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Chen L, Duan Y, Jiang T, Mao C, Zhu X, Wan M. Therapy of liver fibrosis: From conventional approaches to nanomaterials delivery systems. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2024; 69:1829-1832. [PMID: 38664093 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2024.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yu Duan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Xinhua Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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2
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Li Z, Zhu J, Ouyang H. Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in improving hepatic fibrosis based on inhibiting pathological angiogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1303012. [PMID: 38155904 PMCID: PMC10754536 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1303012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the formation of scar tissue in the liver. This scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and can lead to liver dysfunction and failure if left untreated. It is usually caused by chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis B or C, alcohol abuse, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Pathological angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of hepatic fibrosis by promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the liver. These new vessels increase blood flow to the damaged areas of the liver, which triggers the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). HSCs are responsible for producing excess collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to the development of fibrosis. Pathological angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of hepatic fibrosis by promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the liver. These new vessels increase blood flow to the damaged areas of the liver, which triggers the activation of HSCs. HSCs are responsible for producing excess collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to the development of fibrosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been found to target pathological angiogenesis, thereby providing a potential treatment option for hepatic fibrosis. Several studies have demonstrated that TCM exhibits anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting the production of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-2, and by reducing the proliferation of endothelial cells. Reviewing and highlighting the unique TCM recognition of treating hepatic fibrosis by targeting pathological angiogenesis may shed light on future hepatic fibrosis research.
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Zhang YW, Hou LS, Xing JH, Zhang TR, Zhou SY, Zhang BL. Two-Membrane Hybrid Nanobiomimetic Delivery System for Targeted Autophagy Inhibition of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells To Synergistically Treat Liver Fibrosis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37899504 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the most common and highly prevalent chronic liver diseases caused by multiple pathogenic factors, and there is still no effective therapeutic drugs up to now. The activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the main executor in liver fibrosis, and the autophagy plays a key role in the proliferation and differentiation of aHSCs, which promotes the development of liver fibrosis. However, autophagy has the opposite effect on the different kinds of liver cells in the development of liver fibrosis, and the clinical treatment has been limited by the poor selectivity and inefficient drug delivery to aHSCs. Therefore, in this study, a liposome (Lip) and exosome (Exo) two-membrane hybrid nanobiomimetic delivery system HCQ@VA-Lip-Exo was designed, which was modified by vitamin A (VA) to target the aHSCs and carried the autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). The experimental results in vitro and in vivo revealed that the constructed aHSC-targeted hybrid delivery system HCQ@VA-Lip-Exo combined with the benefits of HCQ and exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. HCQ@VA-Lip-Exo had good aHSC-targeted delivery ability, effective autophagy inhibition, and synergistical anti-liver fibrosis performance, thus reducing the production and deposition of the extracellular matrix to inhibit the liver fibrosis. This combined strategy provided a potential idea for the construction and clinical application of a two-membrane hybrid delivery system as an effective targeted therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Shuang Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Hua Xing
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Tang-Rui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
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Xia S, Liu Z, Cai J, Ren H, Li Q, Zhang H, Yue J, Zhou Q, Zhou T, Wang L, Liu X, Zhou X. Liver fibrosis therapy based on biomimetic nanoparticles which deplete activated hepatic stellate cells. J Control Release 2023; 355:54-67. [PMID: 36693527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the most common liver diseases with substantial morbidity and mortality. However, effective therapy for liver fibrosis is still lacking. Considering the key fibrogenic role of activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), here we reported a strategy to deplete aHSCs by inducing apoptosis as well as quiescence. Therefore, we engineered biomimetic all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NPs). HSC (LX2 cells) membranes, presenting the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), were coated on the surface of the nanoparticles, while the clinically approved agent ATRA with anti-fibrosis ability was encapsulated in the inner core. The biomimetic coating of TRAIL-expressing HSC membranes does not only provide homologous targeting to HSCs, but also effectively triggers apoptosis of aHSCs. ATRA could induce quiescence of activated fibroblasts. While TM-NPs (i.e. membrane coated NPs without ATRA) and ATRA/NPs (i.e. non-coated NPs loaded with ATRA) only showed the ability to induce apoptosis and decrease the α-SMA expression in aHSCs, respectively, TM-ATRA/NPs induced both apoptosis and quiescence in aHSCs, ultimately leading to improved fibrosis amelioration in both carbon tetrachloride-induced and methionine and choline deficient L-amino acid diet induced liver fibrosis mouse models. We conclude that biomimetic TM-ATRA/NPs may provide a novel strategy for effective antifibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglong Xia
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zimo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jieru Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huiming Ren
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongfang Zhang
- Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Jing Yue
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tianhua Zhou
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Liangjing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China.
