1
|
Ariyachet C, Nokkeaw A, Boonkaew B, Tangkijvanich P. ZNF469 is a profibrotic regulator of extracellular matrix in hepatic stellate cells. J Cell Biochem 2024; 125:e30578. [PMID: 38704698 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into proliferative myofibroblasts drives extracellular cellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and liver fibrosis; nevertheless, the transcriptional network that promotes such a process is not completely understood. ZNF469 is a putative C2H2 zinc finger protein that may bind to specific genome sequences. It is found to be upregulated upon HSC activation; however, the molecular function of ZNF469 is completely unknown. Here, we show that knockdown of ZNF469 in primary human HSCs impaired proliferation, migration, and collagen production. Conversely, overexpression of ZNF469 in HSCs yielded the opposite results. Transforming growth factor-β 1 promoted expression of ZNF469 in a Smad3-dependent manner, where the binding of Smad3 was confirmed at the ZNF469 promoter. RNA sequencing data of ZNF469-knockdown HSCs revealed the ECM-receptor interaction, which provides structural and signaling support to cells, was the most affected pathway, and significant downregulation of various collagen and proteoglycan genes was observed. To investigate the function of ZNF469, we cloned a full-length open reading frame of ZNF469 with an epitope tag and identified a nuclear localization of the protein. Luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed the presence of ZNF469 at the promoter of ECM genes, supporting its function as a transcription factor. Analysis of human fibrotic and cirrhotic tissues showed increased expression of ZNF469 and a positive correlation between expression levels of ZNF469 and ECM genes. Moreover, this observation was similar in other fibrotic organs, including the heart, lung, and skin, suggesting that myofibroblasts from various origins generally require ZNF469 to promote ECM production. Together, this study is the first to reveal the role of ZNF469 as a profibrotic factor in HSCs and suggests ZNF469 as a novel target for antifibrotic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaiyaboot Ariyachet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Archittapon Nokkeaw
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Bootsakorn Boonkaew
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical Biochemistry Program, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Njei B, Al-Ajlouni YA, Ameyaw P, Njei LP, Boateng S. Role of ammonia and glutamine in the pathogenesis and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A systematic review. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024. [PMID: 38763916 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects over 30% of the global population, with a significant risk of advancing to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The roles of ammonia and glutamine in MASLD's pathogenesis are increasingly recognized, prompting this systematic review. This systematic review was conducted through a meticulous search of literature on December 21, 2023, across five major databases, focusing on studies that addressed the relationship between ammonia or glutamine and MASLD. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using CASP checklists. This study is officially registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023495619) and was conducted without external funding or sponsorship. Following PRISMA guidelines, 13 studies were included in this review. The studies were conducted globally, with varying sample sizes and study designs. The appraisal indicated a mainly low bias, confirming the reliability of the evidence. Glutamine's involvement in MASLD emerged as multifaceted, with its metabolic role being critical for liver function and disease progression. Variable expressions of glutamine synthetase and glutaminase enzymes highlight metabolic complexity whereas ammonia's impact through urea cycle dysfunction suggests avenues for therapeutic intervention. However, human clinical trials are lacking. This review emphasizes the necessity of glutamine and ammonia in understanding MASLD and identifies potential therapeutic targets. The current evidence, while robust, points to the need for human studies to corroborate preclinical findings. A personalized approach to treatment, informed by metabolic differences in MASLD patients, is advocated, alongside future large-scale clinical trials for a deeper exploration into these metabolic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Basile Njei
- International Medicine Program, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Prince Ameyaw
- Yale Affiliated Hospitals Program, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lea-Pearl Njei
- University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarpong Boateng
- Yale Affiliated Hospitals Program, Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Habibi M, Ferguson D, Eichler SJ, Chan MM, LaPoint A, Shew TM, He M, Lutkewitte AJ, Schilling JD, Cho KY, Patti GJ, Finck BN. Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier Inhibition Attenuates Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Injury in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.13.528384. [PMID: 36824926 PMCID: PMC9949033 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.13.528384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are non-parenchymal liver cells that produce extracellular matrix comprising fibrotic lesions in chronic liver diseases. Prior work demonstrated that mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) inhibitors suppress HSC activation and fibrosis in a mouse model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In the present study, pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of the MPC in HSC decreased expression of markers of activation in vitro. MPC knockdown also reduced the abundance of several intermediates of the TCA cycle, and diminished α-ketoglutarate played a key role in attenuating HSC activation by suppressing hypoxia inducible factor-1α signaling. On high fat diets, mice with HSC-specific MPC deletion exhibited reduced circulating transaminases, numbers of HSC, and hepatic expression of markers of HSC activation and inflammation compared to wild-type mice. These data suggest that MPC inhibition modulates HSC metabolism to attenuate activation and illuminate mechanisms by which MPC inhibitors could prove therapeutically beneficial for treating MASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Habibi
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Daniel Ferguson
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Sophie J. Eichler
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Mandy M. Chan
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
| | - Andrew LaPoint
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Trevor M. Shew
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Mai He
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
| | - Andrew J. Lutkewitte
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Joel D. Schilling
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis
| | - Kevin Y. Cho
- Department of Chemistry, Siteman Cancer Center, Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Gary J. Patti
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
- Department of Chemistry, Siteman Cancer Center, Center for Metabolomics and Isotope Tracing, Washington University in St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Brian N. Finck
- Department of Medicine, Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University in St. Louis
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang Y, Shi K, Tu J, Ke C, Chen N, Wang B, Liu Y, Zhou Z. Atractylenolide III Ameliorates Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the PI3K/AKT Pathway and Regulating Glutamine Metabolism. Molecules 2023; 28:5504. [PMID: 37513376 PMCID: PMC10383814 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145504] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the leading causes of hepatic sclerosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. However, the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of liver fibrosis are unknown, and no specific drugs are available to treat liver fibrosis. Atractylenolide III (ATL III) is a natural compound isolated from the plant Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. that possesses antioxidant properties and the ability to inhibit inflammatory responses. In this study, cholestatic hepatic fibrosis was induced in mice using a bile duct ligation (BDL) model and treated with 10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg of ATL III via gavage for 14 days. ATL III significantly reduced the liver index, lowered serum ALT and AST levels, and reduced liver injury in bile-duct-ligated mice. In addition, ATL III significantly attenuated histopathological changes and reduced collagen deposition. ATL III reduced the expression of fibrosis-related genes α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen I (col1a1), Collagen IV (col4a2), and fibrosis-related proteins α-SMA and col1a1 in liver tissue. Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to screen molecular targets and pathways, ATL III was found to affect the PI3K/AKT singling pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT, thereby ameliorating BDL-induced liver fibrosis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to evaluate the effect of ATL III on liver metabolites in BDL mice. ATL III further affected glutamine metabolism by down-regulating the activity of glutamine (GLS1) and glutamine metabolism. ATL III further affected glutamine metabolism by down-regulating the activity of glutaminase (GLS1), as well as glutamine metabolism. Therefore, we conclude that ATL III attenuates liver fibrosis by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway and glutamine metabolism, suggesting that ATL III is a potential drug candidate for treating liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Kun Shi
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Jiyuan Tu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
- Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Chang Ke
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Niping Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Hubei Institute for Drug Control, NMPA Key Laboratory of Quality Control of Chinese Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center for Drug Quality Control, Wuhan 430075, China
| | - Yanju Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
- Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Zhongshi Zhou
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
- Center for Hubei TCM Processing Technology Engineering, Wuhan 430065, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gilgenkrantz H, Paradis V, Lotersztajn S. Cell metabolism-based therapy for liver fibrosis, repair, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00454. [PMID: 37212145 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Progression of chronic liver injury to fibrosis, abnormal liver regeneration, and HCC is driven by a dysregulated dialog between epithelial cells and their microenvironment, in particular immune, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. There is currently no antifibrogenic therapy, and drug treatment of HCC is limited to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy targeting the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming of epithelial and nonparenchymal cells is critical at each stage of disease progression, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could constitute an interesting therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss how modulating intrinsic metabolism of key effector liver cells might disrupt the pathogenic sequence from chronic liver injury to fibrosis/cirrhosis, regeneration, and HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Gilgenkrantz
