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Wang J, Liu Y, Yan Y, Wang A, Jiang Y, Wen Z, Qiao K, Li H, Hu T, Ma Y, Zhou S, Gui W, Li S. miR-29b-triggered epigenetic regulation of cardiotoxicity following exposure to deltamethrin in zebrafish. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 476:135213. [PMID: 39018602 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135213] [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: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
Deltamethrin is a classical pyrethroid insecticide that is frequently detected in aquatic environments and organisms. Furthermore, deltamethrin has been detected in samples related to human health and is a potential risk to public health. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of cardiotoxicity induced by deltamethrin. Zebrafish were exposed to 0.005, 0.05, or 0.5 μg/L deltamethrin for 28 days. The results showed a significant reduction in male reproduction compared to female reproduction. Additionally, the heart rate decreased by 15.75 % in F1 after parental exposure to 0.5 μg/L deltamethrin. To evaluate cardiotoxicity, deltamethrin was administered to the zebrafish embryos. By using miRNA-Seq and bioinformatics analysis, it was discovered that miR-29b functions as a toxic regulator by targeting dnmts. The overexpression of miR-29b and inhibition of dnmts resulted in cardiac abnormalities, such as pericardial edema, bradycardia, and abnormal expression of genes related to the heart. Similar changes in the levels of miR-29b and dnmts were also detected in the gonads of F0 males and F1 embryos, confirming their effects. Overall, the results suggest that deltamethrin may have adverse effects on heart development in early-stage zebrafish and on reproduction in adult zebrafish. Furthermore, epigenetic modifications may threaten the cardiac function of offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yujia Yan
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yuyao Jiang
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Zexin Wen
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Kun Qiao
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; Research Centre for the Oceans and Human Health, City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518057, PR China; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University 10 Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main 60438, Germany
| | - Hanqing Li
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Tiantian Hu
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Yongfang Ma
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Shengli Zhou
- Ecological and Environmental Monitoring Center of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, PR China.
| | - Wenjun Gui
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China
| | - Shuying Li
- Institute of Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insects of Zhejiang Province, Ministry of Agriculture Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Crop Pathogens and Insect Pests, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, PR China.
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Bakrania A, Mo Y, Zheng G, Bhat M. RNA nanomedicine in liver diseases. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00569. [PMID: 37725757 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable impact of RNA nanomedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the expansive therapeutic potential of this field in diverse disease contexts. In recent years, RNA nanomedicine targeting the liver has been paradigm-shifting in the management of metabolic diseases such as hyperoxaluria and amyloidosis. RNA nanomedicine has significant potential in the management of liver diseases, where optimal management would benefit from targeted delivery, doses titrated to liver metabolism, and personalized therapy based on the specific site of interest. In this review, we discuss in-depth the different types of RNA and nanocarriers used for liver targeting along with their specific applications in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancers. We further highlight the strategies for cell-specific delivery and future perspectives in this field of research with the emergence of small activating RNA, circular RNA, and RNA base editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yulin Mo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Sun J, Du Q, Zhao L, Huang J, Yu H, Ding H, Mao D, Tai S. Long non-coding RNA H19 mediates the miR-29b/transforming growth factor-β1/Drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic 3 signalling pathway to promote bladder fibrosis in diabetic rats. Int Urol Nephrol 2024; 56:2779-2791. [PMID: 38530583 DOI: 10.1007/s11255-024-03992-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetic bladder fibrosis is a common comorbidity. Altered expression of some long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs) has been associated with bladder fibrosis. LncRNA H19 has been reported to regulate bladder cancer through miR-29b. However, the action mechanism of LncRNA H19 in bladder fibrosis is unclear. METHODS In vitro, human bladder smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs) were cultured with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) for 48 h to construct cell model of bladder fibrosis. HBSMCs were then transfected with si-LncRNA H19, si-NC, miR-29b-mimic, mimic-NC, or miR-29b-inhibitor. In vivo, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were given a high-sucrose-high-fat (HSHF) diet for 4 weeks and injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg) to induce bladder fibrosis model in diabetic rats, followed by injection of lentiviral particles knocking down LncRNA H19 expression, empty vector, or miR-29b-inhibitor, respectively. RESULTS LncRNA H19 was up-regulated in TGF-β1-induced HBSMC fibrosis and STZ-induced diabetic rat bladder fibrosis, whereas miR-29b was down-regulated. si-LncRNA H19 reduced blood glucose levels and improved histopathological damage of bladder tissue in rats. In addition, si-LncRNA H19 or miR-29b-mimic increased the expression of E-cadherin, but decreased the expression of N-cadherin, vimentin, fibronectin (FN) in bladder tissues, and HBSMCs. si-LncRNA H19 reduced TGF-β1/p-drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) protein in HBSMCs and in rat bladder tissues, while miR-29b-inhibitor reversed the effect of si-LncRNA H19. CONCLUSION This study indicated that LncRNA H19 may inhibit bladder fibrosis in diabetic rats by targeting miR-29b via the TGF-β1/Smad3 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Sun
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728 North Yucai Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiang Du
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liwei Zhao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728 North Yucai Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiaguo Huang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728 North Yucai Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728 North Yucai Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongxiang Ding
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728 North Yucai Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dikai Mao
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728 North Yucai Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shengcheng Tai
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, No. 728 North Yucai Road, Xiaoshan District, Hangzhou, 311202, Zhejiang, China.
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Sarkar S, Pandey A, Yadav SK, Raghuwanshi P, Siddiqui MH, Srikrishna S, Pant AB, Yadav S. MicroRNA-29b-3p degenerates terminally differentiated dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells by perturbation of mitochondrial functions. J Neurochem 2024; 168:1297-1316. [PMID: 38413218 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction is the main cause of gradual deterioration of structure and function of neuronal cells, eventually resulting in neurodegeneration. Studies have revealed a complex interrelationship between neurotoxicant exposure, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Alteration in the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) has also been linked with disruption in mitochondrial homeostasis and bioenergetics. In our recent research (Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology (2023) https://doi.org/10.1007/s10571-023-01362-4), we have identified miR-29b-3p as one of the most significantly up-regulated miRNAs in the blood of Parkinson's patients. The findings of the present study revealed that neurotoxicants of two different natures, that is, arsenic or rotenone, dramatically increased miR-29b-3p expression (18.63-fold and 12.85-fold, respectively) in differentiated dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. This dysregulation of miR-29b-3p intricately modulated mitochondrial morphology, induced oxidative stress, and perturbed mitochondrial membrane potential, collectively contributing to the degeneration of dopaminergic cells. Additionally, using assays for mitochondrial bioenergetics in live and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, a reduction in oxygen consumption rate (OCR), maximal respiration, basal respiration, and non-mitochondrial respiration was observed in cells transfected with mimics of miR-29b-3p. Inhibition of miR-29b-3p by transfecting inhibitor of miR-29b-3p prior to exposure to neurotoxicants significantly restored OCR and other respiration parameters. Furthermore, we observed that induction of miR-29b-3p activates neuronal apoptosis via sirtuin-1(SIRT-1)/YinYang-1(YY-1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α)-regulated Bcl-2 interacting protein 3-like-dependent mechanism. Collectively, our studies have shown the role of miR-29b-3p in dysregulation of mitochondrial bioenergetics during degeneration of dopaminergic neurons via regulating SIRT-1/YY-1/PGC-1α axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Sarkar
- Systems Toxicology Group, Food, Drug & Chemical, Environment and Systems Toxicology (FEST) Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, UP, India
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Anuj Pandey
- Systems Toxicology Group, Food, Drug & Chemical, Environment and Systems Toxicology (FEST) Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, UP, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
| | - Sanjeev Kumar Yadav
- Systems Toxicology Group, Food, Drug & Chemical, Environment and Systems Toxicology (FEST) Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Pragati Raghuwanshi
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raebareli, UP, India
| | - Mohammed Haris Siddiqui
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Saripella Srikrishna
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, UP, India
| | - Aditya Bhushan Pant
- Systems Toxicology Group, Food, Drug & Chemical, Environment and Systems Toxicology (FEST) Division, CSIR- Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, UP, India
| | - Sanjay Yadav
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raebareli, UP, India
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5
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Shamsan E, Almezgagi M, Gamah M, Khan N, Qasem A, Chuanchuan L, Haining F. The role of PI3k/AKT signaling pathway in attenuating liver fibrosis: a comprehensive review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1389329. [PMID: 38590313 PMCID: PMC10999701 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1389329] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components within the liver leads to a pathological condition known as liver fibrosis. Alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune issues, and viral hepatitis cause chronic liver injury. Exploring potential therapeutic targets and understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis are essential for the development of effective interventions. The goal of this comprehensive review is to explain how the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway contributes to the reduction of liver fibrosis. The potential of this pathway as a therapeutic target is investigated through a summary of results from in vivo and in vitro studies. Studies focusing on PI3K/AKT activation have shown a significant decrease in fibrosis markers and a significant improvement in liver function. The review emphasizes how this pathway may prevent ECM synthesis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, ultimately reducing the fibrotic response. The specific mechanisms and downstream effectors of the PI3K/AKT pathway in liver fibrosis constitute a rapidly developing field of study. In conclusion, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway plays a significant role in attenuating liver fibrosis. Its complex role in regulating HSC activation and ECM production, demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo, underscores its potential as a effective therapeutic approach for managing liver fibrosis and slowing disease progression. A comprehensive review of this field provides valuable insights into its future developments and implications for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad Shamsan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- College of Medical Science, Taiz University, Taiz, Yemen
| | - Maged Almezgagi
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Mohammed Gamah
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | - Naveed Khan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
| | | | - Liu Chuanchuan
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
| | - Fan Haining
- College of Clinical Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining, China
- Qinghai University Affiliated Hospital, Xining, China
