1
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Tenney L, Pham VN, Brewer TF, Chang CJ. A mitochondrial-targeted activity-based sensing probe for ratiometric imaging of formaldehyde reveals key regulators of the mitochondrial one-carbon pool. Chem Sci 2024; 15:8080-8088. [PMID: 38817555 PMCID: PMC11134394 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc01183j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Formaldehyde (FA) is both a highly reactive environmental genotoxin and an endogenously produced metabolite that functions as a signaling molecule and one-carbon (1C) store to regulate 1C metabolism and epigenetics in the cell. Owing to its signal-stress duality, cells have evolved multiple clearance mechanisms to maintain FA homeostasis, acting to avoid the established genotoxicity of FA while also redirecting FA-derived carbon units into the biosynthesis of essential nucleobases and amino acids. The highly compartmentalized nature of FA exposure, production, and regulation motivates the development of chemical tools that enable monitoring of transient FA fluxes with subcellular resolution. Here we report a mitochondrial-targeted, activity-based sensing probe for ratiometric FA detection, MitoRFAP-2, and apply this reagent to monitor endogenous mitochondrial sources and sinks of this 1C unit. We establish the utility of subcellular localization by showing that MitoRFAP-2 is sensitive enough to detect changes in mitochondrial FA pools with genetic and pharmacological modulation of enzymes involved in 1C and amino acid metabolism, including the pervasive, less active genetic mutant aldehyde dehydrogenase 2*2 (ALDH2*2), where previous, non-targeted versions of FA sensors are not. Finally, we used MitoRFAP-2 to comparatively profile basal levels of FA across a panel of breast cancer cell lines, finding that FA-dependent fluorescence correlates with expression levels of enzymes involved in 1C metabolism. By showcasing the ability of MitoRFAP-2 to identify new information on mitochondrial FA homeostasis, this work provides a starting point for the design of a broader range of chemical probes for detecting physiologically important aldehydes with subcellular resolution and a useful reagent for further studies of 1C biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan Tenney
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Vanha N Pham
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Thomas F Brewer
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Christopher J Chang
- Department of Chemistry, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley CA 94720 USA
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2
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Kim W, Chu JO, Kim DY, Lee SH, Choi CH, Lee KH. Mimicking chronic alcohol effects through a controlled and sustained ethanol release device. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:31. [PMID: 38715085 PMCID: PMC11077717 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption, a pervasive societal issue, poses considerable health risks and socioeconomic consequences. Alcohol-induced hepatic disorders, such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis, underscore the need for comprehensive research. Existing challenges in mimicking chronic alcohol exposure in cellular systems, attributed to ethanol evaporation, necessitate innovative approaches. In this study, we developed a simple, reusable, and controllable device for examining the physiological reactions of hepatocytes to long-term alcohol exposure. Our approach involved a novel device designed to continuously release ethanol into the culture medium, maintaining a consistent ethanol concentration over several days. We evaluated device performance by examining gene expression patterns and cytokine secretion alterations during long-term exposure to ethanol. These patterns were correlated with those observed in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Our results suggest that our ethanol-releasing device can be used as a valuable tool to study the mechanisms of chronic alcohol-mediated hepatic diseases at the cellular level. Our device offers a practical solution for studying chronic alcohol exposure, providing a reliable platform for cellular research. This innovative tool holds promise for advancing our understanding of the molecular processes involved in chronic alcohol-mediated hepatic diseases. Future research avenues should explore broader applications and potential implications for predicting and treating alcohol-related illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanil Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ok Chu
- Department of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41940, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyeon Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hyung Choi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Ha Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Shin S, Kim J, Lee JY, Kim J, Oh CM. Mitochondrial Quality Control: Its Role in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). J Obes Metab Syndr 2023; 32:289-302. [PMID: 38049180 PMCID: PMC10786205 DOI: 10.7570/jomes23054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is characterized by hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysfunction and is often associated with obesity and insulin resistance. Recent research indicates a rapid escalation in MASLD cases, with projections suggesting a doubling in the United States by 2030. This review focuses on the central role of mitochondria in the pathogenesis of MASLD and explores potential therapeutic interventions. Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that orchestrate hepatic energy production and metabolism and are critically involved in MASLD. Dysfunctional mitochondria contribute to lipid accumulation, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. Genetic associations further underscore the relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and MASLD susceptibility. Although U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatments for MASLD remain elusive, ongoing clinical trials have highlighted promising strategies that target mitochondrial dysfunction, including vitamin E, metformin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. In preclinical studies, novel therapeutics, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide+ precursors, urolithin A, spermidine, and mitoquinone, have shown beneficial effects, such as improving mitochondrial quality control, reducing oxidative stress, and ameliorating hepatic steatosis and inflammation. In conclusion, mitochondrial dysfunction is central to MASLD pathogenesis. The innovative mitochondria-targeted approaches discussed in this review offer a promising avenue for reducing the burden of MASLD and improving global quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soyeon Shin