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
- Pathology Department, Beaujon Hospital APHP, Paris-Cité University, Clichy, France
| | - Sophie Lotersztajn
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huo C, Zhang X, Gu Y, Wang D, Zhang S, Liu T, Li Y, He W. Organoids: Construction and Application in Gastric Cancer. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13050875. [PMID: 37238742 DOI: 10.3390/biom13050875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric organoids are biological models constructed in vitro using stem cell culture and 3D cell culture techniques, which are the latest research hotspots. The proliferation of stem cells in vitro is the key to gastric organoid models, making the cell subsets within the models more similar to in vivo tissues. Meanwhile, the 3D culture technology also provides a more suitable microenvironment for the cells. Therefore, the gastric organoid models can largely restore the growth condition of cells in terms of morphology and function in vivo. As the most classic organoid models, patient-derived organoids use the patient's own tissues for in vitro culture. This kind of model is responsive to the 'disease information' of a specific patient and has great effect on evaluating the strategies of individualized treatment. Herein, we review the current literature on the establishment of organoid cultures, and also explore organoid translational applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengdong Huo
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhang
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yanmei Gu
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Daijun Wang
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Shining Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| | - Wenting He
- Department of the Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730030, China
- Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730030, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhao X, Amevor FK, Xue X, Wang C, Cui Z, Dai S, Peng C, Li Y. Remodeling the hepatic fibrotic microenvironment with emerging nanotherapeutics: a comprehensive review. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:121. [PMID: 37029392 PMCID: PMC10081370 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01876-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis could be the last hope for treating liver cancer and remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment has emerged as a strategy to promote the ablation of liver fibrosis. In recent years, especially with the rapid development of nanomedicine, hepatic microenvironment therapy has been widely researched in studies concerning liver cancer and fibrosis. In this comprehensive review, we summarized recent advances in nano therapy-based remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment. Firstly, we discussed novel strategies for regulatory immune suppression caused by capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and macrophage polarization. Furthermore, metabolic reprogramming and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition are caused by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In addition, recent advances in ROS, hypoxia, and impaired vascular remodeling in the hepatic fibrotic microenvironment due to ECM deposition have also been summarized. Finally, emerging nanotherapeutic approaches based on correlated signals were discussed in this review. We have proposed novel strategies such as engineered nanotherapeutics targeting antigen-presenting cells (APCs) or direct targeting T cells in liver fibrotic immunotherapy to be used in preventing liver fibrosis. In summary, this comprehensive review illustrated the opportunities in drug targeting and nanomedicine, and the current challenges to be addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Felix Kwame Amevor
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Zhifu Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
- , No. 1166, Liu Tai Avenue, Wenjiang district, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Gong M, Lu H, Li L, Feng M, Zou Z. Integration of transcriptomics and metabonomics revealed the protective effects of hemp seed oil against methionine-choline-deficient diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Food Funct 2023; 14:2096-2111. [PMID: 36734470 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo03054c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease with few therapeutic options available currently. Hemp seed oil extracted from the seeds of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has significant nutritional and biological properties due to the unique composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids and various antioxidant compounds. However, little is known about the beneficial effects and molecular mechanisms of hemp seed oil on NASH. Here, the hepatoprotective effects of hemp seed oil on methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH in C57BL/6 mice were explored via integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics. Hemp seed oil could improve hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in mice with MCD diet-induced NASH. In a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabonomic study, the hepatic and urinary metabolic profiles of mice supplemented with hemp seed oil showed a tendency to recover to healthy controls compared to those of NASH mice. Eight potential biomarkers associated with NASH in both liver tissue and urine were restored to near normal levels by administration of hemp seed oil. The proposed pathways were mainly involved in pyrimidine metabolism, one-carbon metabolism, amino acid metabolism, glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Hepatic transcriptomics based on Illumina RNA-Seq sequencing showed that hemp seed oil exerted anti-NASH activities by regulating multiple signaling pathways, e.g., downregulation of the TNF signaling pathway, the IL-17 signaling pathway, the MAPK signaling pathway and the NF-κB signaling pathway, which played a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of NASH. In particular, integration of metabonomic and transcriptomic results suggested that hemp seed oil could attenuate NASH-related liver fibrosis by inhibition of glutaminolysis. These results provided new insights into the hepatoprotective effects of hemp seed oil against MCD diet-induced NASH and hemp seed oil might have potential as an effective therapy for NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengjuan Gong
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Hailong Lu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Lixi Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Meiqi Feng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Zhongjie Zou
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
McCommis KS, Finck BN. The Hepatic Mitochondrial Pyruvate Carrier as a Regulator of Systemic Metabolism and a Therapeutic Target for Treating Metabolic Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:261. [PMID: 36830630 PMCID: PMC9953669 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyruvate sits at an important metabolic crossroads of intermediary metabolism. As a product of glycolysis in the cytosol, it must be transported into the mitochondrial matrix for the energy stored in this nutrient to be fully harnessed to generate ATP or to become the building block of new biomolecules. Given the requirement for mitochondrial import, it is not surprising that the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC) has emerged as a target for therapeutic intervention in a variety of diseases characterized by altered mitochondrial and intermediary metabolism. In this review, we focus on the role of the MPC and related metabolic pathways in the liver in regulating hepatic and systemic energy metabolism and summarize the current state of targeting this pathway to treat diseases of the liver. Available evidence suggests that inhibiting the MPC in hepatocytes and other cells of the liver produces a variety of beneficial effects for treating type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. We also highlight areas where our understanding is incomplete regarding the pleiotropic effects of MPC inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle S. McCommis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Brian N. Finck
- Center for Human Nutrition, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Moita MR, Silva MM, Diniz C, Serra M, Hoet RM, Barbas A, Simão D. Transcriptome and proteome profiling of activated cardiac fibroblasts supports target prioritization in cardiac fibrosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1015473. [PMID: 36531712 PMCID: PMC9751336 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1015473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activated cardiac fibroblasts (CF) play a central role in cardiac fibrosis, a condition associated with most cardiovascular diseases. Conversion of quiescent into activated CF sustains heart integrity upon injury. However, permanence of CF in active state inflicts deleterious heart function effects. Mechanisms underlying this cell state conversion are still not fully disclosed, contributing to a limited target space and lack of effective anti-fibrotic therapies. MATERIALS AND METHODS To prioritize targets for drug development, we studied CF remodeling upon activation at transcriptomic and proteomic levels, using three different cell sources: primary adult CF (aHCF), primary fetal CF (fHCF), and induced pluripotent stem cells derived CF (hiPSC-CF). RESULTS All cell sources showed a convergent response upon activation, with clear morphological and molecular remodeling associated with cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Quantitative proteomic analysis identified known cardiac fibrosis markers, such as FN1, CCN2, and Serpine1, but also revealed targets not previously associated with this condition, including MRC2, IGFBP7, and NT5DC2. CONCLUSION Exploring such targets to modulate CF phenotype represents a valuable opportunity for development of anti-fibrotic therapies. Also, we demonstrate that hiPSC-CF is a suitable cell source for preclinical research, displaying significantly lower basal activation level relative to primary cells, while being able to elicit a convergent response upon stimuli.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Raquel Moita
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Marta M. Silva
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Diniz
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Margarida Serra
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
- Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - René M. Hoet
- Department of Pathology, CARIM - School of Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Daniel Simão
- iBET - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica, Oeiras, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Abstract
AIM Fibrosis is a common pathological feature of most types of chronic liver injuries. There is no specific treatment for liver fibrosis at present. The liver microenvironment, which fosters the survival and activity of liver cells, plays an important role in maintaining the normal structure and physiological function of the liver. The aim of this review is to deeply understand the role of the liver microenvironment in the dynamic and complicated development of liver fibrosis. METHODS After searching in Elsevier ScienceDirect, PubMed and Web of Science databases using 'liver fibrosis' and 'microenvironment' as keywords, studies related to microenvironment in liver fibrosis was compiled and examined. RESULTS The homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted during the development of liver fibrosis, affecting liver cell function, causing various types of cell reactions, and changing the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, eventually affecting fibrosis formation. CONCLUSION Liver microenvironment may be important for identifying potential therapeutic targets, and restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.KEY MESSAGESThe homeostasis of the liver microenvironment is disrupted in liver fibrosis;A pro-fibrotic microenvironment is formed during the development of liver fibrosis;Restoring microenvironment homeostasis may be an important strategy for promoting the reversal of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Meng
