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Kimura T, Yamazaki T, Estrela GR. Editorial: Multi-organ linkage pathophysiology and therapy for NAFLD and NASH. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1418066. [PMID: 38904044 PMCID: PMC11188411 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1418066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tomoo Yamazaki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Gabriel Rufino Estrela
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Discipline of Neuroscience, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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2
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Koda Y, Nagasaki Y. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis treated by poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(cysteine) block copolymer-based self-assembling antioxidant nanoparticles. J Control Release 2024; 370:367-378. [PMID: 38692439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.04.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), involves oxidative stress caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Small-molecule antioxidants have not been approved for antioxidant chemotherapy because of severe adverse effects that collapse redox homeostasis, even in healthy tissues. To overcome these disadvantages, we have been developing poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(cysteine) (PEG-block-PCys)-based self-assembling polymer nanoparticles (NanoCyses), releasing Cys after in vivo degradation by endogenous enzymes, to obtain antioxidant effects without adverse effects. However, a comprehensive investigation of the effects of polymer design on therapeutic outcomes has not yet been conducted to develop our NanoCys system for antioxidant chemotherapy. In this study, we synthesized different poly(L-cysteine) (PCys) chains whose sulfanyl groups were protected by tert-butyl thiol (StBu) and butyryl (Bu) groups to change the reactivity of the side chains, affording NanoCys(SS) and NanoCys(Bu), respectively. To elucidate the importance of the polymer design, these NanoCyses were orally administered to MASH model mice as a model of oxidative stress-related diseases. Consequently, the acyl-protective NanoCys(Bu) significantly suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress compared to NanoCys(SS). Furthermore, we substantiated that shorter PCys were much better than longer PCys for therapeutic outcomes and the effects related to the liberation properties of Cys from these nanoparticles. Owing to its antioxidant functions, NanoCyses also significantly attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in the MASH mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Koda
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Yukio Nagasaki
- Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan; Master's School of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan; Center for Research in Radiation, Isotope and Earth System Sciences (CRiES), University of Tsukuba, Tennoudai 1-1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan; Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-0033, Japan; High-value Biomaterials Research and Commercialization Center (HBRCC), National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan.
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3
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Kimura T, Iwadare T, Wakabayashi SI, Kuldeep S, Nakajima T, Yamazaki T, Aomura D, Zafar H, Iwaya M, Joshita S, Uehara T, Pydi SP, Tanaka N, Umemura T. Thrombospondin 2 is a key determinant of fibrogenesis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Liver Int 2024; 44:483-496. [PMID: 38010940 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatic overexpression of the thrombospondin 2 gene (THBS2) and elevated levels of circulating thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) have been observed in patients with chronic liver disease. This study aimed to identify the specific cells expressing THBS2/TSP2 in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and investigate the underlying mechanism behind THBS2/TSP2 upregulation. DESIGN Comprehensive NAFLD liver gene datasets, including single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), in-house NAFLD liver tissue, and LX-2 cells derived from human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), were analysed using a combination of computational biology, genetic, immunological, and pharmacological approaches. RESULTS Analysis of the genetic dataset revealed the presence of 1433 variable genes in patients with advanced fibrosis NAFLD, with THBS2 ranked among the top 2 genes. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) examination of NAFLD livers showed a significant correlation between THBS2 expression and fibrosis stage (r = .349, p < .001). In support of this, scRNA-seq data and in situ hybridization demonstrated that the THBS2 gene was highly expressed in HSCs of NAFLD patients with advanced fibrosis. Pathway analysis of the gene dataset revealed THBS2 expression to be associated with the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) pathway and collagen gene activation. Moreover, the activation of LX-2 cells with TGFβ increased THBS2/TSP2 and collagen expression independently of the TGFβ-SMAD2/3 pathway. THBS2 gene knockdown significantly decreased collagen expression in LX-2 cells. CONCLUSIONS THBS2/TSP2 is highly expressed in HSCs and plays a role in regulating fibrogenesis in NAFLD patients. THBS2/TSP2 may therefore represent a potential target for anti-fibrotic therapy in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takanobu Iwadare
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Seema Kuldeep
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Tomoyuki Nakajima
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shinshu University School Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tomoo Yamazaki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, La Jolla, USA
| | - Daiki Aomura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hamim Zafar
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Mai Iwaya
