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Shan L, Wang F, Zhai D, Meng X, Liu J, Lv X. Matrix metalloproteinases induce extracellular matrix degradation through various pathways to alleviate hepatic fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114472. [PMID: 37002573 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common consequence of various chronic liver injuries and is mainly characterized by the imbalance between the production and degradation of extracellular matrix, which leads to the accumulation of interstitial collagen and other matrix components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors, that is, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), play a crucial role in collagen synthesis and lysis. Previous in vivo and in vitro studies of our laboratory found repressing extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation by restoring the balance between MMPs and TIMPs can alleviate liver fibrosis. We conducted a review of articles published in PubMed and Science Direct in the last decade until February 1, 2023, which were searched for using these words "MMPs/TIMPs" and "Hepatic Fibrosis." Through a literature review, this article reviews the experimental studies of liver fibrosis based on MMPs/TIMPs, summarizes the components that may exert an anti-liver fibrosis effect by affecting the expression or activity of MMPs/TIMPs, and attempts to clarify the mechanism of MMPs/TIMPs in regulating collagen homeostasis, so as to provide support for the development of anti-liver fibrosis drugs. We found the MMP-TIMP-ECM interaction can result in better understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of hepatic fibrosis from a different angle, and targeting this interaction may be a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis. Additionally, we summarized and analyzed the drugs that have been found to reduce liver fibrosis by changing the ratio of MMPs/TIMPs, including medicine natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Dandan Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Xiangyun Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China.
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Kim KE, Lee J, Shin HJ, Jeong EA, Jang HM, Ahn YJ, An HS, Lee JY, Shin MC, Kim SK, Yoo WG, Kim WH, Roh GS. Lipocalin-2 activates hepatic stellate cells and promotes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in high-fat diet-fed Ob/Ob mice. Hepatology 2023; 77:888-901. [PMID: 35560370 PMCID: PMC9936980 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, leptin promotes insulin resistance and contributes to the progression of NASH via activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the pathogenic mechanisms that trigger HSC activation in leptin-deficient obesity are still unknown. This study aimed to determine how HSC-targeting lipocalin-2 (LCN2) mediates the transition from simple steatosis to NASH. APPROACH AND RESULTS Male wild-type (WT) and ob/ob mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to establish an animal model of NASH with fibrosis. Ob/ob mice were subject to caloric restriction or recombinant leptin treatment. Double knockout (DKO) mice lacking both leptin and lcn2 were also fed an HFD for 20 weeks. In addition, HFD-fed ob/ob mice were treated with gadolinium trichloride to deplete Kupffer cells. The LX-2 human HSCs and primary HSCs from ob/ob mice were used to investigate the effects of LCN2 on HSC activation. Serum and hepatic LCN2 expression levels were prominently increased in HFD-fed ob/ob mice compared with normal diet-fed ob/ob mice or HFD-fed WT mice, and these changes were closely linked to liver fibrosis and increased hepatic α-SMA/matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) protein levels. HFD-fed DKO mice showed a marked reduction of α-SMA protein compared with HFD-fed ob/ob mice. In particular, the colocalization of LCN2 and α-SMA was increased in HSCs from HFD-fed ob/ob mice. In primary HSCs from ob/ob mice, exogenous LCN2 treatment induced HSC activation and MMP9 secretion. By contrast, LCN2 receptor 24p3R deficiency or a STAT3 inhibitor reduced the activation and migration of primary HSCs. CONCLUSIONS LCN2 acts as a key mediator of HSC activation in leptin-deficient obesity via α-SMA/MMP9/STAT3 signaling, thereby exacerbating NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Eun Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewoong Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Shin
