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Lu Y, Liu J, Tang W, Zhang H. NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition decreases Schistosomiasis japonica-induced granulomatous inflammation and fibrosis in BALB/c mice. Infect Immun 2024:e0005524. [PMID: 39158264 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00055-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
To research the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in Schistosoma japonicum-induced granuloma formation and liver fibrosis. In in vivo tests, BALB/c mice were used. shNLRP3 plasmid based on adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8-shNLRP3) was injected to block NLRP3 inflammasome via tail vein. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were detected to assess liver injury. H&E staining was used for routine histopathological assessment; Masson's trichrome staining was used to detect fibrous tissues and collagen fibers. Hepatic expression of NLRP3, procaspase-1, bioactive caspase-1, collagen-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by western blot. Serum levels of IL-1β were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatic expression of IL-1β around the granuloma were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Treatment of S. japonicum infected mice with AAV8-shNLRP3 significantly reduced the hepatic levels of bioactive caspase-1 and IL-1β, as well as circulating IL-1β concentrations, while reducing the amounts of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and F4/80 positive cells around the granuloma. Moreover, collagen deposition, TIMP-1, and α-SMA, which are markers of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, were reduced around the liver granuloma. These findings highlight a therapeutic potential of AAV8-shNLRP3 in schistosomiasis cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wangxian Tang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Zhong H, Gui X, Hou L, Lv R, Jin Y. From Inflammation to Fibrosis: Novel Insights into the Roles of High Mobility Group Protein Box 1 in Schistosome-Induced Liver Damage. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11030289. [PMID: 35335612 PMCID: PMC8951358 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11030289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic helminthic disease of both humans and animals and the second most prevalent parasitic disease after malaria. Through a complex migration process, schistosome eggs trapped in the liver can lead to the formation of granulomas and subsequent schistosome-induced liver damage, which results in high mortality and morbidity. Although praziquantel can eliminate mature worms and prevent egg deposition, effective drugs to reverse schistosome-induced liver damage are scarce. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a multifunctional cytokine contributing to liver injury, inflammation, and immune responses in schistosomiasis by binding to cell-surface Toll-like receptors and receptors for advanced glycation end products. HMGB1 is increased in the serum of patients with schistosomiasis and enables hepatic stellate cells to adopt a proliferative myofibroblast-like phenotype, which is crucial to schistosome-induced granuloma formation. Inhibition of HMGB1 was found to generate protective responses against fibrotic diseases in animal models. Clinically, HMGB1 presents a potential target for treatment of the chronic sequelae of schistosomiasis. Here, the pivotal role of HMGB1 in granuloma formation and schistosome-induced liver damage, as well the potential of HMGB1 as a therapeutic target, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zhong
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xiang Gui
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Ling Hou
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong 030031, China
| | - Rongxue Lv
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yamei Jin
- National Reference Laboratory for Animal Schistosomiasis, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; (H.Z.); (X.G.); (L.H.); (R.L.)