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shinshu University School Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeshi Uehara
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shinshu University School Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Sai P Pydi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- Department of Global Medical Research Promotion, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- International Relations Office, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Research Center for Social Systems, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
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4
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Ali Akbari Ghavimi S, Aronson MR, Ghaderi DD, Friedman RM, Patel N, Giordano T, Borek RC, Devine CM, Han L, Jacobs IN, Gottardi R. Modulated Fibrosis and Mechanosensing of Fibroblasts by SB525334 in Pediatric Subglottic Stenosis. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:287-296. [PMID: 37458368 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30873] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Subglottic stenosis (SGS) may result from prolonged intubation where fibrotic scar tissue narrows the airway. The scar forms by differentiated myofibroblasts secreting excessive extracellular matrix (ECM). TGF-β1 is widely accepted as a regulator of fibrosis; however, it is unclear how biomechanical pathways co-regulate fibrosis. Therefore, we phenotyped fibroblasts from pediatric patients with SGS to explore how key signaling pathways, TGF-β and Hippo, impact scarring and assess the impact of inhibiting these pathways with potential therapeutic small molecules SB525334 and DRD1 agonist dihydrexidine hydrochloride (DHX). METHODS Laryngeal fibroblasts isolated from subglottic as well as distal control biopsies of patients with evolving and maturing subglottic stenosis were assessed by α-smooth muscle actin immunostaining and gene expression for α-SMA, FN, HGF, and CTGF markers. TGF-β and Hippo signaling pathways were modulated during TGF-β1-induced fibrosis using the inhibitor SB525334 or DHX and analyzed by RT-qPCR for differential gene expression and atomic force microscopy for ECM stiffness. RESULTS SGS fibroblasts exhibited higher α-SMA staining and greater inflammatory cytokine and fibrotic marker expression upon TGF-β1 stimulation (p < 0.05). SB525334 restored levels to baseline by reducing SMAD2/3 nuclear translocation (p < 0.0001) and pro-fibrotic gene expression (p < 0.05). ECM stiffness of stenotic fibroblasts was greater than healthy fibroblasts and was restored to baseline by Hippo pathway modulation using SB525334 and DHX (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION We demonstrate that distinct fibroblast phenotypes from diseased and healthy regions of pediatric SGS patients respond differently to TGF-β1 stimulation, and SB525334 has the superior potential for subglottic stenosis treatment by simultaneously modulating TGF-β and Hippo signaling pathways. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE NA Laryngoscope, 134:287-296, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheila Ali Akbari Ghavimi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Matthew R Aronson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel D Ghaderi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan M Friedman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Neil Patel
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Terri Giordano
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan C Borek
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Conor M Devine
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ian N Jacobs
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Riccardo Gottardi
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Orthopaedics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Ri.MED Foundation, Palermo, Italy
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Wilson G, Yang L, Su X, Ding S, Li L, Yang Y, Wang X, Wang W, Sa Y, Zhang Y, Chen J, Ma X. Exploring the therapeutic potential of natural compounds modulating the endocannabinoid system in various diseases and disorders: review. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:1410-1444. [PMID: 37906390 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00544-7] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Cannabinoid receptors, endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), and the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and degradation of the endocannabinoids make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The components of the ECS are proven to modulate a vast bulk of various physiological and pathological processes due to their abundance throughout the human body. Such discoveries have attracted the researchers' attention and emerged as a potential therapeutical target for the treatment of various diseases. In the present article, we reviewed the discoveries of natural compounds, herbs, herbs formula, and their therapeutic properties in various diseases and disorders by modulating the ECS. We also summarize the molecular mechanisms through which these compounds elicit their properties by interacting with the ECS based on the existing findings. Our study provides the insight into the use of natural compounds that modulate ECS in various diseases and disorders, which in turn may facilitate future studies exploiting natural lead compounds as novel frameworks for designing more effective and safer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gidion Wilson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Lingling Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaojuan Su
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Shuqin Ding
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Liuyan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Youyue Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Weibiao Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yuping Sa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jianyu Chen
- Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1, Huatuo Road, Minhoushangjie, Fuzhou, 350122, China.
