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Wang Y, Stoess C, Holzmann G, Mogler C, Stupakov P, Altmayr F, Schulze S, Wang B, Steffani M, Friess H, Hüser N, Holzmann B, Hartmann D, Laschinger M. Signalling of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) through RAMP1 promotes liver fibrosis via TGFβ1/Smad2 and YAP pathways. Exp Cell Res 2024; 442:114193. [PMID: 39103072 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.114193] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The liver is innervated by primary sensory nerve fibres releasing the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Elevated plasma levels of CGRP have been found in patients with liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. We hypothesised that signalling of CGRP and its receptors might regulate liver fibrosis and propose a novel potential target for the treatment. In this study, hepatic expression of CGRP and its receptor component, the receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), was dramatically increased in diseased livers of patients. In a murine liver fibrosis model, deficiency of RAMP1 resulted in attenuated fibrogenesis characterized by less collagen deposition and decreased activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Mechanistically, activity of the TGFβ1 signalling core component Smad2 was severely impaired in the absence of RAMP1, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) activity was found to be diminished in RAMP1-deficient liver parenchyma. In vitro, stimulation of the HSC line LX-2 cells with CGRP induces TGFβ1 production and downstream signalling as well as HSC activation documented by increased α-SMA expression and collagen synthesis. We further demonstrate in LX-2 cells that CGRP promotes YAP activation and its nuclear translocation subsequent to TGFβ1/Smad2 signals. These data support a promotive effect of CGRP signalling in liver fibrosis via stimulation of TGFβ1/Smad2 and YAP activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany; Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University School of Medicine, Dingjia Road 87, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Christian Stoess
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriela Holzmann
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Institute of Pathology, Trogerstr. 18, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Pavel Stupakov
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Felicitas Altmayr
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Sarah Schulze
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Baocai Wang
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany; University Hospital of Tübingen, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; The M3 Research Center, Eberhard Karls University, Otfried-Müller-Str. 37, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marcella Steffani
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Norbert Hüser
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernhard Holzmann
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Hartmann
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany; University Hospital of Tübingen, Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Hoppe-Seyler-Str. 3, 72076, Tübingen, Germany; The M3 Research Center, Eberhard Karls University, Otfried-Müller-Str. 37, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Laschinger
- Technical University of Munich, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.
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Chen S, Zhuang D, Jia Q, Guo B, Hu G. Advances in Noninvasive Molecular Imaging Probes for Liver Fibrosis Diagnosis. Biomater Res 2024; 28:0042. [PMID: 38952717 PMCID: PMC11214848 DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to chronic liver injury, which may lead to cirrhosis and cancer. Early-stage fibrosis is reversible, and it is difficult to precisely diagnose with conventional imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, and ultrasound imaging. In contrast, probe-assisted molecular imaging offers a promising noninvasive approach to visualize early fibrosis changes in vivo, thus facilitating early diagnosis and staging liver fibrosis, and even monitoring of the treatment response. Here, the most recent progress in molecular imaging technologies for liver fibrosis is updated. We start by illustrating pathogenesis for liver fibrosis, which includes capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, cellular and molecular processes involved in inflammation and fibrogenesis, as well as processes of collagen synthesis, oxidation, and cross-linking. Furthermore, the biological targets used in molecular imaging of liver fibrosis are summarized, which are composed of receptors on hepatic stellate cells, macrophages, and even liver collagen. Notably, the focus is on insights into the advances in imaging modalities developed for liver fibrosis diagnosis and the update in the corresponding contrast agents. In addition, challenges and opportunities for future research and clinical translation of the molecular imaging modalities and the contrast agents are pointed out. We hope that this review would serve as a guide for scientists and students who are interested in liver fibrosis imaging and treatment, and as well expedite the translation of molecular imaging technologies from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaofang Chen
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College,
Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Danping Zhuang
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College,
Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Qingyun Jia
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College,
Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Bing Guo
- School of Science, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Flexible Printed Electronics Technology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Carbon Materials Research and Comprehensive Application,
Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Genwen Hu
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College,
Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen 518020, Guangdong, China
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Ding F, Liu Y, Li J, Wei X, Zhao J, Liu X, Zhang L. TC14012 enhances the anti-fibrosis effects of UC-MSCs on the liver by reducing collagen accumulation and ameliorating inflammation. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:44. [PMID: 38360740 PMCID: PMC10870604 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03648-w] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are attracting attention as a promising cell-based therapy for the treatment of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. However, the strategies and potential mechanisms of MSCs therapy need further investigation. The CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 chemokine axis is well known to regulate cell migration and is involved in the regulation of liver fibrosis. This study aims to treat MSCs with a CXCR7-specific agonist to evaluate its therapeutic effects on hepatic fibrosis and potential mechanisms. METHODS TC14012, a potent agonist of CXCR7, has been used to pretreat human umbilical cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) and assess its effect on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, immunoregulation, and gene regulatory network. Then, CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice models were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of TC14012-treated UC-MSCs for treating hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS TC14012 increased CXCR7 expression in UC-MSCs. Notably, co-culture of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) with TC14012-pretreated UC-MSCs increased CXCR7 expression in LSEC. Additionally, TC14012 promoted cell migration and mediated the immunoregulation of UC-MSCs. Compared to UC-MSCs without TC14012 pretreatment, UC-MSCs treated with TC14012 ameliorated live fibrosis by restoring CXCR7 expression, reducing collagen fibril accumulation, inhibiting hepatic stellate cells activation, and attenuating the inflammatory response. CONCLUSION This study suggests that TC14012 pretreatment can enhance the therapeutic effects of UC-MSCs on liver fibrosis, mainly by promoting the migration and immunoregulation of MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Ding
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jia Li
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xiao Wei
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jiangdong Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Aerospace Medicine, Ministry of Education, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
| | - Liqiang Zhang
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China.
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Puengel T, Tacke F. Cell type-specific actions of thyroid hormones in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis. Liver Int 2024; 44:275-278. [PMID: 38289588 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Puengel
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Duan Y, Zhang H, Tan T, Ye W, Yin K, Yu Y, Kang M, Yang J, Liao R. The immune response of hepatocellular carcinoma after locoregional and systemic therapies: The available combination option for immunotherapy. Biosci Trends 2024; 17:427-444. [PMID: 37981319 DOI: 10.5582/bst.2023.01275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a highly heterogeneous immune environment that produces an immune response to various locoregional treatments (LRTs), which in turn affects the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Although LRTs still dominate HCC therapies, 50-60% of patients will ultimately be treated with systemic therapies and might receive those treatments for the rest of their life. TACE, SIRT, and thermal ablation can dramatically increase the immunosuppressive state of HCC, a condition that can be addressed by combination with immunotherapy to restore the activity of lymphocytes and the secretion of cellular immune factors. Immune treatment with locoregional and systemic treatments has dramatically changed the management of HCC. In this review, we examine the research on the changes in the immune microenvironment after locoregional or systemic treatment. We also summarize the regulation of various immune cells and immune factors in the tumor microenvironment and discuss the different infiltration degrees of immune cells and factors on the prognosis of HCC to better compare the efficacy between different treatment methods from the perspective of the tumor microenvironment. This information can be used to help develop treatment options for the upcoming new era of HCC treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Duan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Tan
- Chongqing Health Statistics Information Center, Chongqing, China
| | - Wentao Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kunli Yin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanxi Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Meiqing Kang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Bogomolova A, Balakrishnan A, Ott M, Sharma AD. "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" - About Diverse Phenotypes of Hepatic Stellate Cells in the Liver. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:607-622. [PMID: 38216053 PMCID: PMC10900761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.002] [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: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and their activated derivatives, often referred to as myofibroblasts (MFs), play a key role in progression of chronic liver injuries leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Until recently, MFs were considered a homogenous cell type majorly due to lack of techniques that allow complex molecular studies at a single-cell resolution. Recent technical advancements in genetic lineage-tracing models as well as the exponential growth of studies with single-cell transcriptome and proteome analyses have uncovered hidden heterogeneities among the HSC and MF populations in healthy states as well as chronic liver injuries at the various stages of tissue deformation. The identification of different phenotypes along the HSC/MF axis, which either maintain essential liver functions ("good" HSCs), emerge during fibrosis ("bad" HSCs), or even promote hepatocellular carcinoma ("ugly" HSCs), may lay the foundation for targeting a particular MF phenotype as potential treatment for chronic liver injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bogomolova
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group RNA Therapeutics & Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Asha Balakrishnan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Ott
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Amar Deep Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group RNA Therapeutics & Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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7
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Nazeer B, Khawar MB, Khalid MU, Hamid SE, Rafiq M, Abbasi MH, Sheikh N, Ali A, Fatima H, Ahmad S. Emerging role of lipophagy in liver disorders. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1-11. [PMID: 36943663 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04707-1] [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: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Lipophagy is a selective degradation of lipids by a lysosomal-mediated pathway, and dysregulation of lipophagy is linked with the pathological hallmark of many liver diseases. Downregulation of lipophagy in liver cells results in abnormal accumulation of LDs (Lipid droplets) in hepatocytes which is a characteristic feature of several liver pathologies such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Contrarily, upregulation of lipophagy in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is associated with hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Lipid metabolism reprogramming in violent cancer cells contributes to the progression of liver cancer. In this review, we have summarized the recent studies focusing on various components of the lipophagic machinery that can be modulated for their potential role as therapeutic agents against a wide range of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bismillah Nazeer
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Applied Molecular Biology and Biomedicine Lab, Department of Zoology, University of Narowal, Narowal, Pakistan.