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ae Jeong
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Min Jang
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Jeong Ahn
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong Seok An
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Youl Lee
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Meong Cheol Shin
- College of Pharmacy , Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Kyoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Won Gi Yoo
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
| | - Won Ho Kim
- Division of Cardiovascular Diseases , Center for Biomedical Sciences , Korea National Institute of Health , Cheongju , Republic of Korea
| | - Gu Seob Roh
- Department of Anatomy and Convergence Medical Science , College of Medicine , Institute of Health Sciences , Gyeongsang National University , Jinju , Republic of Korea
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Recombinant FGF21 Attenuates Polychlorinated Biphenyl-Induced NAFLD/NASH by Modulating Hepatic Lipocalin-2 Expression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168899. [PMID: 36012166 PMCID: PMC9408415 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although recent studies have demonstrated that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) exposure leads to toxicant-associated steatohepatitis, the underlying mechanism of this condition remains unsolved. Male C57Bl/6 mice fed a standard diet (SD) or 60% high fat diet (HFD) were exposed to the nondioxin-like PCB mixture Aroclor1260 or dioxin-like PCB congener PCB126 by intraperitoneal injection for a total of four times for six weeks. We observed hepatic injury, steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in not only the Aroclor1260-treated mice fed a HFD but the PCB126-treated mice fed either a SD or a HFD. We also observed that both types of PCB exposure induced hepatic iron overload (HIO). Noticeably, the expression of hepatic lipocalin-2 (LCN2) was significantly increased in the PCB-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) models. The knockdown of LCN2 resulted in improvement of PCB-induced lipid and iron accumulation in vitro, suggesting that LCN2 plays a pivotal role in PCB-induced NAFLD/NASH. We observed that recombinant FGF21 improved hepatic steatosis and HIO in the PCB-induced NAFLD/NASH models. Importantly, recombinant FGF21 reduced the PCB-induced overexpression of hepatic LCN2 in vivo and in vitro. Our findings indicate that recombinant FGF21 attenuates PCB-induced NAFLD/NASH by modulating hepatic lipocalin-2 expression. Our data suggest that hepatic LCN2 might represent a suitable therapeutic target for improving PCB-induced NAFLD/NASH accompanying HIO.
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Increased Plasma Lipocalin-2 Levels in Patients with Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein-IgG–Positive Optic Neuritis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11092635. [PMID: 35566760 PMCID: PMC9105342 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11092635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between plasma lipocalin-2 (LCN2) levels and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-immunoglobulin G (IgG) seropositivity in patients with optic neuritis. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 19 patients with optic neuritis and 20 healthy controls. Plasma LCN2 and MOG-IgG levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and a cell-based assay, respectively. The correlation between plasma LCN2 levels and MOG-IgG titers in patients with optic neuritis was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess and compare the ability of plasma LCN2 and MOG-IgG levels for predicting optic neuritis recurrence. Patients with MOG-IgG–positive optic neuritis had significantly higher mean plasma LCN2 levels than controls and patients with MOG-IgG–negative optic neuritis (p = 0.037). Plasma LCN2 and MOG-IgG levels were significantly correlated in patients with optic neuritis (r = 0.553, p = 0.0141). There were no significant differences in the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of plasma LCN2 (0.693, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.443–0.880, p = 0.133) and MOG-IgG (0.641, 95% CI, 0.400–0.840, p = 0.298) levels (95% CI, −0.266–0.448, p = 0.618). Plasma LCN2 levels may aid differentiation of MOG-IgG–positive optic neuritis from MOG-IgG–negative optic neuritis.