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Wang S, He L, Xiao F, Gao M, Wei H, Yang J, Shu Y, Zhang F, Ye X, Li P, Hao X, Zhou X, Wei H. Upregulation of GLT25D1 in Hepatic Stellate Cells Promotes Liver Fibrosis via the TGF-β1/SMAD3 Pathway In Vivo and In vitro. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1-14. [PMID: 36406310 PMCID: PMC9647113 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00005] [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: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Collagen β(1-O) galactosyltransferase 25 domain 1 (GLT25D1) is associated with collagen production and glycosylation, and its knockout in mice results in embryonic death. However, its role in liver fibrosis remains elusive, particularly in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the primary collagen-producing cells associated with liver fibrogenesis. Herein, we aimed to elucidate the role of GLT25D1 in HSCs. METHODS Bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced mouse liver fibrosis models, primary mouse HSCs (mHSCs), and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)-stimulated LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells were used in in vivo and in vitro studies. Stable LX-2 cell lines with either GLT25D1 overexpression or knockdown were established using lentiviral transfection. RNA-seq was performed to investigate the genomic differences. HPLC-MS/MS were used to identify glycosylation sites. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and second-harmonic generation/two-photon excited fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) were used to image collagen fibril morphology. RESULTS GLT25D1 expression was upregulated in nonparenchymal cells in human cirrhotic liver tissues. Meanwhile, its knockdown attenuated collagen deposition in BDL-induced mouse liver fibrosis and inhibited mHSC activation. GLT25D1 was overexpressed in activated versus quiescence LX-2 cells and regulated in vitro LX-2 cell activation, including proliferation, contraction, and migration. GLT25D1 also significantly increased liver fibrogenic gene and protein expression. GLT25D1 upregulation promoted HSC activation and enhanced collagen expression through the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway. Mass spectrometry showed that GLT25D1 regulated the glycosylation of collagen in HSCs, affecting the diameter of collagen fibers. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the upregulation of GLT25D1 in HSCs promoted the progression of liver fibrosis by affecting HSCs activation and collagen stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lingling He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Xiao
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Meixin Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Herui Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junru Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fuyang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Huaxin Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital of Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohua Hao
- Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xingang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongshan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
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Zhang R, Li P, Guo P, Zhou J, Wan J, Yang C, Zhou J, Liu Y, Shi S. A Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions Study between Entecavir and Hydronidone, a Potential Novel Antifibrotic Small Molecule, in Healthy Male Volunteers. Adv Ther 2023; 40:658-670. [PMID: 36477590 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-022-02377-x] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatic fibrosis is an inevitable process of hepatic sclerosis, malignancy, and insufficiency, and hydronidone is an innovative antifibrosis drug. This study focus on the pharmacokinetic interaction of hydronidone and entecavir in healthy Chinese male subjects. METHODS An open-label, three-period, multiple-dosage, self-controlled clinical trial was executed in 12 healthy male subjects. In period 1, the subjects took hydronidone 60 mg, q8h, for 7 days. In period 2, they were given entecavir 0.5 mg once daily for 9 days. Then, hydronidone and entecavir were given in combination for 6 days (days 20-26). Blood samples were taken up to 24 h post-dosing, while pre-dose blood samples were drawn on days 7, 19, and 26. RESULTS The area under the curve (AUC)0-t_ss of entecavir slightly increased from 15.56 ± 2.67 to 16.17 ± 2.77 ng h/ml with coadministration with hydronidone, while the other pharmacokinetic parameters of hydronidone and entecavir were comparable between monotherapy and combination therapy. The geometric mean ratios (GMRs) [90% confidence intervals (CIs)] of Cmax_ss, AUC0-t_ss, and AUC0-∞_ss of entecavir after coadministration compared with entecavir alone were 107.21% (97.04-118.45%), 103.85% (100.94-106.83%), and 110.81% (97.19-126.33%), respectively. And the GMRs and 90% CIs of Cmax,ss, AUC0-t_ss, and AUC0-∞_ss for combination therapy compared with the hydronidone monotherapy group were 102.72% (84.21-125.29%), 106.52% (97.06-116.90%), and 108.86% (96.42-122.89%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS There was no drug-drug interaction between hydronidone and entecavir in healthy male volunteers. However, multiple doses of hydronidone have a risk with increasing exposure to entecavir in vivo, which needs to be further clarified. REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR2200059683 (retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Peixia Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Pengpeng Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jinping Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jing Wan