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Tong Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou University First Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Zhengyi Zhang
- Department of General Medicine, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Dekui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wang C, Zhao S, Xu Y, Sun W, Feng Y, Liang D, Guan Y. Integrated Microbiome and Metabolome Analysis Reveals Correlations Between Gut Microbiota Components and Metabolic Profiles in Mice with Methotrexate-Induced Hepatoxicity. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:3877-3891. [PMID: 36388083 PMCID: PMC9653027 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s381667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We designed this study to investigate the potential correlations between gut microbiota compositions and hepatic metabolomic disorders in mice with methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatoxicity. Methods We used MTX to induce hepatoxicity in healthy Kunming mice, and we determined plasma ALT and AST levels and assessed the liver tissue histopathology. We applied an integrated gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing approach to evaluate the effects of MTX on the gut microbiota and hepatic metabolic profiles of mice. We uncovered correlations between the gut microbiota and hepatic metabolomic profiles by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient. Results MTX caused ALT and AST level elevations and hepatoxicity in our mouse model. MTX disrupted amino acid metabolic pathways (including biosyntheses of valine, leucine, and isoleucine; and arginine; and, metabolism of alanine, aspartate, and glutamate; histidine; beta-alanine; and glycine, serine, and threonine); biosyntheses of aminoacyl-tRNA; and pantothenate, and CoA; and, metabolic pathways of energy, glutathione, and porphyrin; and chlorophyll. In addition, MTX increased the abundances of Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Collinsella, Streptococcus, and Aerococcus, but decreased the amounts of Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, norank_f_Muribaculaceae, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, norank_f_Lachnospiraceae, A2, Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group, Phascolarctobacterium, Bifidobacterium, and Faecalibaculum. Our correlation analyses showed that different flora abundance changes including those of Phascolarctobacterium, Faecalibaculum, norank_f_Muribaculaceae, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus, and Collinsella were associated with liver injury. Conclusion We present evidence supporting the notion that MTX causes hepatoxicity by altering the gut microbiota and hepatic metabolite profiles, our findings provide new venues for the management of MTX-induced hepatoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changshui Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuzhen Zhao
- Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Jining Maternal and Child Health Family Planning Service Center, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wenxue Sun
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Feng
- Children’s Rehabilitation Center, Jining Maternal and Child Health Family Planning Service Center, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Deshuai Liang
- Department of pharmacy, Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yun Guan
- Department of Hematology, Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital, Jining, 272000, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yun Guan; Deshuai Liang, Jining NO. 1 People’s Hospital, 6 Jiankang Road, Jining, Shandong, 272000, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86-0537 2087092, Email ;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Szczepanski HE, Flannigan KL, Mainoli B, Alston L, Baruta GM, Lee JW, Venu VKP, Shearer J, Dufour A, Hirota SA. NR4A1 modulates intestinal smooth muscle cell phenotype and dampens inflammation-associated intestinal remodeling. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22609. [PMID: 36250380 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101817rr] [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: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Stricture formation is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD), driven by enhanced deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and expansion of the intestinal smooth muscle layers. Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (NR4A1) is an orphan nuclear receptor that exhibits anti-proliferative effects in smooth muscle cells (SMCs). We hypothesized that NR4A1 regulates intestinal SMC proliferation and muscle thickening in the context of inflammation. Intestinal SMCs isolated from Nr4a1+/+ and Nr4a1-/- littermates were subjected to shotgun proteomic analysis, proliferation, and bioenergetic assays. Proliferation was assessed in the presence and absence of NR4A1 agonists, cytosporone-B (Csn-B) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). In vivo, we compared colonic smooth muscle thickening in Nr4a1+/+ and Nr4a1-/- mice using the chronic dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) model of colitis. Second, SAMP1/YitFc mice (a model of spontaneous ileitis) were treated with Csn-B and small intestinal smooth muscle thickening was assessed. SMCs isolated from Nr4a1-/- mice exhibited increased abundance of proteins related to cell proliferation, metabolism, and ECM production, whereas Nr4a1+/+ SMCs highly expressed proteins related to the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and contractile processes. SMCs isolated from Nr4a1-/- mice exhibited increased proliferation and alterations in cellular metabolism, whereas activation of NR4A1 attenuated proliferation. In vivo, Nr4a1-/- mice exhibited increased colonic smooth muscle thickness following repeated cycles of DSS. Activating NR4A1 with Csn-B, in the context of established inflammation, reduced ileal smooth muscle thickening in SAMP1/YitFc mice. Targeting NR4A1 may provide a novel approach to regulate intestinal SMC phenotype, limiting excessive proliferation that contributes to stricture development in CD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly E Szczepanski
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kyle L Flannigan
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Barbara Mainoli
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Laurie Alston
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Grace M Baruta
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joshua W Lee
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Vivek Krishna Pulakazhi Venu
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jane Shearer
- Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Antoine Dufour
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Simon A Hirota
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Immunology, Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dong R, Zhang B, Zhang X. Liver organoids: an in vitro 3D model for liver cancer study. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:152. [PMID: 36085085 PMCID: PMC9463833 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00890-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer (PLC) is the second leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, and its morbidity unceasingly increases these years. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounted for approximately 50% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases globally in 2015. Due to the lack of an effective model to study HBV-associated liver carcinogenesis, research has made slow progress. Organoid, an in vitro 3D model which maintains self-organization, has recently emerged as a powerful tool to investigate human diseases. In this review, we first summarize the categories and development of liver organoids. Then, we mainly focus on the functions of culture medium components and applications of organoids for HBV infection and HBV-associated liver cancer studies. Finally, we provide insights into a potential patient-derived organoid model from those infected with HBV based on our study, as well as the limitations and future applications of organoids in liver cancer research.
Collapse
|
15
|
Li H, Liu H, Chen K. Living biobank-based cancer organoids: prospects and challenges in cancer research. Cancer Biol Med 2022; 19:j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0621. [PMID: 35856555 PMCID: PMC9334762 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2021.0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Biobanks bridge the gap between basic and translational research. Traditional cancer biobanks typically contain normal and tumor tissues, and matched blood. However, biospecimens in traditional biobanks are usually nonrenewable. In recent years, increased interest has focused on establishing living biobanks, including organoid biobanks, for the collection and storage of viable and functional tissues for long periods of time. The organoid model is based on a 3D in vitro cell culture system, is highly similar to primary tissues and organs in vivo, and can recapitulate the phenotypic and genetic characteristics of target organs. Publications on cancer organoids have recently increased, and many types of cancer organoids have been used for modeling cancer processes, as well as for drug discovery and screening. On the basis of the current research status, more exploration of cancer organoids through technical advancements is required to improve reproducibility and scalability. Moreover, given the natural characteristics of organoids, greater attention must be paid to ethical considerations. Here, we summarize recent advances in cancer organoid biobanking research, encompassing rectal, gastric, pancreatic, breast, and glioblastoma cancers. Living cancer biobanks that contain cancerous tissues and matched organoids with different genetic backgrounds, subtypes, and individualized characteristics will eventually contribute to the understanding of cancer and ultimately facilitate the development of innovative treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haixin Li
- Cancer Biobank, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Hongkun Liu
- Cancer Biobank, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Kexin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Molecular Cancer Epidemiology of Tianjin, Tianjin 300060, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fibrogenic Pathways in Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136996. [PMID: 35805998 PMCID: PMC9266719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently also re-defined as metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is rapidly increasing, affecting ~25% of the world population. MALFD/NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver pathologies including the more benign hepatic steatosis and the more advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is associated with enhanced risk for liver fibrosis and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation underlies NASH-related fibrosis. Here, we discuss the profibrogenic pathways, which lead to HSC activation and fibrogenesis, with a particular focus on the intercellular hepatocyte–HSC and macrophage–HSC crosstalk.