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Jia J, Yang L, Cao Z, Wang M, Ma Y, Ma X, Liu Q, Teng J, Shi H, Liu H, Cheng X, Ye J, Su Y, Sun Y, Chi H, Liu T, Wang Z, Wan L, Yang C, Hu Q. Neutrophil-derived lipocalin-2 in adult-onset Still's disease: a novel biomarker of disease activity and liver damage. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:304-315. [PMID: 32766690 PMCID: PMC7785307 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaa368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver damage is a common manifestation and can be life-threatening in adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD), an autoinflammatory disease. The hallmark of AOSD is activation of neutrophils, whose infiltration in liver is suspected to promote tissue injury. Here we aimed to identify a candidate biomarker and to validate its association with liver damage in AOSD. METHODS Transcriptome analysis of neutrophils from treatment-naïve active AOSD patients and healthy donors was performed. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) expression was assessed in neutrophils, plasma and liver biopsies of AOSD. The correlations of LCN2 with different variables and its ability to identify liver damage from AOSD patients were analysed. RESULTS LCN2, a novel biomarker in hepatic inflammation, was found to be upregulated in AOSD neutrophils by RNA sequencing and confirmed at the mRNA and protein levels. Plasma levels of LCN2 were significantly higher in AOSD patients than healthy controls, RA and SLE patients. Plasma LCN2 levels were closely correlated with inflammatory markers, systemic score, HScore and cytokines. Moreover, LCN2 levels were increased in active AOSD with liver involvement and independently associated with liver dysfunction. Enhanced expression of LCN2 was detected in liver biopsies from three patients with ongoing liver injury. Furthermore, the area under the curve value of LCN2 for identifying AOSD with liver injury from other liver diseases was 0.9694. CONCLUSION Our results reveal that neutrophils-derived LCN2 is higher in plasma and liver tissue in AOSD patients than in healthy controls, and it could serve as a potent biomarker for identifying AOSD with systemic inflammation, especially liver damage caused by hyperinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinchao Jia
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Luyu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University
| | - Zhujun Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Mengyan Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Yuning Ma
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiaoyan Liu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin Teng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Honglei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Xiaobing Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Junna Ye
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Yutong Su
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Huihui Chi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Zhihong Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Liyan Wan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Chengde Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Qiongyi Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
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Karatzas E, Kakouri AC, Kolios G, Delis A, Spyrou GM. Fibrotic expression profile analysis reveals repurposed drugs with potential anti-fibrotic mode of action. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249687. [PMID: 33826640 PMCID: PMC8026018 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases cover a spectrum of systemic and organ-specific maladies that affect a large portion of the population, currently without cure. The shared characteristic these diseases feature is their uncontrollable fibrogenesis deemed responsible for the accumulated damage in the susceptible tissues. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, an interstitial lung disease, is one of the most common and studied fibrotic diseases and still remains an active research target. In this study we highlight unique and common (i) genes, (ii) biological pathways and (iii) candidate repurposed drugs among 9 fibrotic diseases. We identify 7 biological pathways involved in all 9 fibrotic diseases as well as pathways unique to some of these diseases. Based on our Drug Repurposing results, we suggest captopril and ibuprofen that both appear to slow the progression of fibrotic diseases according to existing bibliography. We also recommend nafcillin and memantine, which haven't been studied against fibrosis yet, for further wet-lab experimentation. We also observe a group of cardiomyopathy-related pathways that are exclusively highlighted for Oral Submucous Fibrosis. We suggest digoxin to be tested against Oral Submucous Fibrosis, since we observe cardiomyopathy-related pathways implicated in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and there is bibliographic evidence that digoxin may potentially clear myocardial fibrosis. Finally, we establish that Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis shares several involved genes, biological pathways and candidate inhibiting-drugs with Dupuytren's Disease, IgG4-related Disease, Systemic Sclerosis and Cystic Fibrosis. We propose that treatments for these fibrotic diseases should be jointly pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Karatzas
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andrea C. Kakouri
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Neurogenetics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - George Kolios
- Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Alex Delis
