1
|
Shen HC, Pan MH, Huang CJ, Yeh HY, Yang HI, Lin YH, Huang CC, Lee KC, Yang YY, Hou MC. Multiple genetic polymorphisms are associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, and airflow limitation: A Taiwan Biobank study. Gene 2024; 927:148660. [PMID: 38866261 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Links have been reported between the airflow limitation and both metabolic syndrome (MetS) and fatty liver (FL). Additionally, associations between genetic factors and risks of MetS, FL, and airflow limitation have been identified separately in different studies. Our study aims to simultaneously explore the association between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of certain genes and the risk of the three associated diseases. METHODS In this retrospective cross-sectional nationwide study, 150,709 participants from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) were enrolled. We conducted a genotype-phenotype association analysis of nine SNPs on seven genes (ApoE-rs429358, MBOAT7-rs641738, LEPR-rs1805096, APOC3-rs2854116, APOC3-rs2854117, PPP1R3B-rs4240624, PPP1R3B-rs4841132, TM6SF2-rs58542926, and IFNL4-rs368234815) using data from the TWB1.0 and TWB2.0 genotype dataset. Participants underwent a series of assessments including questionnaires, blood examinations, abdominal ultrasounds, and spirometry examinations. RESULTS MetS was associated with FL and airflow limitation. ApoE-rs429358, LEPR-rs1805096, APOC3-rs2854116, APOC3-rs2854117, PPP1R3B-rs4240624, PPP1R3B-rs4841132, and TM6SF2-rs58542926 were significantly associated with the risk of MetS. The cumulative impact of T alleles of ApoE-rs429358 and TM6SF2-rs58542926 on the risk of FL was observed (p-value for trend < 0.001). Individuals without MetS and airflow limitation carrying LEPR-rs1805096 G_G genotype exhibited a reduction in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage prediction (Coefficient -35, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -69.7- -0.4), low forced vital capacity percentage prediction (Coefficient -41.6, 95 % CI -82.6- -0.6), and low vital capacity percentage prediction (Coefficient -42.2, 95 % CI -84.2- -0.1). CONCLUSIONS MetS significantly correlated with FL and airflow limitation. Multiple SNPs were notably associated with MetS. Specifically, T alleles of ApoE-rs429358 and TM6SF2-rs58542926 cumulatively increased the risk of FL. LEPR-rs1805096 shows a trend-wise association with pulmonary function, which is significant in patients without MetS or airflow limitation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Chin Shen
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Chest Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hung Pan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Jen Huang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Yun Yeh
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan; Doctoral Program of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chang Huang
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Kuei-Chuan Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ying Yang
- Department of Medical Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Koch RL, Stanton JB, McClatchy S, Churchill GA, Craig SW, Williams DN, Johns ME, Chase KR, Thiesfeldt DL, Flynt JC, Pazdro R. Discovery of genomic loci for liver health and steatosis reveals overlap with glutathione redox genetics. Redox Biol 2024; 75:103248. [PMID: 38917671 PMCID: PMC11254179 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103248] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver condition in the United States, encompassing a wide spectrum of liver pathologies including steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Despite its high prevalence, there are no medications currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of NAFLD. Recent work has suggested that NAFLD has a strong genetic component and identifying causative genes will improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to NAFLD and yield targets for future therapeutic investigations. Oxidative stress is known to play an important role in NAFLD pathogenesis, yet the underlying mechanisms accounting for disturbances in redox status are not entirely understood. To better understand the relationship between the glutathione redox system and signs of NAFLD in a genetically-diverse population, we measured liver weight, serum biomarkers aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and graded liver pathology in a large cohort of Diversity Outbred mice. We compared hepatic endpoints to those of the glutathione redox system previously measured in the livers and kidneys of the same mice, and we screened for statistical and genetic associations using the R/qtl2 software. We discovered several novel genetic loci associated with markers of liver health, including loci that were associated with both liver steatosis and glutathione redox status. Candidate genes within each locus point to possible new mechanisms underlying the complex relationship between NAFLD and the glutathione redox system, which could have translational implications for future studies targeting NAFLD pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Koch
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602
| | - James B Stanton
- Department of Pathology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602
| | | | | | - Steven W Craig
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602
| | - Darian N Williams
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602
| | - Mallory E Johns
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602
| | - Kylah R Chase
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602
| | - Dana L Thiesfeldt