Collapse
|
17
|
Rojas Á, García-Lozano MR, Gil-Gómez A, Romero-Gómez M, Ampuero J. Glutaminolysis-ammonia-urea Cycle Axis, Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Progression and Development of Novel Therapies. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:356-362. [PMID: 35528989 PMCID: PMC9039703 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide, reflecting the current epidemics of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, and is known to be a cause of cirrhosis. Although many pathways have been proposed, the cause of NAFLD-linked fibrosis progression is still unclear, which posed challenges for the development of new therapies to prevent NASH-related cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Cirrhosis is associated with activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and accumulation of excess extracellular matrix proteins, and inhibiting the activation of HSCs would be expected to slow the progression of NAFLD-cirrhosis. Multiple molecular signals and pathways such as oxidative stress and glutaminolysis have been reported to promote HSC activation. Both mechanisms are plausible antifibrotic targets in NASH, as the activation of HSCs the proliferation of myofibroblasts depend on those processes. This review summarizes the role of the glutaminolysis-ammonia-urea cycle axis in the context of NAFLD progression, and shows how the axis could be a novel therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ángela Rojas
- Department of Unit of Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain
- SeLiver group at the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/ University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Rosario García-Lozano
- Department of Unit of Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain
- SeLiver group at the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/ University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, E-41071, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Gómez
- Department of Unit of Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain
- SeLiver group at the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/ University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- Department of Unit of Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain
- SeLiver group at the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/ University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- Department of Unit of Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain
- SeLiver group at the Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), Virgen del Rocío University Hospital/CSIC/ University of Seville, Seville, Spain
- Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence to: Javier Ampuero, Digestive Disease Department and CIBERehd, Virgen del Rocio University Hospital, Avenida Manuel Siurot s/n, Sevilla 41013, Spain. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8332-2122. Tel: +34-955-015761, Fax: +34-955-015899, E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang S, Liang Y, Dai C. Metabolic Regulation of Fibroblast Activation and Proliferation during Organ Fibrosis. KIDNEY DISEASES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 8:115-125. [PMID: 35527985 DOI: 10.1159/000522417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Activated fibroblasts are present in the injury response, tumorigenesis, fibrosis, and inflammation in a variety of tissues and myriad disease types. Summary During normal tissue repair, quiescent fibroblasts transform into a proliferative and contractile phenotype termed myofibroblasts and are then lost as repair resolves to form a scar. When excessive levels are reached, activated fibroblasts proliferate and produce large amounts of extracellular matrix, which accumulates in the interstitial space of different organs. This accumulation leads to fibrotic dysfunction and multiple-organ dysfunction syndrome. To date, there are limited effective treatments for these conditions. Cellular metabolism is the cornerstone of all biological activities. Emerging evidence shows that metabolic alterations in fibroblasts are important for the activation process and illness progression. These discoveries, along with current clinical advances showing decreased lung fibrosis after targeting specific metabolic pathways, thus offer new possibilities for therapeutic interventions. The purpose of this review was to summarize the most recent knowledge of the major metabolic changes that occur during fibroblast transition from quiescent to activated states and the evidence linking alterations in fibroblast metabolism to the pathobiology of several common fibrotic diseases and tumor-related diseases. Key Messages Metabolic disorders are associated with the progression of chronic kidney diseases. Interfering with fibroblast metabolism may be a promising therapeutic strategy for renal fibrosis and other fibrosis-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sudan Wang
- Center for Kidney Disease, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Center for Kidney Disease, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunsun Dai
- Center for Kidney Disease, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Clinical Genetics, 2nd Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Caligiuri A, Gentilini A, Pastore M, Gitto S, Marra F. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Liver Fibrosis Regression. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102759. [PMID: 34685739 PMCID: PMC8534788 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury of different etiologies may result in hepatic fibrosis, a scar formation process consisting in altered deposition of extracellular matrix. Progression of fibrosis can lead to impaired liver architecture and function, resulting in cirrhosis and organ failure. Although fibrosis was previous thought to be an irreversible process, recent evidence convincingly demonstrated resolution of fibrosis in different organs when the cause of injury is removed. In the liver, due to its high regenerative ability, the extent of fibrosis regression and reversion to normal architecture is higher than in other tissues, even in advanced disease. The mechanisms of liver fibrosis resolution can be recapitulated in the following main points: removal of injurious factors causing chronic hepatic damage, elimination, or inactivation of myofibroblasts (through various cell fates, including apoptosis, senescence, and reprogramming), inactivation of inflammatory response and induction of anti-inflammatory/restorative pathways, and degradation of extracellular matrix. In this review, we will discuss the major cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regression of fibrosis/cirrhosis and the potential therapeutic approaches aimed at reversing the fibrogenic process.
Collapse
|
20
|
Choi WM, Ryu T, Lee JH, Shim YR, Kim MH, Kim HH, Kim YE, Yang K, Kim K, Choi SE, Kim W, Kim SH, Eun HS, Jeong WI. Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 in Natural Killer Cells Attenuates Liver Fibrosis by Exerting Cytotoxicity to Activated Stellate Cells. Hepatology 2021; 74:2170-2185. [PMID: 33932306 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The important roles of glutamate and metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) in HSCs have recently been reported in various liver diseases; however, the mechanism linking the glutamine/glutamate metabolism and mGluR5 in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we report that mGluR5 activation in natural killer (NK) cells attenuates liver fibrosis through increased cytotoxicity and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in both mice and humans. APPROACH AND RESULTS Following 2-week injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) or 5-week methionine-deficient and choline-deficient diet, liver fibrosis was more aggravated in mGluR5 knockout mice with significantly decreased frequency of NK cells compared with wild-type mice. Consistently, NK cell-specific mGluR5 knockout mice had aggravated CCl4 -induced liver fibrosis with decreased production of IFN-γ. Conversely, in vitro activation of mGluR5 in NK cells significantly increased the expression of anti-fibrosis-related genes including Ifng, Prf1 (perforin), and Klrk1 (killer cell lectin like receptor K1) and the production of IFN-γ through the mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase pathway, contributing to the increased cytotoxicity against activated HSCs. However, we found that the uptake of glutamate was increased in activated HSCs, resulting in shortage of extracellular glutamate and reduced stimulation of mGluR5 in NK cells. Consequently, this could enable HSCs to evade NK cell cytotoxicity in advanced liver fibrosis. In vivo, pharmacologic activation of mGluR5 accelerated CCl4 -induced liver fibrosis regression by restoring NK cell cytotoxicity. In humans, mGluR5 activation enhanced the cytotoxicity of NK cells isolated from healthy donors, but not from patients with cirrhosis with significantly reduced mGluR5 expression in NK cells. CONCLUSIONS mGluR5 plays important roles in attenuating liver fibrosis by augmenting NK cell cytotoxicity, which could be used as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Won-Mook Choi
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tom Ryu
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hee Lee
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ri Shim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung-Ho Kim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Hoon Kim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ye Eun Kim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Keungmo Yang
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyurae Kim
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Eun Choi
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Hwan Kim
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Soo Eun
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Il Jeong
- Laboratory of Liver Research, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Center, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ung CY, Onoufriadis A, Parsons M, McGrath JA, Shaw TJ. Metabolic perturbations in fibrosis disease. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 139:106073. [PMID: 34461262 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic changes occur in all forms of disease but their impact on fibrosis is a relatively recent area of interest. This review provides an overview of the major metabolic pathways, glycolysis, amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism, and highlights how they influence fibrosis at a cellular and tissue level, drawing on key discoveries in dermal, renal, pulmonary and hepatic fibrosis. The emerging influence of adipose tissue-derived cytokines is discussed and brings a link between fibrosis and systemic metabolism. To close, the concept of targeting metabolism for fibrotic therapy is reviewed, drawing on lessons from the more established field of cancer metabolism, with an emphasis on important considerations for clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuin Ying Ung
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, SE19RT, UK.
| | | | - Maddy Parsons
- Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, SE11UL, UK.
| | - John A McGrath
- St John's Institute of Dermatology, King's College London, London, SE19RT, UK.
