynitrite formation, complement factors and proinflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, are involved in hepatic diseases. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural phenolic compound found mainly in the family Lamiaceae consisting of several medicinal plants, herbs and spices. Several biological activities have been reported for RA and these include antioxidant properties as a ROS scavenger and lipid peroxidation inhibitor, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antiangiogenic among others. This review is aimed at discussing the effects of RA on the liver, highlighting its hepatoprotective potential and the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taiwo O Elufioye
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
| | - Solomon Habtemariam
- Pharmacognosy Research Laboratories & Herbal Analysis Services, University of Greenwich, Chatham, Maritime Kent, ME4 4TB, UK
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18
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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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19
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Huang X, Cai H, Ammar R, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Ravi K, Thompson J, Jarai G. Molecular characterization of a precision-cut rat liver slice model for the evaluation of antifibrotic compounds. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2019; 316:G15-G24. [PMID: 30406699 PMCID: PMC6383382 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00281.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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
Precision-cut liver tissue slice (PCLS) contains all major cell types of the liver parenchyma and preserves the original cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts. It represents a promising ex vivo model to study liver fibrosis and test the antifibrotic effect of experimental compounds in a physiological environment. In this study using RNA sequencing, we demonstrated that various pathways functionally related to fibrotic mechanisms were dysregulated in PCLSs derived from rats subjected to bile duct ligation. The activin receptor-like kinase-5 (Alk5) inhibitor SB525334, nintedanib, and sorafenib each reversed a subset of genes dysregulated in fibrotic PCLSs, and of those genes we identified 608 genes whose expression was reversed by all three compounds. These genes define a molecular signature characterizing many aspects of liver fibrosis pathology and its attenuation in the model. A panel of 12 genes and 4 secreted biomarkers including procollagen I, hyaluronic acid (HA), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5), and WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) were further validated as efficacy end points for the evaluation of antifibrotic activity of experimental compounds. Finally, we showed that blockade of αV-integrins with a small molecule inhibitor attenuated the fibrotic phenotype in the model. Overall, our results suggest that the rat fibrotic PCLS model may represent a valuable system for target validation and determining the efficacy of experimental compounds. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We investigated the antifibrotic activity of three compounds, the activin receptor-like kinase-5 (Alk5) inhibitor SB525334, nintedanib, and sorafenib, in a rat fibrotic precision-cut liver tissue slice model using RNA sequencing analysis. A panel of 12 genes and 4 secreted biomarkers including procollagen I, hyaluronic acid (HA), insulin-like growth factor binding protein 5 (IGFBP5), and WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) were then established as efficacy end points to validate the antifibrotic activity of the αV-integrin inhibitor CWHM12. This study demonstrated the value of the rat fibrotic PCLS model for the evaluation of antifibrotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hong Cai
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pennington, New Jersey
| | - Ron Ammar
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pennington, New Jersey
| | - Yan Zhang
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pennington, New Jersey
| | - Yihe Wang
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pennington, New Jersey
| | | | | | - Gabor Jarai
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pennington, New Jersey
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Sobhy MMK, Mahmoud SS, El-Sayed SH, Rizk EMA, Raafat A, Negm MSI. Impact of treatment with a Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (Genistein) on acute and chronic experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection. Exp Parasitol 2018; 185:115-123. [PMID: 29331278 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis mansoni is considered one of the most common fibrotic diseases resulting from inflammation and deposition of fibrous tissue around parasitic eggs trapped in the liver, causing morbidity and mortality. Chemotherapy against schistosomiasis is largely dependent on Praziquantel (PZQ). Yet, the huge administration of it in endemic areas and its incompetence towards the immature stages have raised serious alarms against the development of drug resistance. Few drugs are directed to reverse schistosomal liver fibrosis, particularly at the chronic and advanced stages of the disease. Recently, protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors have been identified as potent anti-schistosomal and anti-fibrotic drugs against schistosomes, that may suppress and reverse Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) induced liver fibrosis. The present study was designed to assess the anti-schistosomal and antifibrotic activity of Genistein, a PTK inhibitor, in comparison to PZQ, on both acute and chronic S. mansoni-infected mice using different parasitological, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Genistein showed a significant reduction (P < .05) in total worm burden, tissue egg load, mean hepatic granulomas diameter and numbers, percentage of collagen and expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β 1) in the examined hepatocytes with elevation in percentage of degenerated ova, in comparison to the control groups, in both acute and chronic stages of infection. The best results were obtained when Genistein was combined with PZQ. Therefore, it was concluded that Genistein showed a promising anti-schistosomal and anti-fibrotic properties which could make it one of the new potential targets in chemotherapy against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shaimaa Helmy El-Sayed
- Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt; Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Enas Mohamed Ali Rizk
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Amira Raafat
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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21
