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Sun YD, Zhang H, Li YM, Han JJ. Abnormal metabolism in hepatic stellate cells: Pandora's box of MAFLD related hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189086. [PMID: 38342420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189086] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as key mediators in liver injury response, are believed to play a crucial role in the repair process of liver injury. However, in MAFLD patients, the normal metabolic and immunoregulatory mechanisms of HSCs become disrupted, leading to disturbances in the local microenvironment. Abnormally activated HSCs are heavily involved in the initiation and progression of HCC. The metabolic disorders and abnormal activation of HSCs not only initiate liver fibrosis but also contribute to carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the relationship between the abnormal metabolism of HSCs and the local immune system in the liver, elucidating the mechanisms of immune imbalance caused by abnormally activated HSCs in MAFLD patients. Based on this understanding, we discuss the potential and challenges of metabolic-based and immunology-based mechanisms in the treatment of MAFLD-related HCC, with a specific focus on the role of HSCs in HCC progression and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapy. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the importance of HSCs in maintaining normal liver function and highlights the significance of HSCs in the progression of MAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Dong Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yuan-Min Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Jian-Jun Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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Zhang J, Wang L, Jiang M. Diagnostic value of sphingolipid metabolism-related genes CD37 and CXCL9 in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37185. [PMID: 38394483 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037185] [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] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported to be caused by sphingolipid family inducing insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation, which can be regulated by multiple sphingolipid metabolic pathways. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of crucial sphingolipid metabolism related genes (SMRGs) in NAFLD. Firstly, the datasets (GSE48452, GSE126848, and GSE63067) from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and sphingolipid metabolism genes (SMGs) from previous research were collected for this study. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between different NAFLD and controls were acquired through "limma," and the SMRGs were authenticated via weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). After overlapping the DEGs and SMRGs, the causality between the intersection genes (DE-SMRGs) and NAFLD was explored to sort out the candidate biomarkers by Mendelian randomization (MR) study. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of candidate biomarkers in GSE48452 and GSE126848 were yielded to determine the biomarkers, followed by the nomogram construction and enrichment analysis. Finally, the immune infiltration analysis, the prediction of transcription factors (TFs) and drugs targeting biomarkers were put into effect. A total of 23 DE-SMRGs were acquired based on the differential analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), of which 3 DE-SMRGs (CD37, CXCL9 and IL7R) were picked out for follow-up analysis through univariate and multivariate MR analysis. The values of area under ROC curve of CD37 and CXCL9 were >0.7 in GSE48452 and GSE126848, thereby being regarded as biomarkers, which were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolism. With respect to the Spearman analysis between immune cells and biomarkers, CD37 and CXCL9 were significantly positively associated with M1 macrophages (P < .001), whose proportion was observably higher in NAFLD patients compared with controls. At last, TFs (ZNF460 and ZNF384) of CD37 and CXCL9 and a total of 79 chemical drugs targeting CD37 and CXCL9 were predicted. This study mined the pivotal SMRGs, CD37 and CXCL9, and systematically explored the mechanism of action of both biomarkers based on the public databases, which could tender a fresh reference for the clinical diagnosis and therapy of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Zhang
- Queen Mary School, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lingfang Wang
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meixiu Jiang
- The National Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Drugs and the Technologies, Institute of Translational Medicine, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Xu J, Xia Q, Wu T, Shao Y, Wang Y, Jin N, Tian P, Wu L, Lu X. Prophylactic treatment with Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium bifidum counteracts hepatic NK cell immune tolerance in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis induced by high fat diet. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2302065. [PMID: 38196273 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2302065] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic immunity is one of the driving forces for the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and targeting gut microbiota is believed to affect the hepatic immune constitution. Here, we aimed to investigate the hepatic immunological state in NASH, with a specific emphasis on natural killer (NK) cells. In addition, we aimed to identify the contributing species that target hepatic immunity to provide new directions and support the feasibility of immunotherapy for NASH. A possible NASH population was determined by combination of long-term severe fatty liver, metabolic disorders and increased serum CK18 to detect serum immune factors and gut microbiota. NASH was induced in mice fed a high-fat diet to verify the prophylactic effect of the functional species on the immunopathology and development of NASH. Hepatic immunologic state was examined, and the effector functions of NK cells were detected. Hepatic transcriptome, proteomic, and fecal metagenome were performed. We observed a statistical increase in serum IL-10 (p < 0.001) and non-statistical decrease in interferon-γ and IL-6 in NASH population, hinting at the possibility of immune tolerance. Fecal Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium bifidum were abundant in healthy population but depleted in NASH patients. In NASH mice, hepatic CD8+T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells were increased (p < 0.01), and NK cells were inhibited, which were identified with decreased granzyme B (p < 0.05). Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium bifidum improved hepatic pathological and metabolic cues, increased hepatic NK cells and reduced macrophages (p < 0.05). Bacteroides uniformis also restored hepatic NK cell function, which was identified as increased CD107a (p < 0.05). Transcriptional and translational profiling revealed that the functional species might restore the function of hepatic NK cells through multiple pathways, such as reduction of inhibitory molecules in NK cells. Bacteroides uniformis and Bifidobacterium bifidum are novel prophylactics for NASH that restore the impaired function of hepatic NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qiaoyun Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wu
- Department of Citizen Health, Community Health Service Center of Jinxi Town, Kunshan, China
| | - Yong Shao
- Department of Citizen Health, Community Health Service Center of Jinxi Town, Kunshan, China
| | - Yatao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Nuyun Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Peiying Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Longyun Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, China
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Liu Y, Wang Z, Jiang W, Ma Y, Wang H, Xue Y, Li Y, Gao X, Hao J, Wang Y, Chen F, Chu M. Systemic Type 2 Inflammation-Associated Atopic Dermatitis Exacerbates Periodontitis. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 2023; 185:84-98. [PMID: 37866360 DOI: 10.1159/000533434] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent and chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by Th2 cell-mediated type 2 inflammation. Emerging evidence indicated that AD patients exhibit an increased incidence of oral disorders. In the present study, we sought mechanistic insights into how AD affects periodontitis. METHODS Onset of AD was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). Furthermore, we induced periodontitis (P) in AD mice. The effect of AD in promoting inflammation and bone resorption in gingiva was evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, immunofluorescence assay, and flow cytometry were used to investigate histomorphology and cytology analysis, respectively. RNA sequencing of oral mucosa is used tissues to further understand the dynamic transcriptome changes. 16S rRNA microbial analysis is used to profile oral microbial composition. RESULTS Compared to control group, mice in AD group showed inflammatory signatures and infiltration of a proallergic Th2 (Th2A)-like subset in oral mucosa but not periodontitis, as identified by not substantial changes in mucosa swelling, alveolar bone loss, and TRAP+ osteoclasts infiltration. Similarly, more Th2A-like cell infiltration and interleukin-4 levels were significantly elevated in the oral mucosa of DNCB-P mice compared to P mice. More importantly, AD exacerbates periodontitis when periodontitis has occurred and the severity of periodontitis increased with aggravation of dermatitis. Transcriptional analysis revealed that aggravated periodontitis was positively correlated with more macrophage infiltration and abundant CCL3 secreted. AD also altered oral microbiota, indicating the re-organization of extracellular matrix. CONCLUSIONS These data provide solid evidence about exacerbation of periodontitis caused by type 2 dermatitis, advancing our understanding in cellular and microbial changes during AD-periodontitis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China,
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China,
| | - Ziyuan Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Wenting Jiang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Periodontology, Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yinchao Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Haoyan Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yintong Xue
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Hao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yuedan Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Central Laboratory, Peking University School of Stomatology, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Chu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology (Peking University), Department of Immunology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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