| | - Tanya J Shaw
- Centre for Inflammation Biology & Cancer Immunology, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kay EJ, Koulouras G, Zanivan S. Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Production in Activated Fibroblasts: Roles of Amino Acid Metabolism in Collagen Synthesis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:719922. [PMID: 34513697 PMCID: PMC8429785 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.719922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the tumour microenvironment in most tumours, and are key mediators of the response to tissue damage caused by tumour growth and invasion, contributing to the observation that tumours behave as 'wounds that do not heal'. CAFs have been shown to play a supporting role in all stages of tumour progression, and this is dependent on the highly secretory phenotype CAFs develop upon activation, of which extracellular matrix (ECM) production is a key element. A collagen rich, stromal ECM has been shown to influence tumour growth and metastasis, exclude immune cells and impede drug delivery, and is associated with poor prognosis in many cancers. CAFs also extensively remodel their metabolism to support cancer cells, however, it is becoming clear that metabolic rewiring also supports intrinsic functions of activated fibroblasts, such as increased ECM production. In this review, we summarise how fibroblasts metabolically regulate ECM production, focussing on collagen production, at the transcriptional, translational and post-translational level, and discuss how this can provide possible strategies for effectively targeting CAF activation and formation of a tumour-promoting stroma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Kay
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Grigorios Koulouras
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Antifibrotic Effects of Kangxian Ruangan Capsule on Rats with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Fibrosis and Hepatic Stellate Cells through Regulation of TGF- β and TLR4 Signaling Pathways. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5649575. [PMID: 34422075 PMCID: PMC8371615 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5649575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Kangxian ruangan (KXRG) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula consisting of 12 herbs. TCM syndrome differentiation proposes that KXRG exerts pharmacological effects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis. This work investigates the effect of KXRG on NAFLD fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, the NAFLD fibrosis model was constructed in Wistar rats using methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet, followed by KXRG (0.92 g/kg/d) treatment for 8 weeks. In vitro, primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were activated using platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and treated with KXRG. Molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis were investigated. After 8 weeks, compared with the control groups, the histological lesions, degree of fibrosis, and inflammatory reaction increased with the MCD diet as demonstrated by histological changes and increased fibrosis-related (α-SMA, TGF-β, COL1A1, and desmin, P < 0.01) and inflammation-related factors (TNF-α, MCP-1, and F4/80, P < 0.01), whereas they decreased with KXRG treatment (P < 0.01). KXRG not only inhibited the proliferation of activated HSCs and promoted their apoptosis but also resulted in G0-G1 arrest. Furthermore, KXRG suppressed HSC activation (P < 0.01), collagen synthesis (P < 0.01), and α-SMA expression (P < 0.01) with PDGF stimulation. In both the MCD diet-induced animal model and PDGF-induced cell model, KXRG inhibited TGF-β and TLR4 signaling (P < 0.01), similar to corresponding small-molecule inhibitors. These results demonstrated that KXRG might exert suppressive effects against NAFLD fibrosis via regulating TGF-β and TLR4 signaling. KXRG may act as a natural and potent therapeutic agent against NAFLD.
Collapse
|
24
|
Parker SJ, Encarnación-Rosado J, Hollinshead KER, Hollinshead DM, Ash LJ, Rossi JAK, Lin EY, Sohn ASW, Philips MR, Jones DR, Kimmelman AC. Spontaneous hydrolysis and spurious metabolic properties of α-ketoglutarate esters. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4905. [PMID: 34385458 PMCID: PMC8361106 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25228-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
α-ketoglutarate (KG), also referred to as 2-oxoglutarate, is a key intermediate of cellular metabolism with pleiotropic functions. Cell-permeable esterified analogs are widely used to study how KG fuels bioenergetic and amino acid metabolism and DNA, RNA, and protein hydroxylation reactions, as cellular membranes are thought to be impermeable to KG. Here we show that esterified KG analogs rapidly hydrolyze in aqueous media, yielding KG that, in contrast to prevailing assumptions, imports into many cell lines. Esterified KG analogs exhibit spurious KG-independent effects on cellular metabolism, including extracellular acidification, arising from rapid hydrolysis and de-protonation of α-ketoesters, and significant analog-specific inhibitory effects on glycolysis or mitochondrial respiration. We observe that imported KG decarboxylates to succinate in the cytosol and contributes minimally to mitochondrial metabolism in many cell lines cultured in normal conditions. These findings demonstrate that nuclear and cytosolic KG-dependent reactions may derive KG from functionally distinct subcellular pools and sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seth J Parker
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Joel Encarnación-Rosado
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kate E R Hollinshead
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Leonard J Ash
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Juan A K Rossi
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elaine Y Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Albert S W Sohn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mark R Philips
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Drew R Jones
- Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alec C Kimmelman
- Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lu Y, Shao M, Xiang H, Zheng P, Wu T, Ji G. Integrative transcriptomics and metabolomics explore the mechanism of kaempferol on improving nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Food Funct 2021; 11:10058-10069. [PMID: 33135718 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo02123g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Kaempferol has been confirmed to be effective in improving metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity. However, its effect and mechanism in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are unclear. We aim to confirm whether kaempferol could improve NASH and find the corresponding differential genes and metabolites. Transcriptomics combined with metabolomics was used to investigate the alterations in genes and metabolites expression after kaempferol treatment in mice with high-fat-diet-induced NASH. The results showed that kaempferol reduced the level of alanine transaminase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) in serum and triglyceride (TG), lipid droplets, and inflammatory cell infiltration in liver. Further, 277 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified through liver transcriptomics and the five most obvious DEGs were found to be CYP2b9, Cyp4a12b, Mup17, Mup7, and Mup16, which revealed that HFD induced fatty acid degradation, ribosome, and glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid metabolism. Nine serum metabolites (methylcysteine, l-tryptophan, adrenic acid, d-2-hydroxyglutaric acid, tartaric acid, p-cresol sulfate, l-alanine, l-tryosine, and glutaconic acid) and 3 liver differential metabolites (gallic acid, γ-lindenic acid, and l-phenylalanine) were also identified, while the pathways were mainly involved in phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis; and phenylalanine metabolism. Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses indicated that kaempferol possesses the ability to improve NASH associated with energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related pathways. This study provides a powerful means of multiomics data integration and reveals the potent therapy and biomarkers for kaempferol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Delgir S, Ilkhani K, Safi A, Rahmati Y, Montazari V, Zaynali-Khasraghi Z, Seif F, Bastami M, Alivand MR. The expression of miR-513c and miR-3163 was downregulated in tumor tissues compared with normal adjacent tissue of patients with breast cancer. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:180. [PMID: 34233668 PMCID: PMC8265124 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-01029-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most invasive cancer with different subtypes that its metabolism is unique compared with normal cells. Glutamine is considered critical nutrition that many cancer cells, particularly BC cells, are dependent on it for growth and proliferation. Therefore, targeting glutamine metabolism, especially enzymes that are related to this pathway, can be beneficial to design anti-cancer agents. Recent evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs), with a short length and single-strand properties, play a prominent role in regulating the genes related to glutamine metabolism, which may control the development of cancer. METHODS In silico analysis confirmed that miR-513c and miR-3163 might be involved in glutamine metabolism. The expression level of these two miRNAs was evaluated in eighty BC tissues and normal adjacent tissues. Furthermore, GSE38167, GSE38867, GSE42128, GSE45666, and GSE53179 were employed from gene expression omnibus (GEO). The Limma package was utilized to identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) of mentioned datasets to evaluate miR-513c and miR-3163 expression. Further, in silico analysis was utilized to predict the potential biological processes and molecular pathways of miR-513c and miR-3163, based on their target genes. RESULTS In silico studies revealed top categories of biological processes and cellular pathways that might play a critical role in metabolism reprogramming and cancer development and were target genes for miR-513c and miR-3163. The current study showed that miR-513c (p value = 0.02062 and FC = - 2.3801) and miR-3163 (p value = 0.02034 and FC = - 2.3792) were downregulated in tumor tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues. The analysis of GEO microarray datasets showed that miR-513c was downregulated in GSE38167, GSE38867, GSE42128, GSE45666 and GSE53179, whereas there was a significant downregulation of miR-3163 in only two studies, including GSE38867 and GSE42128 that they were in accordance with our experimental results. Furthermore, the subgroup analysis did not show any substantial relationship between expression levels of these two miRNAs and factors such as age, family history of cancer, and abortion history. CONCLUSION MiR-513c and miR-3163 were downregulated in BC tissues, which might serve as tumor suppressors. They are suggested as potential therapeutic targets for patients with BC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Delgir
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Khandan Ilkhani
- Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Asma Safi
- Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Yazdan Rahmati
- Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Montazari
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences/and also Surgery Ward, Nour-Nejat Hospital, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zahra Zaynali-Khasraghi
- Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Seif
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research, Tehran, Iran
| | - Milad Bastami
- Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Alivand
- Molecular Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Optimization of the isolation procedure and culturing conditions for hepatic stellate cells obtained from mouse. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:227415. [PMID: 33350435 PMCID: PMC7823195 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20202514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) mortality rate is approximately 2 million per year. Irrespective of the etiology of LF, a key element in its development is the transition of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from a quiescent phenotype to a myofibroblast-like cell with the production of fibrotic proteins. It is necessary to define optimal isolation and culturing conditions for good HSCs yield and proper phenotype preservation for studying the activation of HSCs in vitro. In the present study, the optimal conditions of HSC isolation and culture were examined to maintain the HSC’s undifferentiated phenotype. HSCs were isolated from Balb/c mice liver using Nycodenz, 8, 9.6, and 11%. The efficiency of the isolation procedure was evaluated by cell counting and purity determination by flow cytometry. Quiescent HSCs were cultured in test media supplemented with different combinations of fetal bovine serum (FBS), glutamine (GLN), vitamin A (vitA), insulin, and glucose. The cells were assessed at days 3 and 7 of culture by evaluating the morphology, proliferation using cell counting kit-8, lipid storage using Oil Red O (ORO) staining, expression of a-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, and lecithin-retinol acyltransferase by qRT-PCR and immunocytochemistry (ICC). The results showed that Nycodenz, at 9.6%, yielded the best purity and quantity of HSCs. Maintenance of HSC undifferentiated phenotype was achieved optimizing culturing conditions (serum-free Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) supplemented with glucose (100 mg/dl), GLN (0.5 mM), vitA (100 μM), and insulin (50 ng/ml)) with a certain degree of proliferation allowing their perpetuation in culture. In conclusion, we have defined optimal conditions for HSCs isolation and culture.