- Key Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel./Fax: +86-021-34293150
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Yang J, Xu C, Wu M, Wu Y, Jia X, Zhou C, Zhang X, Ge S, Li Z, Zhang L. MicroRNA-124 inhibits hepatic stellate cells inflammatory cytokines secretion by targeting IQGAP1 through NF-κB pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 95:107520. [PMID: 33743313 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a health concern that leads to organ failure mediated via production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic biomarkers. To date, there was no direct approved antifibrotic therapy, and current treatment was mainly the removal of the causative factor. Recent studies demonstrated that aberrant expression of miR-124 was involved in the progression of various liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether miR-124 could function as a transcriptional regulator in the inflammatory cytokines secretion of liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of miR-124 was downregulated in liver fibrosis tissues and TNF-α-induced LX-2 cells, concomitant with the upregulated expression of IQGAP1, suggesting that miR-124 and IQGAP1 might be associated with the development of inflammation in liver fibrosis. Therefore, we demonstrated that the overexpression of miR-124 and knockdown of IQGAP1 could lead to the downregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. While knockdown of miR-124 or overexpression of IQGAP1 showed reversed results. Moreover, dual luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-124 specifically targeted the 3'-UTR of IQGAP1, and thus inhibited the expression of IQGAP1. Mechanistically, we found that the expression changes of miR-124 and IQGAP1 could be involved in inhibition or activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in response to TNF-α. In conclusion, these results indicated that miR-124 plays a crucial role in TNF-α-induced LX-2 cells via regulating NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Changqing Xu
- The Third People's Hospital of Hefei (Hefei Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Maomao Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Chest Hospital, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ying Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiaodi Jia
- Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Chang Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shenglin Ge
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Zeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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He X, Pu G, Tang R, Zhang D, Pan W. Correction: Activation of Nuclear Factor Kappa B in the Hepatic Stellate Cells of Mice with Schistosomiasis Japonica. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243667. [PMID: 33332436 PMCID: PMC7746179 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Zhang W, Le L, Ahmad G, Molehin AJ, Siddiqui AJ, Torben W, Karmakar S, Rojo JU, Sennoune S, Lazarus S, Khatoon S, Freeborn J, Sudduth J, Rezk AF, Carey D, Wolf RF, Papin JF, Damian R, Gray SA, Marks F, Carter D, Siddiqui AA. Fifteen Years of Sm-p80-Based Vaccine Trials in Nonhuman Primates: Antibodies From Vaccinated Baboons Confer Protection in vivo and in vitro From Schistosoma mansoni and Identification of Putative Correlative Markers of Protection. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1246. [PMID: 32636844 PMCID: PMC7318103 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in systems biology have shifted vaccine development from a largely trial-and-error approach to an approach that promote rational design through the search for immune signatures and predictive correlates of protection. These advances will doubtlessly accelerate the development of a vaccine for schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease that currently affects over 250 million people. For over 15 years and with contributions of over 120 people, we have endeavored to test and optimize Sm-p80-based vaccines in the non-human primate model of schistosomiasis. Using RNA-sequencing on eight different Sm-p80-based vaccine strategies, we sought to elucidate immune signatures correlated with experimental protective efficacy. Furthermore, we aimed to explore the role of antibodies through in vivo passive transfer of IgG obtained from immunized baboons and in vitro killing of schistosomula using Sm-p80-specific antibodies. We report that passive transfer of IgG from Sm-p80-immunized baboons led to significant worm burden reduction, egg reduction in liver, and reduced egg hatching percentages from tissues in mice compared to controls. In addition, we observed that sera from Sm-p80-immunized baboons were able to kill a significant percent of schistosomula and that this effect was complement-dependent. While we did not find a universal signature of immunity, the large datasets generated by this study will serve as a substantial resource for further efforts to develop vaccine or therapeutics for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Zhang
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Loc Le
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Gul Ahmad
- Department of Natural Sciences, Peru State College, Peru, NE, United States
| | - Adebayo J. Molehin
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | | | - Workineh Torben
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University of Alexandria, Alexandria, LA, United States
| | - Souvik Karmakar
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Juan U. Rojo
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, United States
| | - Souad Sennoune
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Samara Lazarus
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Sabiha Khatoon
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Jasmin Freeborn
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Justin Sudduth
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Ashraf F. Rezk
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - David Carey
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Roman F. Wolf
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Oklahoma City VA Health Care System, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - James F. Papin
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Ray Damian
- Department of Cellular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | | | - Florian Marks
- International Vaccine Institute, SNU Research Park, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Darrick Carter
- PAI Life Sciences, Seattle, WA, United States