| | - Muhammad Usman Khalid
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Eisha Hamid
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Mussarat Rafiq
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | | | - Nadeem Sheikh
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Ahmad Ali
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hooriya Fatima
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Ahmad
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
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Mastoridou EM, Goussia AC, Kanavaros P, Charchanti AV. Involvement of Lipophagy and Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy in the Pathogenesis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulation of Lipid Droplets. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15891. [PMID: 37958873 PMCID: PMC10649352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115891] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as the accumulation of lipids in the form of lipid droplets in more than 5% of hepatocytes. It is regarded as a range of diverse pathologies, including simple steatosis and steatohepatitis. The structural characteristics of lipid droplets, along with their protein composition, mainly including perilipins, have been implicated in the etiology of the disease. These proteins have garnered increasing attention as a pivotal regulator since their levels and distinct expression appear to be associated with the progression from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis. Perilipins are target proteins of chaperone-mediated autophagy, and their degradation is a prerequisite for lipolysis and lipophagy to access the lipid core. Both lipophagy and chaperone-mediated autophagy have significant implications on the development of the disease, as evidenced by their upregulation during the initial phases of simple steatosis and their subsequent downregulation once steatosis is established. On the contrary, during steatohepatitis, the process of chaperone-mediated autophagy is enhanced, although lipophagy remains suppressed. Evidently, the reduced levels of autophagic pathways observed in simple steatosis serve as a defensive mechanism against lipotoxicity. Conversely, in steatohepatitis, chaperone-mediated autophagy fails to compensate for the continuous generation of small lipid droplets and thus cannot protect hepatocytes from lipotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleftheria M. Mastoridou
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (E.M.M.); (P.K.)
| | - Anna C. Goussia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Panagiotis Kanavaros
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (E.M.M.); (P.K.)
| | - Antonia V. Charchanti
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece; (E.M.M.); (P.K.)
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Tacke F, Puengel T, Loomba R, Friedman SL. An integrated view of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic targets for the treatment of NASH. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(23)00218-0. [PMID: 37061196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Successful development of treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been challenging. Because NASH and fibrosis lead to NAFLD progression towards cirrhosis and to clinical outcomes, approaches have either sought to attenuate metabolic dysregulation and cell injury, or directly target the inflammation and fibrosis that ensue. Targets for reducing the activation of inflammatory cascades include nuclear receptor agonists (thyroid hormone receptor-beta, e.g. resmetirom, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPAR], e.g. lanifibranor, farnesoid X receptor [FXR], e.g. obeticholic acid), modulators of lipotoxicity (e.g. aramchol, acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors) or modification of genetic variants (e.g. PNPLA3 gene silencing). Extrahepatic inflammatory signals from circulation, adipose tissue or gut are targets of hormonal agonists (e.g. glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] like semaglutide, fibroblast growth factor [FGF]-19 or FGF21), microbiota or lifestyle (weight loss, diet, exercise) interventions. Stress signals and hepatocyte death activate immune responses engaging innate (macrophages, lymphocytes) and adaptive (auto-aggressive T-cells) mechanisms. Therapies seek to blunt immune cell activation, recruitment (chemokine receptor inhibitors) and responses (e.g. galectin 3 inhibition, anti-platelet drugs). The disease-driving pathways of NASH converge to elicit fibrosis, which is reversible. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into matrix-producing myofibroblasts can be inhibited by antagonizing soluble factors (e.g. integrins, cytokines), cellular crosstalk (e.g. with macrophages), and agonizing nuclear receptor signaling (e.g. FXR or PPAR agonists). In advanced fibrosis, cell therapy with restorative macrophages or reprogrammed T-cells (e.g., CAR T) may accelerate repair through HSC deactivation or killing, or by enhancing matrix degradation. Heterogeneity of disease - either due to genetics or divergent disease drivers - is an obstacle to defining effective drugs for all patients with NASH that will be incrementally overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tobias Puengel
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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Xiang L, Wang X, Shao Y, Jiao Q, Cheng J, Zheng X, Zhou S, Chen Y. Folate Decoration Supports the Targeting of Camptothecin Micelles against Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells and the Suppression of Fibrogenesis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:2030-2042. [PMID: 36571106 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c16616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As the central cellular player in fibrogenesis, activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the major target of antifibrotic nanomedicines. Based on our finding that activated HSCs increase the expression of folate receptor alpha (FRα), we tried to apply folic acid (FA) decoration to generate an active drug-targeting at aHSCs and suppress hepato-fibrogenesis. FA-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers (PEG-PCL) were synthesized and self-assembled into the spherical micelles that owned a uniform size distribution averaging at 60 nm, excellent hemo- and cyto-compatibility, and pH-sensitive stability. These FA-modified micelles were preferentially ingested by aHSCs as expected and accumulated more in acutely CCl4 injured mouse livers compared to nondecorated counterparts. Such an aHSC targetability facilitated the loaded medicinal camptothecin (CPT) to achieve a greater therapeutic efficacy and inhibition of MF phenotypic genes in aHSCs. Encouragingly, though free CPT and nontargeting CPT micelles produced negligible curative outcomes, FA-decorated CPT micelles yielded effectively remedial effects in chronically CCl4-induced fibrotic mice, as represented by a significant shrinkage of aHSC population, suppression of fibrogenesis, and recovery of liver structure and function, clearly indicating the success of the folate decoration-supported aHSC-targeted strategy for antifibrotic nanomedicines in fibrosis resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiang
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yaru Shao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jiao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jiang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Xiaotong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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Biswas S, Yadav N, Juneja P, Mourya AK, Kaur S, Tripathi DM, Chauhan VS. Conformationally Restricted Dipeptide-Based Nanoparticles for Delivery of siRNA in Experimental Liver Cirrhosis. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:36811-36824. [PMID: 36278038 PMCID: PMC9583317 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is a major health problem with multiple associated complications. The presently available drug delivery systems showed moderate site-specific delivery of antifibrotic molecules to the diseased liver; therefore, research on more effective and selective delivery systems in the context of liver cirrhosis remains a necessity in clinical investigation. The aim of the present study was to develop a peptide-based targeted nanocarrier to deliver an oligonucleotide to the hepatic sinusoidal and perivascular regions of the cirrhotic liver. We have synthesized and characterized a conformationally restricted targeted pentapeptide (RΔFRGD), which contains an unnatural amino acid, α,β-dehydrophenylalanine (ΔF). The RΔFRGD self-assembled into spherical nanoparticles (NPs) and was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Next, we investigated the delivery potential of the pentapeptide-based NPs to make a stable complex with a well-established small interference RNA and studied its site-specific delivery in experimental liver cirrhosis. We used siNR4A1 of the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1), a well-known regulatory checkpoint for controlling liver fibrosis. Peptide NPs and their complex with siNR4A1 showed high biocompatibility against various mammalian cell lines. Hepatic tissue biodistribution analysis illustrated that targeted NPs predominantly accumulated in the cirrhotic liver compared to normal rats, specifically in sinusoidal and perivascular areas. A significant downregulation of the NR4A1 mRNA expression (-70%) andlower levels of the NR4A1/GAPDH ratio (-55%) were observed in the RΔFRGD-siNR4A1 nanocomplex-treated group in comparison to the RΔFRGD-vehicle group (RΔFRGD-Veh) at the gene and protein levels, respectively. In addition, in vivo inhibition of NR4A1 produced a significant aggravation in hepatic fibrosis compared with siRNA-vehicle-treated rats (+41% in the MT stain). The novel pentapeptide-based targeted delivery system can be further evaluated and validated for therapeutic purposes in various pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Biswas
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Nitin Yadav
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Pinky Juneja
- Institute
of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India
| | | | - Savneet Kaur
- Institute
of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India
| | | | - Virander Singh Chauhan
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
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12
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Jie L, Hong RT, Zhang YJ, Sha LL, Chen W, Ren XF. Melatonin Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting Autophagy. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:498-504. [PMID: 35583587 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2530-7] [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: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Melatonin has been reported to suppress inflammation and alleviate liver fibrosis, but its effect on autophagy in liver fibrosis has not been studied. This study investigated the effect of melatonin on autophagy in an animal model of liver fibrosis and the hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-T6 cell line. METHODS The model was established in rats through carbon tetrachloride treatment, and melatonin was administered at three doses (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg). Haematoxylin and eosin staining and Van Gieson's staining were performed to examine the pathological changes of liver. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Beclin1 in liver tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The protein levels of α-SMA, Beclin1 and LC3 in the animal model were detected by Western blot analysis, and gene levels of Beclin1 and LC3 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in the animal model. HSC-T6 cells were activated by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). The expression of α-SMA, Beclin1 and collagen I was detected by Western blot analysis, and the gene expression of Beclin1 and LC3 was detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS Melatonin reduced the expression of α-SMA, Beclin1 and LC3 in liver tissues. In addition, melatonin inhibited the activation of HSC-T6 cells and the expression of α-SMA, Beclin1 and LC3 in these cells. These results revealed that melatonin could inhibit autophagy and HSC activation. CONCLUSION Melatonin might ameliorate liver fibrosis by regulating autophagy, suggesting that melatonin is a potential therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jie
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Ru-Tao Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Yu-Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Lu-Lin Sha
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of Cardiothoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China
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13
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Li XZ, Jiang SY, Li GQ, Jiang QR, Li JW, Li CC, Han YQ, Song BL, Ma XR, Qi W, Qiu WW. Synthesis of heterocyclic ring-fused analogs of HMG499 as novel degraders of HMG-CoA reductase that lower cholesterol. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 236:114323. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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14