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jaeyoung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ju Yeon Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jun Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Chang-Myung Oh
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, Korea
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4
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Aghara H, Chadha P, Zala D, Mandal P. Stress mechanism involved in the progression of alcoholic liver disease and the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1205821. [PMID: 37841267 PMCID: PMC10570533 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1205821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) poses a significant threat to human health, with excessive alcohol intake disrupting the immunotolerant environment of the liver and initiating a cascade of pathological events. This progressive disease unfolds through fat deposition, proinflammatory cytokine upregulation, activation of hepatic stellate cells, and eventual development of end-stage liver disease, known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ALD is intricately intertwined with stress mechanisms such as oxidative stress mediated by reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and alcohol-induced gut dysbiosis, culminating in increased inflammation. While the initial stages of ALD can be reversible with diligent care and abstinence, further progression necessitates alternative treatment approaches. Herbal medicines have shown promise, albeit limited by their poor water solubility and subsequent lack of extensive exploration. Consequently, researchers have embarked on a quest to overcome these challenges by delving into the potential of nanoparticle-mediated therapy. Nanoparticle-based treatments are being explored for liver diseases that share similar mechanisms with alcoholic liver disease. It underscores the potential of these innovative approaches to counteract the complex pathogenesis of ALD, providing new avenues for therapeutic intervention. Nevertheless, further investigations are imperative to fully unravel the therapeutic potential and unlock the promise of nanoparticle-mediated therapy specifically tailored for ALD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Palash Mandal
- P D Patel Institute of Applied Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Anand, Gujarat, India
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5
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Aghara H, Chadha P, Zala D, Mandal P. Stress mechanism involved in the progression of alcoholic liver disease and the therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles. Front Immunol 2023; 14. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1205821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) poses a significant threat to human health, with excessive alcohol intake disrupting the immunotolerant environment of the liver and initiating a cascade of pathological events. This progressive disease unfolds through fat deposition, proinflammatory cytokine upregulation, activation of hepatic stellate cells, and eventual development of end-stage liver disease, known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). ALD is intricately intertwined with stress mechanisms such as oxidative stress mediated by reactive oxygen species, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and alcohol-induced gut dysbiosis, culminating in increased inflammation. While the initial stages of ALD can be reversible with diligent care and abstinence, further progression necessitates alternative treatment approaches. Herbal medicines have shown promise, albeit limited by their poor water solubility and subsequent lack of extensive exploration. Consequently, researchers have embarked on a quest to overcome these challenges by delving into the potential of nanoparticle-mediated therapy. Nanoparticle-based treatments are being explored for liver diseases that share similar mechanisms with alcoholic liver disease. It underscores the potential of these innovative approaches to counteract the complex pathogenesis of ALD, providing new avenues for therapeutic intervention. Nevertheless, further investigations are imperative to fully unravel the therapeutic potential and unlock the promise of nanoparticle-mediated therapy specifically tailored for ALD treatment.
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6
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Kargbo RB. Discovery of Selective Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Cancer. ACS Med Chem Lett 2023; 14:131-132. [PMID: 36793436 PMCID: PMC9923827 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.2c00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
ALDH1A3 is an important member of 19 aldehyde dehydrogenases, which metabolize reactive aldehydes to their corresponding carboxylic acids, detoxify endogenous and exogenous aldehydes, and are also involved in the biosynthesis of retinoic acid. In addition, ALDH1A3 plays important physiological and toxicological roles in different pathologies, including type II diabetes, obesity, cancer, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and neointimal hyperplasia. Consequently, inhibition of ALDH1A3 may offer new therapeutic options for patients with cancer, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorder.