- Infectious Disease Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Afzal A. Siddiqui
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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6
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Dhall S, Lerch A, Johnson N, Jacob V, Jones B, Park MS, Sathyamoorthy M. A Flowable Placental Formulation Prevents Bleomycin-Induced Dermal Fibrosis in Aged Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4242. [PMID: 32545915 PMCID: PMC7352837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, the thickening and scarring of injured connective tissue, leads to a loss of organ function. Multiple cell types, including T-cells, macrophages, fibrocytes, and fibroblasts/myofibroblasts contribute to scar formation via secretion of inflammatory factors. This event results in an increase in oxidative stress and deposition of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), characteristic of fibrosis. Further, aging is known to predispose connective tissue to fibrosis due to reduced tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated the anti-fibrotic activity of a flowable placental formulation (FPF) using a bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis model in aged mice. FPF consisted of placental amnion/chorion- and umbilical tissue-derived ECM and cells. The mice were injected with either FPF or PBS, followed by multiple doses of bleomycin. Histological assessment of FPF-treated skin samples revealed reduced dermal fibrosis, inflammation, and TGF-β signaling compared to the control group. Quantitative RT-PCR and Next Generation Sequencing analysis of miRNAs further confirmed anti-fibrotic changes in the FPF-treated group at both the gene and transcriptional levels. The observed modulation in miRNAs was associated with inflammation, TGF-β signaling, fibroblast proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and ECM deposition. These results demonstrate the potential of FPF in preventing fibrosis and may be of therapeutic benefit for those at higher risk of fibrosis due to wounds, aging, exposure to radiation and genetic predisposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Dhall
- Smith & Nephew Plc., Columbia, MD 21046, USA; (A.L.); (N.J.); (V.J.); (B.J.); (M.S.P.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Malathi Sathyamoorthy
- Smith & Nephew Plc., Columbia, MD 21046, USA; (A.L.); (N.J.); (V.J.); (B.J.); (M.S.P.)
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7
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Dimethylfumarate ameliorates hepatic injury and fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 302:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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El-Kady AM, Ahmad AA, Hassan TM, El-Deek HEM, Fouad SS, Althagfan SS. Eugenol, a potential schistosomicidal agent with anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects against Schistosoma mansoni, induced liver pathology. Infect Drug Resist 2019; 12:709-719. [PMID: 30992676 PMCID: PMC6445185 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s196544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic infections in developing countries. Although chemotherapy is one of the main strategies in controlling the disease, it is less effective in reversal of schistosome-induced pathology especially in the chronic and advanced stages of schistosomiasis. New strategies and prospective therapeutic agents with antifibrotic effects are needed. Eugenol has a wide anti-inflammatory effect. In the present study, we investigated the possible antischistosomal effect of eugenol on Schistosoma mansoni. Materials and methods The murine model of S. mansoni was established in three groups of adult male Balb-c mice; group I (infected non-treated group) and groups II and III (infected groups) treated orally with eugenol and praziquantel (PZQ), respectively. The expression of the sensitive immunohistochemical marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in schistosome-infected tissues was determined. In addition, parasitological, biochemical, and histological parameters that reflect disease severity and morbidity were examined. Results Eugenol treatment showed significant reduction in total worm burden by 19.2%; however, the oogram pattern showed no marked difference compared to that of the PZQ group. Yet, eugenol significantly reduced the serum levels of hepatic enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Histopathological examination revealed a significant reduction in both numbers and diameters of hepatic granulomata, which was consistent with reduction in collagen fiber deposition. Additionally, the antifibrotic effect of eugenol was validated by its considerable reduction in the expression of the sensitive marker α-SMA in both eugenol- and PZQ-treated groups. Conclusion Although eugenol could not totally eradicate adults of S. mansoni, the significant amelioration of liver enzymes and hepatic fibrosis potentiate eugenol’s role as a promising antifibrotic and a complementary antischistosomal agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa M El-Kady
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt,
| | | | - Tasneem M Hassan
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Heba E M El-Deek
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Samer S Fouad
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Sultan S Althagfan
- Department of Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia
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Role of hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-derived cytokines in hepatic inflammation and immunity. Cytokine 2018; 124:154542. [PMID: 30241896 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In their quiescent state, Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), are present in the sub-endothelial space of Disse and have minimal interaction with immune cells. However, upon activation following injury, HSCs directly or indirectly interact with various immune cells that enter the space of Disse and thereby regulate diverse hepatic function and immune physiology. Other than the normal physiological functions of HSCs such as hepatic homeostasis, maturation and differentiation, they also participate in hepatic inflammation by releasing a battery of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and interacting with other liver cells. Here, we have reviewed the role of HSC in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation and some infectious diseases in order to understand how the interplay between immune cells and HSCs regulates the overall outcome and disease pathology.