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Capacity of extracellular globins to reduce liver fibrosis via scavenging reactive oxygen species and promoting MMP-1 secretion. Redox Biol 2022; 52:102286. [PMID: 35334247 PMCID: PMC8956869 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & aims Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary cell type in liver fibrosis, a significant global health care burden. Cytoglobin (CYGB), a globin family member expressed in HSCs, inhibits HSC activation and reduces collagen production. We studied the antifibrotic properties of globin family members hemoglobin (HB), myoglobin (MB), and neuroglobin (NGB) in comparison with CYGB. Approach & results We characterized the biological activities of globins in cultured human HSCs (HHSteCs) and their effects on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cirrhosis in mice. All globins demonstrated greater antioxidant capacity than glutathione in cell-free systems. Cellular fractionation revealed endocytosis of extracellular MB, NGB, and CYGB, but not HB; endocytosed globins localized to intracellular membranous, cytoplasmic, and cytoskeletal fractions. MB, NGB, and CYGB, but not HB, scavenged reactive oxygen species generated spontaneously or stimulated by H2O2 or transforming growth factor β1 in HHSteCs and reduced collagen 1A1 production via suppressing COL1A1 promoter activity. Disulfide bond-mutant NGB displayed decreased heme and superoxide scavenging activity and reduced collagen inhibitory capacity. RNA sequencing of MB- and NGB-treated HHSteCs revealed downregulation of extracellular matrix–encoding and fibrosis-related genes and HSC deactivation markers. Upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 was observed following MB and NGB treatment, and MMP-1 knockdown partially reversed globin-mediated effects on secreted collagen. Importantly, administration of MB, NGB, and CYGB suppressed CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis. Conclusions These findings revealed unexpected roles for MB and NGB in deactivating HSCs and inhibiting liver fibrosis development, suggesting that globin therapy may represent a new strategy for combating fibrotic liver disease. Myoglobin, neuroglobin, and cytoglobin, but not hemoglobin:Internalize into human hepatic stellate cells via endocytosis pathway. Scavenge intracellular reactive oxidative species. Suppress COL1A1 promoter activity and promote matrix metaloproteinase-1 secretion. Suppress carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse liver fibrosis.
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15
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Comprehensive analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics to illustrate the underlying mechanism of helenalin against hepatic fibrosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 919:174770. [PMID: 35120860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the protective mechanisms of helenalin on hepatic fibrosis. In brief, rats were intragastrically administrated with 50% CCl4 for 9 weeks to induce liver fibrosis, followed by treatment with various agents for 6 weeks. The effects of helenalin on hepatic injury were assessed by pathological examinations. The potential targets were predicted by the "Drug-Disease" bioinformatic analysis and then verified by multiple experiments. Moreover, the underlying mechanism was investigated by transcriptomics and metabolomics as a whole. The results showed that helenalin significantly alleviated hepatocyte necrosis and hepatic injury, as proved by the pathological examinations. Also, helenalin markedly attenuated hepatocyte apoptosis by regulating the expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 families. Besides, helenalin could significantly reduce collagen accumulation, as evidenced by the decreased contents of collagen, hyaluronic acid and laminin. Moreover, helenalin significantly down-regulated the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, FAK, mTOR and P70S6K, and PTEN protein expression, suggesting that helenalin inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade. Meanwhile, helenalin inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway by reducing the phosphorylation of IκBα, NF-κB p65 and IKKα/β, alleviating inflammation response. Interestingly, the analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics indicated that helenalin inhibited the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway by down-regulating the target genes (CHKA, ETNPPL, LYPLA1, PCYT2, PLD4 and PNPLA6), ultimately ameliorating hepatocyte damage. In conclusion, helenalin ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways and the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway.
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Lu J, Guo J, Liu J, Mao X, Xu K. Long Non-coding RNA MALAT1: A Key Player in Liver Diseases. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 8:734643. [PMID: 35145971 PMCID: PMC8821149 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.734643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exceed 200 nucleotides in length are considered to be involved in both developmental processes and various diseases. Here, we focus on lncRNA MALAT1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1), which was one of the most important lncRNAs in proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. MALAT1 plays a regulatory role in liver diseases, including hepatic fibrosis, liver regeneration, liver cancer, and fatty liver diseases. In the current review, we summarize the latest literature about the function roles of MALAT1 in liver disorders. Probing the regulatory mechanism and cross talk of MALAT1 with other signaling pathways of pathological processes would improve the prognosis, diagnosis of liver diseases, and offer a promising candidate target for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaomin Mao
- Haining People' Hospital, Haining Branch, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Haining, China
| | - Kaijin Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Kaijin Xu
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17
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Solhi R, Lotfi AS, Lotfinia M, Farzaneh Z, Piryaei A, Najimi M, Vosough M. Hepatic stellate cell activation by TGFβ induces hedgehog signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress simultaneously. Toxicol In Vitro 2022; 80:105315. [PMID: 35051607 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellates (HSCs) is known as the major cause of initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. A wide array of events occurs during HSC activation including induction of hedgehog (Hh) signaling and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Targeting HSC activation may provide promising insights into liver fibrosis treatment. In this regard, establishing in vitro models which can mimic the molecular pathways of interest is very important. We aimed to activate HSC in which Hh signaling and ER stress are stimulated simultaneously. We used 5 ng/ml TGFβ to activate LX-2 cells, HSC cell line. Gene expression analysis using qRT-PCR, immunostaining and immunoblotting were performed to show HSC activation associated markers. Furthermore, the migration capacity of the TGFβ treated cells is evaluated. The results demonstrated that major fibrogenic markers including collagen1a, lysyl oxidase, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 genes are up-regulated significantly. In addition, our immunofluorescence and immunoblotting results showed that protein levels of GLI-2 and XBP1, were enhanced. Moreover, we found that TGFβ treatment reduced the migration of LX-2 cells. Our results are compatible with high throughput data analysis with respect to differentially expressed genes of activated HSC compared to the quiescent ones. Moreover, our findings suggest that quercetin can reduce fibrogenic markers of activated HSCs as well as osteopontin expression, a target gene of hedgehog signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roya Solhi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Sahebghadam Lotfi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Lotfinia
- Physiology Research Center, Basic Sciences Research Institute, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran; Core Research Lab, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Zahra Farzaneh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717443, Iran
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran 1665659911, Iran; Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Ashour AA, El-Kamel AH, Abdelmonsif DA, Khalifa HM, Ramadan AA. Modified Lipid Nanocapsules for Targeted Tanshinone IIA Delivery in Liver Fibrosis. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:8013-8033. [PMID: 34916792 PMCID: PMC8671377 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s331690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Liver fibrosis represents a serious global disease with no approved treatment. Tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) is a phytomedicine with documented activity in treating many hepatic disorders. TSIIA has been reported to have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can also induce apoptosis for activated hepatic stellate cells, and is thereby considered as a promising herbal remedy for treating fibrotic liver. However, its poor aqueous solubility, short half-life, exposure to the first-pass effect, and low concentration reaching targeted cells constitute the major barriers hindering its effective therapeutic potential. Therefore, this work aimed at enhancing TSIIA systemic bioavailability together with achieving active targeting potential to fibrotic liver via its incorporation into novel modified lipid nanocapsules (LNCs). Methods Blank and TSIIA-loaded LNCs modified with either hyaluronate sodium or phosphatidyl serine were successfully prepared, optimized, and characterized both in vitro and in vivo. Results The developed LNCs showed good colloidal properties (size ≤100 nm and PDI ≤0.2), high drug-entrapment efficiency (>97%) with sustained-release profile for 24 hours, high storage stability up to 6 months, and good in vitro serum stability. After a single intraperitoneal injection, the administered LNCs exhibited a 2.4-fold significant increase in AUC0–∞ compared with the TSIIA suspension (p≤0.01). Biodistribution-study results proved the liver-targeting ability of the prepared modified LNCs, with a significant ~1.5-fold increase in hepatic accumulation compared with the unmodified formulation (p≤0.05). Moreover, the modified formulations had an improved antifibrotic effect compared with both unmodified LNCs and TSIIA suspension, as evidenced by the results of biochemical and histopathological evaluation. Conclusion The modified TSIIA-LNCs could be regarded as promising novel targeted nanomedicines for effective management of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa A Ashour
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Amal H El-Kamel
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
| | - Doaa A Abdelmonsif
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt.,Center of Excellence for Research in Regenerative Medicine and Applications (CERRMA), Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt
| | - Hoda M Khalifa
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21131, Egypt
| | - Alyaa A Ramadan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21521, Egypt
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19
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Oyster-Derived Tyr-Ala (YA) Peptide Prevents Lipopolysaccharide/D-Galactosamine-Induced Acute Liver Failure by Suppressing Inflammatory, Apoptotic, Ferroptotic, and Pyroptotic Signals. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19110614. [PMID: 34822485 PMCID: PMC8624370 DOI: 10.3390/md19110614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Models created by the intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-galactosamine (D-GalN) have been widely used to study the pathogenesis of human acute liver failure (ALF) and drug development. Our previous study reported that oyster (Crassostrea gigas) hydrolysate (OH) had a hepatoprotective effect in LPS/D-GalN-injected mice. This study was performed to identify the hepatoprotective effect of the tyrosine-alanine (YA) peptide, the main component of OH, in a LPS/D-GalN-injected ALF mice model. We analyzed the effect of YA on previously known mechanisms of hepatocellular injury in the model. LPS/D-GalN-injected mice showed inflammatory, apoptotic, ferroptotic, and pyroptotic liver injury. The pre-administration of YA (10 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg) significantly reduced the liver damage factors. The hepatoprotective effect of YA was higher in the 50 mg/kg YA pre-administered group than in the 10 mg/kg YA pre-administered group. These results showed that YA had a hepatoprotective effect by reducing inflammation, apoptosis, ferroptosis, and pyroptosis in the LPS/D-GalN-injected ALF mouse model. We suggest that YA can be used as a functional peptide for the prevention of acute liver injury.