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Boewe AS, Wrublewsky S, Hoppstädter J, Götz C, Kiemer AK, Menger MD, Laschke MW, Ampofo E. C-Myc/H19/miR-29b axis downregulates nerve/glial (NG)2 expression in glioblastoma multiforme. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102120. [PMID: 38318212 PMCID: PMC10839451 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Nerve/glial antigen (NG)2 is highly expressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, the underlying mechanisms of its upregulated expression are largely unknown. In silico analyses reveal that the tumor-suppressive miR-29b targets NG2. We used GBM-based data from The Cancer Genome Atals databases to analyze the expression pattern of miR-29b and different target genes, including NG2. Moreover, we investigated the regulatory function of miR-29b on NG2 expression and NG2-related signaling pathways. We further studied upstream mechanisms affecting miR-29b-dependent NG2 expression. We found that miR-29b downregulates NG2 expression directly and indirectly via the transcription factor Sp1. Furthermore, we identified the NG2 coreceptor platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α as an additional miR-29b target. As shown by a panel of functional cell assays, a reduced miR-29b-dependent NG2 expression suppresses tumor cell proliferation and migration. Signaling pathway analyses revealed that this is associated with a decreased ERK1/2 activity. In addition, we found that the long noncoding RNA H19 and c-Myc act as upstream repressors of miR-29b in GBM cells, resulting in an increased NG2 expression. These findings indicate that the c-Myc/H19/miR-29b axis crucially regulates NG2 expression in GBM and, thus, represents a target for the development of future GBM therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne S. Boewe
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Selina Wrublewsky
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Hoppstädter
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Claudia Götz
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra K. Kiemer
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbruecken, Germany
| | - Michael D. Menger
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Matthias W. Laschke
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Emmanuel Ampofo
- Institute for Clinical and Experimental Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
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Zhang X, Zhao L, Ying K, Xu J, Huang Y, Zhu R, Ding Y, Cai W, Wu X, Miao D, Xu Q, Zeng Y, Yu F. TUG1 protects against ferroptosis of hepatic stellate cells by upregulating PDK4-mediated glycolysis. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 383:110673. [PMID: 37582412 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
The induction of ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has shown promise in reversing liver fibrosis. And ferroptosis has been confirmed to be associated with glycolysis. The objective of this study is to determine whether ferroptosis inhibition in HSCs, induced by elevation of recombinant pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 4 (PDK4)-mediated glycolysis, could mediate the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced using CCl4, the level of which was assessed through histochemical staining. Lentivirus was used to modulate the expression of specific genes. And underlying mechanisms were explored using primary HSCs extracted from normal mice. The results confirmed that Taurine up-regulated gene 1 (TUG1) expression was upregulated in liver fibrotic tissues and HSCs, showing a positive correlation with fibrosis. In addition, TUG1 attenuated ferroptosis in HSCs by promoting PDK4-mediated glycolysis, thereby promoting the progression of liver fibrosis. Moreover, TUG1 was observed to impact HSCs activation, exacerbating liver fibrosis to some extent. In conclusion, our study revealed that TUG1 expression was elevated in mouse models of liver fibrosis and activated HSCs, which inhibited ferroptosis in HSCs through PDK4-mediated glycolysis. This finding may open up a new therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangting Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luying Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kanglei Ying
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yangjin Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ruhuang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinrong Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weimin Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dan Miao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Fujun Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Morishita A, Oura K, Tadokoro T, Fujita K, Tani J, Kobara H, Ono M, Himoto T, Masaki T. MicroRNAs and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14482. [PMID: 37833930 PMCID: PMC10572537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathologic syndrome caused by fat deposition in hepatocytes. Patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD with severe fibrosis, are at high risk for liver-related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanism of progression from simple fat deposition to NASH is complex, and previous reports have linked NAFLD to gut microbiota, bile acids, immunity, adipokines, oxidative stress, and genetic or epigenetic factors. NASH-related liver injury involves multiple cell types, and intercellular signaling is thought to be mediated by extracellular vesicles. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short, noncoding RNAs that play important roles as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Recently, many reports have implicated microRNAs in the pathogenesis of NALFD/NASH, suggesting that exosomal miRNAs are potential non-invasive and sensitive biomarkers and that the microRNAs involved in the mechanism of the progression of NASH may be potential therapeutic target molecules. We are interested in which miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of NASH and which are potential target molecules for therapy. We summarize targeted miRNAs associated with the etiology and progression of NASH and discuss each miRNA in terms of its pathophysiology, potential therapeutic applications, and efficacy as a NASH biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tomoko Tadokoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Japan; (A.M.); (K.O.); (K.F.); (J.T.); (H.K.); (M.O.); (T.H.); (T.M.)
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Deng J, Qin L, Zhou Z. Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Reveal the Mechanism of Isodon ternifolius (D. Don) Kudo Against Liver Fibrosis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:2335-2351. [PMID: 37576085 PMCID: PMC10416792 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s412818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Many studies have demonstrated the hepatoprotective or anti-fibrotic effects of Isodon ternifolius, but its pharmacological basis and mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we used in vitro models to validate the predicted results and revealed the potential mechanism of action and active ingredients through network pharmacology methods and molecular docking. Methods The chemical components of Isodon ternifolius were identified by literatures. Potential targets of Isodon ternifolius were predicted by Swiss Target Prediction. The disease targets were collected through the databases of Gene Card. Common targets of Isodon ternifolius and liver fibrosis were obtained by online tool Venny 2.1. PPI protein interaction network was obtained using String database, and target protein interaction network was drawn using Cytoscape software. Signaling pathway enrichment analysis was performed on drug-disease targets with of DAVID database. Results Twenty-one potential active ingredients and 298 potential targets were predicted by Swiss Target Prediction platform. Ninety pathways related to liver fibrosis were obtained by KEGG enrichment. The TLR4, MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways are mostly associated with liver fibrosis. Molecular docking techniques were used to validate the core target proteins TNF, Akt1, MAPK1, EGFR and TLR4 binding to the ingredients of Isodon ternifolius, which showed that a multitude of ingredients of Isodon ternifolius were able to bind to the above target proteins, especially 2α-hydroxy oleanolic acid and (-)-Lambertic acid. Our experimental validation results showed that Isodon ternifolius inhibited the activation of PI3K-Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. Conclusion Through a network pharmacology approach and in vitro cell assay, we predicted and validated the active compounds of Isodon ternifolius and its potential targets for LF treatment. The results suggest that the mechanism of Isodon ternifolius treating LF by inhibiting angiogenesis may be related to the ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiasheng Deng
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Le Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhipin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou People’s Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, People’s Republic of China
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Cao S, Wang D, Wu Y, Zhang J, Pu L, Luo X, Zhang X, Sun X, Zheng Y, Wang S, Guo X. mmu-miRNA-342-3p promotes hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatic fibrosis induced by Echinococcus multilocularis infection via targeting Zbtb7a. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011520. [PMID: 37490505 PMCID: PMC10403128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the histopathological characters during Echinococcus multilocularis infection. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a key event in the development of liver fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism of HSC activation in the E. multilocularis infection-induced liver fibrosis remains largely unclear. Here, we reported that mmu-miR-342-3p was most dominantly expressed in HSCs and was upregulated in the HSCs in response to E. multilocularis infection. We further showed that mmu-miR-342-3p was able to bind to the 3' UTR of the Zbtb7a gene and regulated its expression. Moreover, mmu-miR-342-3p expression was negatively correlated with its target gene Zbtb7a in HSCs during E. multilocularis infection. Knockdown of mmu-miR-342-3p promoted the expression of Gfap in the activated HSCs in vitro. In the E. multilocularis-infected mice, knockdown of mmu-miR-342-3p suppressed the expression of α-Sma, Col1α1, and TGF-β but promoted the expression of Gfap. Therefore, mmu-miR-342-3p is a key regulator for activation of HSCs, and inhibiting mmu-miR-342-3p to promote Zbtb7a-mediated TGF-β signaling in activated HSCs could be a novel strategy to treat liver fibrosis induced by E. multilocularis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanling Cao
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Dexian Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yixuan Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Junmei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lixia Pu
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xuenong Luo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xueyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Qinghai Academy of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Qinghai University, Xining P. R. China
| | - Xiaolin Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yadong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Applied Technology on Green-Eco-Healthy Animal Husbandry of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Animal Health Inspection & Internet Technology, Zhejiang International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Veterinary Medicine and Health Management, China-Australia Joint Laboratory for Animal Health Big Data Analytics, College of Animal Science and Technology & College of Veterinary Medicine of Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, College of Veterinary Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaola Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Prevention, Key Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Wang G, Tong J, Li Y, Qiu X, Chen A, Chang C, Yu G. Overview of CircRNAs Roles and Mechanisms in Liver Fibrosis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:940. [PMID: 37371520 DOI: 10.3390/biom13060940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis represents the reversible pathological process with the feature of the over-accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins within the liver, which results in the deposition of fibrotic tissues and liver dysfunction. Circular noncoding RNAs (CircRNAs) have the characteristic closed loop structures, which show high resistance to exonuclease RNase, making them far more stable and recalcitrant against degradation. CircRNAs increase target gene levels by playing the role of a microRNA (miRNA) sponge. Further, they combine with proteins or play the role of RNA scaffolds or translate proteins to modulate different biological processes. Recent studies have indicated that CircRNAs play an important role in the occurrence and progression of liver fibrosis and may be the potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for liver fibrosis. This review summarizes the CircRNAs roles and explores their underlying mechanisms, with a special focus on some of the latest research into key CircRNAs related to regulating liver fibrosis. Results in this work may inspire fruitful research directions and applications of CircRNAs in the management of liver fibrosis. Additionally, our findings lay a critical theoretical foundation for applying CircRNAs in diagnosing and treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaiping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Jiahui Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Yingle Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Xianglei Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Anqi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Cuifang Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Guoying Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Regulation, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan Center for Outstanding Overseas Scientists of Organ Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Pulmonary Fibrosis, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
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12