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Zhu D, Hu B, Zhou Y, Sun X, Chen J, Chen L, Ji Z, Zhu J, Duan Y. microRNA-146a is involved in rSjP40-inhibited activation of LX-2 cells by targeting Smad4 expression. J Cell Biochem 2018; 119:9249-9253. [PMID: 29953648 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that the recombinant Schistosoma japonicum protein P40 (rSjP40) could inhibit activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. Since multiple microRNAs could play essential roles in HSC activation and in the process of hepatic fibrosis through targeting Smads, we attempted to seek the potential microRNAs that could be involved in rSjP40-induced inhibition of HSC activation. Using the method of quantitative real-time PCR, we found that rSjP40 could induce miR-146a expression in LX-2 cells. The down-regulated expression levels of Smad4 and α-SMA in LX-2 cells induced by rSjP40 were partially restored by an miR-146a inhibitor. miR-146a can be involved in rSjP40-induced inhibition of HSC activation through targeting Smad4. These findings provide us a new idea to explore the potential mechanisms by which rSjP40 could regulate the process of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Hu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yonghua Zhou
- Key Laboratory of National Health and Family Planning Commission on Parasitic Disease Control and Prevention, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory on Parasite and Vector Control Technology, Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolei Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinling Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liuting Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhaodong Ji
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinhua Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinong Duan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
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Abd El-Aal NF, Hamza RS, Harb O. Paeoniflorin targets apoptosis and ameliorates fibrosis in murine schistosomiasis mansoni : A novel insight. Exp Parasitol 2017; 183:23-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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12
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Wan C, Jin F, Du Y, Yang K, Yao L, Mei Z, Huang W. Genistein improves schistosomiasis liver granuloma and fibrosis via dampening NF-kB signaling in mice. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1165-1174. [PMID: 28160073 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5392-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In schistosomiasis, egg deposition in the liver contributes to the formation of hepatic granuloma and fibrosis, which are the most serious clinical pathological features. It has been proposed that activation of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways is closely associated with the development of hepatic granuloma and fibrosis. Genistein has been shown to inhibit the activity of NF-κB signaling pathways, which might be a potential agent to protect against Schistosoma japonicum egg-induced liver granuloma and fibrosis. In this study, liver granuloma and fibrosis were induced by infecting BALB/c mice with 18 ± 3 cercariae of S. japonicum. At the beginning of egg granuloma formation (early phase genistein treatment from 4 to 6 weeks after infection) or after the formation of liver fibrosis (late phase genistein treatment from 6 to 10 weeks after infection), the infected mice were injected with genistein (25, 50 mg/kg). The results revealed that genistein treatment significantly decreased the extent of hepatic granuloma and fibrosis in infected mice. The activity of NF-κB signaling declined sharply after the treatment with genistein, as evidenced by the inhibition of NF-κB-p65, phospho-NF-κB-p65, and phospo-IκB-α expressions, as well as the expression of IκB-α and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of inflammatory cytokines (MCP1, TNFα, IL1β, IL4, IL10) mediated by NF-κB signaling pathways in the early phase of the infection. Moreover, western blot and immunohistochemistry assays demonstrated that the contents of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β were dramatically reduced in liver tissue under the treatment of genistein in the late phase of the infection. At the same time, the mRNA expression of MCP1, TNFα, and IL10 was inhibited markedly. These results provided evidence that genistein reduces S. japonicum egg-induced liver granuloma and fibrosis, at least partly due to decreased NF-κB signaling, and subsequently decreased MCP1, TNFα, and IL10 expressions. This implies that genistein can be a potential natural agent against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunpeng Wan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory for Postharvest Technology and Nondestructive Testing of Fruits and Vegetables, College of Agronomy, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330045, China
| | - Fen Jin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Youqin Du
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Kang Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China
| | - Liangliang Yao
- Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Mei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
| | - Weifeng Huang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443002, China.