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602
| | - Jessica C Flynt
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602
| | - Robert Pazdro
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA, 30602.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo Y, Gao Z, LaGory EL, Kristin LW, Gupte J, Gong Y, Rardin MJ, Liu T, Nguyen TT, Long J, Hsu YH, Murray JK, Lade J, Jackson S, Zhang J. Liver-specific mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component 1 (Mtarc1) knockdown protects the liver from diet-induced MASH in multiple mouse models. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0419. [PMID: 38696369 PMCID: PMC11068142 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human genetic studies have identified several mitochondrial amidoxime-reducing component 1 (MTARC1) variants as protective against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The MTARC1 variants are associated with decreased plasma lipids and liver enzymes and reduced liver-related mortality. However, the role of mARC1 in fatty liver disease is still unclear. METHODS Given that mARC1 is mainly expressed in hepatocytes, we developed an N-acetylgalactosamine-conjugated mouse Mtarc1 siRNA, applying it in multiple in vivo models to investigate the role of mARC1 using multiomic techniques. RESULTS In ob/ob mice, knockdown of Mtarc1 in mouse hepatocytes resulted in decreased serum liver enzymes, LDL-cholesterol, and liver triglycerides. Reduction of mARC1 also reduced liver weight, improved lipid profiles, and attenuated liver pathological changes in 2 diet-induced metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis mouse models. A comprehensive analysis of mARC1-deficient liver from a metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis mouse model by metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics showed that Mtarc1 knockdown partially restored metabolites and lipids altered by diet. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, reducing mARC1 expression in hepatocytes protects against metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis in multiple murine models, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for this chronic liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjun Guo
- Research Biomarkers, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Zhengyu Gao
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Edward L. LaGory
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lewis Wilson Kristin
- Translational Safety and Bioanalytical Sciences, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jamila Gupte
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yan Gong
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Matthew J. Rardin
- Discovery Technology Platforms, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Tongyu Liu
- Center for Research Acceleration by Digital Innovation, Amgen Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Thong T. Nguyen
- Center for Research Acceleration by Digital Innovation, Amgen Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason Long
- RNA Therapeutics, Amgen Research, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Yi-Hsiang Hsu
- Center for Research Acceleration by Digital Innovation, Amgen Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Justin K. Murray
- RNA Therapeutics, Amgen Research, One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
| | - Julie Lade
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Simon Jackson
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jun Zhang
- Cardiometabolic Disorders, Amgen Research, South San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mahmoudi SK, Tarzemani S, Aghajanzadeh T, Kasravi M, Hatami B, Zali MR, Baghaei K. Exploring the role of genetic variations in NAFLD: implications for disease pathogenesis and precision medicine approaches. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:190. [PMID: 38504356 PMCID: PMC10953212 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01708-8] [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: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver diseases, affecting more than one-quarter of people worldwide. Hepatic steatosis can progress to more severe forms of NAFLD, including NASH and cirrhosis. It also may develop secondary diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Genetic and environmental factors regulate NAFLD incidence and progression, making it a complex disease. The contribution of various environmental risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, diet, and sedentary lifestyle, to the exacerbation of liver injury is highly understood. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of genetic variations in the NAFLD occurrence or its deterioration still need to be clarified. Hence, understanding the genetic susceptibility to NAFLD is essential for controlling the course of the disease. The current review discusses genetics' role in the pathological pathways of NAFLD, including lipid and glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, cellular stresses, and immune responses. Additionally, it explains the role of the genetic components in the induction and progression of NAFLD in lean individuals. Finally, it highlights the utility of genetic knowledge in precision medicine for the early diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Kosar Mahmoudi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran
| | - Shadi Tarzemani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran
| | - Taha Aghajanzadeh
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran.
| | - Mohammadreza Kasravi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, 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, 1985714711, Iran.