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Goncalves BDS, Meadows A, Pereira DG, Puri R, Pillai SS. Insight into the Inter-Organ Crosstalk and Prognostic Role of Liver-Derived MicroRNAs in Metabolic Disease Progression. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1597. [PMID: 37371692 PMCID: PMC10295788 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061597] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctional hepatic metabolism has been linked to numerous diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common chronic liver disorder worldwide, which can progress to hepatic fibrosis, and is closely associated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the liver secretes a wide array of metabolites, biomolecules, and microRNAs (miRNAs) and many of these secreted factors exert significant effects on metabolic processes both in the liver and in peripheral tissues. In this review, we summarize the involvement of liver-derived miRNAs in biological processes with an emphasis on delineating the communication between the liver and other tissues associated with metabolic disease progression. Furthermore, the review identifies the primary molecular targets by which miRNAs act. These consolidated findings from numerous studies provide insight into the underlying mechanism of various metabolic disease progression and suggest the possibility of using circulatory miRNAs as prognostic predictors and therapeutic targets for improving clinical intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno de Souza Goncalves
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Avery Meadows
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Duane G Pereira
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Raghav Puri
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
| | - Sneha S Pillai
- Department of Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25701, USA
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13
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Alavifard H, Mazhari S, Meyfour A, Tokhanbigli S, Ghavami S, Zali MR, Aghdaei HA, Hatami B, Baghaei K. Imatinib suppresses activation of hepatic stellate cells by targeting STAT3/IL-6 pathway through miR-124. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:969-980. [PMID: 36655489 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11992] [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: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells is the primary function of facilitating liver fibrosis. Interfering with the coordinators of different signaling pathways in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) could be a potential approach in ameliorating liver fibrosis. Regarding the illustrated anti-fibrotic effect of imatinib in liver fibrosis, we investigated the imatinib's potential role in inhibiting HSC activation through miR-124 and its interference with the STAT3/hepatic leukemia factor (HLF)/IL-6 circuit. The anti-fibrotic effect of imatinib was investigated in the LX-2 cell line and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced Sprague-Dawley rat. The expression of IL-6, STAT3, HLF, miR-124, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and the protein level of α-SMA and STAT3 was measured by western blot analysis both in vitro and in vivo. The LX-2 cells were subjected to immunocytochemistry (ICC) for α-SMA expression. After administering imatinib in the liver fibrosis model, histopathological examinations were done, and hepatic function serum markers were checked. Imatinib administration alleviated mentioned liver fibrosis markers. The expression of miR-124 was downregulated, while IL-6/HLF/STAT3 circuit agents were upregulated in vitro and in vivo. Notably, imatinib intervention decreased the expression of IL-6, STAT3, and HLF. Elevated expression of miR-124 suppressed the expression of STAT3 and further inhibited HSCs activation. Our results demonstrated that imatinib not only ameliorated hepatic fibrosis through tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) activity but also interfered with the miR-124 and STAT3/HLF/IL-6 pathway. Considering the important role of miR-124 in regulating liver fibrosis and HSCs activation, imatinib may exert its anti-fibrotic activity through miR-124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sogol Mazhari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anna Meyfour
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Katowice School of Technology, Katowice, Poland
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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14
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MicroRNAs: Small Molecules with Significant Functions, Particularly in the Context of Viral Hepatitis B and C Infection. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59010173. [PMID: 36676797 PMCID: PMC9862007 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59010173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A MicroRNA (miRNA) is defined as a small molecule of non-coding RNA (ncRNA). Its molecular size is about 20 nucleotides (nt), and it acts on gene expression's regulation at the post-transcription level through binding to the 3'untranslated regions (UTR), coding sequences, or 5'UTR of the target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), which leads to the suppression or degradation of the mRNA. In recent years, a huge evolution has identified the origin and function of miRNAs, focusing on their important effects in research and clinical applications. For example, microRNAs are key players in HCV infection and have important host cellular factors required for HCV replication and cell growth. Altered expression of miRNAs affects the pathogenicity associated with HCV infection through regulating different signaling pathways that control HCV/immunity interactions, proliferation, and cell death. On the other hand, circulating miRNAs can be used as novel biomarkers and diagnostic tools for HCV pathogenesis and early therapeutic response. Moreover, microRNAs (miRNA) have been involved in hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene expression and advanced antiviral discovery. They regulate HBV/HCV replication and pathogenesis with different pathways involving facilitation, inhibition, activation of the immune system (innate and adaptive), and epigenetic modifications. In this short review, we will discuss how microRNAs can be used as prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic tools, especially for chronic hepatitis viruses (HBV and HCV), as well as how they could be used as new biomarkers during infection and advanced treatment.
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15
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microRNAs: Critical Players during Helminth Infections. Microorganisms 2022; 11:microorganisms11010061. [PMID: 36677353 PMCID: PMC9861972 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally through their interaction with the 3' untranslated regions (3' UTR) of target mRNAs, affecting their stability and/or translation. Therefore, miRNAs regulate biological processes such as signal transduction, cell death, autophagy, metabolism, development, cellular proliferation, and differentiation. Dysregulated expression of microRNAs is associated with infectious diseases, where miRNAs modulate important aspects of the parasite-host interaction. Helminths are parasitic worms that cause various neglected tropical diseases affecting millions worldwide. These parasites have sophisticated mechanisms that give them a surprising immunomodulatory capacity favoring parasite persistence and establishment of infection. In this review, we analyze miRNAs in infections caused by helminths, emphasizing their role in immune regulation and its implication in diagnosis, prognosis, and the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Li K, Zheng J, Liu H, Gao Q, Yang M, Tang J, Wang H, Li S, Sun Y, Chang X. Whole-transcriptome sequencing revealed differentially expressed mRNAs and non-coding RNAs played crucial roles in NiONPs-induced liver fibrosis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 248:114308. [PMID: 36410144 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) induced liver fibrosis, while its mechanisms associated with transcriptome remained unclear. This study aimed to investigate the roles of differentially expressed (DE) messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in NiONPs-induced liver fibrosis, and further confirm whether JNK/c-Jun pathway enriched by the DE RNAs was involved in the regulation of the disease. A liver fibrosis rat model was established by intratracheal perfusion of NiONPs twice a week for 9 weeks. Whole-transcriptome sequencing was applied to obtain expression profiles of mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the model rat and control liver tissues. Comparing the RNA expression profiles of the model and control liver tissues, we identified 324 DE mRNAs, 129 DE lncRNAs, 24 DE miRNAs and 33 DE circRNAs, and the potential interactions among them were revealed by constructing two co-expression networks, including lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks. Using RT-qPCR, we verified the sequencing results of some RNAs in the networks and obtained similar expression profiles, indicating our sequencing results were reliable and referable. Through Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, we predicted the biological functions and signaling pathways potentially related to NiONPs-induced liver fibrosis, such as "positive regulation of JNK cascade", "inflammatory response", "transcription factor binding", and MAPK, Wnt, PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. JNK/c-Jun pathway, a subclass of MAPK signal, was selected for further investigation because it was significantly enriched by fibrosis-related DE genes and activated in animal models. In vitro, we detected the cytotoxicity of NiONPs on LX-2 cells and treated the cells with 5 μg/ml NiONPs for 12 h. The results showed NiONPs induced the up-regulated protein expression of fibrotic factors collagen-1a1 (Col-1a1) and matrix metalloproteinas2 (MMP2) and JNK/c-Jun pathway activation. While these effects were reversed after JNK/c-Jun pathway was blocked by SP600125 (JNK pathway inhibitor), indicating the pathway was involved in NiONPs-induced excessive collagen formation. In conclusion, our results revealed the DE mRNAs and ncRNAs played crucial roles in NiONPs-induced liver fibrosis, and JNK/c-Jun pathway mediated the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jinfa Zheng
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qing Gao
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Mengmeng Yang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiarong Tang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Sheng Li
- Department of Public Health, The First People's Hospital of Lanzhou City, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yingbiao Sun
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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Shams F, Azeem A, Shams A, Tawab A, Rehman S, Tariq S, Latief N, Ijaz B. Flavonoid rich extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves ameliorate liver fibrosis. FOOD BIOSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.102046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Knockdown of miR-214 Alleviates Renal Interstitial Fibrosis by Targeting the Regulation of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT Signalling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7553928. [PMID: 36285295 PMCID: PMC9588363 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7553928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The microRNA-214 (miR-214) precursor is formed by the DNM3 gene on human chromosome 1q24.3, which is encoded and transcribed in the nucleus and processed into mature miR-214 in the cytoplasm. Association of miR-214 with the interstitial fibrosis of the kidney has been reported in existing research. Renal interstitial fibrosis is considered necessary during the process of various renal injuries in chronic kidney disease (CKD). One of the important mechanisms is the TGF- (transforming growth factor-) β1-stimulated epithelial interstitial transformation (EMT). The specific mechanisms of miR-214-3p in renal interstitial fibrosis and whether it participates in EMT are worthy of further investigation. In this paper, we first demonstrated modulation of the downstream PI3K/AKT axis by miR-214-3p through targeting phosphatase and tension protein homologues (PTEN), indicating the miRNA's participation in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) nephropathy and TGF-β1-induced EMT. We overexpressed or silenced miR-214-3p and PTEN for probing into the correlation of miR-214-3p with PTEN and the downstream PI3K/AKT signalling pathways. According to the results of the study, miR-214-3p overexpression silenced PTEN, activated the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, and exacerbated EMT induced by TGF-β1, while miR-214-3p knockdown had the opposite effect. In miR-214-3p knockdown mice, the expression of PTEN was increased, the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway was inhibited, and fibrosis was alleviated. In conclusion, miR-214-3p regulates the EMT of renal tubular cells induced by TGF-β1 by targeting PTEN and regulating the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Furthermore, miR-214-3p knockdown can reduce renal interstitial fibrosis through the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Reif S, Atias A, Musseri M, Koroukhov N, Gerstl RG. Beneficial Effects of Milk-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Liver Fibrosis Progression by Inhibiting Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14194049. [PMID: 36235702 PMCID: PMC9571732 DOI: 10.3390/nu14194049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the consequence of various chronic liver diseases, resulting in accumulation of extracellular matrix, following the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Based on the milk-derived extracellular vesicles’ (MDEs’) characteristics and biological proprieties, we investigate whether MDEs may regulate fibrotic progression by inhibiting HSCs’ activation via the MDEs’ miRNA content. In order to study this question, we examined the effect of human and cow MDEs on HSCs isolated from murine livers, on activation, proliferation and their proteins’ expression. We have shown that MDEs are able to enter into HSCs in vitro and into the livers in vivo. MDEs inhibited HSCs’ proliferation following stimulation with PDGF. Moreover, in vivo treatment with MDEs resulted in an increase of in miRNA-148 and Let7a expression in HSCs. In contrast, treatment with MDEs reduced the expression of miR-21 in HSCs. In addition, MDEs regulate HSC activation, as was shown by downregulation of collagen I expression and alpha smooth muscle actin, and upregulation of PPARγ. MDEs carrying beneficial miRNAs can be a nontoxic natural target for treatment of liver cirrhosis.