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Chunxiao Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiali Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yani Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Shaojun Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China. .,Union Jiangnan Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis has a high incidence worldwide and is the common pathological basis of many chronic liver diseases. Liver fibrosis is caused by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and concomitant collagen accumulation in livers and can lead to the development of liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer. A large number of studies have provided evidence that liver fibrosis can be blocked or even reversed by appropriate medical interventions. However, the antifibrosis drugs with ideal clinical efficacy are still insufficient. The edible plant-derived natural compounds have been reported to exert effective antifibrotic effects with few side-effects, representing a kind of promising source for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this article, we reviewed the current progress of the natural compounds derived from dietary plants in the treatment of liver fibrosis, including phenolic compounds (capsaicin, chlorogenic acid, curcumin, ellagic acid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, sinapic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid and vitamin E), flavonoid compounds (genistein, hesperidin, hesperetin, naringenin, naringin and quercetin), sulfur-containing compounds (S-allylcysteine, ergothioneine, lipoic acid and sulforaphane) and other compounds (betaine, caffeine, cucurbitacin B, lycopene, α-mangostin, γ-mangostin, ursolic acid, vitamin C and yangonin). The pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of these compounds in in-vivo and in-vitro models of liver fibrosis are focused.
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Zheng M, Li J, Fang W, Luo L, Ding R, Zeng H, Luo H, Lin X, Duan C. The TNF-α rs361525 and IFN-γ rs2430561 polymorphisms are associated with liver cirrhosis risk: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129767. [PMID: 37122734 PMCID: PMC10140545 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammation serves as an essential driver of liver cirrhosis (LC) incidence. Accordingly, a meta-analysis was carried out to explore the association between specific polymorphisms in the interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) genes and the incidence of LC based on comparisons of genotype and allele frequencies. Objectives To study the relationship between TNF-α rs361525 and IFN-γ rs2430561 polymorphisms and the risk of LC. Methods A database search was performed for all studies published as of September 10, 2022. The strength of risk relationships was assessed based on odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Pooled analyses were conducted for one common TNF-α polymorphism (rs361525) as well as one common IFN-γ polymorphism (rs2430561). Both of these SNPs were identified as LC-related risk factors. Specifically, rs361525 was related to LC incidence in both alcoholic liver cirrhosis (OR: 1.86, 95%CI: 1.03-3.34) and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis cases (OR: 1.44, 95%CI: 1.00-2.06) when using an allelic contrast model. Moreover, rs2430561 was significantly related to LC in an Asian population (OR: 1.45, 95%CI: 1.13-1.86) and in the context of HBV-related cirrhosis (OR: 1.48, 95%CI: 1.13-1.93) when using an allelic contrast model. Conclusion These findings indicate that rs361525 and rs2430561 represent LC-related risk factors, although additional large-scale clinical and case-control studies will be vital to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weizhen Fang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Ding
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Zeng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianghua Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xianghua Lin, ; Chaohui Duan,
| | - Chaohui Duan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xianghua Lin, ; Chaohui Duan,
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Jiao S, Huang W, Cao Z, Chen Y, Chen S, Yang Z, Wang W, Yao H, Wang X, Li Z, Zhang L. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation studies of novel anti-fibrosis agents bearing sulfoxide moiety. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 75:117096. [PMID: 36395681 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis, a chronic disease with high morbidity and mortality, is mainly characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). At present, pathogenesis of fibrosis is incompletely understood, and there is an urgent need to develop safe and effective drugs. In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of novel small-molecule compounds through structural modification and fragment hybridization. Among them, a potential anti-fibrosis drug compd.1 was founded to be able to dose-dependently down-regulate ACTA2 and CTGF mRNA levels in human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) treated with TGF-β. In addition, compd.1 significantly improved the bridging fibrosis and collagen content in the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice model. Moreover, compd.1 reduced lung inflammation and fibrotic area in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice model. These findings suggested that compd.1 is a promising candidate for further anti-fibrosis researches, and extended chemical space might help us to explore better anti-fibrosis drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shixuan Jiao
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wanqiu Huang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Construction and Application of New Drug Screening Model Systems, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhijun Cao
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ya Chen
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Siliang Chen
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhongcheng Yang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Huixin Yao