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Abstract
Antifibrotic therapies for the treatment of liver fibrosis represent an unconquered area of drug development. The significant involvement of the gut microbiota as a driving force in a multitude of liver disease, be it pathogenesis or fibrotic progression, suggest that targeting the gut–liver axis, relevant signaling pathways, and/or manipulation of the gut’s commensal microbial composition and its metabolites may offer opportunities for biomarker discovery, novel therapies and personalized medicine development. Here, we review potential links between bacterial translocation and deficits of host-microbiome compartmentalization and liver fibrosis that occur in settings of advanced chronic liver disease. We discuss established and emerging therapeutic strategies, translated from our current knowledge of the gut–liver axis, targeted at restoring intestinal eubiosis, ameliorating hepatic fibrosis and rising portal hypertension that characterize and define the course of decompensated cirrhosis.
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21
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Kumar V, Xin X, Ma J, Tan C, Osna N, Mahato RI. Therapeutic targets, novel drugs, and delivery systems for diabetes associated NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113888. [PMID: 34314787 PMCID: PMC8440458 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fourth-leading cause of death. Hyperglycemia induces various complications, including nephropathy, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are several etiological factors leading to liver disease development, which involve insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Free fatty acid (FFA) accumulation in the liver exerts oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses. Hepatocyte injury induces release of inflammatory cytokines from Kupffer cells (KCs), which are responsible for activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this review, we will discuss various molecular targets for treating chronic liver diseases, including homeostasis of FFA, lipid metabolism, and decrease in hepatocyte apoptosis, role of growth factors, and regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and HSC activation. This review will also critically assess different strategies to enhance drug delivery to different cell types. Targeting nanocarriers to specific liver cell types have the potential to increase efficacy and suppress off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jingyi Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Chalet Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Natalia Osna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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22
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Acharya P, Chouhan K, Weiskirchen S, Weiskirchen R. Cellular Mechanisms of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:671640. [PMID: 34025430 PMCID: PMC8134740 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.671640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a central organ in the human body, coordinating several key metabolic roles. The structure of the liver which consists of the distinctive arrangement of hepatocytes, hepatic sinusoids, the hepatic artery, portal vein and the central vein, is critical for its function. Due to its unique position in the human body, the liver interacts with components of circulation targeted for the rest of the body and in the process, it is exposed to a vast array of external agents such as dietary metabolites and compounds absorbed through the intestine, including alcohol and drugs, as well as pathogens. Some of these agents may result in injury to the cellular components of liver leading to the activation of the natural wound healing response of the body or fibrogenesis. Long-term injury to liver cells and consistent activation of the fibrogenic response can lead to liver fibrosis such as that seen in chronic alcoholics or clinically obese individuals. Unidentified fibrosis can evolve into more severe consequences over a period of time such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is well recognized now that in addition to external agents, genetic predisposition also plays a role in the development of liver fibrosis. An improved understanding of the cellular pathways of fibrosis can illuminate our understanding of this process, and uncover potential therapeutic targets. Here we summarized recent aspects in the understanding of relevant pathways, cellular and molecular drivers of hepatic fibrosis and discuss how this knowledge impact the therapy of respective disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pragyan Acharya
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Komal Chouhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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23
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Cheng QN, Yang X, Wu JF, Ai WB, Ni YR. Interaction of non‑parenchymal hepatocytes in the process of hepatic fibrosis (Review). Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:364. [PMID: 33760176 PMCID: PMC7986015 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is the process of fibrous scar formation caused by chronic liver injury of different etiologies. Previous studies have hypothesized that the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the central process in HF. The interaction between HSCs and surrounding cells is also crucial. Additionally, hepatic sinusoids capillarization, inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis develop during HF. The process involves multiple cell types that are highly connected and work in unison to maintain the homeostasis of the hepatic microenvironment, which serves a key role in the initiation and progression of HF. The current review provides novel insight into the intercellular interaction among liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, HSCs and Kupffer cells, as well as the hepatic microenvironment in the development of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Ni Cheng
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
| | - Xue Yang
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
| | - Jiang-Feng Wu
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
- The People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443000, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Bing Ai
- The Yiling Hospital of Yichang, Yichang, Hubei 443100, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Ran Ni
- Medical College, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
- Institute of Organ Fibrosis and Targeted Drug Delivery, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei 443002, P.R. China
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Zhang X, Zhang F, Zhang C, Li J. miRNA-125b Signaling Ameliorates Liver Injury Against Obstructive Jaundice-Induced Excessive Fibrosis in Experimental Rats. Yonsei Med J 2021; 62:453-460. [PMID: 33908217 PMCID: PMC8084692 DOI: 10.3349/ymj.2021.62.5.453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple pathways are involved in inducing liver fibrosis, which can damage the integrity of liver. Among them, miR-125b has been found to exert an activating action on hepatic stellate cells. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy lead to liver disorders. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic influence of miR-125b on the endoplasmic reticulum function in injured livers submitted to bile duct ligation. MATERIALS AND METHODS For inducing injury, bile duct ligation was done on miR-125b transgenic rats (miR-125b-Tg) in wild type rats. The rat T-6 cells received transfection of miR-125b mimic and Tunicamycin. Protein expressions were observed by western blot analysis. RESULTS Compared to wild type rats, liver-injured rats showed significant impairment of liver function as assessed by the total bilirubin levels. The miR-125b-Tg rats showed decrease in activity of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase. Liver tissues of miR-125b-Tg rats showed weaker fibrotic matrix formation. Upregulation of miR-125b decreased the bile duct ligation-mediated hepatic disturbances for the expressions of endoplasmic reticulum kinase, inositol-requiring kinase 1alpha, sXBP1, CHOP, LC3, p62, ULK, and caspase-3/-8/-9. T-6 cells transfected with miR-125b mimic and treated with Tunicamycin caused decrease in levels of cleaved caspase-3, sXBP1, CHOP, and LC3. The miR-125b signaling showed protective effect on the liver tissues subjected to injury and fibrosis histopathology. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates a novel insight into the miR125b-mediated stabilization of endoplasmic reticulum integrity, which slows the progression of injury-induced hepatic deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyuan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Nursing Department of Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Changxi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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Tacke F, Weiskirchen R. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver fibrosis: mechanisms, treatment and prevention. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:729. [PMID: 33987427 PMCID: PMC8106094 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive expression and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the liver. Fibrotic scarring occurs as the consequence of chronic injury and inflammation. While the successful treatment of hepatitis B and C reduced the burden of liver disease related to viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are nowadays the leading causes of hepatic fibrosis worldwide. Although basic research activities have significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular disease pathogenesis, the present therapeutic options for fibrosis are still limited. In advanced disease stages, liver transplantation often remains the only curative treatment. This highlights the necessity of preventive strategies to avoid complications of fibrosis, particularly cirrhosis, portal hypertension and liver cancer. Lifestyle modifications (weight loss, exercise, healthy diet) are the basis for prevention and treatment of NAFLD-associated fibrosis. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in antifibrotic prevention and therapy. In particular, we review the current concepts for antifibrotic drug candidates in the treatment of NAFLD and NASH. While some compounds aim at reverting pathogenic liver metabolism, an alternative approach is to disconnect the injury (e.g., NAFLD) from inflammation and/or fibrosis. Investigational drugs typically target metabolic pathways, insulin resistance, hepatocyte death, inflammatory cell recruitment or activation, the gut-liver axis, matrix expression or matrix turnover. While several promising drug candidates failed in phase 2 or 3 clinical trials (including elafibranor, emricasan and selonsertib), promising results with the farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid, the pan-PPAR agonist lanifibranor and the chemokine receptor CCR2/CCR5 inhibitor cenicriviroc support the expectation of an effective pharmacological therapy for liver fibrosis in the near future. Tackling NAFLD-associated fibrosis from different directions by combinatorial drug treatment and effective lifestyle changes hold the greatest prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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26