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Interplays of liver fibrosis-associated microRNAs: Molecular mechanisms and implications in diagnosis and therapy. Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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21
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Chen K, Li G, Cui H, Du Y, Zheng J, Zhang Q, Li F, Shang H, Lei H. Systems pharmacology and GC-MS metabolomics reveal the efficacy and mechanisms of zedoary oil on acute liver injury induced by oxidative stress. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 104:154295. [PMID: 35802998 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154295] [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: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zedoray oil (ZO) is the main component of Curcuma zedoaria, one traditional herb used for dispersing stasis clinically in China. Previously, the potential of ZO was discovered against lethal and acute liver injury (ALI) mice with little impact on the immune, which deserved further study. METHODS An approach combined systems pharmacology with GC-MS metabolomics was applied for predicting pathways affected by ZO. Subsequently, H2O2 and tertbutyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) were respectively applied to induce the ALI model in vitro for validation. RESULTS First, systems pharmacology and intracellular metabolites suggested that ZO might regulate oxidative stress via PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway, TCA cycle, pantothenate, and CoA biosynthesis, beta-alanine metabolism, and propanoate metabolism. Further, levels of ALT, AST, ROS, T-AOC, MDA, GR, ΔΨm, and related proteins affected by ZO had been detected to validate the above mechanisms using dual cell models. CONCLUSION ZO could protect the L02 cells against ALI by regulating the PI3K/Akt/FoxO1 pathway, as well as restore the function of mitochondria and redox imbalance damaged by toxicants. This work has uncovered the nonimmune mechanisms of ZO against ALI to provide the basis for relevant research and disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedian Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China; Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Guoping Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China; Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Herong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China; School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China.
| | - Yawen Du
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jiaxin Zheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Feifei Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Hongcai Shang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Haimin Lei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
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22
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Khan A, Zhang X. Function of the Long Noncoding RNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Classification, Molecular Mechanisms, and Significant Therapeutic Potentials. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:406. [PMID: 36004931 PMCID: PMC9405066 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9080406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common and serious type of primary liver cancer. HCC patients have a high death rate and poor prognosis due to the lack of clear signs and inadequate treatment interventions. However, the molecular pathways that underpin HCC pathogenesis remain unclear. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a new type of RNAs, have been found to play important roles in HCC. LncRNAs have the ability to influence gene expression and protein activity. Dysregulation of lncRNAs has been linked to a growing number of liver disorders, including HCC. As a result, improved understanding of lncRNAs could lead to new insights into HCC etiology, as well as new approaches for the early detection and treatment of HCC. The latest results with respect to the role of lncRNAs in controlling multiple pathways of HCC were summarized in this study. The processes by which lncRNAs influence HCC advancement by interacting with chromatin, RNAs, and proteins at the epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional levels were examined. This critical review also highlights recent breakthroughs in lncRNA signaling pathways in HCC progression, shedding light on the potential applications of lncRNAs for HCC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xiaobo Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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23
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Wang T, Zhu J, Gao L, Wei M, Zhang D, Chen L, Wu H, Ma J, Li L, Zhang N, Wang Y, Xing Q, He L, Hong F, Qin S. Identification of circular RNA biomarkers for Pien Tze Huang treatment of CCl4‑induced liver fibrosis using RNA‑sequencing. Mol Med Rep 2022; 26:309. [PMID: 36004475 PMCID: PMC9437966 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12825] [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: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Pien Tze Huang (PZH), a common hepatoprotective Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been found to be an effective treatment for carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic damage, including liver fibrosis. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve a crucial role in regulating gene expression levels via circRNA/micro (mi)RNA/mRNA networks in several human diseases and biological processes. However, whether circRNAs are involved in the underlying mechanism of the therapeutic effects of PZH on liver fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate these effects using circRNA expression profiles from PZH-treated fibrotic livers in model mice. A case-control study on >59,476 circRNAs from CCl4-induced (control group, n=6) and PZH-treated (case group, n=6) mice was performed using circRNA sequencing in liver tissues. PZH treatment resulted in the differential expression of 91 circRNAs, including 58 upregulated and 33 downregulated circRNAs. Furthermore, the construction of competing endogenous networks also indicated that differentially expressed circRNAs acted as miRNA sponges. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis of miRNA targets demonstrated that PZH-affected circRNAs were mainly involved in biological processes such as ‘positive regulation of fibroblast proliferation’, ‘cellular response to interleukin-1’ and ‘regulation of DNA-templated transcription in response to stress’ and in a number of important pathways, such as ‘TNF signaling pathway’, ‘PI3K-Akt signaling pathway’, ‘IL-17 signaling pathway’ and ‘MAPK signaling pathway’. To further validate the bioinformatics data, reverse transcription–quantitative PCR was performed on seven miRNA targets in a human hepatic stellate LX-2 cell model. The results suggested that seven of the miRNAs exhibited regulatory patterns that were consistent with those of the transcriptome sequencing results. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the expression levels of dihydrodiol dehydrogenase and solute carrier family 7, member 11 gene were significantly associated with patient survival, 269 patients with liver hepatocellular carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to provide evidence that PZH affects circRNA expression levels, which may serve important roles in PZH-treated fibrotic liver through the regulation of functional gene expression. In conclusion, the present study provided new insights into the mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and identified potential novel, efficient, therapeutic targets against liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Jinhang Zhu
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Longhui Gao
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Muyun Wei
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Di Zhang
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Luan Chen
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Hao Wu
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Jingsong Ma
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Lixing Li
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Na Zhang
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Yanjing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint Laboratory of International Cooperation in Metabolic and Developmental Sciences, School of Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P.R. China
| | - Qinghe Xing
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences and Children's Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, P.R. China
| | - Lin He
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
| | - Fei Hong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Pien Tze Huang Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou Pien Tze Huang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou, Fujian 363000, P.R. China
| | - Shengying Qin
- Bio‑X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, P.R. China
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24
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Feng Y, Li Y, Xu M, Meng H, Dai C, Yao Z, Lin N. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibit hepatic fibrosis via the AABR07028795.2/rno-miR-667-5p axis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:375. [PMID: 35902883 PMCID: PMC9331515 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in treating hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. Methods TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-T6 and CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis rats were treated with BMSCs. HSC-T6 cell activity was determined using the cell counting kit-8 assay, and the histology change was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The expression of fibrosis markers was determined using real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to screen the lncRNAs involved in the effect of BMSCs in fibrosis, and the function of fibrosis-associated lncRNA in fibrosis histology change and fibrosis marker expression was investigated. The potential miRNA target of lncRNA was predicted using R software. The interaction between lncRNA and miRNA was verified using luciferase report system and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) in 293T and HSC-T6 cells. Results BMSC attenuated TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 activation and suppressed the expression of fibrosis-associated gene (MMP2, Collagen I, and αSMA) expression at the transcription and translation levels. BMSC treatment also improves hepatic fibrosis in rats with CCl4-induced fibrosis by decreasing the expression of fibrosis-associated genes and suppressing collagen deposition in the liver. RNA-seq revealed that AABR07028795.2 (lnc-BIHAA1) was downregulated in the TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 after treatment with BMSCs as compared with those in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6, and subsequently, functional analysis showed that lnc-BIHAA1 plays a beneficial role in suppressing hepatic fibrosis. Luciferase activity assay and RIP revealed that lnc-BIHAA1 interacted with the miRNA, rno-miR-667-5p, functioning as a fibrosis phenotype suppressor in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6. Moreover, overexpression of rno-miR-667-5p significantly reverses the effect of lnc-BIHAA1 on HSC-T6. Conclusions BMSC treatment suppresses hepatic fibrosis by downregulating the lnc-BIHAA1/rno-miR-667-5p signaling pathway in HSCs. Our results provide a scientific basis for establishing BMSCs as a biological treatment method for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanjie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingxing Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongyu Meng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Cao Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhicheng Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
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25
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Free fatty acid-induced miR-181a-5p stimulates apoptosis by targeting XIAP and Bcl2 in hepatic cells. Life Sci 2022; 301:120625. [PMID: 35551953 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120625] [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: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the major health concerns in the World. The dietary free fatty acids (FFAs) affect the metabolic status of the hepatocytes by modulating cellular pathways. In this study, we showed that free fatty acids stimulate apoptosis by upregulating miR-181a-5p expression, which in turn targets XIAP and Bcl2. METHODS Huh7 cells were incubated with FFAs for 72 h and the expression of XIAP, Bcl2, bax, pAkt, Akt, PTEN and β-actin were determined by Western blots, and miR-181a-5p expression was determined using real-time RT-PCR. The Huh7 cells were transfected with either miR-181a-5p pre-miRs or anti-miR-181a-5p and the regulation of apoptosis and proliferation was studied. Three groups of C57BL/6 mice (n = 6 per group) were fed with standard diet, CSAA or CDAA diet for 6, 18, 32 and 54 weeks. Total protein and RNA were isolated from the liver tissues and used for Western blots and real-time RT-PCR respectively. KEY FINDINGS FFAs inhibited Akt phosphorylation, expression of XIAP and Bcl2, while upregulating the expression of PTEN, bax, and miR-181a-5p in Huh7 cells. Similar results were observed when the Huh7 cells were transfected with miR-181a-5p premiRs, while these changes were reversed in anti-miR-181a-5p-transfected, FFA-treated Huh7 cells. The CDAA-fed mice showed a significant inhibition of Akt phosphorylation, XIAP and Bcl2, whereas PTEN and bax expression were upregulated. The expression of miR-181a-5p was also significantly higher in CDAA-fed mice. SIGNIFICANCE These findings showed that free fatty acids induced apoptosis via upregulating miR-181a-5p in hepatic cells.