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xuekun Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Luyong Zhang
- Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Construction and Application of New Drug Screening Model Systems, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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10
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Wu X, Gu X, Xue M, Ge C, Liang X. Proteomic analysis of hepatic fibrosis induced by a high starch diet in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. PART D, GENOMICS & PROTEOMICS 2022; 43:101007. [PMID: 35714397 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbd.2022.101007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Largemouth bass is sensitive to the dietary starch level and excess starch can induce metabolic liver diseases (MLD). Hepatic fibrosis is a typical pathological phenotype of MLD in largemouth bass, but the molecular basis underlying is largely unclear. This study fed fish with a low or high starch diet for 4 weeks. Liver tissues with or without fibrotic symptoms were recognized through histopathological and molecular markers analysis of hepatic fibrosis, following TMT Quantitative proteomics and conducted Parallel Reaction Monitoring (PRM) analyses. 2455 differentially expressed proteins with 1618 up-regulated and 837 down-regulated were identified in this study. In GO terms, up-regulated proteins were correlated with cytoskeleton organization, supramolecular fiber, cytoskeleton protein binding, and actin-binding, while down-regulated proteins were involved in mainly metabolism-related processes, and molecular binding activity. Down-regulated proteins were enriched in 63 KEGG pathways and concentrated in metabolism-related pathways, especially glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. 70 KEGG pathways of up-regulated proteins mainly included immunity and inflammation-related pathways. The expression trends of 11 differentially expressed proteins were consistent with proteome results by PRM analysis. In conclusion, the development of hepatic fibrosis induced by high starch may be related to multi-signaling pathways, metabolism processes, and targets, which provides important data for further study on revealing the molecular mechanism of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoliang Wu
- National Aquafeed Safety Assessment Center, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xu Gu
- National Aquafeed Safety Assessment Center, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Min Xue
- National Aquafeed Safety Assessment Center, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chunyu Ge
- National Aquafeed Safety Assessment Center, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaofang Liang
- National Aquafeed Safety Assessment Center, Institute of Feed Research, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China.
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11
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Li N, Zhang X, Zhou J, Li W, Shu X, Wu Y, Long M. Multiscale biomechanics and mechanotransduction from liver fibrosis to cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114448. [PMID: 35820602 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of multiscale biomechanical studies has been proposed to highlight the mechanical cues in the development of hepatic fibrosis and cancer. At the cellular level, changes in mechanical microenvironment induce phenotypic and functional alterations of hepatic cells, initiating a positive feedback loop that promotes liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Tumor mechanical microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma facilitates tumor cell growth and metastasis, and hinders the drug delivery and immunotherapy. At the molecular level, mechanical forces are sensed and transmitted into hepatic cells via allosteric activation of mechanoreceptors on the cell membrane, leading to the activation of various mechanotransduction pathways including integrin and YAP signaling and then regulating cell function. Thus, the application of mechanomedicine concept in the treatment of liver diseases is promising for rational design and cell-specific delivery of therapeutic drugs. This review mainly discusses the correlation between biomechanical cues and liver diseases from the viewpoint of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Shu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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12
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Recent Advancements in Antifibrotic Therapies for Regression of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091500. [PMID: 35563807 PMCID: PMC9104939 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a severe form of liver fibrosis that results in the irreversible replacement of liver tissue with scar tissue in the liver. Environmental toxicity, infections, metabolic causes, or other genetic factors including autoimmune hepatitis can lead to chronic liver injury and can result in inflammation and fibrosis. This activates myofibroblasts to secrete ECM proteins, resulting in the formation of fibrous scars on the liver. Fibrosis regression is possible through the removal of pathophysiological causes as well as the elimination of activated myofibroblasts, resulting in the reabsorption of the scar tissue. To date, a wide range of antifibrotic therapies has been tried and tested, with varying degrees of success. These therapies include the use of growth factors, cytokines, miRNAs, monoclonal antibodies, stem-cell-based approaches, and other approaches that target the ECM. The positive results of preclinical and clinical studies raise the prospect of a viable alternative to liver transplantation in the near future. The present review provides a synopsis of recent antifibrotic treatment modalities for the treatment of liver cirrhosis, as well as a brief summary of clinical trials that have been conducted to date.