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George M. Spyrou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- The Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Medeiros T, Saraiva GN, Moraes LA, Gomes AC, Lacerda GS, Leite PE, Esberard EB, Andrade TG, Xavier AR, Quírico-Santos T, Rosário NF, Silva AA. Liver fibrosis improvement in chronic hepatitis C after direct acting-antivirals is accompanied by reduced profibrogenic biomarkers-a role for MMP-9/TIMP-1. Dig Liver Dis 2020; 52:1170-1177. [PMID: 32522433 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Disturbances in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and corresponding tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) contribute to hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced fibrosis. This study aimed to determine MMP-9/TIMP-1 levels in addition to MMP-2 and -9 activities; correlating with the improvement of liver fibrosis in patients under direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. METHODS Clinical and laboratory follow-up were performed before treatment and after 12 weeks post-treatment, referred as sustained viral response (SVR). We evaluated liver function including non-invasive fibrosis measurements; MMP activity by zymography; and MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex, inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic mediators by immunoenzymatic assays. RESULTS Cohort included 33 patients (59.5 ± 9.3 years, 60.6% females) whose reached SVR and 11 control-paired subjects (42.5 ± 15 years, 54.5% females). Before treatment, HCV patients presented higher MMP-9/TIMP-1 levels (P < 0.05) when compared to controls, and the highest values were observed in patients with fibrosis (P < 0.05). In addition, MMP-9/TIMP-1 levels were significantly reduced after DAA therapy (P < 0.0001) and were associated with profibrogenic biomarkers. No differences were observed for MMP-2 and -9 activities; however, these biomarkers were significantly associated with inflammatory mediators. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that MMP-9/TIMP-1 complex can be a promising biomarker of active fibrogenesis, being able to identify the interruption of fibrosis progression after HCV eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalia Medeiros
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Apoio à Pesquisa em Nefrologia e Ciências Médicas Departamento de Medicina Clínica Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
| | - Geórgia N Saraiva
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Apoio à Pesquisa em Nefrologia e Ciências Médicas Departamento de Medicina Clínica Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
| | - Laiz A Moraes
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Apoio à Pesquisa em Nefrologia e Ciências Médicas Departamento de Medicina Clínica Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Aline C Gomes
- Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Gilmar S Lacerda
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Apoio à Pesquisa em Nefrologia e Ciências Médicas Departamento de Medicina Clínica Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
| | - Paulo Ec Leite
- Laboratório de Bioengenharia e Toxicologia in Vitro Diretoria de Metrologia Aplicada às Ciências da Vida - Dimav Instituto Nacional de Metrologia Qualidade e Tecnologia - INMETRO, Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Eliane Bc Esberard
- Centro de Referência de Tratamento em Hepatites/HUAP Serviço de Gastroenterologia Departamento de Medicina Clínica Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil
| | - Thaís G Andrade
- Centro de Referência de Tratamento em Hepatites/HUAP Serviço de Gastroenterologia Departamento de Medicina Clínica Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
| | - Analúcia R Xavier
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Apoio à Pesquisa em Nefrologia e Ciências Médicas Departamento de Medicina Clínica Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
| | | | - Natalia F Rosário
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Apoio à Pesquisa em Nefrologia e Ciências Médicas Departamento de Medicina Clínica Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
| | - Andrea A Silva
- Laboratório Multiusuário de Apoio à Pesquisa em Nefrologia e Ciências Médicas Departamento de Medicina Clínica Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil; Departamento de Patologia Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, Brazil.
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Abdelsameea E, Nada A, Omar N, Saleh SM, Naguib M, El-Ezawy HEDM, Bakry L, Elsabaawy M. Urine Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin a Possible Diagnostic Marker for Egyptian Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:2259-2264. [PMID: 32856853 PMCID: PMC7771944 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.8.2259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most effective method for reducing mortality from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is early diagnosis. Despite its lack of adequate sensitivity, ultrasound is considered fundamental for HCC screening. AIM to evaluate urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as non-invasive marker for HCC diagnosis in Egyptian patients. METHODS One hundred and twenty patients were divided into three groups (40 patients each): patients with chronic viral hepatitis (HCV or HBV), cirrhotic patients and HCC patients and 40 healthy age and gender matched subjects were enrolled as control group. After clinical assessments, urinary NGAL was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Our results revealed that median level of urinary NGAL was 290, 834, 1090 and 1925 pg/ml in control, chronic hepatitis, cirrhotic and HCC groups respectively among studied groups (p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis showed that urinary NGAL cutoff value of 1255 ng/ml could discriminate between HCC and cirrhosis. The area under curve (AUC) was 0.95 with 90% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity (p-value <0.001). In HCC group, urine NGAL level didn`t show significant correlation with Child Pugh score, MELD score or Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage. CONCLUSION Urinary NGAL could be a simple, non-invasive test for diagnosis of HCC in chronic liver disease patients.<br />.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Abdelsameea
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Ali Nada
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Nabil Omar
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Saleh M Saleh
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Mary Naguib
- Department of Clinical Pathology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Hosam El-Din M El-Ezawy
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa Bakry
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | - Maha Elsabaawy
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt