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26
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Lin X, Wei Y, Li Y, Xiong Y, Fang B, Li C, Huang Q, Huang R, Wei J. Tormentic Acid Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis in vivo by Inhibiting Glycerophospholipids Metabolism and PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB Pathways: Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:801982. [PMID: 35359829 PMCID: PMC8963336 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.801982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of tormentic acid (TA) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. The rats were intragastrically administered with 50% CCl4 for 9 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis, followed by various agents for 6 weeks. Transcriptomic analysis was carried out to predict the potential targets, and then multiple examinations were performed to verify the prediction. The results showed that TA significantly alleviated liver injury and fibrosis, as evidenced by the ameliorative pathological tissue, low transaminase activity, and decreased collagen accumulation. Besides, TA markedly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis by regulating the expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 families. The transcriptomic analysis revealed 2,173 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the TA and model groups, which could be enriched in the metabolic pathways and the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. The metabolomics analysis showed that TA could regulate the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway by regulating the synthesis of phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines. Moreover, the integrative analysis of the transcriptomics and metabolomics data indicated that TA inhibited the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway by inhibiting the expression of LPCAT4, PTDSS2, PLA2G2A and CEPT1. In addition, the relevant signaling pathways analysis confirmed that TA inhibited HSCs activation by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and ameliorated inflammatory injury by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, TA significantly alleviates liver fibrosis in vivo by inhibiting the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lin
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Li
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Yuhua Xiong
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Bin Fang
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Cuiyu Li
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Quanfang Huang
- The Pharmaceutical Department, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbin Wei, ; Quanfang Huang, ; Renbin Huang,
| | - Renbin Huang
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbin Wei, ; Quanfang Huang, ; Renbin Huang,
| | - Jinbin Wei
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbin Wei, ; Quanfang Huang, ; Renbin Huang,
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27
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Astaxanthin Attenuates the Changes in the Expression of MicroRNAs Involved in the Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14050962. [PMID: 35267937 PMCID: PMC8912553 DOI: 10.3390/nu14050962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that astaxanthin (ASTX), a xanthophyll carotenoid, has an antifibrogenic effect in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), primarily responsible for the accumulation of extracellular matrix protein during the development of liver fibrosis. Studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in HSC activation. Therefore, we analyzed the expression of 84 miRNAs using miRNA arrays in primary mouse quiescent HSC (qHSC) and activated HSC (aHSC) treated with/without ASTX during their activation. Compared with qHSC, the expression of 14 miRNAs and 23 miRNAs was increased and decreased by more than 2-fold, respectively, in aHSC. Among the 14 miRNAs increased in aHSC, the expression of miR-192-5p, miR-382-5p, and miR-874-3p was reduced by ASTX. In addition, ASTX increased the expression of miR-19a-3p, miR-19b-3p, and miR-101a-3p among 23 miRNAs decreased in aHSC. Moreover, we confirmed miR-382-5p expression was ~15-fold higher in aHSC than qHSC, and ASTX markedly inhibited the induction measured by quantitative real-time PCR. We identified that the expression of Baz1a and Zfp462 from the predicted miR-382-5p target genes was significantly reduced in aHSC while increased by ASTX treatment similar to the levels in qHSC. The roles of Baz1a and Zfp462 in HSC activation and the antifibrogenic effect of ASTX need to be further investigated.
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28
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MicroRNA-494-3p prevents liver fibrosis and attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis through targeting TRAF3. Ann Hepatol 2022; 23:100305. [PMID: 33434689 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. MicroRNA-494-3p is possibly involved in the regulation of cancers, but its role in AH has been rarely studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS AH mice model and primarily cultured mice hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) model were constructed. Levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were analyzed by ELISA. Expressions of miRNAs, HSC activation-related proteins and fibrosis-related protein were analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Cell counting kit, colony formation and flow cytometry assays were used to detect cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. The relationship between TNF receptor-associated factor 3 (TRAF3) and miR-494-3p was predicted and verified by TargetScan and dual-luciferase assay, respectively. Results of the above experiments were verified by rescue experiments using TRAF3. RESULTS Liver damage and miRNA expression were observed in AH mice, and AST and ALT levels were increased in serum of AH mice. MiR-494-3p was reduced in AH liver tissues, and it decreased the levels of α-SMA and fibrosis-related proteins. HSCs were isolated, and activating HSCs or upregulating miR-494-3p had a regulatory effect on the levels of miR-494-3p, HSC activation-related proteins and fibrosis-related proteins as well as cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, miR-494-3p targeted TRAF3 and inhibited TRAF3 expression, while overexpressed TRAF3 promoted TRAF3 expression and rescued the regulatory effect of miR-494-3p on the levels of related proteins as well as cell viability, proliferation and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS This study provided a novel mechanistic comprehension of the anti-fibrotic effect of miR-494-3p.
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29
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Zhang Y, Guo A, Lyu C, Bi R, Wu Z, Li W, Zhao P, Niu Y, Na J, Xi JJ, Du Y. Synthetic liver fibrotic niche extracts achieve in vitro hepatoblasts phenotype enhancement and expansion. iScience 2021; 24:103303. [PMID: 34765922 PMCID: PMC8571728 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103303] [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: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
It is still a challenge for synthesizing ‘cellular niche-mimics’ in vitro with satisfactory reproducibility and fidelity to recreate the natural niche components (e.g., extracellular matrices and soluble factors) for stem cell cultivation. Inspired by the massive amplification of hepatic progenitor cells during liver fibrosis in vivo, here we optimized the in vitro liver fibrotic niches and subsequently harvested their bioactive ingredients as niche extracts (NEs). The fibrosis-relevant NE marginally outperformed Matrigel for phenotype maintenance of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived hepatoblasts (HBs) and recapitulation of the pathological angiogenesis of hESC-derived endothelial cells both in 2D culture and 3D liver organoids. Finally, defined NE components (i.e., collagen III, IV, IL-17, IL-18 and M-CSF) were resolved by the quantitative proteomics which exhibited advantage over Matrigel for multi-passaged HB expansion. The pathology-relevant and tissue-specific NEs provide innovative and generalizable strategies for the discovery of optimal cellular niche and bioactive niche compositions. Fibrotic niches were constructed by 3 hepatic cell lines plus 4 profibrotic factors NE was produced by enzymatic digestion using pepsin and DNase Collagen III, IV, IL-17, IL-18, and M-CSF resolved from NE promoted HBs expansion
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Anqi Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.,School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Cheng Lyu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ran Bi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zhaozhao Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yudi Niu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jie Na
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jianzhong Jeff Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, MOE Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
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30
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Li X, Li H, Zhang S, Zhang R, Li J, Wei Y, Yang C, Zhang F, Zhou H. Protective effect of Idelalisib on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis via microRNA-124-3P/phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:11185-11197. [PMID: 34747105 PMCID: PMC8650042 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17039] [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: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the repair process of abnormal connective tissue hyperplasia after liver damage caused by different causes. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway can reduce the deposition of extracellular matrix, inhibit the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and promote its apoptosis to achieve the purpose of therapy. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Idelalisib (PI3K inhibitor) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis in mice. We used CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis mouse model in vivo and TGF‐β1‐stimulated HSCs to evaluate the antifibrosis activity of Idelalisib. In vivo, Idelalisib significantly alleviated CCl4‐induced liver damage, collagen deposition, and hydroxyproline accumulation in mice. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot results showed that Idelalisib could significantly inhibit the expressions of COL1 and α‐SMA in a concentration‐dependent manner. In cell experiments, Idelalisib significantly inhibited the expressions of COL1, SMA, and p‐Smad3 in TGF‐β‐induced HSCs, thereby inhibiting HSC activation. Flow cytometry and Western blot results showed that Idelalisib significantly promoted TGFβ‐induced apoptosis of HSCs after 48 h of administration, but had no significant effect after 24 h. Idelalisib promoted the apoptosis of activated HSCs by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3 signalling pathway. To further explore the mechanism by which Idelalisib inhibited PI3K, we predicted the miRNA targeting PI3K through the database and crossed it with the down‐regulated miRNA reported in liver fibrosis mice in the past five years. Finally, we identified miR‐124‐3p and miR‐143‐3p. We then demonstrated that Idelalisib significantly promoted miR‐124‐3p and miR‐142‐3p in vitro and in vivo. Dual‐luciferase report analysis showed that Idelalisib significantly inhibited luciferase activity but had no significant effect on the luc‐MUT transfection assay. Finally, we demonstrated that Idelalisib reversed the effects of miR‐124‐3p inhibitor on the PI3K/Akt/FOXO3 asterisk pathway and caspase‐3. Idelalisib has potential as a candidate drug for alleviating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruotong Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jinhe Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiying Wei
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fubo Zhang
- Organ Transplantation Center, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- The State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,High-throughput Molecular Drug Screening Centre, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
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Tan Z, Sun H, Xue T, Gan C, Liu H, Xie Y, Yao Y, Ye T. Liver Fibrosis: Therapeutic Targets and Advances in Drug Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730176. [PMID: 34621747 PMCID: PMC8490799 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an abnormal wound repair response caused by a variety of chronic liver injuries, which is characterized by over-deposition of diffuse extracellular matrix (ECM) and anomalous hyperplasia of connective tissue, and it may further develop into liver cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. To date, chronic liver diseases accompanied with liver fibrosis have caused significant morbidity and mortality in the world with increasing tendency. Although early liver fibrosis has been reported to be reversible, the detailed mechanism of reversing liver fibrosis is still unclear and there is lack of an effective treatment for liver fibrosis. Thus, it is still a top priority for the research and development of anti-fibrosis drugs. In recent years, many strategies have emerged as crucial means to inhibit the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis including anti-inflammation and liver protection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and proliferation, reduction of ECM overproduction and acceleration of ECM degradation. Moreover, gene therapy has been proved to be a promising anti-fibrosis method. Here, we provide an overview of the relevant targets and drugs under development. We aim to classify and summarize their potential roles in treatment of liver fibrosis, and discuss the challenges and development of anti-fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zui Tan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongbao Sun
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqin Yao
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Alipoor B, Nikouei S, Rezaeinejad F, Malakooti-Dehkordi SN, Sabati Z, Ghasemi H. Long non-coding RNAs in metabolic disorders: pathogenetic relevance and potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2015-2041. [PMID: 33792864 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01559-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) could be associated with the incidence and development of metabolic disorders. AIM Accordingly, this narrative review described the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in the development of metabolic diseases including insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, and coronary artery diseases (CAD). Furthermore, we investigated the up-to-date findings on the association of deregulated lncRNAs in the metabolic disorders, and potential use of lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets. CONCLUSION LncRNAs/miRNA/regulatory proteins axis plays a crucial role in progression of metabolic disorders and may be used in development of therapeutic and diagnostic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Alipoor
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - S Nikouei
- Student Research Committee, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - F Rezaeinejad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | | | - Z Sabati
- MSc student of Hematology, Student Research Committee, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - H Ghasemi
- Abadan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.