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Dawood RM, El-Meguid MA, Salum GM, El Awady MK. Key Players of Hepatic Fibrosis. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2020; 40:472-489. [DOI: 10.1089/jir.2020.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Reham M. Dawood
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mai A. El-Meguid
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ghada Maher Salum
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K. El Awady
- Genetic Engineering Division, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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Bartneck M, Koppe C, Fech V, Warzecha KT, Kohlhepp M, Huss S, Weiskirchen R, Trautwein C, Luedde T, Tacke F. Roles of CCR2 and CCR5 for Hepatic Macrophage Polarization in Mice With Liver Parenchymal Cell-Specific NEMO Deletion. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 11:327-347. [PMID: 32896623 PMCID: PMC7779787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Macrophages are key regulators of inflammation and cancer promotion in the liver, and their recruitment and activation is linked to chemokine receptor signaling. However, the exact roles of the chemokine receptors CCR2 and CCR5 for macrophage functions in the liver is obscure. METHODS To study CCR2 and CCR5 in inflammatory liver injury, we used mice with a hepatocyte-specific knock-out of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) essential modulator (NEMO), termed NEMOLPC-KO mice, and generated NEMOLPC-KOCcr2-/- and NEMOLPC-KOCcr5-/- mice. NEMOLPC-KO mice develop hepatitis and fibrosis after two and liver tumors after six months. RESULTS We found that both CCR2 and CCR5 deficiency led to reduced fibrosis, while CCR5 deficiency increased steatosis and tumor burden in NEMOLPC-KO mice. CCR2 was required for recruitment of hepatic macrophages, whereas CCR5 promoted stellate cell activation. The reduction of monocytes and macrophages by either anti-Gr1 antibody or clodronate-loaded liposomes (CLL), but not of CD8+ T cells or NK cells, significantly aggravated liver injury in NEMOLPC-KO mice and was further increased in NEMOLPC-KOCcr5-/- mice. CLL-induced liver injury was dampened by the adoptive transfer of ex vivo generated macrophages, whereas the adoptive transfer of control CD115+ immature monocytes or B cells did not reduce liver injury. CONCLUSIONS Although CCR2 and CCR5 principally promote liver fibrosis, they exert differential functions on hepatic macrophages during liver disease progression in NEMOLPC-KO mice. While CCR2 controls the recruitment of monocytes to injured livers, CCR5-dependent functions of liver macrophages limit hepatic injury, thereby reducing steatosis and hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christiane Koppe
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Viktor Fech
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Marlene Kohlhepp
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Huss
- Gerhard Domagk Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Tom Luedde
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Reprint requests Address requests for reprints to: Frank Tacke, MD, PhD, Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. fax: +49-30-450-553902.
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28
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Shin DW. Lipophagy: Molecular Mechanisms and Implications in Metabolic Disorders. Mol Cells 2020; 43:686-693. [PMID: 32624503 PMCID: PMC7468585 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2020.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an intracellular degradation system that breaks down damaged organelles or damaged proteins using intracellular lysosomes. Recent studies have also revealed that various forms of selective autophagy play specific physiological roles under different cellular conditions. Lipid droplets, which are mainly found in adipocytes and hepatocytes, are dynamic organelles that store triglycerides and are critical to health. Lipophagy is a type of selective autophagy that targets lipid droplets and is an essential mechanism for maintaining homeostasis of lipid droplets. However, while processes that regulate lipid droplets such as lipolysis and lipogenesis are relatively well known, the major factors that control lipophagy remain largely unknown. This review introduces the underlying mechanism by which lipophagy is induced and regulated, and the current findings on the major roles of lipophagy in physiological and pathological status. These studies will provide basic insights into the function of lipophagy and may be useful for the development of new therapies for lipophagy dysfunction-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wook Shin
- College of Biomedical & Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
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29
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Mahdinloo S, Kiaie SH, Amiri A, Hemmati S, Valizadeh H, Zakeri-Milani P. Efficient drug and gene delivery to liver fibrosis: rationale, recent advances, and perspectives. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:1279-1293. [PMID: 32874828 PMCID: PMC7451940 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic damages together with an accumulation of extracellular matrix, and no specific medical therapy is approved for that until now. Due to liver metabolic capacity for drugs, the fragility of drugs, and the presence of insurmountable physiological obstacles in the way of targeting, the development of efficient drug delivery systems for anti-fibrotics seems vital. We have explored articles with a different perspective on liver fibrosis over the two decades, then collected and summarized the information by providing corresponding in vitro and in vivo cases. We have discussed the mechanism of hepatic fibrogenesis with different ways of fibrosis induction in animals. Furthermore, the critical chemical and herbal anti-fibrotics, biological molecules such as micro-RNAs, siRNAs, and growth factors, which can affect cell division and differentiation, are mentioned. Likewise, drug and gene delivery and therapeutic systems on in vitro and in vivo models are summarized in the data tables. This review article enlightens recent advances in emerging drugs and nanocarriers and represents perspectives on targeting strategies employed in liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Mahdinloo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
| | - Seyed Hossein Kiaie
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
- Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran
| | - Ala Amiri
- Faculty of Basic Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran 1477893855, Iran
| | - Salar Hemmati
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
| | - Hadi Valizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
| | - Parvin Zakeri-Milani
- Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases Research Center and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 5166616471, Iran
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30
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Shao T, Chen Z, Belov V, Wang X, Rwema SH, Kumar V, Fu H, Deng X, Rong J, Yu Q, Lang L, Lin W, Josephson L, Samir AE, Chen X, Chung RT, Liang SH. [ 18F]-Alfatide PET imaging of integrin αvβ3 for the non-invasive quantification of liver fibrosis. J Hepatol 2020; 73:161-169. [PMID: 32145257 PMCID: PMC7363052 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The vitronectin receptor integrin αvβ3 drives fibrogenic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Molecular imaging targeting the integrin αvβ3 could provide a non-invasive method for evaluating the expression and the function of the integrin αvβ3 on activated HSCs (aHSCs) in the injured liver. In this study, we sought to compare differences in the uptake of [18F]-Alfatide between normal and injured liver to evaluate its utility for assessment of hepatic fibrogenesis. METHODS PET with [18F]-Alfatide, non-enhanced CT, histopathology, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting and gene analysis were performed to evaluate and quantify hepatic integrin αvβ3 levels and liver fibrosis progression in mouse models of fibrosis (carbon tetrachloride [CCl4] and bile duct ligation [BDL]). The liver AUC divided by the blood AUC over 30 min was used as an integrin αvβ3-PET index to quantify fibrosis progression. Ex vivo analysis of frozen liver tissue from patients with fibrosis and cirrhosis verified the animal findings. RESULTS Fibrotic mouse livers showed enhanced [18F]-Alfatide uptake and retention compared to control livers. The radiotracer was demonstrated to bind specifically with integrin αvβ3, which is mainly expressed on aHSCs. Autoradiography and histopathology confirmed the PET imaging results. Further, the mRNA and protein level of integrin αvβ3 and its signaling complex were higher in CCl4 and BDL models than controls. The results obtained from analyses on human fibrotic liver sections supported the animal findings. CONCLUSIONS Imaging hepatic integrin αvβ3 with PET and [18F]-Alfatide offers a potential non-invasive method for monitoring the progression of liver fibrosis. LAY SUMMARY Integrin αvβ3 expression on activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) is associated with HSC proliferation during hepatic fibrogenesis. Herein, we show that a radioactive tracer, [18F]-Alfatide, binds to integrin αvβ3 with high affinity and specificity. [18F]-Alfatide could thus be used as a non-invasive imaging biomarker to track hepatic fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Shao
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA; Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Zhen Chen
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Vasily Belov
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Boston, USA
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Center for Ultrasound Research & Translation, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Steve H Rwema
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Viksit Kumar
- Center for Ultrasound Research & Translation, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Hualong Fu
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Deng
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Jian Rong
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Qingzhen Yu
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Lixin Lang
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Wenyu Lin
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Lee Josephson
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Anthony E Samir
- Center for Ultrasound Research & Translation, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Nanomedicine, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA.