Collapse
|
28
|
El-Ashmawy NE, Al-Ashmawy GM, Fakher HE, Khedr NF. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and glutamine metabolism in the pathogenesis of CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis: Repositioning of niclosamide and concerns about lithium. Cytokine 2020; 136:155250. [PMID: 32882667 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a serious health problem which may lead to advanced liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and glutamine aminohydrolase enzyme (l-glutaminase) in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and the potential benefits of niclosamide in treating liver fibrosis. METHODS Ninety male Albino rats were divided into 6 equal groups (n = 15) as follows: a normal control group (NC), CCl4-only treated group (Fib.) which received 1 mg/kg CCl4 two times weekly, niclosamide-treated group (Niclo.) which received 5 mg/kg of niclosamide one time daily, lithium chloride-treated group (LiCl) which received 100 mg/kg of LiCl one time daily, niclosamide-and-CCl4-treated group (Niclo. + Fib.) which received same doses of niclosamide and CCl4 given to other groups, and finally lithium chloride-and-CCl4-treated rat group (LiCl + Fib.) which received same doses of LiCl and CCl4 given to other groups. All treatments were administered orally for 8 weeks. Liver tissue was assessed for l-hydroxyproline, beta-catenin (β-catenin), l-glutaminase activity, as well as the gene expression of transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) and Dishevelled-2 (Dvl2). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of alpha smooth muscle actin α-SMA were performed. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total bilirubin were measured. RESULTS The group of niclosamide-and-CCl4-treated rats showed a significant decrease in total bilirubin, ALT and AST, β-catenin, l-hydroxyproline, l-glutaminase activity, and gene expression of TGF-β1 and Dvl2. Moreover, the liver tissue in this group of rats showed mild α-SMA reactivity compared with the rats treated with CCl4 only (fibrosis group). On the other hand, lithium chloride-and-CCl4-treated rats showed a significant increase in liver indices, TGF-β1 expression, β-catenin, l-hydroxyproline, and l-glutaminase activity with severe α-SMA reactivity and apoptosis in the liver tissue. CONCLUSIONS Niclosamide protected rats against liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and glutaminolysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nahla E El-Ashmawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Postal code: 31527, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Al-Ashmawy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Postal code: 31527, Egypt
| | - Hoda E Fakher
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Menoufia University, Postal code: 32511, Egypt.
| | - Naglaa F Khedr
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Postal code: 31527, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Karna E, Szoka L, Huynh TYL, Palka JA. Proline-dependent regulation of collagen metabolism. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:1911-1918. [PMID: 31740988 PMCID: PMC7228914 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This review is focused on recent data on the role of proline (Pro) in collagen biosynthesis and cellular metabolism. It seems obvious that one of the main substrates for collagen biosynthesis Pro is required to form collagen molecule. The question raised in this review is whether the Pro for collagen biosynthesis is synthesized "de novo", comes directly from degraded proteins or it is converted from other amino acids. Recent data provided evidence that extracellular Pro (added to culture medium) had significant, but relatively little impact on collagen biosynthesis in fibroblasts (the main collagen synthesized cells) cultured in the presence of glutamine (Gln). However, extracellular Pro drastically increased collagen biosynthesis in the cells cultured in Gln-free medium. It suggests that Pro availability determines the rate of collagen biosynthesis and demand for Pro in fibroblasts is predominantly met by conversion from Gln. The potential mechanism of this process as well as possible implication of this knowledge in pharmacotherapy of connective tissue diseases is discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Karna
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2 D, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Lukasz Szoka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2 D, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Thi Yen Ly Huynh
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2 D, 15-222, Białystok, Poland
| | - Jerzy A Palka
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2 D, 15-222, Białystok, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Dhar D, Baglieri J, Kisseleva T, Brenner DA. Mechanisms of liver fibrosis and its role in liver cancer. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 245:96-108. [PMID: 31924111 PMCID: PMC7016420 DOI: 10.1177/1535370219898141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrogenesis is a pathophysiological outcome of chronic liver injury hallmarked by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Fibrosis is a dynamic process that involves cross-talk between parenchymal cells (hepatocytes), hepatic stellate cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells and both resident and infiltrating immune cells. In this review, we focus on key cell-types that contribute to liver fibrosis, cytokines, and chemokines influencing this process and what it takes for fibrosis to regress. We discuss how mitochondria and metabolic changes in hepatic stellate cells modulate the fibrogenic process. We also briefly review how the presence of fibrosis affects development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Dhar
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David A Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Du K, Chitneni SK, Suzuki A, Wang Y, Henao R, Hyun J, Premont RT, Naggie S, Moylan CA, Bashir MR, Abdelmalek MF, Diehl AM. Increased Glutaminolysis Marks Active Scarring in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Progression. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 10:1-21. [PMID: 31881361 PMCID: PMC7215180 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) occurs in the context of aberrant metabolism. Glutaminolysis is required for metabolic reprograming of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver fibrogenesis in mice. However, it is unclear how changes in HSC glutamine metabolism contribute to net changes in hepatic glutaminolytic activity during fibrosis progression, or whether this could be used to track fibrogenic activity in NASH. We postulated that increased HSC glutaminolysis marks active scarring in NASH. METHODS Glutaminolysis was assessed in mouse NASH fibrosis models and in NASH patients. Serum and liver levels of glutamine and glutamate and hepatic expression of glutamine transporter/metabolic enzymes were correlated with each other and with fibrosis severity. Glutaminolysis was disrupted in HSCs to examine if this directly influenced fibrogenesis. 18F-fluoroglutamine positron emission tomography was used to determine how liver glutamine assimilation tracked with hepatic fibrogenic activity in situ. RESULTS The serum glutamate/glutamine ratio increased and correlated with its hepatic ratio, myofibroblast content, and fibrosis severity. Healthy livers almost exclusively expressed liver-type glutaminase (Gls2); Gls2 protein localized in zone 1 hepatocytes, whereas glutamine synthase was restricted to zone 3 hepatocytes. In fibrotic livers, Gls2 levels reduced and glutamine synthase zonality was lost, but both Slc1a5 (glutamine transporter) and kidney-type Gls1 were up-regulated; Gls1 protein was restricted to stromal cells and accumulated in fibrotic septa. Hepatocytes did not compensate for decreased Gls2 by inducing Gls1. Limiting glutamine or directly inhibiting GLS1 inhibited growth and fibrogenic activity in cultured human HSCs. Compared with healthy livers, fibrotic livers were 18F-fluoroglutamine-avid by positron emission tomography, suggesting that glutamine-addicted myofibroblasts drive increased hepatic utilization of glutamine as fibrosis progresses. CONCLUSIONS Glutaminolysis is a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target during NASH fibrosis progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Du
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Ayako Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ying Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Ricardo Henao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jeongeun Hyun
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Richard T Premont
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Susanna Naggie
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Cynthia A Moylan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mustafa R Bashir
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Department of Radiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Khomich O, Ivanov AV, Bartosch B. Metabolic Hallmarks of Hepatic Stellate Cells in Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 9:E24. [PMID: 31861818 PMCID: PMC7016711 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a regenerative process that occurs after injury. It is characterized by the deposition of connective tissue by specialized fibroblasts and concomitant proliferative responses. Chronic damage that stimulates fibrogenic processes in the long-term may result in the deposition of excess matrix tissue and impairment of liver functions. End-stage fibrosis is referred to as cirrhosis and predisposes strongly to the loss of liver functions (decompensation) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver fibrosis is a pathology common to a number of different chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis. The predominant cell type responsible for fibrogenesis is hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In response to inflammatory stimuli or hepatocyte death, HSCs undergo trans-differentiation to myofibroblast-like cells. Recent evidence shows that metabolic alterations in HSCs are important for the trans-differentiation process and thus offer new possibilities for therapeutic interventions. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the metabolic changes that occur during HSC activation with a particular focus on the retinol and lipid metabolism, the central carbon metabolism, and associated redox or stress-related signaling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khomich