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De la Pinta C. Toward Personalized Medicine in Radiotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Emerging Radiomic Biomarker Candidates of Response and Toxicity. OMICS : A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2021; 25:537-544. [PMID: 34448625 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Radiology and radiotherapy are currently undergoing radical transformation with use of biomarkers and digital technologies such as artificial intelligence. These current and upcoming changes in radiology speak of an overarching new vision for personalized medicine. This is particularly evident in the case of radiotherapy of cancers, and of liver cancer in particular. The development of modern radiotherapy with stereotactic body radiotherapy allows targeted treatments to be delivered to the tumor site, limiting the dose to surrounding healthy organs, thus becoming a new therapeutic alternative for hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver tumors. However, not all patients have the same response to radiotherapy or display the same side-effect profile. Biomarkers of response and toxicity in liver radiotherapy would facilitate the vision and practice of personalized medicine. This expert review examines the available molecular, radiomic, and radiogenomic biomarker candidates for acute liver toxicity with potential use for prediction of radiotherapy-induced liver toxicity. To this end, I highlight for oncologists and life scientists that radiomics allows diagnostic images to be analyzed using computer algorithms to extract information imperceptible to the human eye and of relevance to forecasting clinical outcomes. This article underscores particularly (1) the microRNA-based biomarker candidates as among the most promising predictors of radiation-induced liver toxicity and (2) the texture features in radiomic analyses for response prediction. Radiotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma is edging toward personalized medicine with emerging radiomic biomarker candidates. Future large-scale biomarker studies are called for to enable personalized medicine in liver cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina De la Pinta
- Radiation Oncology Department, Ramon y Cajal University Hospital, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
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Zhao H, Feng YL, Liu T, Wang JJ, Yu J. MicroRNAs in organ fibrosis: From molecular mechanisms to potential therapeutic targets. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 225:153588. [PMID: 34419718 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is caused by chronic tissue injury and characterized by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) that ultimately results in organ failure and death. Owing to lacking of effective treatment against tissue fibrosis, it causes a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Thus, it is of great importance to find an effective therapy strategy for the treatment of fibrosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in many biological processes by targeting downstream genes. Numerous studies demonstrated that miRNAs served as biomarkers of various diseases, suggesting the potential therapeutic targets for diseases. It was recently reported that miRNAs played an important role in the development of organ fibrosis, which showed a promising prospect against fibrosis by targeting intervention. Here, we summarize the roles of miRNAs in the process of organ fibrosis, including liver, lung, heart and kidney, and highlight miRNAs being novel therapeutic targets for organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- Clinical Experimental Center, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, No. 777 Xitai Road Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China; Xi'an Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Active Peptids, No. 777 Xitai Road Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Ya-Long Feng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xianyang Normal University, Xianyang, Shaanxi, 712000, China
| | - Tian Liu
- Clinical Experimental Center, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, No. 777 Xitai Road Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China; Xi'an Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Active Peptids, No. 777 Xitai Road Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Weinan Linwei District Maternal and Child Health Family Planning Service Center, No.144 Dongfeng Road Weinan, Shannxi 714000, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Clinical Experimental Center, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, No. 777 Xitai Road Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China; Xi'an Engineering Technology Research Center for Cardiovascular Active Peptids, No. 777 Xitai Road Xi'an, Shaanxi 710100, China.
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Tadokoro T, Morishita A, Masaki T. Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management of Liver Fibrosis by MicroRNA. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8139. [PMID: 34360904 PMCID: PMC8347497 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Remarkable progress has been made in the treatment and control of hepatitis B and C viral infections. However, fundamental treatments for diseases in which liver fibrosis is a key factor, such as cirrhosis, alcoholic/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis, are still under development and remain an unmet medical need. To solve this problem, it is essential to elucidate the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in detail from a molecular and cellular perspective and to develop targeted therapeutic agents based on this information. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs), functional RNAs of 22 nucleotides, have been shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. In addition, extracellular vesicles called "exosomes" have been attracting attention, and research is being conducted to establish noninvasive and extremely sensitive biomarkers using miRNAs in exosomes. In this review, we summarize miRNAs directly involved in liver fibrosis, miRNAs associated with diseases leading to liver fibrosis, and miRNAs related to complications of cirrhosis. We will also discuss the efficacy of each miRNA as a biomarker of liver fibrosis and pathology, and its potential application as a therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan; (T.T.); (T.M.)
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Xu X, Hong P, Wang Z, Tang Z, Li K. MicroRNAs in Transforming Growth Factor-Beta Signaling Pathway Associated With Fibrosis Involving Different Systems of the Human Body. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:707461. [PMID: 34381815 PMCID: PMC8350386 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.707461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality, is a histopathological manifestation of many chronic inflammatory diseases affecting different systems of the human body. Two types of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathways regulate fibrosis: the canonical TGF-β signaling pathway, represented by SMAD-2 and SMAD-3, and the noncanonical pathway, which functions without SMAD-2/3 participation and currently includes TGF-β/mitogen-activated protein kinases, TGF-β/SMAD-1/5, TGF-β/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt, TGF-β/Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription protein-3, and TGF-β/rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase signaling pathways. MicroRNA (miRNA), a type of non-coding single-stranded small RNA, comprises approximately 22 nucleotides encoded by endogenous genes, which can regulate physiological and pathological processes in fibrotic diseases, particularly affecting organs such as the liver, the kidney, the lungs, and the heart. The aim of this review is to introduce the characteristics of the canonical and non-canonical TGF-β signaling pathways and to classify miRNAs with regulatory effects on these two pathways based on the influenced organ. Further, we aim to summarize the limitations of the current research of the mechanisms of fibrosis, provide insights into possible future research directions, and propose therapeutic options for fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Xu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pengyu Hong
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhefu Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhangui Tang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xiangya Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, China
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37
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Wang L, Wang HL, Liu TT, Lan HY. TGF-Beta as a Master Regulator of Diabetic Nephropathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7881. [PMID: 34360646 PMCID: PMC8345981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22157881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications in diabetes mellitus and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. TGF-β is a pleiotropic cytokine and has been recognized as a key mediator of DN. However, anti-TGF-β treatment for DN remains controversial due to the diverse role of TGF-β1 in DN. Thus, understanding the regulatory role and mechanisms of TGF-β in the pathogenesis of DN is the initial step towards the development of anti-TGF-β treatment for DN. In this review, we first discuss the diverse roles and signaling mechanisms of TGF-β in DN by focusing on the latent versus active TGF-β1, the TGF-β receptors, and the downstream individual Smad signaling molecules including Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, and Smad7. Then, we dissect the regulatory mechanisms of TGF-β/Smad signaling in the development of DN by emphasizing Smad-dependent non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and long-non-coding RNAs. Finally, the potential therapeutic strategies for DN by targeting TGF-β signaling with various therapeutic approaches are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (H.-L.W.); (T.-T.L.)
| | - Hong-Lian Wang
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (H.-L.W.); (T.-T.L.)
| | - Tong-Tong Liu
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine, Affiliated Traditional Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China; (L.W.); (H.-L.W.); (T.-T.L.)