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13
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Li W, Chen JY, Sun C, Sparks RP, Pantano L, Rahman RU, Moran SP, Pondick JV, Kirchner R, Wrobel D, Bieler M, Sauer A, Ho Sui SJ, Doerner JF, Rippmann JF, Mullen AC. Nanchangmycin regulates FYN, PTK2, and MAPK1/3 to control the fibrotic activity of human hepatic stellate cells. eLife 2022; 11:74513. [PMID: 35617485 PMCID: PMC9135407 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury causes fibrosis, characterized by the formation of scar tissue resulting from excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) myofibroblasts are the primary cell type responsible for liver fibrosis, yet there are currently no therapies directed at inhibiting the activity of HSC myofibroblasts. To search for potential anti-fibrotic compounds, we performed a high-throughput compound screen in primary human HSC myofibroblasts and identified 19 small molecules that induce HSC inactivation, including the polyether ionophore nanchangmycin (NCMC). NCMC induces lipid re-accumulation while reducing collagen expression, deposition of collagen in the extracellular matrix, cell proliferation, and migration. We find that NCMC increases cytosolic Ca2+ and reduces the phosphorylated protein levels of FYN, PTK2 (FAK), MAPK1/3 (ERK2/1), HSPB1 (HSP27), and STAT5B. Further, depletion of each of these kinases suppress COL1A1 expression. These studies reveal a signaling network triggered by NCMC to inactivate HSC myofibroblasts and reduce expression of proteins that compose the fibrotic scar. Identification of the antifibrotic effects of NCMC and the elucidation of pathways by which NCMC inhibits fibrosis provide new tools and therapeutic targets that could potentially be utilized to combat the development and progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyang Li
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Jennifer Y Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Cheng Sun
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Robert P Sparks
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Lorena Pantano
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | - Raza-Ur Rahman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Sean P Moran
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Joshua V Pondick
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Rory Kirchner
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public HealthBostonUnited States
| | | | | | - Achim Sauer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & CoBiberachGermany
| | | | | | | | - Alan C Mullen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States,Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States,Harvard Stem Cell InstituteCambridgeUnited States
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14
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Ashour AA, El-Kamel AH, Abdelmonsif DA, Khalifa HM, Ramadan AA. Modified Lipid Nanocapsules for Targeted Tanshinone IIA Delivery in Liver Fibrosis. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:8013-8033. [PMID: 34916792 PMCID: PMC8671377 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s331690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Liver fibrosis represents a serious global disease with no approved treatment. Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) is a phytomedicine with documented activity in treating many hepatic disorders. TSIIA has been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also induce apoptosis for activated hepatic stellate cells, and is thereby considered as a promising herbal remedy for treating fibrotic liver. However, its poor aqueous solubility, short half-life, exposure to the first-pass effect, and low concentration reaching targeted cells constitute the major barriers hindering its effective therapeutic potential. Therefore, this work aimed at enhancing TSIIA systemic bioavailability together with achieving active targeting potential to fibrotic liver via its incorporation into novel modified lipid nanocapsules (LNCs). Methods Blank and TSIIA-loaded LNCs modified with either hyaluronate sodium or phosphatidyl serine were successfully prepared, optimized, and characterized both in vitro and in vivo. Results The developed LNCs showed good colloidal properties (size ≤100 nm and PDI ≤0.2), high drug-entrapment efficiency (>97%) with sustained-release profile for 24 hours, high storage stability up to 6 months, and good in vitro serum stability. After a single intraperitoneal injection, the administered LNCs exhibited a 2.4-fold significant increase in AUC0–∞ compared with the TSIIA suspension (p≤0.01). Biodistribution-study results proved the liver-targeting ability of the prepared modified LNCs, with a significant ~1.5-fold increase in hepatic accumulation compared with the unmodified formulation (p≤0.05). Moreover, the modified formulations had an improved antifibrotic effect compared with both unmodified LNCs and TSIIA suspension, as evidenced by the results of biochemical and histopathological evaluation. Conclusion The modified TSIIA-LNCs could be regarded as promising novel targeted nanomedicines for effective management of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa A Ashour
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Amal H El-Kamel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Doaa A Abdelmonsif
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt.,Center of Excellence for Research in Regenerative Medicine and Applications (CERRMA), Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt
| | - Hoda M Khalifa
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt
| | - Alyaa A Ramadan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
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15
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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.