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7
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Lee W, Kim SJ. Protective effects of isoflavones on alcoholic liver diseases: Computational approaches to investigate the inhibition of ALDH2 with isoflavone analogues. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1147301. [PMID: 36923641 PMCID: PMC10009234 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1147301] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive and chronic alcohol intake can lead to the progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. ALD encompasses a pathophysiological spectrum such as simple steatosis, alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), fibrosis, alcoholic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) is the most vital enzyme that produces acetate from acetaldehyde and is expressed at high levels in the liver, kidneys, muscles, and heart. The ALDH2*2 allele is found in up to 40% of East Asian populations, and has a significant impact on alcohol metabolism. Interestingly, several studies have shown that individuals with ALDH2 deficiency are more susceptible to liver inflammation after drinking alcohol. Furthermore, there is growing evidence of an association between ALDH2 deficiency and the development of cancers in the liver, stomach, colon, and lung. Isoflavone analogues are low molecular-weight compounds derived from plants, similar in structure and activity to estrogen in mammals, known as phytoestrogens. Recent studies have reported that isoflavone analogues have beneficial effects on the progression of ALD. This mini-review summarizes the current knowledge about the roles of isoflavone analogues in ALD and discusses the therapeutic potential of isoflavone analogues in liver pathophysiology. In particular, we highlight the significance of computational approaches in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wook Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jin Kim
- Kangwon Institute of Inclusive Technology, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea.,Global/Gangwon Innovative Biologics-Regional Leading Research Center (GIB-RLRC), Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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8
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Sasaki-Tanaka R, Ray R, Moriyama M, Ray RB, Kanda T. Molecular Changes in Relation to Alcohol Consumption and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179679. [PMID: 36077080 PMCID: PMC9456124 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol is the one of the major causes of liver diseases and promotes liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In hepatocytes, alcohol is converted to acetaldehyde, which causes hepatic steatosis, cellular apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, peroxidation, production of cytokines and reduces immune surveillance. Endotoxin and lipopolysaccharide produced from intestinal bacteria also enhance the production of cytokines. The development of hepatic fibrosis and the occurrence of HCC are induced by these alcohol metabolites. Several host genetic factors have recently been identified in this process. Here, we reviewed the molecular mechanism associated with HCC in alcoholic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina Sasaki-Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
- Correspondence: (R.S.-T.); (T.K.); Tel.: +81-3-3972-8111 (R.S.-T. & T.K.)
| | - Ranjit Ray
- Departments of Internal Medicine, and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Mitsuhiko Moriyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
| | - Ratna B. Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Tatsuo Kanda
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Nihon University School of Medicine, 30-1 Oyaguchi-kamicho, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo 173-8610, Japan
- Correspondence: (R.S.-T.); (T.K.); Tel.: +81-3-3972-8111 (R.S.-T. & T.K.)
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9
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Abstract
The ALDH2*2 missense variant that commonly causes alcohol flushing reactions is the single genetic polymorphism associated with the largest number of traits in humans. The dysfunctional ALDH2 variant affects nearly 8% of the world population and is highly concentrated among East Asians. Carriers of the ALDH2*2 variant commonly present alterations in a number of blood biomarkers, clinical measurements, biometrics, drug prescriptions, dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors, and they are also more susceptible to aldehyde-associated diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, the interaction between alcohol and ALDH2-related pathology is not clearly delineated. Furthermore, genetic evidence indicates that the ALDH2*2 variant has been favorably selected for in the past 2000-3000 years. It is therefore necessary to consider the disease risk and mechanism associated with ALDH2 deficiency, and to understand the possible beneficial or protective effect conferred by ALDH2 deficiency and whether the pleiotropic effects of ALDH2 variance are all mediated by alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Hong Chen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Daria Mochly-Rosen
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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10
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Yao S, Chen W, Zuo H, Bi Z, Zhang X, Pang L, Jing Y, Yin X, Cheng H. Comprehensive Analysis of Aldehyde Dehydrogenases (ALDHs) and Its Significant Role in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biochem Genet 2021; 60:1274-1297. [PMID: 34928471 PMCID: PMC9270301 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-021-10178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative DNA damage is closely related to the occurrence and progression of cancer. Oxidative stress plays an important role in alcohol-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is a family of enzymes that plays an essential role in the reducing oxidative damage. However, how ALDHs family affects alcohol-related HCC remains obscure. We aimed to explore the correlation between the differential expression of ALDHs in patients with HCC and pathological features, as well as the relationship between ALDHs and prognosis, and finally analyze the possible mechanism of ALDHs in targeted therapy of HCC. The data of HCC were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. This research explored the expression and prognostic values of ALDHs in HCC using Oncomine, UALCAN, Human Protein Atlas, cBioPortal, Kaplan-Meier plotter, GeneMANIA, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, GEPIA databases, and WebGestalt. Low mRNA and protein expressions of ALDHs were found to be significantly associated with tumor grade and clinical cancer stages in HCC patients. In particular, the loss of ALDH expression is more obvious in Asians, and its effect on prognosis is far more significant than that in the White race. Our findings play an important role in the study of prognostic markers and anti-liver cancer therapeutic targets for the members of the ALDHs family, especially in patients with liver cancer in Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senbang Yao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wenjun Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - He Zuo
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ziran Bi
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiuqing Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Lulian Pang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yanyan Jing
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiangxiang Yin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.,Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Huaidong Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No. 678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China. .,Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China.