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Giam B, Kuruppu S, Chu PY, Smith AI, Marques FZ, Fiedler A, Horlock D, Kiriazis H, Du XJ, Kaye DM, Rajapakse NW. N-Acetylcysteine Attenuates the Development of Renal Fibrosis in Transgenic Mice with Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17718. [PMID: 29255249 PMCID: PMC5735149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17927-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanisms underlying the renal pathology in cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type 2 remain elusive. We hypothesised that renal glutathione deficiency is central to the development of CRS type 2. Glutathione precursor, N-acetylcysteine (NAC;40 mg/kg/day; 8 weeks) or saline were administered to transgenic mice with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and wild-type (WT) controls. Cardiac structure, function and glutathione levels were assessed at the end of this protocol. Renal fibrosis, glutathione content, expression of inflammatory and fibrotic markers, and function were also evaluated. In both genotypes, NAC had minimal effect on cardiac glutathione, structure and function (P ≥ 0.20). In NAC treated DCM mice, loss of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), tubulointerstitial and glomerular fibrosis and renal oxidised glutathione levels were attenuated by 38%, 99%, 70% and 52% respectively, compared to saline treated DCM mice (P ≤ 0.01). Renal expression of PAI-1 was greater in saline treated DCM mice than in WT mice (P < 0.05). Renal PAI-1 expression was less in NAC treated DCM mice than in vehicle treated DCM mice (P = 0.03). Renal IL-10 expression was greater in the former cohort compared to the latter (P < 0.01). These data indicate that normalisation of renal oxidized glutathione levels attenuates PAI-1 expression and renal inflammation preventing loss of GFR in experimental DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverly Giam
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia. .,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Sanjaya Kuruppu
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Po-Yin Chu
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - A Ian Smith
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Francine Z Marques
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - April Fiedler
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Duncan Horlock
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Helen Kiriazis
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Xiao-Jun Du
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David M Kaye
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Niwanthi W Rajapakse
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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22
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Seniutkin O, Furuya S, Luo YS, Cichocki JA, Fukushima H, Kato Y, Sugimoto H, Matsumoto T, Uehara T, Rusyn I. Effects of pirfenidone in acute and sub-chronic liver fibrosis, and an initiation-promotion cancer model in the mouse. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 339:1-9. [PMID: 29197520 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2017] [Revised: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic tissue damage and excessive regeneration with accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins; it is a precursor of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver fibrosis treatments are primarily directed at inflammation, with few options to combat fibrogenesis. Pirfenidone is a drug approved for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and this study was focused on anti-fibrotic and anti-cancer potential of pirfenidone in the liver of male B6C3F1/J mice. In a dose-finding study, mice were treated with CCl4 (0.2ml/kg ip, 2×wk for 4weeks) while on a pirfenidone-containing (0-600mg/kg) diet. Pirfenidone at doses of 300 and 600mg/kg had significant anti-fibrotic (collagen) and anti-inflammatory (serum transaminases and "ballooning" hepatocyte) effects. In a sub-chronic study (14weeks), mice received CCl4 while on pirfenidone (300mg/kg) diet. Pirfenidone significantly reduced collagen deposition, but had little effect of inflammation and injury. In an initiation-promotion cancer study with N-nitrosodiethylamine and CCl4, pirfenidone (300mg/kg) did not affect incidence, size, or multiplicity of liver tumors. Overall, we conclude that while pirfenidone exhibits strong anti-fibrotic effects in early stage liver fibrosis, it is less effective in advanced liver fibrosis and was not protective in an initiation-promotion liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksii Seniutkin
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Shinji Furuya
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yu-Syuan Luo
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Joseph A Cichocki
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Hisataka Fukushima
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yuki Kato
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sugimoto
- Pharmaceutical Research Division, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Tomoko Matsumoto
- Analysis Support Department, Shionogi Techno Advance Research Co., Ltd., 3-1-1, Futaba-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 561-0825, Japan
| | - Takeki Uehara
- Project Management Department, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., 12F Hankyu Terminal Bldg., 1-4, Shibata 1-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0012, Japan
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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23
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3D in vitro models of liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2017; 121:133-146. [PMID: 28697953 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal testing is still the most popular preclinical assessment model for liver fibrosis. To develop efficient anti-fibrotic therapies, robust and representative in vitro models are urgently needed. The most widely used in vitro fibrosis model is the culture-induced activation of primary rodent hepatic stellate cells. While these cultures have contributed greatly to the current understanding of hepatic stellate cell activation, they seem to be inadequate to cover the complexity of this regenerative response. This review summarizes recent progress towards the development of 3D culture models of liver fibrosis. Thus far, only a few hepatic culture systems have successfully implemented hepatic stellate cells (or other non-parenchymal cells) into hepatocyte cultures. Recent advances in bioprinting, spheroid- and precision-cut liver slice cultures and the use of microfluidic bioreactors will surely lead to valid 3D in vitro models of liver fibrosis in the near future.