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13
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Hsieh LTH, Nastase MV, Roedig H, Zeng-Brouwers J, Poluzzi C, Schwalm S, Fork C, Tredup C, Brandes RP, Wygrecka M, Huwiler A, Pfeilschifter J, Schaefer L. Biglycan- and Sphingosine Kinase-1 Signaling Crosstalk Regulates the Synthesis of Macrophage Chemoattractants. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030595. [PMID: 28282921 PMCID: PMC5372611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In its soluble form, the extracellular matrix proteoglycan biglycan triggers the synthesis of the macrophage chemoattractants, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand CCL2 and CCL5 through selective utilization of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their adaptor molecules. However, the respective downstream signaling events resulting in biglycan-induced CCL2 and CCL5 production have not yet been defined. Here, we show that biglycan stimulates the production and activation of sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) in a TLR4- and Toll/interleukin (IL)-1R domain-containing adaptor inducing interferon (IFN)-β (TRIF)-dependent manner in murine primary macrophages. We provide genetic and pharmacological proof that SphK1 is a crucial downstream mediator of biglycan-triggered CCL2 and CCL5 mRNA and protein expression. This is selectively driven by biglycan/SphK1-dependent phosphorylation of the nuclear factor NF-κB p65 subunit, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases. Importantly, in vivo overexpression of soluble biglycan causes Sphk1-dependent enhancement of renal CCL2 and CCL5 and macrophage recruitment into the kidney. Our findings describe the crosstalk between biglycan- and SphK1-driven extracellular matrix- and lipid-signaling. Thus, SphK1 may represent a new target for therapeutic intervention in biglycan-evoked inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Tzung-Harn Hsieh
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Madalina-Viviana Nastase
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
- National Institute for Chemical-Pharmaceutical Research and Development, 112 Vitan Avenue, Bucharest 031299, Romania.
| | - Heiko Roedig
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Jinyang Zeng-Brouwers
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Chiara Poluzzi
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Schwalm
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Christian Fork
- Institut für Kardiovaskulare Physiologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Claudia Tredup
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Ralf P Brandes
- Institut für Kardiovaskulare Physiologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Malgorzata Wygrecka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Friedrichstrasse 24, Giessen 35392, Germany.
| | - Andrea Huwiler
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Inselspital INO-F, Bern CH-3010, Switzerland.
| | - Josef Pfeilschifter
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
| | - Liliana Schaefer
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
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14
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Steatosis induced CCL5 contributes to early-stage liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease progress. Transl Res 2017; 180:103-117.e4. [PMID: 27639593 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The rapidly increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the major public health threats in China and worldwide. However, during the development of NAFLD, the key mechanism underlying the progression of related fibrosis remains unclear, which greatly impedes the development of optimal NAFLD therapy. In the current study, we were endeavored to characterize a proinflammatory cytokine, CCL5, as a major contributor for fibrosis in NAFLD. The results showed that CCL5 was highly expressed in fatty liver and NASH patients. In NAFLD rats induced by 8-week-HFD, CCL5 and its receptor, CCR5, were significantly up-regulated and liver fibrosis exclusively occurred in this group. In addition, we showed that hepatocytes are the major source contributing to this CCL5 elevation. Interestingly, a CCL5 inhibitor Met-CCL5, significantly decreased liver fibrosis but not hepatic steatosis. Using a cell model of hepatic steatosis, we found that the conditioned medium of lipid-overloaded hepatocytes (Fa2N-4 cells) which produced excessive CCL5 stimulated the profibrotic activities of hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) as manifested by increased migration rate, proliferation and collagen production of LX-2 cells. CCL5 knockdown in Fa2N-4 cells, Met-CCL5 or CCR5 antibody treatment on LX-2 cells all significantly inhibited the conditioned medium of FFA-treated Fa2N-4 cells to exert stimulatory effects on LX-2 cells. Consistently, the conditioned medium of Fa2N-4 cells with CCL5 over-expression significantly enhanced migration rate, cell proliferation and collagen production of LX-2 cells. All these results support that CCL5 produced by steatotic hepatocytes plays an essential role in fibrotic signaling machinery of NAFLD. In addition, we were able to identify C/EBP-β as the up-stream regulator of CCL5 gene transcription in hepatocytes treated with free fatty acid (FFA). Our data strongly supported that CCL5 plays a pivotal regulatory role in hepatic fibrosis during NAFLD, which constitutes a novel and exciting observation that may call for potential future development of specific CCL5-targeted NAFLD therapy.