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
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Yang J, Xu C, Wu M, Wu Y, Jia X, Zhou C, Zhang X, Ge S, Li Z, Zhang L. MicroRNA-124 inhibits hepatic stellate cells inflammatory cytokines secretion by targeting IQGAP1 through NF-κB pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 95:107520. [PMID: 33743313 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a health concern that leads to organ failure mediated via production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic biomarkers. To date, there was no direct approved antifibrotic therapy, and current treatment was mainly the removal of the causative factor. Recent studies demonstrated that aberrant expression of miR-124 was involved in the progression of various liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether miR-124 could function as a transcriptional regulator in the inflammatory cytokines secretion of liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of miR-124 was downregulated in liver fibrosis tissues and TNF-α-induced LX-2 cells, concomitant with the upregulated expression of IQGAP1, suggesting that miR-124 and IQGAP1 might be associated with the development of inflammation in liver fibrosis. Therefore, we demonstrated that the overexpression of miR-124 and knockdown of IQGAP1 could lead to the downregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. While knockdown of miR-124 or overexpression of IQGAP1 showed reversed results. Moreover, dual luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-124 specifically targeted the 3'-UTR of IQGAP1, and thus inhibited the expression of IQGAP1. Mechanistically, we found that the expression changes of miR-124 and IQGAP1 could be involved in inhibition or activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in response to TNF-α. In conclusion, these results indicated that miR-124 plays a crucial role in TNF-α-induced LX-2 cells via regulating NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Changqing Xu
- The Third People's Hospital of Hefei (Hefei Third Clinical College of Anhui Medical University), Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Maomao Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Chest Hospital, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ying Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiaodi Jia
- Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Chang Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shenglin Ge
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Zeng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Kim EH, Kim JY, Kim MS, Vares G, Ohno T, Takahashi A, Uzawa A, Seo SJ, Sai S. Molecular mechanisms underlying the enhancement of carbon ion beam radiosensitivity of osteosarcoma cells by miR-29b. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:4357-4371. [PMID: 33415004 PMCID: PMC7783744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) is more effective than conventional photon beam radiotherapy in treating osteosarcoma (OSA); however, the outcomes of CIRT alone are still unsatisfactory. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether miR-29b acts as a radiosensitizer for CIRT. The OSA cell lines U2OS and KHOS were treated with carbon ion beam alone, γ-ray irradiation alone, or in combination with an miR-29b mimic. OSA cell death as well as invasive and migratory abilities were analyzed through viability, colony formation, Transwell, and apoptosis assays. miR-29 expression was downregulated in OSA tissues compared to that in normal tissues and was associated with metastasis and relapse in patients with OSA. Further, miR-29b was found to directly target the transcription factor Sp1 and suppress the activation of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-AKT pathway. Conversely, Sp1 was found to attenuate the inhibitory effects of miR-29b in OSA cells. When used in combination with miR-29b mimic, carbon ion beam markedly inhibited invasion, migration, and proliferation of OSA cells and promoted apoptosis by inhibiting AKT phosphorylation in a Sp1/PTEN-mediated manner. Taken together, miR-29b mimic improved the radiosensitivity of OSA cells via the PTEN-AKT-Sp1 signaling pathway, presenting a novel strategy for the development of carbon ion beam combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ho Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic UniversityNam-gu, Daegu 42472, South Korea
| | - Jeong Yub Kim
- Division of Radiation Biomedical Research, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical SciencesSeoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Sook Kim
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical SciencesSeoul 139-706, South Korea
| | - Guillaume Vares
- Cell Signal Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST)Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ohno
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Akihisa Takahashi
- Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center3-39-22 Showa-machi, Maebashi 371-8511, Gunma, Japan
| | - Akiko Uzawa
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and TechnologyChiba, Japan
| | - Seung-Jun Seo
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Daegu Catholic UniversityNam-gu, Daegu 42472, South Korea
| | - Sei Sai
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences for Radiation Damages, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and TechnologyChiba, Japan
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Wolska-Gawron K, Bartosińska J, Rusek M, Kowal M, Raczkiewicz D, Krasowska D. Circulating miRNA-181b-5p, miRNA-223-3p, miRNA-210-3p, let 7i-5p, miRNA-21-5p and miRNA-29a-3p in patients with localized scleroderma as potential biomarkers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20218. [PMID: 33214624 PMCID: PMC7678876 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76995-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Localized scleroderma (LoSc) is a rare disease manifested by an inflammation and sclerosis of the skin. The latest studies focused on glycoprotein Krebs von den Lungen-6, surfactant protein-D, chemokine ligand 18 and dipeptidylpeptidase 4 as potential biomarkers of skin fibrosis in systemic scleroderma. Our study aimed to identify 6 miRNAs with elevated or decreased levels in 38 LoSc patients (31 females, 7 males) compared to healthy volunteers (HVs) and to correlate the selected miRNAs' serum levels with the severity and the clinical symptoms of LoSc and some laboratory parameters with the selected miRNAs' serum levels. The serum levels of miRNAs, i.e. miRNA-181b-5p, miRNA-223-3p, miRNA-21-5p, let 7i-5p, miRNA-29a-3p and miRNA-210-3p were significantly increased in the LoSc patients compared to the HVs. The level of let-7i increase in the female LoSc patients correlated negatively with BSA (r = - 0.355, p = 0.049) and mLoSSI (r = - 0.432, p = 0.015). Moreover, the female patients with inactive LoSc had significantly higher level of let-7i (2.68-fold on average) in comparison to those with active disease (p = 0.045). The exact role of those molecules has not been revealed in LoSc and a long-term longitudinal research is pivotal to confirm their prognostic value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Wolska-Gawron
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, The Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin 11 Staszica St, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Bartosińska
- Department of Cosmetology and Aesthetic Medicine, The Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Rusek
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, The Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin 11 Staszica St, Lublin, Poland
- Department of Pathophysiology, The Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kowal
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, The Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin 11 Staszica St, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Raczkiewicz
- SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Collegium of Economic Analysis, Institute of Statistics and Demography, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Krasowska
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Paediatric Dermatology, The Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin 11 Staszica St, Lublin, Poland
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Xu XY, Du Y, Liu X, Ren Y, Dong Y, Xu HY, Shi JS, Jiang D, Xu X, Li L, Xu ZH, Geng Y. Targeting Follistatin like 1 ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride through TGF-β1-miR29a in mice. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:151. [PMID: 32933544 PMCID: PMC7493388 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological response of the liver to a variety of chronic stimuli. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of myofibroblasts in the liver. Follistatin like 1 (Fstl1) is a secreted glycoprotein induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). However, the precise functions and regulation mechanisms of Fstl1 in liver fibrogenesis remains unclear. Methods Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line LX-2 stimulated by TGF-β1, primary culture of mouse HSCs and a model of liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice was used to assess the effect of Fstl1 in vitro and in vivo. Results Here, we found that Fstl1 was significantly up regulated in human and mouse fibrotic livers, as well as activated HSCs. Haplodeficiency of Fstl1 or blockage of Fstl1 with a neutralizing antibody 22B6 attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. Fstl1 modulates TGF-β1 classic Samd2 and non-classic JNK signaling pathways. Knockdown of Fstl1 in HSCs significantly ameliorated cell activation, cell migration, chemokines C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 8 (CXCL8) secretion and extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and also modulated microRNA-29a (miR29a) expression. Furthermore, we identified that Fstl1 was a target gene of miR29a. And TGF-β1 induction of Fstl1 expression was partially through down regulation of miR29a in HSCs. Conclusions Our data suggests TGF-β1-miR29a-Fstl1 regulatory circuit plays a key role in regulation the HSC activation and ECM production, and targeting Fstl1 may be a strategy for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yi Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Products Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P.R. China
| | - Yan Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Xue Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.,Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Yilin Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Yingying Dong
- Cambridge-Suda Genomic Resource Center, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Hong-Yu Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Products Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Song Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Dianhua Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Xin Xu
- Wuxi No. 2 People's Hospital, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Lian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zheng-Hong Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Bioactive Products Processing Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, P.R. China
| | - Yan Geng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China.
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Xiao L, Zhang H, Yang X, Mahati S, Wu G, Xiaheding Y, Bao YX, Xiao H. Role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathway in radiation-induced liver injury. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2020; 36:990-997. [PMID: 32729224 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is one of critical cytokines in radiation-induced liver injury. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are activated in the early stage of radiation-induced liver injury. However, it is currently unclear whether phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K/Akt) signal pathway is activated in radiation-induced liver injury. Herein, male Sprague-Dawley rats were irradiated with 6 MV X-rays (30 Gy) on the right liver. Next, Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson staining, and electron microscopy were performed to examine pathological changes. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and p-Akt (S473) in liver tissues. In vitro, rat HSC cell line HSC-T6 cells were given different doses of 6 MV X-ray irradiation (10 and 20 Gy) and treated with LY294002. The expression of α-SMA and p-Akt in mRNA and protein levels were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactioin (RT-PCR) and Western blot. TGF-β1 expression was detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). After irradiation, the liver tissues showed obvious pathological changes, indicating the establishment of the radiation-induced liver injury. Expression levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA, and p-Akt (S473) protein in liver tissues were significantly increased after irradiation, and this increase was in a time-dependent manner, suggesting the activation of HSC and PI3K/Akt signal pathway. in vitro experiments showed that the TGF-β1 secreted by HSCs, and the expression of Akt and α-SMA at mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in irradiation groups. However, the expression of TGF-β1, Akt, and α-SMA were significantly decreased in PI3K/Akt signal pathway inhibitor LY294002-treated group. Our results suggest that during radiation-induced liver injury, HSCs are activated by TGF-β1-mediated PI3K/Akt signal pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xiao
- Cancer Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,School of Public Health of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Cancer Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Cancer Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Shaya Mahati
- Cancer Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Ge Wu
- Cancer Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yiliyaer Xiaheding
- Cancer Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Yong-Xing Bao
- Cancer Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hui Xiao
- School of Public Health of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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43
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Pan J, Yang Q, Zhou Y, Deng H, Zhu Y, Zhao D, Liu F. MicroRNA-221 Modulates Airway Remodeling via the PI3K/AKT Pathway in OVA-Induced Chronic Murine Asthma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:495. [PMID: 32714925 PMCID: PMC7344209 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Airway remodeling is one of the most important pathological features of chronic asthma. This study aimed to determine whether microRNA-221 (hereafter, miR-221) can affect airway remodeling in a mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced chronic asthma. Methods Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) “Bearing miR-221 sponges” were used to downregulate miR-221 in asthmatic mice. Staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson trichrome, and periodic acid–Schiff reagent was used to assess histological changes. The affected signaling pathway in mouse airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) was also identified by gene chip technology. A PI3K/AKT-inhibitor (LY294002) was used to confirm the role of the pathway in ASMCs. Results The inhibition of miR-221 in a murine asthma model was found to reduce airway hyper-responsiveness, mucus metaplasia, airway inflammation, and airway remodeling (p < 0.05). Furthermore, miR-221 was found to regulate collagen deposition in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of ASMCs. Bioinformatics analysis and western blot analysis confirmed that the PI3K-AKT pathway was involved in ECM deposition in ASMCs. Conclusion miR-221 might play a crucial role in the mechanism of remodeling via the PI3K/AKT pathway in chronic asthma and it could be considered as a potential target for developing therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Emergency/Critical Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianyuan Yang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Changzhou No. 2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huan Deng