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24
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Lin SY, Wang YY, Chen WY, Liao SL, Chou ST, Yang CP, Chen CJ. Hepatoprotective activities of rosmarinic acid against extrahepatic cholestasis in rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2017; 108:214-223. [PMID: 28789951 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2017.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Though rosmarinic acid possesses nutritional, pharmaceutical, and toxic properties and shows therapeutic potential on liver diseases, its therapeutic effects against cholestatic liver diseases have not been proven. Using an extrahepatic cholestasis rat model by bile-duct ligation (BDL), daily oral administration of rosmarinic acid showed improvement effects on liver histology, serum biochemicals, ductular reaction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Rosmarinic acid alleviated BDL-induced transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) production and hepatic collagen deposition, and the anti-fibrotic effects were accompanied by reductions in matrix-producing cells and Smad2/3. BDL rats showed increased hepatic NF-κB/AP-1 activities, inflammatory cell infiltration/accumulation, and cytokine production, and these signs of hepatic inflammation were ameliorated by rosmarinic acid. Mechanistic study revealed an inhibitory effect of rosmarinic acid on the axis of the high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1)/toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) in BDL rats. Results of cultured hepatic stellate cells further showed the impacts of rosmarinic acid which attenuated TGF-β1-induced stellate cell mitogenic and fibrogenic activation. Our findings support the concept that rosmarinic acid could serve as a hepatoprotective agent, and dietary rosmarinic acid supplementation may be beneficial in terms of improving cholestasis-related liver injury via mechanisms involving resolution of oxidative burden and down-regulation of HMGB1/TLR4, NF-κB, AP-1, and TGF-β1/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Yi Lin
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Yu Wang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan; Division of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Ying Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan
| | - Su-Lan Liao
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407, Taiwan
| | - Su-Tze Chou
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Providence University, Taichung City 433, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Ping Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jung Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung City 404, Taiwan.
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25
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Lotti F, Ranieri F, Vadalà G, Zollo L, Di Pino G. Invasive Intraneural Interfaces: Foreign Body Reaction Issues. Front Neurosci 2017; 11:497. [PMID: 28932181 PMCID: PMC5592213 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2017.00497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraneural interfaces are stimulation/registration devices designed to couple the peripheral nervous system (PNS) with the environment. Over the last years, their use has increased in a wide range of applications, such as the control of a new generation of neural-interfaced prostheses. At present, the success of this technology is limited by an electrical impedance increase, due to an inflammatory response called foreign body reaction (FBR), which leads to the formation of a fibrotic tissue around the interface, eventually causing an inefficient transduction of the electrical signal. Based on recent developments in biomaterials and inflammatory/fibrotic pathologies, we explore and select the biological solutions that might be adopted in the neural interfaces FBR context: modifications of the interface surface, such as organic and synthetic coatings; the use of specific drugs or molecular biology tools to target the microenvironment around the interface; the development of bio-engineered-scaffold to reduce immune response and promote interface-tissue integration. By linking what we believe are the major crucial steps of the FBR process with related solutions, we point out the main issues that future research has to focus on: biocompatibility without losing signal conduction properties, good reproducible in vitro/in vivo models, drugs exhaustion and undesired side effects. The underlined pros and cons of proposed solutions show clearly the importance of a better understanding of all the molecular and cellular pathways involved and the need of a multi-target action based on a bio-engineered combination approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Lotti
- NeXT: Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction Research Unit, Università Campus Bio-MedicoRome, Italy.,Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Università Campus Bio-MedicoRome, Italy
| | - Federico Ranieri
- NeXT: Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction Research Unit, Università Campus Bio-MedicoRome, Italy.,Fondazione Alberto Sordi-Research Institute for AgingRome, Italy.,Research Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology, Università Campus Bio-MedicoRome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Vadalà
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Università Campus Bio-MedicoRome, Italy
| | - Loredana Zollo
- Research Unit of Biomedical Robotics and Biomicrosystems, Università Campus Bio-MedicoRome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Pino
- NeXT: Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction Research Unit, Università Campus Bio-MedicoRome, Italy.,Research Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology, Università Campus Bio-MedicoRome, Italy
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26
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Luangmonkong T, Suriguga S, Bigaeva E, Boersema M, Oosterhuis D, de Jong KP, Schuppan D, Mutsaers HAM, Olinga P. Evaluating the antifibrotic potency of galunisertib in a human ex vivo model of liver fibrosis. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:3107-3117. [PMID: 28691737 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is a major cause of liver-related mortality and, so far, no effective antifibrotic drug is available. Galunisertib, a TGF-β receptor type I kinase inhibitor, is a potential candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Here, we evaluated the potency of galunisertib in a human ex vivo model of liver fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Antifibrotic potency and associated mechanisms were studied ex vivo, using both healthy and cirrhotic human precision-cut liver slices. Fibrosis-related parameters, both transcriptional and translational level, were assessed after treatment with galunisertib. KEY RESULTS Galunisertib showed a prominent antifibrotic potency. Phosphorylation of SMAD2 was inhibited, while that of SMAD1 remained unchanged. In healthy and cirrhotic human livers, spontaneous transcription of numerous genes encoding collagens, including collagen type I, α 1, collagen maturation, non-collageneous extracellular matrix (ECM) components, ECM remodelling and selected ECM receptors was significantly decreased. The reduction of fibrosis-related transcription was paralleled by a significant inhibition of procollagen I C-peptide released by both healthy and cirrhotic human liver slices. Moreover, galunisertib showed similar antifibrotic potency in human and rat lives. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Galunisertib is a drug that deserves to be further investigated for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Inhibition of SMAD2 phosphorylation is probably a central mechanism of action. In addition, blocking the production and maturation of collagens and promoting their degradation are related to the antifibrotic action of galunisertib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theerut Luangmonkong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Su Suriguga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Emilia Bigaeva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Miriam Boersema
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorenda Oosterhuis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Koert P de Jong
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Henricus A M Mutsaers
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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27
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Guo X, Yang Y, Liu L, Liu X, Xu J, Wu K, Yu M. Pirfenidone Induces G1 Arrest in Human Tenon's Fibroblasts In Vitro Involving AKT and MAPK Signaling Pathways. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2017; 33:366-374. [PMID: 28537766 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2016.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the underlying mechanism by which pirfenidone blocks the transition from the G1 to S phase in primary human Tenon's fibroblasts. METHODS Primary human Tenon's fibroblasts were characterized by immunocytofluorescence staining with vimentin, fibroblast surface protein, and cytokeratin. After treating Tenon's fibroblasts with pirfenidone under proliferation conditions (10% fetal bovine serum), cell proliferation was measured using a WST-1 assay. Progression through the cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of CDK2, CDK6, cyclinD1, cyclinD3, and cyclinE and the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2/MAPK, JNK/MAPK, and p38 MAPK were estimated using western blot analysis. RESULTS Under proliferative conditions, pirfenidone inhibited Tenon's fibroblasts proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase; decreased the phosphorylation of AKT, GSK3β, ERK1/2/MAPK, and JNK/MAPK; increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK; and inhibited CDK2, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and cyclin E in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibitors of AKT (LY294002), ERK1/2 (U0126), and JNK (SP600125) arrested the G1/S transition, similar to the effect of pirfenidone. The p38 inhibitor (SB202190) decreased the G1-blocking effect of pirfenidone. The expression of CDK2, CDK6, cyclin D1, and cyclin D3 were inhibited by LY294002, U0126, and SP600125. SB202190 attenuated the pirfenidone-induced reduction of CDK2, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and cyclin E. CONCLUSIONS Pirfenidone inhibited HTFs proliferation and induced G1 arrest by downregulating CDKs and cyclins involving the AKT/GSK3β and MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangfan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Liling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaili Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Minbin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
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28
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Stribos EG, Hillebrands JL, Olinga P, Mutsaers HA. Renal fibrosis in precision-cut kidney slices. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 790:57-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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29
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Human precision-cut liver slices as a model to test antifibrotic drugs in the early onset of liver fibrosis. Toxicol In Vitro 2016; 35:77-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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30
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Horvat T, Landesmann B, Lostia A, Vinken M, Munn S, Whelan M. Adverse outcome pathway development from protein alkylation to liver fibrosis. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:1523-1543. [PMID: 27542122 PMCID: PMC5364266 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1814-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In modern toxicology, substantial efforts are undertaken to develop alternative solutions for in vivo toxicity testing. The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) concept could facilitate knowledge-based safety assessment of chemicals that does not rely exclusively on in vivo toxicity testing. The construction of an AOP is based on understanding toxicological processes at different levels of biological organisation. Here, we present the developed AOP for liver fibrosis and demonstrate a linkage between hepatic injury caused by chemical protein alkylation and the formation of liver fibrosis, supported by coherent and consistent scientific data. This long-term process, in which inflammation, tissue destruction, and repair occur simultaneously, results from the complex interplay between various hepatic cell types, receptors, and signalling pathways. Due to the complexity of the process, an adequate liver fibrosis cell model for in vitro evaluation of a chemical's fibrogenic potential is not yet available. Liver fibrosis poses an important human health issue that is also relevant for regulatory purposes. An AOP described with enough mechanistic detail might support chemical risk assessment by indicating early markers for downstream events and thus facilitating the development of an in vitro testing strategy. With this work, we demonstrate how the AOP framework can support the assembly and coherent display of distributed mechanistic information from the literature to support the use of alternative approaches for prediction of toxicity. This AOP was developed according to the guidance document on developing and assessing AOPs and its supplement, the users' handbook, issued by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Horvat
- Chemicals Safety and Alternative Methods Unit (F.3), Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Directorate General Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
| | - Brigitte Landesmann
- Chemicals Safety and Alternative Methods Unit (F.3), Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Directorate General Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy.