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15
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He X, Tang R, Sun Y, Wang YG, Zhen KY, Zhang DM, Pan WQ. MicroR-146 blocks the activation of M1 macrophage by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 in hepatic schistosomiasis. EBioMedicine 2016; 13:339-347. [PMID: 27780686 PMCID: PMC5264274 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 10/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a chronic disease caused by the parasite of the Schistosoma genus and is characterized by egg-induced hepatic granulomas and fibrosis. Macrophages play a central role in schistosomiasis with several studies highlighting their differentiation into M2 cells involved in the survival of infected mice through limitation of immunopathology. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms of regulating macrophage differentiation. Here, we showed that the early stage of infection by Schistosoma japonicum induced expression of type 1 T-helper-cell (Th1) cytokine, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), leading to increase in M1 cells. However, the presence of liver-trapped eggs induced the expression of Th2 cytokines including interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10, and IL-13 that upregulated the transcription of miR-146b by activating signal transducer and activator of transcription 3/6 (STAT3/6) that bind to the promoter of the pre-miR-146b gene. We found that the miR-146a/b was significantly upregulated in macrophages during the progression of hepatic schistosomiasis. The elevated miR-146a/b inhibited the IFN-γ-induced differentiation of macrophages to M1 cells through targeting STAT1. Our data indicate the protective roles of miR-146a/b in hepatic schistosomiasis through regulating the differentiation of macrophages into M2 cells. miR-146 was selectively upregulated in macrophages during hepatic schistosomiasis. miR-146 blocked the differentiation of macrophages into M1 cells by targeting STAT1 in hepatic schistosomiasis. Th2 cytokines induced the expression of miR-146b by activating STAT3/6 that bind to the promoter of the pre-miR-146b gene. Th2 cytokines inhibited the activation of M1 macrophages by induction of miR-146b.
Macrophages play a central role in schistosomiasis by differentiating into various activation states. Previous studies have highlighted the importance of differentiation of macrophages into M2 cells for host survival. In this study, we revealed that the presence of liver-trapped parasite eggs induced expression of Th2 cytokines that promoted transcription of miR-146b by activating STAT3/6 that bind to the promoter of the pre-miR-146b gene, and the elevated miR-146b inhibited the IFN-γ-induced differentiation of macrophages into M1 cells by suppressing STAT1. These findings indicate the protective roles of miR-146a/b in hepatic schistosomiasis through regulating the differentiation of macrophages into M2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing He
- Department of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Department of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; Department of Pathogen Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, China
| | - Yan-Ge Wang
- Department of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Kui-Yang Zhen
- Department of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Dong-Mei Zhang
- Department of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Wei-Qing Pan
- Department of Tropical Infectious Diseases, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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16
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Demethyleneberberine Protects against Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice by Modulating NF-κB Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17071036. [PMID: 27376272 PMCID: PMC4964412 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17071036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Demethyleneberberine (DMB) is an essential metabolite of Berberine (BBR) in vivo. Recent reports have revealed multiple novel therapeutic applications of BBR. However, the pharmacological activities of DMB remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to demonstrate the hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic effects of DMB both in vitro and in vivo. Here we showed that DMB protects against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice and exhibits a higher safety profile as compared to BBR. Flow cytometry and Western blotting analysis showed that DMB is able to suppress the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and induce cell apoptosis through the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) cascade. Immunohistochemical (IHC) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis indicated that DMB also has inhibitory effects on collagen synthesis and is able to increase collagen degradation by blocking the transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF-β1)-Smad signaling and reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMP (TIMPs). These findings indicate that DMB has the potential to attenuate hepatic fibrosis via suppressing HSC activation.
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