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Ivanov
- Center for Precision Genome Editing and Genetic Technologies for Biomedicine, Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Birke Bartosch
- INSERM, U1052, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Université de Lyon (UCBL1), CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, CEDEX 03, 69424 Lyon, France;
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Dewidar B, Meyer C, Dooley S, Meindl-Beinker N. TGF-β in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrogenesis-Updated 2019. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111419. [PMID: 31718044 PMCID: PMC6912224 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 415] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an advanced liver disease condition, which could progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, there is no direct approved antifibrotic therapy, and current treatment is mainly the removal of the causative factor. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a master profibrogenic cytokine and a promising target to treat fibrosis. However, TGF-β has broad biological functions and its inhibition induces non-desirable side effects, which override therapeutic benefits. Therefore, understanding the pleiotropic effects of TGF-β and its upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms will help to design better TGF-β based therapeutics. Here, we summarize recent discoveries and milestones on the TGF-β signaling pathway related to liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, emphasizing research of the last five years. This comprises impact of TGF-β on liver fibrogenesis related biological processes, such as senescence, metabolism, reactive oxygen species generation, epigenetics, circadian rhythm, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition. We also describe the influence of the microenvironment on the response of HSC to TGF-β. Finally, we discuss new approaches to target the TGF-β pathway, name current clinical trials, and explain promises and drawbacks that deserve to be adequately addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bedair Dewidar
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, 31527 Tanta, Egypt
| | - Christoph Meyer
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Nadja Meindl-Beinker
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-621-383-4983; Fax: +49-621-383-1467
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kumar V, Dong Y, Kumar V, Almawash S, Mahato RI. The use of micelles to deliver potential hedgehog pathway inhibitor for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:7537-7555. [PMID: 31695785 PMCID: PMC6831471 DOI: 10.7150/thno.38913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays an essential role in liver fibrosis by promoting the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by enhancing their metabolism via yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1). Despite the presence of several inhibitors, Hh signaling cannot be controlled exclusively due to their poor efficacy and the lack of a suitable delivery system to the injury site. Therefore, it is rationale to develop new potent Hh inhibitors and suitable delivery carriers. Methods: Based on the structure and activity of Hh inhibitor GDC-0449, we replaced its sulfonamide group with two methylpyridine-2yl at amide nitrogen to synthesize MDB5. We compared the Hh pathway inhibition and anti-fibrotic effect of MDB5 with GDC-0449 in vitro. Next, we developed MDB5 loaded micelles using our methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-blockpoly(2-methyl-2-carboxyl-propylene carbonate-graft-dodecanol (PEG-PCC-g-DC) copolymer and characterized for physicochemical properties. We evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of MDB5 loaded micelles in common bile duct ligation (CBDL) induced liver fibrosis, mouse model. We also determined the intrahepatic distribution of fluorescently labeled micelles after MDB5 treatment. Results: Our results show that MDB5 was more potent in inhibiting Hh pathway components and HSC proliferation in vitro. We successfully developed MDB5 loaded micelles with particle size of 40 ± 10 nm and drug loading up to 10% w/w. MDB5 loaded micelles at the dose of 10 mg/kg were well tolerated by mice, without visible sign of toxicity. The serum enzyme activities elevated by CBDL was significantly decreased by MDB5 loaded micelles compared to GDC-0449 loaded micelles. MDB5 loaded micelles further decreased collagen deposition, HSC activation, and Hh activity and its target genes in the liver. MDB5 loaded micelles also prevented liver sinusoidal endothelial capillarization (LSEC) and therefore restored perfusion between blood and liver cells. Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that MDB5 was more potent in inhibiting Hh pathway in HSC-T6 cells and showed better hepatoprotection in CBDL mice compared to GDC-0449.
Collapse
|
35
|
Hou W, Syn WK. Role of Metabolism in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Fibrogenesis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:150. [PMID: 30483502 PMCID: PMC6240744 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) involves the transition from a quiescent to a proliferative, migratory, and fibrogenic phenotype (i.e., myofibroblast), which is characteristic of liver fibrogenesis. Multiple cellular and molecular signals which contribute to HSC activation have been identified. This review specially focuses on the metabolic changes which impact on HSC activation and fibrogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hou
- Tianjin Second People's Hospital and Tianjin Institute of Hepatology, Tianjin, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Wing-Kin Syn
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States.,Section of Gastroenterology, Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Jiang L, Yang M, Li X, Wang Y, Zhou G, Zhao J. CXC Motif Ligand 16 Promotes Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Progression via Hepatocyte-Stellate Cell Crosstalk. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:3974-3985. [PMID: 30053055 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-00762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a focus of attention because of its prevalence. CXC motif ligand 16 (CXCL16) has been studied in inflammatory and metabolic diseases. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of CXCL16 in steatosis and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. DESIGN Liver specimens and sera of patients with NAFLD were collected from 2012 to 2017. SETTING Beijing 302 Hospital. PARTICIPANTS 117 patients with NAFLD and 15 healthy controls. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures were CXCL16 levels in sera and biopsy specimens of patients with NAFLD. RESULTS CXCL16 serum level was markedly elevated in patients with NAFLD, especially in those at the S3 steatosis level according to the steatosis, activity, and fibrosis (SAF) scoring system. The different serum levels of CXCL16 between groups were due to data in patients with A or F scores ≥2, according to the SAF scoring system. CXCL16 accumulated around steatotic hepatocytes in biopsy specimens. In vitro, CXCL16 treatment led to severe steatosis of hepatocytes in the hepatocyte-stellate cell coculture system and suppressed the respiration rate of hepatocytes. Lipogenic gene expression and hepatic stellate cell activation indexes were increased in a CXCL16 overexpression system. In addition, ligands in the Hedgehog pathway cascade were downregulated in hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS CXCL16 was highly expressed in patients with NAFLD, suggesting that it may contribute to steatotic and fibrotic progression. CXCL16 may be a potential noninvasive marker of NAFLD and a future potential therapeutic target to treat NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lina Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yijin Wang
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guangde Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingmin Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Cruzat V, Macedo Rogero M, Noel Keane K, Curi R, Newsholme P. Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10111564. [PMID: 30360490 PMCID: PMC6266414 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 532] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamine is the most abundant and versatile amino acid in the body. In health and disease, the rate of glutamine consumption by immune cells is similar or greater than glucose. For instance, in vitro and in vivo studies have determined that glutamine is an essential nutrient for lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production, macrophage phagocytic plus secretory activities, and neutrophil bacterial killing. Glutamine release to the circulation and availability is mainly controlled by key metabolic organs, such as the gut, liver, and skeletal muscles. During catabolic/hypercatabolic situations glutamine can become essential for metabolic function, but its availability may be compromised due to the impairment of homeostasis in the inter-tissue metabolism of amino acids. For this reason, glutamine is currently part of clinical nutrition supplementation protocols and/or recommended for immune suppressed individuals. However, in a wide range of catabolic/hypercatabolic situations (e.g., ill/critically ill, post-trauma, sepsis, exhausted athletes), it is currently difficult to determine whether glutamine supplementation (oral/enteral or parenteral) should be recommended based on the amino acid plasma/bloodstream concentration (also known as glutaminemia). Although the beneficial immune-based effects of glutamine supplementation are already established, many questions and evidence for positive in vivo outcomes still remain to be presented. Therefore, this paper provides an integrated review of how glutamine metabolism in key organs is important to cells of the immune system. We also discuss glutamine metabolism and action, and important issues related to the effects of glutamine supplementation in catabolic situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Cruzat
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Biosciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia.