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985714711, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bale G, Kulkarni AV, Padaki NR, Menon PB, Sharma M, Iyengar S, Sekaran A, Pawar SC, Duvvur NR, Vishnubhotla R. Comparing rare variants versus common in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a whole exome sequencing approach. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:587-595. [PMID: 37939728 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16394] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Genome-wide association studies have reported the association of common variants with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in genes, namely, PNPLA3/TM6SF2/MBOAT7/HSD17B13, across ethnicities. However, the approach does not identify rarer variants with a higher effect size. We therefore sequenced the complete exonic regions of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and controls to compare rare and common variants with a role in the pathogenesis. METHODS This is a prospective study that recruited 54 individuals with/without fatty infiltration. Patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and persistently elevated liver enzymes were included. Controls were with normal CT/MR fat fraction. DNA was isolated from whole blood, amplified (SureSelectXT Human All Exon V5 + UTR kit) and sequenced (Illumina). Data were filtered for quality, aligned (hg19), and annotated (OpenCRAVAT). Pathogenic (Polyphen-2/SIFT/ClinVar) variants and variants reported to be associated with NAFLD based on published literature were extracted from our data and compared between patients and controls. RESULTS The mean age of controls (N = 17) and patients (N = 37) was 46.88 ± 6.94 and 37.46 ± 13.34 years, respectively. A total of 251 missense variants out of 89 286 were classified as pathogenic. Of these, 106 (42.23%) were unique to the patients and remaining (n = 145; 57.77%) were found in both patients and controls. Majority (25/37; 67.57%) patients had a minimum of one or more rare pathogenic variant(s) related to liver pathology that was not seen in the controls. CONCLUSION Elucidating the contribution of rare pathogenic variants would enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis. Including the rarer genes in the polygenic risk scores would enhance prediction power.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Govardhan Bale
- Asian Healthcare Foundation, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Smita C Pawar
- Department of Genetics, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Smith KR, Wang W, Miller MR, Boucher M, Reynold JE, Daurio NA, Li D, Hirenallur-Shanthappa D, Ahn Y, Beebe DA, Kelly KL, Ross TT, Bence KK, Wan M. GPAT1 Deficiency in Mice Modulates NASH Progression in a Model-Dependent Manner. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:279-291. [PMID: 37844795 PMCID: PMC10829521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and its more severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is the leading cause for liver failure and liver cancer. Although the etiology is likely multifactorial, genes involved in regulating lipid metabolism are enriched in human NAFLD genome-wide association studies (GWAS), pointing to dysregulated lipid metabolism as a major pathogenic factor. Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 1 (GPAT1), encoded by GPAM, converts acyl-CoAs and glycerol-3-phosphate into lysophosphatidic acid and has been shown to regulate lipid accumulation in the liver. However, its role in mediating the progression from NAFLD to NASH has not been explored. METHODS GPAT1-deficient mice were generated and challenged with diets inducing hepatic steatosis and NASH. Effects of GPAT1 deficiency on lipid and systemic metabolic end points were evaluated. RESULTS Ablating GPAT1 globally or specifically in mouse hepatocytes reduced hepatic steatosis in the context of diet-induced or genetic obesity. Interestingly, blunting of progression from NAFLD to NASH in global GPAT1 knockout (KO) mice was model dependent. GPAT1 KO mice were protected from choline deficient, amino acid defined high-fat diet-induced NASH development, but not from the high fat, high carbohydrate, and high cholesterol diet-induced NASH. CONCLUSIONS Our preclinical data support the notion that lipid metabolism pathways regulated by GPAT1 in hepatocytes play an essential role in NASH progression, albeit in a model-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen R Smith
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Wenshan Wang
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Melissa R Miller
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Magalie Boucher
- WRDM Drug Safety, Research and Development, Pfizer Inc, Groton, Connecticut
| | - Jessica E Reynold
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Natalie A Daurio
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Dongmei Li
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Youngwook Ahn
- WRDM Target Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - David A Beebe
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth L Kelly
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Trenton T Ross
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Kendra K Bence
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Min Wan
- WRDM Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hui ST, Gong L, Swichkow C, Blencowe M, Kaminska D, Diamante G, Pan C, Dalsania M, French SW, Magyar CE, Pajukanta P, Pihlajamäki J, Boström KI, Yang X, Lusis AJ. Role of Matrix Gla Protein in Transforming Growth Factor-β Signaling and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:943-960. [PMID: 37611662 PMCID: PMC10632746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.08.007] [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: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a complex disease involving both genetic and environmental factors in its onset and progression. We analyzed NASH phenotypes in a genetically diverse cohort of mice, the Hybrid Mouse Diversity Panel, to identify genes contributing to disease susceptibility. METHODS A "systems genetics" approach, involving integration of genetic, transcriptomic, and phenotypic data, was used to identify candidate genes and pathways in a mouse model of NASH. The causal role of Matrix Gla Protein (MGP) was validated using heterozygous MGP knockout (Mgp+/-) mice. The mechanistic role of MGP in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling was examined in the LX-2 stellate cell line by using a loss of function approach. RESULTS Local cis-acting regulation of MGP was correlated with fibrosis, suggesting a causal role in NASH, and this was validated using loss of function experiments in 2 models of diet-induced NASH. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, Mgp was found to be primarily expressed in hepatic stellate cells and dendritic cells in mice. Knockdown of MGP expression in stellate LX-2 cells led to a blunted response to TGF-β stimulation. This was associated with reduced regulatory SMAD phosphorylation and TGF-β receptor ALK1 expression as well as increased expression of inhibitory SMAD6. Hepatic MGP expression was found to be significantly correlated with the severity of fibrosis in livers of patients with NASH, suggesting relevance to human disease. CONCLUSIONS MGP regulates liver fibrosis and TGF-β signaling in hepatic stellate cells and contributes to NASH pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simon T Hui
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Lili Gong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chantle Swichkow
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Montgomery Blencowe
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dorota Kaminska
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Graciel Diamante
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Calvin Pan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Meet Dalsania
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Samuel W French
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Clara E Magyar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Päivi Pajukanta
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jussi Pihlajamäki
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, and Clinical Nutrition, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kristina I Boström
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Aldons J Lusis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Benegiamo G, von Alvensleben GV, Rodríguez-López S, Goeminne LJ, Bachmann AM, Morel JD, Broeckx E, Ma JY, Carreira V, Youssef SA, Azhar N, Reilly DF, D’Aquino K, Mullican S, Bou-Sleiman M, Auwerx J. The genetic background shapes the susceptibility to mitochondrial dysfunction and NASH progression. J Exp Med 2023; 220:213867. [PMID: 36787127 PMCID: PMC9960245 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a global health concern without treatment. The challenge in finding effective therapies is due to the lack of good mouse models and the complexity of the disease, characterized by gene-environment interactions. We tested the susceptibility of seven mouse strains to develop NASH. The severity of the clinical phenotypes observed varied widely across strains. PWK/PhJ mice were the most prone to develop hepatic inflammation and the only strain to progress to NASH with extensive fibrosis, while CAST/EiJ mice were completely resistant. Levels of mitochondrial transcripts and proteins as well as mitochondrial function were robustly reduced specifically in the liver of PWK/PhJ mice, suggesting a central role of mitochondrial dysfunction in NASH progression. Importantly, the NASH gene expression profile of PWK/PhJ mice had the highest overlap with the human NASH signature. Our study exposes the limitations of using a single mouse genetic background in metabolic studies and describes a novel NASH mouse model with features of the human NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Benegiamo
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Giorgia Benegiamo:
| | | | - Sandra Rodríguez-López
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ludger J.E. Goeminne
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alexis M. Bachmann
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-David Morel
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ellen Broeckx
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Raritan, NJ, USA
| | - Jing Ying Ma
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Raritan, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Nabil Azhar
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Raritan, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Maroun Bou-Sleiman
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland,Correspondence to Johan Auwerx:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tan Y, He Q, Chan KHK. Identification of shared genetic architecture between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes: A genome-wide analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1050049. [PMID: 37033223 PMCID: PMC10073682 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1050049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of complications of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been increasing. METHOD In order to identify the shared genetic architecture of the two disease phenotypes of NAFLD and T2D, a European population-based GWAS summary and a cross-trait meta-analysis was used to identify significant shared genes for NAFLD and T2D. The enrichment of shared genes was then determined through the use of functional enrichment analysis to investigate the relationship between genes and phenotypes. Additionally, differential gene expression analysis was performed, significant differentially expressed genes in NAFLD and T2D were identified, genes that overlapped between those that were differentially expressed and cross-trait results were reported, and enrichment analysis was performed on the core genes that had been obtained in this way. Finally, the application of a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach determined the causal link between NAFLD and T2D. RESULT A total of 115 genes were discovered to be shared between NAFLD and T2D in the GWAS analysis. The enrichment analysis of these genes showed that some were involved in the processes such as the decomposition and metabolism of lipids, phospholipids, and glycerophospholipids. Additionally, through the use of differential gene expression analysis, 15 core genes were confirmed to be linked to both T2D and NAFLD. They were correlated with carcinoma cells and inflammation. Furthermore, the bidirectional MR identified a positive causal relationship between NAFLD and T2D. CONCLUSION Our study determined the genetic structure shared between NAFLD and T2D, offering a new reference for the genetic pathogenesis and mechanism of NAFLD and T2D comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Tan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qian He