| | - Alfonso Lostia
- Chemicals Safety and Alternative Methods Unit (F.3), Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Directorate General Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Center for Pharmaceutical Research, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sharon Munn
- Chemicals Safety and Alternative Methods Unit (F.3), Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Directorate General Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
| | - Maurice Whelan
- Chemicals Safety and Alternative Methods Unit (F.3), Directorate F - Health, Consumers and Reference Materials, Directorate General Joint Research Centre, European Commission, Ispra, Italy
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31
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Kabel AM, Omar MS, Elmaaboud MAA. Amelioration of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats by valproic acid and butyrate: Role of nuclear factor kappa-B, proinflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 39:335-342. [PMID: 27526269 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Bleomycin is one of the anticancer agents used frequently in management of various types of tumors. Pulmonary fibrosis is the major limiting factor for the use of bleomycin. Mechanisms of fibrosis may include disordered wound healing, infiltration with inflammatory cells and fibroblasts and release of reactive oxygen species and growth factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of valproic acid and butyrate on lung fibrosis induced by bleomycin, and to clarify their mechanisms of action. Fifty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 equal groups as follows: control group; bleomycin group; bleomycin+valproic acid group; bleomycin+butyrate group and bleomycin+valproic acid+butyrate group. Weight of rats, lung tissue hydroxyproline, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and catalase were measured. Also, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was analyzed for total and differential leukocytic count, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1). Lung tissue was examined histopathologically and immunostained for nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Valproic acid and/or butyrate resulted in significant improvement of the body weight gain, oxidative stress, TGF-β1, IL-6, TNF-α, hydroxyproline and BAL cellularity together with significant improvement of the histopathological and immunohistochemical picture. The use of valproic acid/butyrate combination was better than the use of each of these drugs alone in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In conclusion, valproic acid/butyrate combination may be used prophylactically for amelioration of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Kabel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Mohamed S Omar
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Egypt; Division of Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
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Khan S, Ahirwar K, Jena G. Anti-fibrotic effects of valproic acid: role of HDAC inhibition and associated mechanisms. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1087-101. [PMID: 27411759 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue injuries and pathological insults produce oxidative stress, genetic and epigenetic alterations, which lead to an imbalance between pro- and anti-fibrotic molecules, and subsequent accumulation of extracellular matrix, thereby fibrosis. Various molecular pathways play a critical role in fibroblasts activation, which promotes the extracellular matrix production and accumulation. Recent reports highlighted that histone deacetylases (HDACs) are upregulated in various fibrotic disorders and play a central role in fibrosis, while HDAC inhibitors exert antifibrotic effects. Valproic acid is a first-line anti-epileptic drug and a proven HDAC inhibitor. This review provides the current research and novel insights on antifibrotic effects of valproic acid in various fibrotic conditions with an emphasis on the possible strategies for treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabbir Khan
- Facility for Risk Assessment & Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Kailash Ahirwar
- Facility for Risk Assessment & Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
| | - Gopabandhu Jena
- Facility for Risk Assessment & Intervention Studies, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Sector-67, S.A.S. Nagar, Punjab 160062, India
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Aoudjehane L, Boelle PY, Bisch G, Delelo R, Paye F, Scatton O, Housset C, Becquart J, Calmus Y, Conti F. Development of an in vitro model to test antifibrotic drugs on primary human liver myofibroblasts. J Transl Med 2016; 96:672-9. [PMID: 26950484 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2016.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We have developed a culture model to assess antifibrotic drugs using normal human liver myofibroblasts (HLMFs) obtained from 31 subjects. Activation was evaluated in terms of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1 (Coll1) expression using RT-PCR, and proliferation as the uptake of 5-ethynil-2'-deoxyuridine. Under analysis of variance, between-subject differences accounted for 70% of all variability and inter-experiment differences for 30%. The sensitivity of the model was determined by quantifying the effects in terms of relative expression, which were 0.74±0.03 for cyclosporine A (CsA) and 2.4±0.10 for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) (P<0.0001 vs no treatment) for α-SMA expression. Inter-subject variations in α-SMA and Coll1 expression enabled the classification of subjects as potentially low or high fibrosers. Finally, we observed that pirfenidone (which has beneficial effects in vivo) significantly reduced the expressions of α-SMA and Coll1, whereas the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor losartan (which has no effect in vivo) had no significant effect. Our model may thus detect the antifibrotic properties of drugs. Antifibrotic drugs with promising clinical relevance could possibly be selected using a bank of HLMFs from high fibrosers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda Aoudjehane
- Human HepCell, Faculté de Médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | | | - Grégoire Bisch
- Human HepCell, Faculté de Médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Rolland Delelo
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - François Paye
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Service de Chirurgie Digestive, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Scatton
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Servie de Chirurgie Digestive et Transplantation Hépatique, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Housset
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Jérôme Becquart
- Human HepCell, Faculté de Médecine Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Yvon Calmus
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Unité de Transplantation Hépatique, Paris, France