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16
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Sánchez PS, Rigual MDM, Djouder N. Inflammatory and Non-Inflammatory Mechanisms Controlling Cirrhosis Development. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205045. [PMID: 34680192 PMCID: PMC8534267 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The liver is continuously exposed to several harmful factors, subsequently activating sophisticated mechanisms set-up in order to repair and regenerate the damaged liver and hence to prevent its failure. When the injury becomes chronic, the regenerative response becomes perpetual and goes awry, leading to cirrhosis with a fatal liver dysfunction. Cirrhosis is a well-known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common, usually lethal, human primary liver neoplasm with very limited therapeutic options. Considering the pivotal role of immune factors in the development of cirrhosis, here we review and discuss the inflammatory pathways and components implicated in the development of cirrhosis. A better understanding of these circuits would help the design of novel strategies to prevent and treat cirrhosis and HCC, two lethal diseases. Abstract Because the liver is considered to be one of the most important metabolic organs in the body, it is continuously exposed to damaging environmental agents. Upon damage, several complex cellular and molecular mechanisms in charge of liver recovery and regeneration are activated to prevent the failure of the organ. When liver injury becomes chronic, the regenerative response goes awry and impairs the liver function, consequently leading to cirrhosis, a liver disorder that can cause patient death. Cirrhosis has a disrupted liver architecture and zonation, along with the presence of fibrosis and parenchymal nodules, known as regenerative nodules (RNs). Inflammatory cues contribute to the cirrhotic process in response to chronic damaging agents. Cirrhosis can progress to HCC, the most common and one of the most lethal liver cancers with unmet medical needs. Considering the essential role of inflammatory pathways in the development of cirrhosis, further understanding of the relationship between immune cells and the activation of RNs and fibrosis would guide the design of innovative therapeutic strategies to ameliorate the survival of cirrhotic and HCC patients. In this review, we will summarize the inflammatory mechanisms implicated in the development of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nabil Djouder
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-3-491-732-8000 (ext. 3830); Fax: +34-3-491-224-6914
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17
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Xue F, Lu J, Buchl SC, Sun L, Shah VH, Malhi H, Maiers JL. Coordinated signaling of activating transcription factor 6α and inositol-requiring enzyme 1α regulates hepatic stellate cell-mediated fibrogenesis in mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G864-G879. [PMID: 33728997 PMCID: PMC8202196 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00453.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver injury and the unfolded protein response (UPR) are tightly linked, but their relationship differs with cell type and injurious stimuli. UPR initiation promotes hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and fibrogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Despite the complexity and overlap downstream of UPR transducers inositol-requiring protein 1α (IRE1α), activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α), and protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase (PERK), previous research in HSCs primarily focused on IRE1α. Here, we investigated the fibrogenic role of ATF6α or PERK in vitro and HSC-specific UPR signaling in vivo. Overexpression of ATF6α, but not the PERK effector activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), promoted HSC activation and fibrogenic gene transcription in immortalized HSCs. Furthermore, ATF6α inhibition through Ceapin-A7, or Atf6a deletion, disrupted transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)-mediated activation of primary human hepatic stellate cells (hHSCs) or murine hepatic stellate cells (mHSCs), respectively. We investigated the fibrogenic role of ATF6α in vivo through conditional HSC-specific Atf6a deletion. Atf6aHSCΔ/Δ mice displayed reduced fibrosis and HSC activation following bile duct ligation (BDL) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced injury. The Atf6aHSCΔ/Δ phenotype differed from HSC-specific Ire1a deletion, as Ire1aHSCΔ/Δ mice showed reduced fibrogenic gene transcription but no changes in fibrosis compared with Ire1afl/fl mice following BDL. Interestingly, ATF6α signaling increased in Ire1aΔ/Δ HSCs, whereas IRE1α signaling was upregulated in Atf6aΔ/Δ HSCs. Finally, we asked whether co-deletion of Atf6a and Ire1a additively limits fibrosis. Unexpectedly, fibrosis worsened in Atf6aHSCΔ/ΔIre1aHSCΔ/Δ mice following BDL, and Atf6aΔ/ΔIre1aΔ/Δ mHSCs showed increased fibrogenic gene transcription. ATF6α and IRE1α individually promote fibrogenic transcription in HSCs, and ATF6α drives fibrogenesis in vivo. Unexpectedly, disruption of both pathways sensitizes the liver to fibrogenesis, suggesting that fine-tuned UPR signaling is critical for regulating HSC activation and fibrogenesis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY ATF6α is a critical driver of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation in vitro. HSC-specific deletion of Atf6a limits fibrogenesis in vivo despite increased IRE1α signaling. Conditional deletion of Ire1α from HSCs limits fibrogenic gene transcription without impacting overall fibrosis. This could be due in part to observed upregulation of the ATF6α pathway. Dual loss of Atf6a and Ire1a from HSCs worsens fibrosis in vivo through enhanced HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xue