- Faculty of Health, Torrens University, Melbourne 3065, Australia.
| | - Marcelo Macedo Rogero
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo 715, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil.
| | - Kevin Noel Keane
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Biosciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia.
| | - Rui Curi
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo 01506-000, Brazil.
| | - Philip Newsholme
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Biosciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Cruzat V, Macedo Rogero M, Noel Keane K, Curi R, Newsholme P. Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation. Nutrients 2018. [PMID: 30360490 DOI: 10.20944/preprints201809.0459.v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamine is the most abundant and versatile amino acid in the body. In health and disease, the rate of glutamine consumption by immune cells is similar or greater than glucose. For instance, in vitro and in vivo studies have determined that glutamine is an essential nutrient for lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production, macrophage phagocytic plus secretory activities, and neutrophil bacterial killing. Glutamine release to the circulation and availability is mainly controlled by key metabolic organs, such as the gut, liver, and skeletal muscles. During catabolic/hypercatabolic situations glutamine can become essential for metabolic function, but its availability may be compromised due to the impairment of homeostasis in the inter-tissue metabolism of amino acids. For this reason, glutamine is currently part of clinical nutrition supplementation protocols and/or recommended for immune suppressed individuals. However, in a wide range of catabolic/hypercatabolic situations (e.g., ill/critically ill, post-trauma, sepsis, exhausted athletes), it is currently difficult to determine whether glutamine supplementation (oral/enteral or parenteral) should be recommended based on the amino acid plasma/bloodstream concentration (also known as glutaminemia). Although the beneficial immune-based effects of glutamine supplementation are already established, many questions and evidence for positive in vivo outcomes still remain to be presented. Therefore, this paper provides an integrated review of how glutamine metabolism in key organs is important to cells of the immune system. We also discuss glutamine metabolism and action, and important issues related to the effects of glutamine supplementation in catabolic situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius Cruzat
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Biosciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia. .,Faculty of Health, Torrens University, Melbourne 3065, Australia.
| | - Marcelo Macedo Rogero
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Public Health, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo 715, São Paulo 01246-904, Brazil.
| | - Kevin Noel Keane
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Biosciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia.
| | - Rui Curi
- Interdisciplinary Post-Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Cruzeiro do Sul University, São Paulo 01506-000, Brazil.
| | - Philip Newsholme
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Biosciences, Curtin University, Perth 6102, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Tee JK, Peng F, Tan YL, Yu B, Ho HK. Magnesium Isoglycyrrhizinate Ameliorates Fibrosis and Disrupts TGF-β-Mediated SMAD Pathway in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cell Line LX2. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1018. [PMID: 30319402 PMCID: PMC6167412 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a histological change often attributed to the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the excessive formation of scar tissues in the liver. Advanced stages of the disease frequently lead to cirrhosis. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) has been accepted as a hepatoprotective drug with the potential of alleviating inflammatory conditions and thus promote liver recovery from viral- or drug-induced injury. While MgIG has been empirically integrated into the clinics to treat some liver diseases, its anti-fibrotic effect and the associated mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Herein, we demonstrated that 1 mg/ml MgIG attenuated the production of αSMA and collagen-1 in activated HSCs using TGF-β1-induced human HSCs LX2 as the fibrotic cell model. We found that MgIG exerts an inhibitory effect on the TGF-β-SMAD signaling pathway by arresting the binding of downstream transcription factors SMAD2/3 and SMAD4. Furthermore, MgIG was shown to suppress proliferation and induce senescence of activated LX2 cells. Protein expression of p27 and enzymatic activity of senescence-associated β-galactosidase were elevated upon exposure to MgIG. In addition, we observed that exposure of activated LX2 cells to MgIG reduces TGF-β-induced apoptosis. Interestingly, a lower toxicity profile was observed when human fetal hepatocytes LO2 were exposed to the same concentration and duration of the drug, suggesting the specificity of MgIG effect toward activated HSCs. Overall, hepatoprotective concentrations of MgIG is shown to exert a direct effect on liver fibrosis through inhibiting TGF-β-signaling, in which SMAD2/3 pathway could be one of the mechanisms responsible for the fibrotic response, thereby restoring the surviving cells toward a more quiescent phenotype. This provides critical mechanistic insights to support an otherwise empirical therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Kai Tee
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Fei Peng
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yeong Lan Tan
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Kiat Ho
- NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, Centre for Life Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Du K, Hyun J, Premont RT, Choi SS, Michelotti GA, Swiderska-Syn M, Dalton GD, Thelen E, Rizi BS, Jung Y, Diehl AM. Hedgehog-YAP Signaling Pathway Regulates Glutaminolysis to Control Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:1465-1479.e13. [PMID: 29305935 PMCID: PMC5880682 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Revised: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cirrhosis results from accumulation of myofibroblasts derived from quiescent hepatic stellate cells (Q-HSCs); it regresses when myofibroblastic HSCs are depleted. Hedgehog signaling promotes transdifferentiation of HSCs by activating Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1 or YAP) and inducing aerobic glycolysis. However, increased aerobic glycolysis alone cannot meet the high metabolic demands of myofibroblastic HSCs. Determining the metabolic processes of these cells could lead to strategies to prevent progressive liver fibrosis, so we investigated whether glutaminolysis (conversion of glutamine to alpha-ketoglutarate) sustains energy metabolism and permits anabolism when Q-HSCs become myofibroblastic, and whether this is controlled by hedgehog signaling to YAP. METHODS Primary HSCs were isolated from C57BL/6 or Smoflox/flox mice; we also performed studies with rat and human myofibroblastic HSCs. We measured changes of glutaminolytic genes during culture-induced primary HSC transdifferentiation. Glutaminolysis was disrupted in cells by glutamine deprivation or pathway inhibitors (bis-2-[5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl] ethyl sulfide, CB-839, epigallocatechin gallate, and aminooxyacetic acid), and effects on mitochondrial respiration, cell growth and migration, and fibrogenesis were measured. Hedgehog signaling to YAP was disrupted in cells by adenovirus expression of Cre-recombinase or by small hairpin RNA knockdown of YAP. Hedgehog and YAP activity were inhibited by incubation of cells with cyclopamine or verteporfin, and effects on glutaminolysis were measured. Acute and chronic liver fibrosis were induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 or methionine choline-deficient diet. Some mice were then given injections of bis-2-[5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl] ethyl sulfide to inhibit glutaminolysis, and myofibroblast accumulation was measured. We also performed messenger RNA and immunohistochemical analyses of percutaneous liver biopsies from healthy human and 4 patients with no fibrosis, 6 patients with mild fibrosis, and 3 patients with severe fibrosis. RESULTS Expression of genes that regulate glutaminolysis increased during transdifferentiation of primary Q-HSCs into myofibroblastic HSCs, and inhibition of glutaminolysis disrupted transdifferentiation. Blocking glutaminolysis in myofibroblastic HSCs suppressed mitochondrial respiration, cell growth and migration, and fibrogenesis; replenishing glutaminolysis metabolites to these cells restored these activities. Knockout of the hedgehog signaling intermediate smoothened or knockdown of YAP inhibited expression of glutaminase, the rate-limiting enzyme in glutaminolysis. Hedgehog and YAP inhibitors blocked glutaminolysis and suppressed myofibroblastic activities in HSCs. In livers of patients and of mice with acute or chronic fibrosis, glutaminolysis was induced in myofibroblastic HSCs. In mice with liver fibrosis, inhibition of glutaminase blocked accumulation of myofibroblasts and fibrosis progression. CONCLUSIONS Glutaminolysis controls accumulation of myofibroblast HSCs in mice and might be a therapeutic target for cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kuo Du
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeongeun Hyun
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard T. Premont
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steve S. Choi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gregory A. Michelotti
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marzena Swiderska-Syn
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - George D. Dalton
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Eric Thelen
- XF Seahorse, Agilent Technologies, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Youngmi Jung
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Pusan, South Korea
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
| |
Collapse
|