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Ramos R, Vinyals A, Campos-Martin R, Cabré E, Bech JJ, Vaquero J, Gonzalez-Sanchez E, Bertran E, Ferreres JR, Lorenzo D, De La Torre CG, Fabregat I, Caminal JM, Fabra À. New Insights into the Exosome-Induced Migration of Uveal Melanoma Cells and the Pre-Metastatic Niche Formation in the Liver. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2977. [PMID: 39272836 PMCID: PMC11394004 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16172977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
UM is an aggressive intraocular tumor characterized by high plasticity and a propensity to metastasize in the liver. However, the underlying mechanisms governing liver tropism remain poorly understood. Given the emerging significance of exosomes, we sought to investigate the contribution of UM-derived exosomes to specific steps of the metastatic process. Firstly, we isolated exosomes from UM cells sharing a common genetic background and different metastatic properties. A comparison of protein cargo reveals an overrepresentation of proteins related to cytoskeleton remodeling and actin filament-based movement in exosomes derived from the parental cells that may favor the detachment of cells from the primary site. Secondly, we assessed the role of macrophages in reprogramming the HHSCs by exosomes. The activation of HHSCs triggered a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic environment through cytokine production, upregulation of extracellular matrix molecules, and the activation of signaling pathways. Finally, we found that activated HHSCs promote increased adhesion and migration of UM cells. Our findings shed light on the pivotal role of exosomes in pre-metastatic niche construction in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Ramos
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antònia Vinyals
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rafael Campos-Martin
- Division of Neurogenetics and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Eduard Cabré
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Josep Bech
- Clinical Proteomics Unit, IDIBELL, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Proteomic Unit, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Ctra de Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Javier Vaquero
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- HepatoBiliary Tumors Lab, Centro de Investigación del Cancer and Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular del Cancer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Ester Gonzalez-Sanchez
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- HepatoBiliary Tumors Lab, Centro de Investigación del Cancer and Instituto de Biologia Molecular y Celular del Cancer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, 37008 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Esther Bertran
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Ramon Ferreres
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Dermatology Service, IDIBELL, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Lorenzo
- Ocular Translational Eye Research Unit, Ophthalmology Department, Spanish Ocular Oncology National Referral Center (CSUR), Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina G De La Torre
- Clinical Proteomics Unit, IDIBELL, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
- Proteomic Unit, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Ctra de Can Ruti, 08916 Badalona, Spain
| | - Isabel Fabregat
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Maria Caminal
- Ocular Translational Eye Research Unit, Ophthalmology Department, Spanish Ocular Oncology National Referral Center (CSUR), Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àngels Fabra
- TGF-β and Cancer Group, Oncobell Program, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), ISCIII, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Karaca ZM, Karaca G, Kayhan B, Gül M, Ersan V, Gözükara Bağ H, Yeşilada E. Chronic liver fibrosis induction in aging causes significant ultra-structural deterioration in liver and alteration on immune response gene expressions in liver-spleen axis. Ultrastruct Pathol 2024; 48:261-273. [PMID: 38842161 DOI: 10.1080/01913123.2024.2360447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The relationship between damage to the liver and spleen by aging and the immune response status in these two organs, which are anatomically and immunologically interconnected, is unknown. The authors investigated the histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunological effects of aging in young and aged fibrotic mice by using an experimental model. Four groups were planned, with 10 mice in each experimental group. The levels of fibrosis and ultrastructural destruction in the liver were determined by α-SMA staining and TEM analysis. Expression levels of immunity genes (Il2, Il4, Il6, Il10, Il12, Il17, Tnf, Ifng, Tgfb1, Gata3, Rorc, Tbx21, Foxp3, Ccl2, Ccr2, Cxcr3, Pf4, Cxcl10) were carried out by qRT-PCR. While structural disorders were detected in the mitochondria of aged healthy group, cellular destruction in the fibrosis-induced elderly group was at a dramatic level. Fibrosis induction in aged mice caused an elevation in the expression of chemokines (CCl2, CXCL10, CCR2) and cytokine (IL-17a) genes that induce autoinflammatory response in the liver. Unlike the cellular pathology and genes activated in fibrosis in youth and the natural occurrence of fibrosis with aging, induction of fibrosis during aging causes deterioration in the liver and expression of genes responsible for autoimmunity in both the liver and spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynal Mete Karaca