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jianwen Lu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Samuel C. Buchl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Liankang Sun
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Harmeet Malhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Jessica L. Maiers
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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Kuang M, Wu H, Hu L, Guo X, He D, Liu B, Chen M, Gu J, Gu J, Zeng X, Ruan Y. Up-regulation of FUT8 inhibits TGF-β1-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells during liver fibrogenesis. Glycoconj J 2021; 38:77-87. [PMID: 33608773 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-021-09975-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a continuous wound healing response caused by chronic liver injury, and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is considered as the main event for it. Core fucosylation catalyzed by FUT8 refers to adding the fucosyl moiety to the innermost GlcNAc residue of N-linked oligosaccharides and is involved in many biological processes such as cell differentiation, migration, and signaling transduction. Aberrant core fucosylation is associated with a variety of diseases including cardiovascular disease, tumors and neuroinflammation, but much less is understood in liver fibrosis. Herein, we reported FUT8 mRNA level was increased in patients with liver fibrosis from GEO database and positively correlated with fibrosis progression. FUT8 expression and the core fucosylation were also elevated in TAA-induced mouse liver fibrosis model, and were mainly distributed in the fibrous septum of mouse liver. TGF-β1, as the most pro-fibrogenic cytokine, could promote the expression of FUT8 and total core fucosylation levels in HSCs in vitro. However, up-regulation of FUT8 in turn inhibited TGF-β1-induced trans-differentiation, migration and pro-fibrogenic signaling pathways in HSCs. In conclusion, our results suggest that the up-regulation of FUT8 inhibits TGF-β1-induced HSC activation in a negative feedback loop, and provide potential new therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis by targeting FUT8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengzhen Kuang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Lan Hu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinying Guo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Daochuan He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengqian Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Gu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Gu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuanyuan Ruan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugate Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Sepulveda-Crespo D, Resino S, Martinez I. Strategies Targeting the Innate Immune Response for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Liver Fibrosis. Drugs 2021; 81:419-443. [PMID: 33400242 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01458-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) in more than 95% of treated individuals and may abolish liver injury, arrest fibrogenesis, and reverse fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, liver regeneration is usually a slow process that is less effective in the late stages of fibrosis. What is more, fibrogenesis may prevail in patients with advanced cirrhosis, where it can progress to liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, the development of antifibrotic drugs that halt and reverse fibrosis progression is urgently needed. Fibrosis occurs due to the repair process of damaged hepatic tissue, which eventually leads to scarring. The innate immune response against HCV is essential in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. HCV-infected hepatocytes and liver macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines that promote the activation and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to myofibroblasts that produce extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Prolonged ECM production by myofibroblasts due to chronic inflammation is essential to the development of fibrosis. While no antifibrotic therapy is approved to date, several drugs are being tested in phase 2 and phase 3 trials with promising results. This review discusses current state-of-the-art knowledge on treatments targeting the innate immune system to revert chronic hepatitis C-associated liver fibrosis. Agents that cause liver damage may vary (alcohol, virus infection, etc.), but fibrosis progression shows common patterns among them, including chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, hepatocyte injury, HSC activation, and excessive ECM deposition. Therefore, mechanisms underlying these processes are promising targets for general antifibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sepulveda-Crespo
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Campus Majadahonda), Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Campus Majadahonda), Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isidoro Martinez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Campus Majadahonda), Carretera Majadahonda-Pozuelo, Km 2.2, 28220, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain.
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