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kei Hang Katie Chan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Electrical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Cardiometabolic Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- *Correspondence: Kei Hang Katie Chan,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ramos-Lopez O. Multi-Omics Nutritional Approaches Targeting Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:2142. [PMID: 36421817 PMCID: PMC9690481 DOI: 10.3390/genes13112142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a leading global cause of chronic liver disease, and is expected to become one of the most common indications of liver transplantation. MAFLD is associated with obesity, involving multiple mechanisms such as alterations in lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, hyperinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and extracellular matrix formation. However, the onset and progression of MAFLD is variable among individuals, being influenced by intrinsic (personal) and external environmental factors. In this context, sequence structural variants across the human genome, epigenetic phenomena (i.e., DNA methylation, histone modifications, and long non-coding RNAs) affecting gene expression, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and metabolomics/lipidomic fingerprints may account for differences in MAFLD outcomes through interactions with nutritional features. This knowledge may contribute to gaining a deeper understanding of the molecular and physiological processes underlying MAFLD pathogenesis and phenotype heterogeneity, as well as facilitating the identification of biomarkers of disease progression and therapeutic targets for the implementation of tailored nutritional strategies. This comprehensive literature review highlights the potential of nutrigenetic, nutriepigenetic, nutrimetagenomic, nutritranscriptomics, and nutrimetabolomic approaches for the prevention and management of MAFLD in humans through the lens of precision nutrition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Ramos-Lopez
- Medicine and Psychology School, Autonomous University of Baja California, Tijuana 22390, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ray G. Management of liver diseases: Current perspectives. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:5818-5826. [PMID: 36353204 PMCID: PMC9639658 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i40.5818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing incidence and prevalence of acute and chronic liver diseases (CLDs) all over the world which influence the quality of life and can give rise to life threatening complications. The burden of advanced liver disease due to hepatitis B has been controlled by antivirals but its eradication is difficult soon. Highly effective directly acting antiviral therapy has reduced the burden of hepatitis C but is partially offset by increasing IV drug abuse. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease pandemic is on and there is recent alarming increase in alcohol related liver disease, both of which have no drug cure apart from control of the risk factors. Genetic factors have been identified in progression of all forms of CLD. Due to better management of complications of CLD, the life span of patients have increased spiking the number of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and patients needing liver transplantation (LT). The present severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus pandemic has affected the outcome CLD including LT in addition to causing acute hepatitis. Better diagnostics and therapeutics are available for liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, HCC and post LT management and many drugs are under trial. The present review summarises the current scenario of the epidemiology and the advances in diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases including their complications like portal hypertension, HCC and LT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gautam Ray
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, B.R.Singh (Railway) Hospital, Kolkata 700014, West Bengal, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Mitrovic B, Gluvic ZM, Obradovic M, Radunovic M, Rizzo M, Banach M, Isenovic ER. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus: where do we stand today? Arch Med Sci 2022; 19:884-894. [PMID: 37560721 PMCID: PMC10408022 DOI: 10.5114/aoms/150639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are metabolic disorders that belong to a highly prevalent disease cluster with a significant impact on public health worldwide. MetS is a complex condition characterized by metabolism perturbations that include glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, associated pro-inflammatory state, and arterial hypertension. Because the components of MetS commonly co-occur, the management of these disorders cannot be considered separate issues. Thus NAFLD, recognized as a hepatic manifestation of MetS, is frequently associated with T2DM. This review analyses the underlying connections between these diseases and the risks associated with their co-occurrence. The effective management of NAFLD associated with MetS and T2DM involves an early diagnosis and optimal treatment of each condition leading to improvement in glycaemic and lipid regulation, liver steatosis, and arterial hypertension. The net effect of such treatment is the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bojan Mitrovic
- University Clinical-Hospital Centre Zemun-Belgrade, Clinic of Internal medicine, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Zoran M. Gluvic
- University Clinical-Hospital Centre Zemun-Belgrade, Clinic of Internal medicine, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Obradovic
- Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maja Radunovic
- Faculty of Stomatology, Pancevo, University Business Academy, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Manfredi Rizzo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Esma R. Isenovic
- Department of Radiobiology and Molecular Genetics, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences – National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|