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye
- Department of Genetıcs, Faculty of Medıcıne, Kırklarel' Unıversıty, Kırklarelı, Türkıye
| | - Gamze Karaca
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye
| | - Başak Kayhan
- Liver Transplantation Institute, Transplantation Immunology Laboratory, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Eskişehir, Türkiye
| | - Mehmet Gül
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye
| | - Veysel Ersan
- Liver Transplantation Institute, Department of General Surgery, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye
| | - Harika Gözükara Bağ
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye
| | - Elif Yeşilada
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, İnönü University, Malatya, Türkiye
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He S, Luo Y, Ma W, Wang X, Yan C, Hao W, Fang Y, Su H, Lai B, Liu J, Xiong Y, Bai T, Ren X, Liu E, Han H, Wu Y, Yuan Z, Wang Y. Endothelial POFUT1 controls injury-induced liver fibrosis by repressing fibrinogen synthesis. J Hepatol 2024; 81:135-148. [PMID: 38460791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS NOTCH signaling in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) regulates liver fibrosis, a pathological feature of chronic liver diseases. POFUT1 is an essential regulator of NOTCH signaling. Here, we investigated the role of LSEC-expressed POFUT1 in liver fibrosis. METHODS Endothelial-specific Pofut1 knockout mice were generated and experimental liver fibrosis was induced by chronic carbon tetrachloride exposure or common bile duct ligation. Liver samples were assessed by ELISA, histology, electron microscopy, immunostaining and RNA in situ hybridization. LSECs and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated for gene expression analysis by RNA sequencing, qPCR, and western blotting. Signaling crosstalk between LSECs and HSCs was investigated by treating HSCs with supernatant from LSEC cultures. Liver single-cell RNA sequencing datasets from patients with cirrhosis and healthy individuals were analyzed to evaluate the clinical relevance of gene expression changes observed in mouse studies. RESULTS POFUT1 loss promoted injury-induced LSEC capillarization and HSC activation, leading to aggravated liver fibrosis. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that POFUT1 deficiency upregulated fibrinogen expression in LSECs. Consistently, fibrinogen was elevated in LSECs of patients with cirrhosis. HSCs treated with supernatant from LSECs of Pofut1 null mice showed exacerbated activation compared to those treated with supernatant from control LSECs, and this effect was attenuated by knockdown of fibrinogen or by pharmacological inhibition of fibrinogen receptor signaling, altogether suggesting that LSEC-derived fibrinogen induced the activation of HSCs. Mechanistically, POFUT1 loss augmented fibrinogen expression by enhancing NOTCH/HES1/STAT3 signaling. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial POFUT1 prevents injury-induced liver fibrosis by repressing the expression of fibrinogen, which functions as a profibrotic paracrine signal to activate HSCs. Therapies targeting the POFUT1/fibrinogen axis offer a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of fibrotic liver diseases. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Paracrine signals produced by liver vasculature play a major role in the development of liver fibrosis, which is a pathological hallmark of most liver diseases. Identifying those paracrine signals is clinically relevant in that they may serve as therapeutic targets. In this study, we discovered that genetic deletion of Pofut1 aggravated experimental liver fibrosis in mouse models. Moreover, fibrinogen was identified as a downstream target repressed by Pofut1 in liver endothelial cells and functioned as a novel paracrine signal that drove liver fibrosis. In addition, fibrinogen was found to be relevant to cirrhosis and may serve as a potential therapeutic target for this devastating human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan He
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuru Luo
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wangge Ma
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoke Wang
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chengrong Yan
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wenyang Hao
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongyu Su
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baochang Lai
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junhui Liu
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ying Xiong
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Bai
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoyong Ren
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Enqi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Animal Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hua Han
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancer and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Zuyi Yuan
- Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yidong Wang
- The Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiovascular Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Cardiometabolic Innovation Center, Ministry of Education, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Cardiology, Wenling First People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, Zhejiang, China.