| | - Filomena Conti
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University Paris 06, Paris, France.,INSERM, UMR_S 938, CDR Saint-Antoine, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Unité de Transplantation Hépatique, Paris, France
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Qu K, Huang Z, Lin T, Liu S, Chang H, Yan Z, Zhang H, Liu C. New Insight into the Anti-liver Fibrosis Effect of Multitargeted Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: From Molecular Target to Clinical Trials. Front Pharmacol 2016; 6:300. [PMID: 26834633 PMCID: PMC4716646 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinases (TKs) is a family of tyrosine protein kinases with important functions in the regulation of a broad variety of physiological cell processes. Overactivity of TK disturbs cellular homeostasis and has been linked to the development of certain diseases, including various fibrotic diseases. In regard to liver fibrosis, several TKs, such as vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor, and epidermal growth factor receptor kinases, have been identified as central mediators in collagen production and potential targets for anti-liver fibrosis therapies. Given the essential role of TKs during liver fibrogenesis, multitargeted inhibitors of aberrant TK activity, including sorafenib, erlotinib, imatinib, sunitinib, nilotinib, brivanib and vatalanib, have been shown to have potential for treating liver fibrosis. Beneficial effects are observed by researchers of this field using these multitargeted TK inhibitors in preclinical animal models and in patients with liver fibrosis. The present review will briefly summarize the anti-liver fibrosis effects of multitargeted TK inhibitors and molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, China
| | - Zichao Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China; Department of General Surgery, Shaanxi Cancer HospitalXi'an, China
| | - Ting Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, China
| | - Sinan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, China
| | - Hulin Chang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'an, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shaanxi Provincial People's HospitalXi'an, China
| | - Zhaoyong Yan
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University Xi'an, China
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Li M, de Graaf IAM, Groothuis GMM. Precision-cut intestinal slices: alternative model for drug transport, metabolism, and toxicology research. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2016; 12:175-90. [DOI: 10.1517/17425255.2016.1125882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology & Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Inge A. M. de Graaf
- Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology & Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Geny M. M. Groothuis
- Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology & Targeting, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Poosti F, Pham BT, Oosterhuis D, Poelstra K, van Goor H, Olinga P, Hillebrands JL. Precision-cut kidney slices (PCKS) to study development of renal fibrosis and efficacy of drug targeting ex vivo. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:1227-36. [PMID: 26112172 PMCID: PMC4610232 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.020172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a serious clinical problem resulting in the greatest need for renal replacement therapy. No adequate preventive or curative therapy is available that could be clinically used to target renal fibrosis specifically. The search for new efficacious treatment strategies is therefore warranted. Although in vitro models using homogeneous cell populations have contributed to the understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in renal fibrosis, these models poorly mimic the complex in vivo milieu. Therefore, we here evaluated a precision-cut kidney slice (PCKS) model as a new, multicellular ex vivo model to study the development of fibrosis and its prevention using anti-fibrotic compounds. Precision-cut slices (200-300 μm thickness) were prepared from healthy C57BL/6 mouse kidneys using a Krumdieck tissue slicer. To induce changes mimicking the fibrotic process, slices were incubated with TGFβ1 (5 ng/ml) for 48 h in the presence or absence of the anti-fibrotic cytokine IFNγ (1 µg/ml) or an IFNγ conjugate targeted to PDGFRβ (PPB-PEG-IFNγ). Following culture, tissue viability (ATP-content) and expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, collagen I and collagen III were determined using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Slices remained viable up to 72 h of incubation, and no significant effects of TGFβ1 and IFNγ on viability were observed. TGFβ1 markedly increased α-SMA, fibronectin and collagen I mRNA and protein expression levels. IFNγ and PPB-PEG-IFNγ significantly reduced TGFβ1-induced fibronectin, collagen I and collagen III mRNA expression, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The PKCS model is a novel tool to test the pathophysiology of fibrosis and to screen the efficacy of anti-fibrotic drugs ex vivo in a multicellular and pro-fibrotic milieu. A major advantage of the slice model is that it can be used not only for animal but also for (fibrotic) human kidney tissue. Drug Discovery Collection: TGFβ induces renal fibrosis in ex vivo cultured precision-cut kidney slices, which can be attenuated by IFNγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariba Poosti
- Departments of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 GZ, The Netherlands
| | - Bao Tung Pham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Dorenda Oosterhuis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Poelstra
- Department of Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Departments of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 GZ, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 AV, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Luuk Hillebrands
- Departments of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, 9713 GZ, The Netherlands
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Yanguas SC, Cogliati B, Willebrords J, Maes M, Colle I, van den Bossche B, de Oliveira CPMS, Andraus W, Alves VAF, Leclercq I, Vinken M. Experimental models of liver fibrosis. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:1025-1048. [PMID: 26047667 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1543-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a wound healing response to insults and as such affects the entire world population. In industrialized countries, the main causes of liver fibrosis include alcohol abuse, chronic hepatitis virus infection and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. A central event in liver fibrosis is the activation of hepatic stellate cells, which is triggered by a plethora of signaling pathways. Liver fibrosis can progress into more severe stages, known as cirrhosis, when liver acini are substituted by nodules, and further to hepatocellular carcinoma. Considerable efforts are currently devoted to liver fibrosis research, not only with the goal of further elucidating the molecular mechanisms that drive this disease, but equally in view of establishing effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The present paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of in vivo and in vitro models used in the field of experimental liver fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Bert van den Bossche