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifan Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Deyu Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Ji D, Wang Q, Zhao Q, Tong H, Yu M, Wang M, Lu T, Jiang C. Co-delivery of miR-29b and germacrone based on cyclic RGD-modified nanoparticles for liver fibrosis therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2020; 18:86. [PMID: 32513194 PMCID: PMC7281922 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-020-00645-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were activated and secreted excessive amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins during pathogenetic progress of liver fibrosis. Germacrone (GMO) and miR-29b can play an important role in inhibiting growth of HSCs and production of type I collagen. GMO and miR-29b were co-encapsulated into nanoparticles (NPs) based on poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PEG-PLGA). Then, NPs were modified with cyclic RGD peptides (cRGDfK). cRGDfK is an effective ligand to bind integrin αvβ3 and increase the targeting ability for fibrotic liver. GMO- and miR-29b-loaded NPs exhibited great cytotoxicity to activated HSCs and significantly inhibited production of type I collagen. Liver fibrosis model of mice was induced by administration of carbon tetrachloride. Great targeting ability was achieved in liver fibrotic mice treated with cRGD-modified NPs. Significant ant-fibrotic effects have been presented based on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson and Sirius Red staining results of liver tissues collected from mice treated with drug-loaded NPs. All these results indicate GMO- and miR-29b-loaded cRGD-modified NPs have the potential for clinical use to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- De Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Qiaohan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.,Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Huangjin Tong
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Mengting Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Meng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Tulin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Chengxi Jiang
- Molecular Pharmacology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China. .,Biomedical Collaborative Innovation Center of Zhejiang, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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45
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Dong Z, Li S, Si L, Ma R, Bao L, Bo A. Identification lncRNA LOC102551149/miR-23a-5p pathway in hepatic fibrosis. Eur J Clin Invest 2020; 50:e13243. [PMID: 32306379 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13243] [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: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a worldwide incurable disease; due to the complex and unclear mechanism, there lack the effective therapeutic targets. However, the mechanism of miR-23a-5p underling this pathological process is largely not clear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of miR-23a-5p in hepatic fibrosis and HSC activation. METHODS The content of miR-23a-5p in hepatic fibrosis induced by N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and HSC activation induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was detected by qRT-PCR. H&E staining, Masson staining and Shear wave electrography (SWE) were used to detect the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry staining, qRT-PCR and Western blot detect the related markers of liver fibrosis or HSC activation, as well as the related pathway genes and proteins. Dual-luciferase reporter system verifies the interaction between miR-23a-5p with PTEN or miR-23a-5p with lncRNA LOC102551149 in HSC-T6. siRNA and miRNA mimic transfer to HSC-T6 to detect the function of lncRNA LOC102551149 and miR-23a-5p on HSC activation. RESULTS After hepatic fibrosis and HSC activation happened, the expression of miR-23a-5p was up-regulated, whereas anti-miR-23a-5p can alleviate hepatic fibrosis and HSC activation. Further research shows miR-23a-5p can target PTEN and degrade it, causing activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR/Snail pathway. lncRNA LOC102551149 can be used as a competition endogenous RNA (ceRNA) targeting miR-23a-5p through base pairing, and siRNA LOC102551149 or exogenous miR-23a-5p can induce HSC activation through PI3K/Akt/mTOR/Snail pathway. CONCLUSION We demonstrate mechanism pathway of miR-23a-5p on hepatic fibrosis and HSC activation, which may develop a therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiheng Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lengge Si
- Mongolian Medicine School, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ruilian Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lidao Bao
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Agula Bo
- Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
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46
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Chiabotto G, Camussi G, Bruno S. Role of ncRNAs in modulation of liver fibrosis by extracellular vesicles. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1186/s41544-020-00050-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane vesicles carrying bioactive lipids, proteins and nucleic acids of the cell of origin. In particular, EVs carry non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and the vesicle membrane may protect them from degradation. Once released within the extracellular space, EVs can transfer their cargo, including ncRNAs, to neighboring or distant cells, thus inducing phenotypical and functional changes that may be relevant in several physio-pathological conditions. This review provides an overview of the role of EV-carried ncRNAs in the modulation of liver fibrosis. In particular, we focused on EV-associated microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved into the development of liver fibrosis and on the potential use of EV-associated ncRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of liver fibrosis.
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47
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LncRNAs Act as a Link between Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082883. [PMID: 32326098 PMCID: PMC7216144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important contributors to the biological processes underlying the pathophysiology of various human diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the involvement of these molecules in chronic liver diseases, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and viral hepatitis, has only recently been considered in scientific research. While extensive studies on the pathogenesis of the development of HCC from hepatic fibrosis have been conducted, their regulatory molecular mechanisms are still only partially understood. The underlying mechanisms related to lncRNAs leading to HCC from chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis have not yet been entirely elucidated. Therefore, elucidating the functional roles of lncRNAs in chronic liver disease and HCC can contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms, and may help in developing novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HCC, as well as in preventing the progression of chronic liver disease to HCC. Here, we comprehensively review and briefly summarize some lncRNAs that participate in both hepatic fibrosis and HCC.
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48
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Liang H, Wang X, Si C, Duan Y, Chen B, Liang H, Yang D. Downregulation of miR‑141 deactivates hepatic stellate cells by targeting the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. Int J Mol Med 2020; 46:406-414. [PMID: 32319536 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2020.4578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) caused by stimulating factors or fibrogenic cytokines is the critical stage of liver fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated the influence of microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) on HSC activation and transformation; however, the function and underlying mechanisms of miRNAs in HSC activation have not yet been completely clarified. In the present study, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‑β1) was used to treat human HSC lines (HSC‑T6 and LX2 cells) to simulate the activation of HSCs in vivo and whether the expression of miRNAs in HSCs was affected by TGF‑β1 treatment was examined using a miRNA microarray. It was observed that miR‑141 was one of the most upregulated miRNAs during HSC activation. Functional analyses revealed that miR‑141 knockdown suppressed the viability of HSCs and inhibited the expression levels of pro‑fibrotic markers. In addition, phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a well‑known suppressor of the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, was found to be directly targeted by miR‑141 in HSCs. More importantly, the knockdown of PTEN markedly reversed the suppressive effects of miR‑141 inhibition on the viability of and the expression levels of pro‑fibrotic markers during HSC activation. Finally, it was observed that the downregulation of miR‑141 blocked the TGF‑β1‑induced activation of the AKT/mTOR pathway in HSCs. On the whole, the findings of the present study indicate that miR‑141 inhibition suppresses HSC activation via the AKT/mTOR pathway by targeting PTEN, highlighting that miR‑141 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Liang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Xinwei Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Changyun Si
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Yuxiu Duan
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Baoxin Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Haixia Liang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
| | - Daokun Yang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China
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Haunschild J, Schellinger IN, Barnard SJ, von Aspern K, Davierwala P, Misfeld M, Petroff D, Borger MA, Etz CD. Bicuspid aortic valve patients show specific epigenetic tissue signature increasing extracellular matrix destruction. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2020; 29:937-943. [PMID: 31501876 DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivz210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) have an increased risk for developing thoracic aortic aneurysm, which is characterized by the destruction of the elastic media of the aortic wall. Several important enzymes have been characterized to play key roles in extracellular matrix homeostasis, namely matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In this study, we investigated MMP-2 levels and their epigenetic regulation via the miR-29 family. METHODS Aortic tissue samples from 58 patients were collected during cardiac surgery, of which 30 presented with a BAV and 28 with a tricuspid aortic valve. Polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed to analyse MMP-2. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay measurements were carried out to investigate both MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 levels. To examine the epigenetic regulation of aortic extracellular matrix homeostasis, we furthermore studied the expression levels of miR-29 via qRT-PCR. RESULTS Patients with a BAV were significantly younger at the time of surgery, presented significantly less frequently with arterial hypertension and displayed more often with an additional valvular disease. On a molecular level, we found that MMP-2 is increased on gene and protein level in BAV patients. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 levels do not differ between the groups. Interestingly, we also found that only miR-29A is significantly downregulated in BAVs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of MMP-2 in the context of extracellular matrix destruction in BAV patients. We present new evidence that miR-29A is a crucial epigenetic regulator of these pathomechanistic processes and might hold promise for future translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephina Haunschild
- University Department for Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany.,Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Isabel N Schellinger
- Department of Endocrinology and Nephrology, University Medical Center Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sarah J Barnard
- Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Piroze Davierwala
- University Department for Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Misfeld
- University Department for Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - David Petroff
- Centre for Clinical Trials, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael A Borger
- University Department for Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christian D Etz
- University Department for Cardiac Surgery, Leipzig Heart Center, Leipzig, Germany.,Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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50
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Iacob DG, Rosca A, Ruta SM. Circulating microRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers for hepatitis B virus liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:1113-1127. [PMID: 32231417 PMCID: PMC7093315 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i11.1113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Viruses can alter the expression of host microRNAs (MiRNA s) and modulate the immune response during a persistent infection. The dysregulation of host MiRNA s by hepatitis B virus (HBV) contributes to the proinflammatory and profibrotic changes within the liver. Multiple studies have documented the differential regulation of intracellular and circulating MiRNA s during different stages of HBV infection. Circulating MiRNA s found in plasma and/or extracellular vesicles can integrate data on viral-host interactions and on the associated liver injury. Hence, the detection of circulating MiRNA s in chronic HBV hepatitis could offer a promising alternative to liver biopsy, as their expression is associated with HBV replication, the progression of liver fibrosis, and the outcome of antiviral treatment. The current review explores the available data on miRNA involvement in HBV pathogenesis with an emphasis on their potential use as biomarkers for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gabriela Iacob
- Infectious Diseases Department, "Carol Davila" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Bucharest Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest 050098, Romania
| | - Adelina Rosca
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
| | - Simona Maria Ruta
- Virology Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest 050474, Romania
- Viral Emerging Diseases Department, Ștefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest 030304, Romania
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