| | - Xueqin Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shenli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
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Dwivedi NV, Datta S, El-Kersh K, Sadikot RT, Ganti AK, Batra SK, Jain M. GPCRs and fibroblast heterogeneity in fibroblast-associated diseases. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23101. [PMID: 37486603 PMCID: PMC10916681 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301091] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse class of signaling receptors. GPCRs regulate many functions in the human body and have earned the title of "most targeted receptors". About one-third of the commercially available drugs for various diseases target the GPCRs. Fibroblasts lay the architectural skeleton of the body, and play a key role in supporting the growth, maintenance, and repair of almost all tissues by responding to the cellular cues via diverse and intricate GPCR signaling pathways. This review discusses the dynamic architecture of the GPCRs and their intertwined signaling in pathological conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pancreatic fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, and cancer as opposed to the GPCR signaling of fibroblasts in physiological conditions. Understanding the dynamics of GPCR signaling in fibroblasts with disease progression can help in the recognition of the complex interplay of different GPCR subtypes in fibroblast-mediated diseases. This review highlights the importance of designing and adaptation of next-generation strategies such as GPCR-omics, focused target identification, polypharmacology, and effective personalized medicine approaches to achieve better therapeutic outcomes for fibrosis and fibrosis associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi V Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Souvik Datta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Karim El-Kersh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ruxana T Sadikot
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
| | - Apar K. Ganti
- VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Gangopadhyay A, Ibrahim R, Theberge K, May M, Houseknecht KL. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and mental illness: Mechanisms linking mood, metabolism and medicines. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1042442. [PMID: 36458039 PMCID: PMC9707801 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1042442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the world and one of the leading indications for liver transplantation. It is one of the many manifestations of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome as well as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. There is growing evidence linking the incidence of NAFLD with psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression mechanistically via genetic, metabolic, inflammatory and environmental factors including smoking and psychiatric medications. Indeed, patients prescribed antipsychotic medications, regardless of diagnosis, have higher incidence of NAFLD than population norms. The mechanistic pharmacology of antipsychotic-associated NAFLD is beginning to emerge. In this review, we aim to discuss the pathophysiology of NAFLD including its risk factors, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation as well as its intersection with psychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Karen L. Houseknecht
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States
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Iwadare T, Kimura T, Kunimoto H, Tanaka N, Wakabayashi SI, Yamazaki T, Okumura T, Kobayashi H, Yamashita Y, Sugiura A, Joshita S, Umemura T. Higher Responsiveness for Women, High Transaminase Levels, and Fat Percentage to Pemafibrate Treatment for NAFLD. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112806. [PMID: 36359326 PMCID: PMC9687993 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112806] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Pemafibrate (PEM) is a novel selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha modulator that is effective for hypertriglyceridemia accompanying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (HTG-NAFLD). This study aimed to identify the predictors of PEM efficacy for HTG-NAFLD in clinical practice. Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 88 HTG-NAFLD patients treated with PEM for 6 months for the analysis of routine blood and body composition testing. A PEM response was defined as a decrease in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of >30% compared with pre-treatment level. The clinical features related to PEM responsiveness were statistically tested between responders and non-responders. Results: All 88 patients completed the 6 month drug regimen without any adverse effects. PEM treatment significantly decreased liver enzymes, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels, without any detectable impact on body weight or body composition. Comparisons of baseline clinical features revealed female and greater aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT, and fat mass % levels to be significantly associated with a PEM response. The optimal cut-off values to predict responders as determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis were AST 45 U/L, ALT 60 U/L, and fat mass 37%. Conclusions: Female HTG-NAFLD patients with higher transaminase and fat mass % levels may be preferentially indicated for PEM treatment. Additional large-scale prospective studies are warranted to verify our results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanobu Iwadare
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
- Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
- Correspondence: or
| | - Hideo Kunimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nagano Municipal Hospital, Nagano 381-8551, Japan