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
| | - Steven H Liang
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
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Azzam M, El Safy S, Abdelgelil SA, Weiskirchen R, Asimakopoulou A, de Lorenzi F, Lammers T, Mansour S, Tammam S. Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Using Collagen-Binding Chitosan Nanoparticles for siRNA Delivery to Fibrotic Livers. Pharmaceutics 2020; 12:E590. [PMID: 32630415 PMCID: PMC7356502 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics12060590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the main orchestrators of the fibrotic cascade in inflamed livers, with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) being the most potent pro-fibrotic cytokine. Hence, aHSCs serve as interesting therapeutic targets. However, drug delivery to aHSCs is hindered by excessive collagen deposition in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and capillarization of liver sinusoids. Chitosan-nanoparticles (CS-NPs) show intrinsic affinity for collagen, holding potential for drug delivery to fibrotic livers. Here, we employed CS-NPs for anti-TGF-β siRNA delivery, promoting delivery into aHSCs via modification with platelet-derived growth factor receptor-beta binding peptides. In-vitro experiments using aHSCs demonstrated the association of unmodified CS-NPs to the collagen-rich ECM, with reduced intracellular accumulation. Peptide-modified CS-NPs showed a higher propensity to localize intracellularly; however, this was only the case upon ECM-collagen reduction via collagenase treatment. Peptide-modified CS-NPs were more potent than unmodified CS-NPs in reducing TGF-β expression, implying that while collagen binding promotes liver accumulation, it hinders cell-specific siRNA delivery. In-vivo, CS-NPs successfully accumulated in fibrotic livers via collagen binding. Similar to in-vitro findings, when mice were pretreated with collagenase-loaded CS-NPs, the accumulation of peptide-modified NPs increased. Our findings demonstrate the usefulness of NPs modification with targeting ligands and collagenase treatment for aHSCs targeting and highlight the importance of chitosan-collagen binding in drug delivery to fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menna Azzam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (M.A.); (S.E.S.); (S.A.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Sara El Safy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (M.A.); (S.E.S.); (S.A.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Sarah A. Abdelgelil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (M.A.); (S.E.S.); (S.A.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Anastasia Asimakopoulou
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (R.W.); (A.A.)
| | - Federica de Lorenzi
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (F.d.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, RWTH Aachen University Clinic, D-52074 Aachen, Germany; (F.d.L.); (T.L.)
| | - Samar Mansour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (M.A.); (S.E.S.); (S.A.A.); (S.M.)
| | - Salma Tammam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy & Biotechnology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), 11835 Cairo, Egypt; (M.A.); (S.E.S.); (S.A.A.); (S.M.)
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Shi JH, Line PD. Hallmarks of postoperative liver regeneration: An updated insight on the regulatory mechanisms. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:960-966. [PMID: 31782974 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Performance and advances in liver surgery makes remarkable progress of the understanding of liver regeneration. Liver regeneration after liver resection has been widely researched, and the underlying mechanism mostly concerns proliferation of hepatocytes and the influence by inflammation through activation of Kupffer cells and the other parenchymal cells, the second regenerative pathway by hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), inducing angiogenesis, remodeling of a extracellular matrix (ECM), and termination mechanisms. New clinical surgeries and the updated multiomics analysis are exploiting the remarkable progress, especially in immune regulation and metabolic process of two emerging hallmarks. This review briefly represents a systemic outline of eight hallmarks, including hepatocyte proliferation, contribution of hepatic progenitor cells, inducing angiogenesis, reprogramming of the extracellular matrix, apoptosis and termination of proliferation, inflammation, immune and metabolic regulation, which are set as organizing characteristics of postoperative liver regeneration and future directions of refining treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hua Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Henan Key Laboratory of Digestive Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pål-Dag Line
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Institute of Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Recent Advances in Practical Methods for Liver Cell Biology: A Short Overview. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062027. [PMID: 32188134 PMCID: PMC7139397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular and cellular research modalities for the study of liver pathologies have been tremendously improved over the recent decades. Advanced technologies offer novel opportunities to establish cell isolation techniques with excellent purity, paving the path for 2D and 3D microscopy and high-throughput assays (e.g., bulk or single-cell RNA sequencing). The use of stem cell and organoid research will help to decipher the pathophysiology of liver diseases and the interaction between various parenchymal and non-parenchymal liver cells. Furthermore, sophisticated animal models of liver disease allow for the in vivo assessment of fibrogenesis, portal hypertension and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and for the preclinical testing of therapeutic strategies. The purpose of this review is to portray in detail novel in vitro and in vivo methods for the study of liver cell biology that had been presented at the workshop of the 8th meeting of the European Club for Liver Cell Biology (ECLCB-8) in October of 2018 in Bonn, Germany.
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El-Safy S, Tammam SN, Abdel-Halim M, Ali ME, Youshia J, Shetab Boushehri MA, Lamprecht A, Mansour S. Collagenase loaded chitosan nanoparticles for digestion of the collagenous scar in liver fibrosis: The effect of chitosan intrinsic collagen binding on the success of targeting. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 148:54-66. [PMID: 31945489 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A variety of hepatic insults result in the accumulation of collagen-rich new extracellular matrix in the liver, ultimately culminating in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. For such reasons, approaches looking into digestion of the collagen-rich extracellular matrix present an interesting therapeutic approach for cases of chronic liver disease, where the fibrotic scar is well established. Portal collagenase administration has recently led to the successful reversion of cirrhosis in an experimental rabbit model. Notwithstanding, the question of how such a sensitive therapeutic macromolecule could be administered in a less invasive manner, and in a way that preserves its functionality and avoids digestion of other non-hepatic vital collagen presents itself. Chitosan is a biodegradable polymer that has been reported to interact and bind to collagen. Chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) have also been reported to encapsulate therapeutic proteins, maintaining their functional form and protecting them from in-vivo degradation. For such reasons, CS NPs were loaded with collagenase and evaluated in-vitro and in-vivo for their ability to target and digest collagen. CS NPs were able to encapsulate collagenase (≈ 60% encapsulation efficiency) and release its content in active form. To determine whether chitosan's collagen interaction would enable NP collagen binding or whether the modification with collagen binding peptides (CBPs) is necessary, CS NPs were modified with the CBP; CCQDSETRTFY. Since the density of targeting ligand and the length of tether play a significant role in the success of active targeting, the surface of NPs was modified with different densities of the CBP either directly or using a polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer. PEGylated NPs showed higher levels of CBP tagging; high, intermediate and low density of CBPs corresponded to 585.8 ± 33, 252.9 ± 25.3 and 56.5 ± 8.8 µg/mL for PEGylated NPs and 425.56 ± 12.67, 107.91 ± 10.3 and 49.86 ± 3.2 µg/mL for unPEGylated NPs, respectively. In-vitro collagen binding experiments showed that unmodified CS NPs were able to bind collagen and that modification with CBPs either directly or via PEG did not enhance collagen binding. In-vivo experiments demonstrated that unmodified CS NPs were able to reverse fibrosis with a survival rate of 100% at the end of the study, indicating the ability of CS NPs to deliver functional collagenase to the fibrotic liver and making the use of CBPs unnecessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara El-Safy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salma N Tammam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Mohammad Abdel-Halim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed E Ali
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121, Germany; Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - John Youshia
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Alf Lamprecht
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, University of Bonn, Bonn 53121, Germany; PEPITE EA4267, Univ. Bourgonge Franch-Comte, Besançon, France
| | - Samar Mansour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, The German University in Cairo (GUC), Cairo, Egypt
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Higashiyama M, Tomita K, Sugihara N, Nakashima H, Furuhashi H, Nishikawa M, Inaba K, Wada A, Horiuchi K, Hanawa Y, Shibuya N, Kurihara C, Okada Y, Nishii S, Mizoguchi A, Hozumi H, Watanabe C, Komoto S, Yamamoto J, Seki S, Miura S, Hokari R. Chitinase 3-like 1 deficiency ameliorates liver fibrosis by promoting hepatic macrophage apoptosis. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:1316-1328. [PMID: 31250532 PMCID: PMC6916176 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1), an 18-glycosyl hydrolase-related molecule, is a member of the enzymatically inactive chitinase-like protein family. Serum levels of CHI3L1 are strongly correlated with hepatic fibrosis progression during many liver diseases. Therefore, this protein could be involved in the development of hepatic fibrosis pathology; however, its role has not been elucidated. We aimed to elucidate its role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis. METHODS Chitinase 3-like 1-deficient (Chi3l1-/- ) mice were given carbon tetrachloride twice per week for 4 weeks or fed a methionine choline-deficient diet for 12 weeks to generate mouse liver fibrosis models. Human fibrotic liver tissues were also examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS In human and mouse fibrotic livers, CHI3L1 expression was mainly localized to hepatic macrophages, and the intrahepatic accumulation of CHI3L1+ macrophages was significantly enhanced compared to that in control livers. In the two mouse models, hepatic fibrosis was significantly ameliorated in Chi3l1-/- mice compared to that in wild-type mice, which was dependent on hepatic macrophages. The accumulation and activation of hepatic macrophages was also significantly suppressed in Chi3l1-/- mice compared to that in wild-type mice. Furthermore, apoptotic hepatic macrophages were significantly increased in Chi3l1-/- mice. Chitinase 3-like 1 was found to inhibit hepatic macrophage apoptosis by suppressing Fas expression and activating Akt signaling in an autocrine manner, which resulted in hepatic macrophage accumulation and activation, exaggerating liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Chitinase 3-like 1 exacerbates liver fibrosis progression by suppressing apoptosis in hepatic macrophages. Therefore, this might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Higashiyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Kengo Tomita
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Nao Sugihara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | | | - Hirotaka Furuhashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Makoto Nishikawa
- Departments of SurgeryNational Defense Medical CollegeTokorozawa
| | - Kenichi Inaba
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Akinori Wada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Kazuki Horiuchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Yoshinori Hanawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Naoki Shibuya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Chie Kurihara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Yoshikiyo Okada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Shin Nishii
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Akinori Mizoguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Hideaki Hozumi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Chikako Watanabe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Shunsuke Komoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
| | - Junji Yamamoto
- Departments of SurgeryNational Defense Medical CollegeTokorozawa
| | - Shuhji Seki
- Departments of Immunology and MicrobiologyTokorozawa
| | - Soichiro Miura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
- International University of Health and Welfare Graduate SchoolTokyoJapan
| | - Ryota Hokari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal MedicineTokorozawa
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Levada K, Omelyanchik A, Rodionova V, Weiskirchen R, Bartneck M. Magnetic-Assisted Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:E1279. [PMID: 31635053 PMCID: PMC6830324 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury can be induced by viruses, toxins, cellular activation, and metabolic dysregulation and can lead to liver fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis still remains a major burden on the global health systems. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are considered the main cause of liver fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells are key targets in antifibrotic treatment, but selective engagement of these cells is an unresolved issue. Current strategies for antifibrotic drugs, which are at the critical stage 3 clinical trials, target metabolic regulation, immune cell activation, and cell death. Here, we report on the critical factors for liver fibrosis, and on prospective novel drugs, which might soon enter the market. Apart from the current clinical trials, novel perspectives for anti-fibrotic treatment may arise from magnetic particles and controlled magnetic forces in various different fields. Magnetic-assisted techniques can, for instance, enable cell engineering and cell therapy to fight cancer, might enable to control the shape or orientation of single cells or tissues mechanically. Furthermore, magnetic forces may improve localized drug delivery mediated by magnetism-induced conformational changes, and they may also enhance non-invasive imaging applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Levada
- Institute of Physics, Mathematics and Information Technology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia.