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Yoshikawa K, Iwasa M, Eguchi A, Kojima S, Yoshizawa N, Tempaku M, Sugimoto R, Yamamoto N, Sugimoto K, Kobayashi Y, Hasegawa H, Takei Y. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin level is a prognostic factor for survival in rat and human chronic liver diseases. Hepatol Commun 2017; 1:946-956. [PMID: 29404502 PMCID: PMC5721464 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease patients often have complications, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and acute bacterial infection. Model for end‐stage liver disease and Child‐Pugh scores are useful prognostic factors for chronic liver diseases but not for all chronic conditions, such as HCC. Our investigative aim targeted the prognostic abilities of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) in rat and human chronic liver diseases. Blood NGAL levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in rats with cirrhosis and 96 patients with chronic liver disease and HCC. We examined the correlation between blood NGAL levels and liver functions as well as survival. In our rat model, liver NGAL expression was assessed by immunostaining, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblot. In rats with cirrhosis, blood NGAL levels were continuously and significantly elevated in the deceased group and were significantly correlated with liver functions. Liver NGAL, toll‐like receptor 4, and interleukin‐6 levels were increased in the deceased group compared to the survival group. Blood NGAL levels were significantly correlated with liver NGAL levels, indicating blood NGAL was derived from the liver. In patients with chronic liver disease, blood NGAL levels were associated with liver function and renal function. Blood NGAL levels were significantly increased in patients with chronic liver disease with HCC compared to without HCC. For the survival group, 38 out of 96 patients were dead in the average follow‐up period of 9.9 months. The patients with blood NGAL ≤119 ng/mL had significantly longer rates of survival compared to patients with blood NGAL >119 ng/mL. Conclusion: Blood NGAL predicts the survival rate in rat and human chronic liver diseases. Our findings suggest blood NGAL may be prognostic of survival in chronic liver diseases complicated by HCC. (Hepatology Communications 2017;1:946–956)
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Yoshikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Motoh Iwasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Akiko Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kojima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Naohiko Yoshizawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Mina Tempaku
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Sugimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Norihiko Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Kazushi Sugimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Kobayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hasegawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Mie University, Mie, Japan
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10
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Asimakopoulou A, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) Expression in Hepatic Malfunction and Therapy. Front Physiol 2016; 7:430. [PMID: 27729871 PMCID: PMC5037186 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipocalin 2 (LCN2) is a secreted protein that belongs to the Lipocalins, a group of transporters of small lipophilic molecules such as steroids, lipopolysaccharides, iron, and fatty acids in circulation. Two decades after its discovery and after a high variety of published findings, LCN2's altered expression has been assigned to critical roles in several pathological organ conditions, including liver injury and steatosis, renal damage, brain injury, cardiomyopathies, muscle-skeletal disorders, lung infection, and cancer in several organs. The significance of this 25-kDa lipocalin molecule has been impressively increased during the last years. Data from several studies indicate the role of LCN2 in physiological conditions as well as in response to cellular stress and injury. LCN2 in the liver shows a protective role in acute and chronic injury models where its expression is highly elevated. Moreover, LCN2 expression is being considered as a potential strong biomarker for pathological conditions, including rheumatic diseases, cancer in human organs, hepatic steatosis, hepatic damage, and inflammation. In this review, we summarize experimental and clinical findings linking LCN2 to the pathogenesis of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Asimakopoulou
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
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11
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Avci Çiçek E, Rota S, Dursun B, Kavalci E. Evaluation of serum NGAL and hepcidin levels in chronic kidney disease patients. Ren Fail 2015; 38:35-9. [PMID: 26627016 DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2015.1107823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of death in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The main underlying reason is inflammation. In CKD, interleukin-6 and hypersensitive C-reactive protein are known to be used for the evaluation of inflammation and serum levels increase with decreased creatinine clearance. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and hepcidin are also considered to be effective in the assessment of inflammatory conditions. The possible interactions of NGAL and hepcidin with inflammatory markers in CKD patients including the kidney transplants, which have not been thoroughly explained up to date wereevaluated in this study. Serum creatinine, iron, unsaturated iron binding capacity, interleukin-6, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, NGAL, hepcidin and pro-hepcidin levels were measured in a cohort of 163 CKD patients including transplant patients and 82 healthy volunteers. Clinical evaluation and classification of the patients were done according to the NFK/KDOQI guideline. Serum hepcidin, Prohepcidin, NGAL, hypersensitive C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels were higher in patient groups compared to the control group. In patient groups, while hepcidin, NGAL, interleukin-6, hypersensitive C-reactive protein levels were correlated with creatinine and glomerular filtration rate, iron metabolism parameters were not correlated with the inflammation biomarkers. Inflammation related hepcidin and NGAL weakly correlated with creatinine clearance. Our results demonstrated that serum NGAL and hepcidin levels might be valuable for the evaluation of inflammation in CKD, and these new inflammation parameters are not related through iron metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esin Avci Çiçek
- a Department of Medical Biochemistry , Pamukkale University School of Medicine , Denizli , Turkey and
| | - Simin Rota
- a Department of Medical Biochemistry , Pamukkale University School of Medicine , Denizli , Turkey and