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- Department of Global Medical Research Promotion, Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
- International Relations Office, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Shun-ichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Tomoo Yamazaki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Taiki Okumura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamashita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Ayumi Sugiura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
- Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
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9
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Zhang H, Ren L, Shivnaraine RV. Targeting GPCRs to treat cardiac fibrosis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:1011176. [PMID: 36277752 PMCID: PMC9582444 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1011176] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis occurs ubiquitously in ischemic heart failure, genetic cardiomyopathies, diabetes mellitus, and aging. It triggers myocardial stiffness, which impairs cardiac function, ultimately progressing to end-stage heart failure and increased mortality. Although several targets for anti-fibrotic therapies have been identified, including TGF-β and receptor tyrosine kinase, there is currently no FDA-approved drug specifically targeting cardiac fibrosis. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral, multipass membrane-bound receptors that exhibit diverse and cell-specific expression, offering novel and unrealized therapeutic targets for cardiac fibrosis. This review highlights the emerging roles of several GPCRs and briefly explores their downstream pathways that are crucial in cardiac fibrosis. We will not only provide an overview of the GPCRs expressed on cardiac fibroblasts that are directly involved in myofibroblast activation but also describe those GPCRs which contribute to cardiac fibrosis via indirect crosstalk mechanisms. We also discuss the challenges of identifying novel effective therapies for cardiac fibrosis and offer strategies to circumvent these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Hao Zhang
| | - Lu Ren
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
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10
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Zhu Q, Li H, Ao Z, Xu H, Luo J, Kaurich C, Yang R, Zhu PW, Chen SD, Wang XD, Tang LJ, Li G, Huang OY, Zheng MH, Li HP, Liu F. Lipidomic identification of urinary extracellular vesicles for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis diagnosis. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:349. [PMID: 35897102 PMCID: PMC9327366 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01540-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a usual chronic liver disease and lacks non-invasive biomarkers for the clinical diagnosis and prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), a group of heterogeneous small membrane-bound vesicles, carry proteins and nucleic acids as promising biomarkers for clinical applications, but it has not been well explored on their lipid compositions related to NAFLD studies. Here, we investigate the lipid molecular function of urinary EVs and their potential as biomarkers for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) detection. Methods This work includes 43 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and 40 patients with NASH. The EVs of urine were isolated and purified using the EXODUS method. The EV lipidomics was performed by LC-MS/MS. We then systematically compare the EV lipidomic profiles of NAFL and NASH patients and reveal the lipid signatures of NASH with the assistance of machine learning. Results By lipidomic profiling of urinary EVs, we identify 422 lipids mainly including sterol lipids, fatty acyl lipids, glycerides, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids. Via the machine learning and random forest modeling, we obtain a biomarker panel composed of 4 lipid molecules including FFA (18:0), LPC (22:6/0:0), FFA (18:1), and PI (16:0/18:1), that can distinguish NASH with an AUC of 92.3%. These lipid molecules are closely associated with the occurrence and development of NASH. Conclusion The lack of non-invasive means for diagnosing NASH causes increasing morbidity. We investigate the NAFLD biomarkers from the insights of urinary EVs, and systematically compare the EV lipidomic profiles of NAFL and NASH, which holds the promise to expand the current knowledge of disease pathogenesis and evaluate their role as non-invasive biomarkers for NASH diagnosis and progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-022-01540-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfu Zhu
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Hengrui Li
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Zheng Ao
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Hao Xu
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Jiaxin Luo
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Connor Kaurich
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Rui Yang
- Eye Hospital, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China
| | - Pei-Wu Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Sui-Dan Chen
- Department of Pathology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China
| | - Liang-Jie Tang
- Department of Hepatology, NAFLD Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Hepatology, NAFLD Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ou-Yang Huang
- Department of Hepatology, NAFLD Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- Department of Hepatology, NAFLD Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China. .,Institute of Hepatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou, China.
| | - Hui-Ping Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
| | - Fei Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325035, China.