| | - Alexander Omelyanchik
- Institute of Physics, Mathematics and Information Technology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia.
| | - Valeria Rodionova
- Institute of Physics, Mathematics and Information Technology, Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, 236016 Kaliningrad, Russia.
- National University of Science and Technology "MISiS", 119049 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Matthias Bartneck
- Department of Medicine III, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Adult Human Liver: Hype or Hope? Cells 2019; 8:cells8101127. [PMID: 31546729 PMCID: PMC6830330 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases constitute a significant economic, social, and biomedical burden. Among commonly adopted approaches, only organ transplantation can radically help patients with end-stage liver pathologies. Cell therapy with hepatocytes as a treatment for chronic liver disease has demonstrated promising results. However, quality human hepatocytes are in short supply. Stem/progenitor cells capable of differentiating into functionally active hepatocytes provide an attractive alternative approach to cell therapy for liver diseases, as well as to liver-tissue engineering, drug screening, and basic research. The application of methods generally used to isolate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and maintain them in culture to human liver tissue provides cells, designated here as liver MSCs. They have much in common with MSCs from other tissues, but differ in two aspects-expression of a range of hepatocyte-specific genes and, possibly, inherent commitment to hepatogenic differentiation. The aim of this review is to analyze data regarding liver MSCs, probably another type of liver stem/progenitor cells different from hepatic stellate cells or so-called hepatic progenitor cells. The review presents an analysis of the phenotypic characteristics of liver MSCs, their differentiation and therapeutic potential, methods for isolating these cells from human liver, and discusses issues of their origin and heterogeneity. Human liver MSCs are a fascinating object of fundamental research with a potential for important practical applications.
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Ma L, Wang X, Li W, Qu F, Liu Y, Lu J, Su G, Zhao Y. Conjugation of Ginsenoside with Dietary Amino Acids: A Promising Strategy To Suppress Cell Proliferation and Induce Apoptosis in Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:10245-10255. [PMID: 31389238 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b03305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Ginseng has been widely used as a functional food in the world because of its well-defined health benefits. Previous studies have confirmed that AD-1, a new ginsenoside derived from ginseng, can ameliorate thioacetamide-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice. Simultaneously, amino acid supplementation is getting more attention as an important adjuvant therapy in the improvement of hepatopathy. The aim of this study was to conjugate AD-1 with several selected amino acids and investigate the cytotoxicity of the obtained conjugates in activated t-HSC/Cl-6 cells and normal human liver cells (LO2). Structure-activity relationships of conjugates and underlying mechanisms of the effect are also explored. The results indicated that conjugate 7c remarkably inhibited cell proliferation in activated t-HSC/Cl-6 cells (IC50 = 3.8 ± 0.4 μM) and appeared to be nontoxic to LO2. Besides, conjugate 7c had a relatively good plasma stability. Further study demonstrated that inducing S-phase arrest and activation of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis were included in the mechanisms underlying the efficiency of conjugate 7c. These findings provided further insight into designing functional foods (ginsenoside and amino acid) for the application in prevention or improvement of liver fibrosis.
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Ergen C, Niemietz PM, Heymann F, Baues M, Gremse F, Pola R, van Bloois L, Storm G, Kiessling F, Trautwein C, Luedde T, Lammers T, Tacke F. Liver fibrosis affects the targeting properties of drug delivery systems to macrophage subsets in vivo. Biomaterials 2019; 206:49-60. [PMID: 30925288 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.03.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid immune cells promote inflammation and fibrosis in chronic liver diseases. Drug delivery systems, such as polymers, liposomes and microbubbles, efficiently target myeloid cells in healthy liver, but their targeting properties in hepatic fibrosis remain elusive. We therefore studied the biodistribution of three intravenously injected carrier material, i.e. 10 nm poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) polymers, 100 nm PEGylated liposomes and 2000 nm poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) microbubbles, in two fibrosis models in immunocompetent mice. While whole-body imaging confirmed preferential hepatic uptake even after induction of liver fibrosis, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis revealed markedly decreased carrier uptake by liver macrophage subsets in fibrosis, particularly for microbubbles and polymers. Importantly, carrier uptake co-localized with immune infiltrates in fibrotic livers, corroborating the intrinsic ability of the carriers to target myeloid cells in areas of inflammation. Of the tested carrier systems liposomes had the highest uptake efficiency among hepatic myeloid cells, but the lowest specificity for cellular subsets. Hepatic fibrosis affected carrier uptake in liver and partially in spleen, but not in other tissues (blood, bone marrow, lung, kidney). In conclusion, while drug carrier systems target distinct myeloid cell populations in diseased and healthy livers, hepatic fibrosis profoundly affects their targeting efficiency, supporting the need to adapt nanomedicine-based approaches in chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Ergen
- Department of Medicine I, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Felix Heymann
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maike Baues
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Felix Gremse
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert Pola
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Louis van Bloois
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Gert Storm
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Fabian Kiessling
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Tom Luedde
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Experimental Molecular Imaging, University Clinic and Helmholtz Institute for Biomedical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Targeted Therapeutics, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Chen Z, Jain A, Liu H, Zhao Z, Cheng K. Targeted Drug Delivery to Hepatic Stellate Cells for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 370:695-702. [PMID: 30886124 PMCID: PMC6806344 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.256156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is caused by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix during chronic liver injuries. Although clinical evidence suggests that liver fibrosis can be reversed, there is no standard therapy for liver fibrosis. Moreover, there is a lack of diagnostic tools to detect early-stage liver fibrosis. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key step during liver fibrogenesis, and its mechanism has been extensively studied by various cell culture and animal models. Targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to activated HSCs is therefore critical for the successful treatment of liver fibrosis. A number of protein markers have been found to be overexpressed in activated HSCs, and their ligands have been used to specifically deliver various antifibrotic agents. In this review, we summarize these HSC-specific protein markers and their ligands for targeted delivery of antifibrotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijin Chen
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Akshay Jain
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Hao Liu
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Zhen Zhao
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Science, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
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41
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ASIC1a promotes high glucose and PDGF-induced hepatic stellate cell activation by inducing autophagy through CaMKKβ/ERK signaling pathway. Toxicol Lett 2019; 300:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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42
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Prevention of hepatic stellate cell activation using JQ1- and atorvastatin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles as a promising approach in therapy of liver fibrosis. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 134:96-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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43
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Morsy MA, Nair AB. Prevention of rat liver fibrosis by selective targeting of hepatic stellate cells using hesperidin carriers. Int J Pharm 2018; 552:241-250. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Abstract
Chronic injury to the liver, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholism, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), promotes extracellular matrix deposition and organ scarring, termed hepatic fibrosis. Fibrosis might progress to cirrhosis and predisposes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but is also associated with extrahepatic morbidity and mortality in NAFLD/NASH. The improved understanding of pathogenic mechanisms underlying chronic inflammation and fibrogenesis in the liver prompted recent advances in antifibrotic therapies. Areas covered: We review recent advances in antifibrotic therapy, of which most are currently tested in clinical trials for NAFLD or NASH. This explains the manifold metabolic pathways as antifibrotic targets, including farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonism (obeticholic acid, nonsteroidal FXR agonists), acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibition, peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor agonism (elafibranor, lanifibranor, saroglitazar), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 or FGF-19 activation. Other antifibrotic drug candidates target cell death or inflammation, such as caspase (emricasan) or ASK1 inhibitors (selonsertib), galectin-3 inhibitors and reducing inflammatory macrophage recruitment by blocking chemokine receptors CCR2/CCR5 (cenicriviroc). Expert commentary: The tremendous advances in translational and clinical research fuels the hope for efficacious antifibrotic therapies within the next 5 years. Very likely, a combination of etiology-specific, metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and direct antifibrotic interventions will be most effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tacke
- a Deptartment of Medicine III , RWTH University Hospital Aachen , Aachen , Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- b Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry , RWTH University Hospital Aachen , Aachen , Germany