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis, Aalst, Belgium
| | | | - Wellington Andraus
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Isabelle Leclercq
- Laboratoire d'Hépato-Gastro-Entérologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Pham BT, van Haaften WT, Oosterhuis D, Nieken J, de Graaf IAM, Olinga P. Precision-cut rat, mouse, and human intestinal slices as novel models for the early-onset of intestinal fibrosis. Physiol Rep 2015; 3:3/4/e12323. [PMID: 25907784 PMCID: PMC4425951 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.12323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis (IF) is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease. IF research is limited by the lack of relevant in vitro and in vivo models. We evaluated precision-cut intestinal slices (PCIS) prepared from human, rat, and mouse intestine as ex vivo models mimicking the early-onset of (human) IF. Precision-cut intestinal slices prepared from human (h), rat (r), and mouse (m) jejunum, were incubated up to 72 h, the viability of PCIS was assessed by ATP content and morphology, and the gene expression of several fibrosis markers was determined. The viability of rPCIS decreased after 24 h of incubation, whereas mPCIS and hPCIS were viable up to 72 h of culturing. Furthermore, during this period, gene expression of heat shock protein 47 and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 increased in all PCIS in addition to augmented expression of synaptophysin in hPCIS, fibronectin (Fn2) and TGF-β1 in rPCIS, and Fn2 and connective tissue growth factor (Ctgf) in mPCIS. Addition of TGF-β1 to rPCIS or mPCIS induced the gene expression of the fibrosis markers Pro-collagen1a1, Fn2, and Ctgf in both species. However, none of the fibrosis markers was further elevated in hPCIS. We successfully developed a novel ex vivo model that can mimic the early-onset of fibrosis in the intestine using human, rat, and mouse PCIS. Furthermore, in rat and mouse PCIS, TGF-β1 was able to even further increase the gene expression of fibrosis markers. This indicates that PCIS can be used as a model for the early-onset of IF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao Tung Pham
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Tobias van Haaften
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorenda Oosterhuis
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Nieken
- Pathology Friesland Foundation, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Inge Anne Maria de Graaf
- Pharmacokinetics, Toxicology and Targeting, Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Lin C, Ballinger KR, Khetani SR. The application of engineered liver tissues for novel drug discovery. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 10:519-40. [PMID: 25840592 DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.1032241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug-induced liver injury remains a major cause of drug attrition. Furthermore, novel drugs are being developed for treating liver diseases. However, differences between animals and humans in liver pathways necessitate the use of human-relevant liver models to complement live animal testing during preclinical drug development. Microfabrication tools and synthetic biomaterials now allow for the creation of tissue subunits that display more physiologically relevant and long-term liver functions than possible with declining monolayers. AREAS COVERED The authors discuss acellular enzyme platforms, two-dimensional micropatterned co-cultures, three-dimensional spheroidal cultures, microfluidic perfusion, liver slices and humanized rodent models. They also present the use of cell lines, primary liver cells and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human hepatocyte-like cells in the creation of cell-based models and discuss in silico approaches that allow integration and modeling of the datasets from these models. Finally, the authors describe the application of liver models for the discovery of novel therapeutics for liver diseases. EXPERT OPINION Engineered liver models with varying levels of in vivo-like complexities provide investigators with the opportunity to develop assays with sufficient complexity and required throughput. Control over cell-cell interactions and co-culture with stromal cells in both two dimension and three dimension are critical for enabling stable liver models. The validation of liver models with diverse sets of compounds for different applications, coupled with an analysis of cost:benefit ratio, is important for model adoption for routine screening. Ultimately, engineered liver models could significantly reduce drug development costs and enable the development of more efficacious and safer therapeutics for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lin
- Colorado State University, School of Biomedical Engineering , 200 W. Lake St, 1301 Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1374 , USA
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40
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Hauff P, Gottwald U, Ocker M. Early to Phase II drugs currently under investigation for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2014; 24:309-27. [PMID: 25547844 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2015.997874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic liver diseases represent a high unmet medical need and are characterized by persistent inflammation, parenchymal damage and fibrotic remodeling, leading eventually to cirrhosis and hepatic failure. Besides the persisting high prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis B and C, the dramatic increase in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is now considered to be a major pathophysiologic driver for fibrosis development and subsequently cirrhosis. Increasing evidence suggests that also liver cirrhosis can regress when treated adequately. AREAS COVERED Herein, the authors review the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to fibrotic remodeling in the liver. They also highlight the options for novel treatment strategies by using molecular targeted agents. EXPERT OPINION New in vitro and preclinical animal models, and the careful selection of patients with high disease dynamics for clinical studies, provide a sound basis for the clinical development of antifibrotic agents in humans. Surrogate parameters of liver function, inflammation, tissue remodeling and damage, as well as noninvasive imaging techniques, can be applied in clinical trials to provide fast readouts and novel and reliable endpoints for trial design, and provide an attractive regulatory environment for this emerging disease area.