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Fujimori N, Kimura T, Tanaka N, Yamazaki T, Okumura T, Kobayashi H, Wakabayashi SI, Yamashita Y, Sugiura A, Pham J, Pydi SP, Sano K, Joshita S, Umemura T. 2-Step PLT16-AST44 method: Simplified liver fibrosis detection system in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:352-363. [PMID: 35040549 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Accurate detection of the hepatic fibrosis stage is essential to estimate the outcome of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Many formulas, biomarkers, and imaging tests are being developed to predict advanced liver fibrosis without performing a liver biopsy. However, these tests do not have high efficiency in detecting early-stage hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, we aimed to detect the presence of hepatic fibrosis (≥F1) merely by using only standard clinical markers. METHODS A total of 436 patients with NAFLD who underwent liver biopsy were retrospectively enrolled as the discovery cohort (316 patients) and the validation cohort (120 patients). Liver biopsy and laboratory data were matched to extract simple parameters for identifying ≥F1. RESULTS We developed a novel simplified ≥F1 detecting system, designated as 2-Step PLT16-AST44 method, where (1) PLT of 16 × 104 /μl or less, or (2) PLT greater than 16 × 104 /μl and AST greater than 44 U/L is determined as having ≥F1 fibrosis. The 2-Step PLT16-AST44 method had a sensitivity of 68%, a specificity of 90%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 97%, a negative predictive value (NPV) of 40%, and an accuracy of 72% to detect ≥F1 fibrosis in the discovery cohort. Validation studies further supported these results. Despite its simplicity, the 2-Step PLT16-AST44 method's power to detect ≥F1 fibrosis in total NAFLD patients was comparable to hyaluronic acid, type 4 collagen 7S, FIB-4, and APRI. CONCLUSIONS We propose the 2-Step PLT16-AST44 method as a simple and beneficial early-stage hepatic fibrosis detection system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoyuki Fujimori
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shinshu Ueda Medical Center, Ueda, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- International Relations Office, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Research Center for Social Systems, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tomoo Yamazaki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Taiki Okumura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichi Wakabayashi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamashita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ayumi Sugiura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Jonathan Pham
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sai P Pydi
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Kenji Sano
- Department of Pathology, Iida Municipal Hospital, Iida, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan.,Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
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Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and Organokines: What Is Now and What Will Be in the Future. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23010498. [PMID: 35008925 PMCID: PMC8745668 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by steatosis, lobular inflammation, and enlargement of the diameter of hepatocytes (ballooning hepatocytes), with or without fibrosis. It affects 20% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Due to liver dysfunction and the numerous metabolic changes that commonly accompany the condition (obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome), the secretion of organokines is modified, which may contribute to the pathogenesis or progression of the disease. In this sense, this study aimed to perform a review of the role of organokines in NASH. Thus, by combining descriptors such as NASH, organokines, oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, a search was carried out in the EMBASE, MEDLINE-PubMed, and Cochrane databases of articles published in the last ten years. Insulin resistance, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, fructose, and intestinal microbiota were factors identified as participating in the genesis and progression of NASH. Changes in the pattern of organokines secretion (adipokines, myokines, hepatokines, and osteokines) directly or indirectly contribute to aggravating the condition or compromise homeostasis. Thus, further studies involving skeletal muscle, adipose, bone, and liver tissue as endocrine organs are essential to better understand the modulation of organokines involved in the pathogenesis of NASH to advance in the treatment of this disease.
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