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Stradiot L, Mannaerts I, van Grunsven LA. P311, Friend, or Foe of Tissue Fibrosis? Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1151. [PMID: 30369881 PMCID: PMC6194156 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
P311 was first identified by the group of Studler et al. (1993) in the developing brain. In healthy, but mainly in pathological tissues, P311 is implicated in cell migration and proliferation. Furthermore, evidence in models of tissue fibrosis points to the colocalization with and the stimulation of transforming growth factor β1 by P311. This review provides a comprehensive overview on P311 and discusses its potential as an anti-fibrotic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Stradiot
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Mannaerts
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Weiskirchen R, Weiskirchen S, Tacke F. Organ and tissue fibrosis: Molecular signals, cellular mechanisms and translational implications. Mol Aspects Med 2018; 65:2-15. [PMID: 29958900 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis denotes excessive scarring, which exceeds the normal wound healing response to injury in many tissues. Although the extracellular matrix deposition appears unstructured disrupting the normal tissue architecture and subsequently impairing proper organ function, fibrogenesis is a highly orchestrated process determined by defined sequences of molecular signals and cellular response mechanisms. Persistent injury and parenchymal cell death provokes tissue inflammation, macrophage activation and immune cell infiltration. The release of biologically highly active soluble mediators (alarmins, cytokines, chemokines) lead to the local activation of collagen producing mesenchymal cells such as pericytes, myofibroblasts or Gli1 positive mesenchymal stem cell-like cells, to a transition of various cell types into myofibroblasts as well as to the recruitment of fibroblast precursors. Clinical observations and experimental models highlighted that fibrosis is not a one-way road. Specific mechanistic principles of fibrosis regression involve the resolution of chronic tissue injury, the shift of inflammatory processes towards recovery, deactivation of myofibroblasts and finally fibrolysis of excess matrix scaffold. The thorough understanding of common principles of fibrogenic molecular signals and cellular mechanisms in various organs - such as liver, kidney, lung, heart or skin - is the basis for developing improved diagnostics including biomarkers or imaging techniques and novel antifibrotic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Germany
| | - Sabine Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Dept. of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Germany.
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Ezhilarasan D, Sokal E, Najimi M. Hepatic fibrosis: It is time to go with hepatic stellate cell-specific therapeutic targets. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2018; 17:192-197. [PMID: 29709350 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological lesion, characterized by the progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the perisinusoidal space and it is a major problem in chronic liver diseases. Phenotypic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a central role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Retardation of proliferation and clearance of activated HSCs from the injured liver is an appropriate therapeutic strategy for the resolution and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Clearance of activated HSCs from the injured liver by autophagy inhibitors, proapoptotic agents and senescence inducers with the high affinity toward the activated HSCs may be the novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Etienne Sokal
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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48
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Dawood RM, El-Meguid MA, Ibrahim MK, Bader El Din NG, Barakat A, El-Wakeel K, Alla MDAA, Wu GY, El Awady MK. Dysregulation of fibrosis related genes in HCV induced liver disease. Gene 2018; 664:58-69. [PMID: 29684485 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis results from a wound healing response to chronic injury, which leads to excessive matrix deposition. Genome wide association studies have showen transcriptional dysregulation in mild and severe liver fibrosis. Recent studies suggested that genetic markers may be able to define the exact stage of liver fibrosis. AIM To define genes or genetic pathways that could serve as markers for staging or as therapeutic targets to halt progression of liver fibrosis. METHODS The study was performed on 105 treatment naïve HCV genotype 4 infected patients [F0-F2, n = 56; F3-F4, n = 49] and 16 healthy subjects. The study included PCR array on 84 fibrosis related genes followed by customization of a smaller array consisting of 11 genes that were designed on the bases of results obtained from the larger array. Genes that displayed significant dysregulation at mRNA levels were validated at protein levels. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Two major pathways exhibited high dysregulation in early fibrosis as compared with controls or when compared with late fibrosis, these were the TGFβ - related pathway genes and Matrix - deposition associated genes. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activators i.e. TGFβ pathway genes [TGFβ1, 2 and 3, their receptors TGFβR1 and 2, signaling molecules SMAD genes and PDGF growth factors] were considerably over-expressed at transcriptional levels as early as F0, whereas expression of their inhibitor TGIF1 was simultaneously down regulated. Matrix proteins including collagen and MMPs were upregulated in early fibrosis whereas tissue inhibitors TIMPs 1 and 2 began over expression in late fibrosis. Expression at protein levels was concordant with RNA data excluding dysregulation at post transcriptional levels. CONCLUSION Since these 2 gene sets are closely interrelated regarding HSC activation and proliferation, we assume that the current findings suggest that they are favorable targets to further search for stage specific markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham M Dawood
- Micrbial Biotechnology Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Mai Abd El-Meguid
- Micrbial Biotechnology Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Marwa K Ibrahim
- Micrbial Biotechnology Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Noha G Bader El Din
- Micrbial Biotechnology Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Barakat
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Khaled El-Wakeel
- Medical Research Division, Biological Anthropology Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Darwish Ahmed Abd Alla
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Gouhar Al-KaedStreet, El-Hussein University Hospital, Al-Darasah, Cairo, 11675, Egypt
| | - George Y Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology-Hepatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Hartford, USA
| | - Mostafa K El Awady
- Micrbial Biotechnology Department, National Research Center, Dokki, Cairo, 12622, Egypt
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49
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Furuhashi H, Tomita K, Teratani T, Shimizu M, Nishikawa M, Higashiyama M, Takajo T, Shirakabe K, Maruta K, Okada Y, Kurihara C, Watanabe C, Komoto S, Aosasa S, Nagao S, Yamamoto J, Miura S, Hokari R. Vitamin A-coupled liposome system targeting free cholesterol accumulation in hepatic stellate cells offers a beneficial therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis. Hepatol Res 2018; 48:397-407. [PMID: 29243365 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Liver fibrosis is a life-threatening disorder for which no approved therapy is available. Recently, we reported that mouse hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation increased free cholesterol (FC) accumulation, partly by enhancing signaling through sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP2) and microRNA-33a (miR-33a), which resulted in HSC sensitization to transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)-induced activation in a "vicious cycle" of liver fibrosis. METHODS Human HSCs were isolated from surgical liver specimens from control patients and patients with liver fibrosis. C57BL/6 mice were treated with carbon tetrachloride for 4 weeks and concurrently given SREBP2-siRNA- or anti-miR-33a-bearing vitamin A-coupled liposomes. RESULTS In human activated HSCs obtained from patients with liver fibrosis, FC accumulation was enhanced independently of serum cholesterol levels through increased signaling by both SREBP2 and miR-33a. This increased FC accumulation enhanced Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) protein levels and lowered the TGFβ-pseudoreceptor Bambi (bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor) mRNA levels in HSCs. Notably, in a mouse liver fibrosis model, reduction of FC accumulation, specifically in activated HSCs by suppression of SREBP2 or miR-33a expression using SREBP2-siRNA- or anti-miR-33a-bearing vitamin A-coupled liposomes, downregulated TLR4 signaling, increased Bambi expression, and consequently ameliorated liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that FC accumulation in HSCs, as an intracellular mediator promoting HSC activation, contributes to a vicious cycle of HSC activation in human and mouse liver fibrosis independent of serum cholesterol levels. Targeting FC accumulation-related molecules in HSCs through a vitamin A-coupled liposomal system represents a favorable therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Furuhashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Kengo Tomita
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Teratani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motonori Shimizu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Makoto Nishikawa
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Masaaki Higashiyama
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Takeshi Takajo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Shirakabe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Koji Maruta
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Yoshikiyo Okada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Chie Kurihara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Chikako Watanabe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Komoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Suefumi Aosasa
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Nagao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Junji Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Soichiro Miura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
| | - Ryota Hokari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Japan
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TIPE2 attenuates liver fibrosis by reversing the activated hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 498:199-206. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.11.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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