| | - Belda Dursun
- b Department of Nephrology , Pamukkale University School of Medicine , Denizli , Turkey
| | - Emine Kavalci
- a Department of Medical Biochemistry , Pamukkale University School of Medicine , Denizli , Turkey and
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Ippolito DL, AbdulHameed MDM, Tawa GJ, Baer CE, Permenter MG, McDyre BC, Dennis WE, Boyle MH, Hobbs CA, Streicker MA, Snowden BS, Lewis JA, Wallqvist A, Stallings JD. Gene Expression Patterns Associated With Histopathology in Toxic Liver Fibrosis. Toxicol Sci 2015; 149:67-88. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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13
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Takahashi T, Asano Y, Noda S, Aozasa N, Akamata K, Taniguchi T, Ichimura Y, Toyama T, Sumida H, Kuwano Y, Tada Y, Sugaya M, Kadono T, Sato S. A possible contribution of lipocalin-2 to the development of dermal fibrosis, pulmonary vascular involvement and renal dysfunction in systemic sclerosis. Br J Dermatol 2015; 173:681-9. [PMID: 25781362 DOI: 10.1111/bjd.13779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipocalin-2 is an adipocytokine implicated in apoptosis, innate immunity, angiogenesis, and the development of chronic kidney disease. OBJECTIVES To investigate the role of lipocalin-2 in systemic sclerosis (SSc). MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum lipocalin-2 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 50 patients with SSc and 19 healthy subjects. Lipocalin-2 expression was evaluated in the skin of patients with SSc and bleomycin (BLM)-treated mice and in Fli1-deficient endothelial cells by reverse transcriptase-real time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and/or immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Although serum lipocalin-2 levels were comparable between patients with SSc and healthy controls, the prevalence of scleroderma renal crisis was significantly higher in patients with SSc with elevated serum lipocalin-2 levels than in those with normal levels. Furthermore, serum lipocalin-2 levels inversely correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with SSc with renal dysfunction. Among patients with SSc with normal renal function, serum lipocalin-2 levels positively correlated with skin score in patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc with disease duration of < 3 years and inversely correlated with estimated right ventricular systolic pressure in total patients with SSc. Importantly, in SSc lesional skin, lipocalin-2 expression was increased in dermal fibroblasts and endothelial cells. In BLM-treated mice, lipocalin-2 was highly expressed in dermal fibroblasts, but not in endothelial cells. On the other hand, the deficiency of transcription factor Fli1, which is implicated in SSc vasculopathy, induced lipocalin-2 expression in cultivated endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS Lipocalin-2 may be involved in renal dysfunction and dermal fibrosis of SSc. Dysregulated matrix metalloproteinase-9/lipocalin-2-dependent angiogenesis due to Fli1 deficiency may contribute to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Takahashi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Y Asano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - S Noda
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - N Aozasa
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - K Akamata
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - T Taniguchi
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Y Ichimura
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - T Toyama
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - H Sumida
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Y Kuwano
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Y Tada
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - M Sugaya
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - T Kadono
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - S Sato
- Department of Dermatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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Asimakopoulou A, Weiskirchen R. Lipocalin 2 in the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/clp.14.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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15
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Kulkarni RM, Stuart WD, Waltz SE. Ron receptor-dependent gene regulation of Kupffer cells during endotoxemia. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2014; 13:281-92. [PMID: 24919612 PMCID: PMC4108450 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(14)60254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ron receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in macrophages, including Kupffer cells and alveolar macrophages, suppresses endotoxin-induced proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production. Further, we have also identified genes from Ron replete and Ron deplete livers that were differentially expressed during the progression of liver inflammation associated with acute liver failure in mice by microarray analyses. While important genes and signaling pathways have been identified downstream of Ron signaling during progression of inflammation by this approach, the precise role that Ron receptor plays in regulating the transcriptional landscape in macrophages, and particular in isolated Kupffer cells, has still not been investigated. METHODS Kupffer cells were isolated from wild-type (TK+/+) and Ron tyrosine kinase deficient (TK-/-) mice. Ex vivo, the cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of the Ron ligand, hepatocyte growth factor-like protein (HGFL). Microarray and qRT-PCR analyses were utilized to identify alterations in gene expression between genotypes. RESULTS Microarray analyses identified genes expressed differentially in TK+/+ and TK-/- Kupffer cells basally as well as after HGFL and LPS treatment. Interestingly, our studies identified Mefv, a gene that codes for the anti-inflammatory protein pyrin, as an HGFL-stimulated Ron-dependent gene. Moreover, lipocalin 2, a proinflammatory gene, which is induced by LPS, was significantly suppressed by HGFL treatment. Microarray results were validated by qRT-PCR studies on Kupffer cells treated with LPS and HGFL. CONCLUSION The studies herein suggest a novel mechanism whereby HGFL-induced Ron receptor activation promotes the expression of anti-inflammatory genes while inhibiting genes involved in inflammation with a net effect of diminished inflammation in macrophages.