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11
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Kawaguchi T, Tsutsumi T, Nakano D, Eslam M, George J, Torimura T. MAFLD Enhances Clinical Practice for Liver Disease in the Asia-Pacific region. Clin Mol Hepatol 2021; 28:150-163. [PMID: 34753279 PMCID: PMC9013618 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2021.0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fatty liver is now a major cause of liver disease in the Asia-Pacific region. Liver diseases in this region have distinctive characteristics. First, fatty liver is frequently observed in lean/normal-weight individuals. However, there is no standard definition of this unique phenotype. Second, fatty liver is often observed in patients with concomitant viral hepatitis. The exclusion of viral hepatitis from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease limits its value and detracts from the investigation and holistic management of coexisting fatty liver in patients with viral hepatitis. Third, fatty liver-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally categorized as non-B non-C HCC. Fourth, the population is aging rapidly, and it is imperative to develop a practicable, low-intensity exercise program for elderly patients. Fifth, most patients and non-specialized healthcare professionals still lack an awareness of the significance of fatty liver both in terms of intrahepatic and extrahepatic disease and cancer. Recently, an international expert panel proposed a new definition of fatty liver: metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). One feature of MAFLD is that metabolic dysfunction is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Pertinent to regional issues, MAFLD also provides its diagnostic criteria in lean/normal-weight individuals. Furthermore, MAFLD is independent of any concomitant liver disease, including viral hepatitis. Therefore, MAFLD may be a more suitable definition for fatty liver in the Asia-Pacific region. In this review, we introduce the regional characteristics of fatty liver and discuss the advantages of MAFLD for improving clinical practice for liver disease in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Tsutsumi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Dan Nakano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Takuji Torimura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, 830-0011, Japan
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12
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The Multifaceted Role of Flavonoids in Cancer Therapy: Leveraging Autophagy with a Double-Edged Sword. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071138. [PMID: 34356371 PMCID: PMC8301186 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Flavonoids are considered as pleiotropic, safe, and readily obtainable molecules. A large number of recent studies have proposed that flavonoids have potential in the treatment of tumors by the modulation of autophagy. In many cases, flavonoids suppress cancer by stimulating excessive autophagy or impairing autophagy flux especially in apoptosis-resistant cancer cells. However, the anti-cancer activity of flavonoids may be attenuated due to the simultaneous induction of protective autophagy. Notably, flavonoids-triggered protective autophagy is becoming a trend for preventing cancer in the clinical setting or for protecting patients from conventional therapeutic side effects in normal tissues. In this review, focusing on the underlying autophagic mechanisms of flavonoids, we hope to provide a new perspective for clinical application of flavonoids in cancer therapy. In addition, we highlight new research ideas for the development of new dosage forms of flavonoids to improve their various pharmacological effects, establishing flavonoids as ideal candidates for cancer prevention and therapy in the clinic.
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13
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Kim W, Jeong HS, Kim SC, Choi CH, Lee KH. Chronic Alcohol Exposure of Cells Using Controlled Alcohol-Releasing Capillaries. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051120. [PMID: 34066517 PMCID: PMC8148542 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol is one of the main causes of liver diseases such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and chronic hepatitis with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. To reproduce the conditions of alcohol-induced liver diseases and to identify the disease-causing mechanisms at the cellular level, several methods have been used to expose the cells to ethanol. As ethanol evaporates easily, it is difficult to mimic chronic alcohol exposure conditions at the cellular level. In this study, we developed a glass capillary system containing ethanol, which could steadily release ethanol from the polyethylene tubing and hydrogel portion at both sides of the capillary. The ethanol-containing capillary could release ethanol in the cell culture medium for up to 144 h, and the concentration of ethanol in the cell culture medium could be adjusted by controlling the number of capillaries. A long-term exposure to ethanol by the capillary system led to an increased toxicity of cells and altered the cellular physiologies, such as increasing the lipid accumulation and hepatic transaminase release in cells, as compared to the traditional direct ethanol addition method. Ethanol capillaries showed different gene expression patterns of lipid accumulation- or chronic alcoholism-related genes. Our results suggest that our ethanol-containing capillary system can be used as a valuable tool for studying the mechanism of chronic alcohol-mediated hepatic diseases at the cellular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanil Kim
- Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Hanuidae-ro 1, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (W.K.); (H.-S.J.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Hye-Seon Jeong
- Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Hanuidae-ro 1, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (W.K.); (H.-S.J.)
| | - Sang-Chan Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Hanuidae-ro 1, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea;
| | - Chang-Hyung Choi
- Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Hanuidae-ro 1, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (W.K.); (H.-S.J.)
- Correspondence: (C.-H.C.); (K.-H.L.)
| | - Kyung-Ha Lee
- Division of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Hanuidae-ro 1, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea; (W.K.); (H.-S.J.)
- Correspondence: (C.-H.C.); (K.-H.L.)
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