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Sadasivan SK, Siddaraju N, Khan KM, Vasamsetti B, Kumar NR, Haridas V, Reddy MB, Baggavalli S, Oommen AM, Pralhada Rao R. Developing an in vitro screening assay platform for evaluation of antifibrotic drugs using precision-cut liver slices. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2014; 8:1. [PMID: 25598841 PMCID: PMC4296550 DOI: 10.1186/s13069-014-0017-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Precision-cut liver slices present different cell types of liver in a physiological context, and they have been explored as effective in vitro model systems to study liver fibrosis. Inducing fibrosis in the liver slices using toxicants like carbon tetrachloride is of less relevance to human disease conditions. Our aim for this study was to establish physiologically relevant conditions in vitro to induce fibrotic phenotypes in the liver slices. Results Precision-cut liver slices of 150 μm thickness were obtained from female C57BL/6 J mice. The slices were cultured for 24 hours in media containing a cocktail of 10 nM each of TGF-β, PDGF, 5 μM each of lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine 1 phosphate and 0.2 μg/ml of lipopolysaccharide along with 500 μM of palmitate and were analyzed for triglyceride accumulation, stress and inflammation, myofibroblast activation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation. Incubation with the cocktail resulted in increased triglyceride accumulation, a hallmark of steatosis. The levels of Acta2, a hallmark of myofibroblast activation and the levels of inflammatory genes (IL-6, TNF-α and C-reactive protein) were significantly elevated. In addition, this treatment resulted in increased levels of ECM markers - collagen, lumican and fibronectin. Conclusions This study reports the experimental conditions required to induce fibrosis associated with steatohepatitis using physiologically relevant inducers. The system presented here captures various aspects of the fibrosis process like steatosis, inflammation, stellate cell activation and ECM accumulation and serves as a platform to study the liver fibrosis in vitro and to screen small molecules for their antifibrotic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish Kumar Sadasivan
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
| | - Nethra Siddaraju
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
| | - Khaiser Mehdi Khan
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
| | - Balamuralikrishna Vasamsetti
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
| | - Nimisha R Kumar
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
| | - Vibha Haridas
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
| | - Madhusudhan B Reddy
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
| | - Somesh Baggavalli
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
| | - Anup M Oommen
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
| | - Raghavendra Pralhada Rao
- Connexios life sciences private limited, No-49, Shilpa vidya, 1st Main, 3rd phase, J P nagara, Bangalore, 560078 India
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Koch A, Saran S, Tran DDH, Klebba-Färber S, Thiesler H, Sewald K, Schindler S, Braun A, Klopfleisch R, Tamura T. Murine precision-cut liver slices (PCLS): a new tool for studying tumor microenvironments and cell signaling ex vivo. Cell Commun Signal 2014; 12:73. [PMID: 25376987 PMCID: PMC4226874 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-014-0073-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background One of the most insidious characteristics of cancer is its spread to and ability to compromise distant organs via the complex process of metastasis. Communication between cancer cells and organ-resident cells via cytokines/chemokines and direct cell-cell contacts are key steps for survival, proliferation and invasion of metastasized cancer cells in organs. Precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) are considered to closely reflect the in vivo situation and are potentially useful for studying the interaction of cancer cells with liver-resident cells as well as being a potentially useful tool for screening anti-cancer reagents. Application of the PCLS technique in the field of cancer research however, has not yet been well developed. Results We established the mouse PCLS system using perfluorodecalin (PFD) as an artificial oxygen carrier. Using this system we show that the adherence of green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeled MDA-MB-231 (highly invasive) cells to liver tissue in the PCLS was 5-fold greater than that of SK-BR-3 (less invasive) cells. In addition, we generated PCLS from THOC5, a member of transcription/export complex (TREX), knockout (KO) mice. The PCLS still expressed Gapdh or Albumin mRNAs at normal levels, while several chemokine/growth factor or metalloprotease genes, such as Cxcl12, Pdgfa, Tgfb, Wnt11, and Mmp1a genes were downregulated more than 2-fold. Interestingly, adhesion of cancer cells to THOC5 KO liver slices was far less (greater than 80% reduction) than to wild-type liver slices. Conclusion Mouse PCLS cultures in the presence of PFD may serve as a useful tool for screening local adherence and invasiveness of individual cancer cells, since single cells can be observed. This method may also prove useful for identification of genes in liver-resident cells that support cancer invasion by using PCLS from transgenic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Koch
- Institut fuer Biochemie, OE4310, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30623, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Shashank Saran
- Institut fuer Biochemie, OE4310, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30623, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Doan Duy Hai Tran
- Institut fuer Biochemie, OE4310, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30623, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Sabine Klebba-Färber
- Institut fuer Biochemie, OE4310, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30623, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Hauke Thiesler
- Institut fuer Biochemie, OE4310, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30623, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Katherina Sewald
- Fraunhofer Institut für Toxikologie und Experimentelle Medizin Atemwegspharmakologie, Nikolai-Fuchs-Str.1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Susann Schindler
- Fraunhofer Institut für Toxikologie und Experimentelle Medizin Atemwegspharmakologie, Nikolai-Fuchs-Str.1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Armin Braun
- Fraunhofer Institut für Toxikologie und Experimentelle Medizin Atemwegspharmakologie, Nikolai-Fuchs-Str.1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Robert Klopfleisch
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag- Str. 15, D-14163, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Teruko Tamura
- Institut fuer Biochemie, OE4310, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30623, Hannover, Germany.
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