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Abstract
Obesity is one of the most important health challenges faced by developed countries and is increasingly affecting adolescents and children. Obesity is also a considerable risk factor for the development of numerous other chronic diseases, such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The epidemic proportions of obesity and its numerous comorbidities are bringing into focus the highly complex and metabolically active adipose tissue. Adipose tissue is increasingly being considered as a functional endocrine organ. This article discusses the endocrine effects of adipose tissue during obesity and the systemic impact of this signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine McGown
- College of Science, Center for the Study of Chronic Metabolic Diseases, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
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Melino M, Gadd VL, Walker GV, Skoien R, Barrie HD, Jothimani D, Horsfall L, Jones A, Sweet MJ, Thomas GP, Clouston AD, Jonsson JR, Powell EE. Macrophage secretory products induce an inflammatory phenotype in hepatocytes. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:1732-44. [PMID: 22553397 PMCID: PMC3332286 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i15.1732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the influence of macrophages on hepatocyte phenotype and function.
METHODS: Macrophages were differentiated from THP-1 monocytes via phorbol myristate acetate stimulation and the effects of monocyte or macrophage-conditioned medium on HepG2 mRNA and protein expression determined. The in vivo relevance of these findings was confirmed using liver biopsies from 147 patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
RESULTS: Conditioned media from macrophages, but not monocytes, induced a transient morphological change in hepatocytes associated with upregulation of vimentin (7.8 ± 2.5-fold, P = 0.045) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 (2.6 ± 0.2-fold, P < 0.001) and downregulation of epithelial cadherin (1.7 ± 0.02-fold, P = 0.017) mRNA expression. Microarray analysis revealed significant upregulation of lipocalin-2 (17-fold, P < 0.001) and pathways associated with inflammation, and substantial downregulation of pathways related to hepatocyte function. In patients with chronic HCV, real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry confirmed an increase in lipocalin-2 mRNA (F0 1.0 ± 0.3, F1 2.2 ± 0.2, F2 3.0 ± 9.3, F3/4 4.0 ± 0.8, P = 0.003) and protein expression (F1 1.0 ± 0.5, F2 1.3 ± 0.4, F3/4 3.6 ± 0.4, P = 0.014) with increasing liver injury. High performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis identified elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in macrophage-conditioned medium, and a chemical inhibitor of MMP-9 attenuated the change in morphology and mRNA expression of TGF-β1 (2.9 ± 0.2 vs 1.04 ± 0.1, P < 0.001) in macrophage-conditioned media treated HepG2 cells. In patients with chronic HCV infection, hepatic mRNA expression of CD163 (F0 1.0 ± 0.2, F1/2 2.8 ± 0.3, F3/4 5.3 ± 1.0, P = 0.001) and MMP-9 (F0 1.0 ± 0.4, F1/2 2.8 ± 0.3, F3/4 4.1 ± 0.8, P = 0.011) was significantly associated with increasing stage of fibrosis.
CONCLUSION: Secreted macrophage products alter the phenotype and function of hepatocytes, with increased expression of inflammatory mediators, suggesting that hepatocytes actively participate in liver injury.
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