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Moragrega ÁB, Busca C, Apostolova N, Olveira A, Martín-Carbonero L, Valencia E, Moreno V, Bernardino JI, Abadía M, González-García J, Esplugues JV, Montes ML, Blas-García A. Rilpivirine Activates STAT1 in Non-Parenchymal Cells to Regulate Liver Injury in People Living with HIV and MASLD. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1454. [PMID: 39062027 PMCID: PMC11274734 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a key determinant of the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Its increasing prevalence and a lack of effective treatments make it a major health problem worldwide, particularly in people living with HIV, among whom the prevalence of advanced fibrosis is higher. We have published preclinical data showing that Rilpivirine (RPV), a widely used anti-HIV drug, selectively triggers hepatic stellate cell (HSC) inactivation and apoptosis through signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1-mediated pathways, effects that clearly attenuate liver fibrosis and promote regeneration. We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study of RPV-induced effects on steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in liver biopsies from well-controlled HIV-infected subjects diagnosed with MASLD. Patients on RPV exhibited similar levels of HIV-related parameters to those not receiving this drug, while showing a tendency toward improved liver function and lipid profile, as well as an enhanced activation of STAT1 in hepatic non-parenchymal cells in those with identified liver injury. This protective effect, promoting STAT1-dependent HSC inactivation, was observed at different stages of MASLD. Our results suggest that RPV-based therapy is especially indicated in HIV-infected patients with MASLD-derived liver injury and highlight the potential of RPV as a new therapeutic strategy for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ángela B. Moragrega
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (Á.B.M.); (N.A.); (J.V.E.)
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana), Av. de Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
| | - Carmen Busca
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Nadezda Apostolova
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (Á.B.M.); (N.A.); (J.V.E.)
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana), Av. de Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- CIBEREHD (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Olveira
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.O.); (M.A.)
| | - Luz Martín-Carbonero
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Eulalia Valencia
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Moreno
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - José I. Bernardino
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Abadía
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain; (A.O.); (M.A.)
| | - Juan González-García
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan V. Esplugues
- Departamento de Farmacología, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain; (Á.B.M.); (N.A.); (J.V.E.)
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana), Av. de Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- CIBEREHD (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - María L. Montes
- Unidad VIH, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain; (C.B.); (L.M.-C.); (E.V.); (V.M.); (J.I.B.); (J.G.-G.); (M.L.M.)
- CIBERINFEC (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Blas-García
- FISABIO (Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunidad Valenciana), Av. de Catalunya, 21, 46020 Valencia, Spain
- CIBEREHD (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 46010 Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universitat de València, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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Baky NAA, Fouad LM, Ahmed KA, Alzokaky AA. Mechanistic insight into the hepatoprotective effect of Moringa oleifera Lam leaf extract and telmisartan against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis: plausible roles of TGF-β1/SMAD3/SMAD7 and HDAC2/NF-κB/PPARγ pathways. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38835191 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2358066] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence and limited therapeutic options for liver fibrosis necessitates more medical attention. Our study aims to investigate the potential molecular targets by which Moringa oleifera Lam leaf extract (Mor) and/or telmisartan (Telm) alleviate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injection of 50% CCl4 (1 ml/kg) every 72 hours, for 8 weeks. Intoxicated rats with CCl4 were simultaneously orally administrated Mor (400 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks) and/or Telm (10 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks). Treatment of CCl4-intoxicated rats with Mor/Telm significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities compared to CCl4 intoxicated group (P < 0.001). Additionally, Mor/Telm treatment significantly reduced the level of hepatic inflammatory, profibrotic, and apoptotic markers including; nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-βeta1 (TGF-β1), and caspase-3. Interestingly, co-treatment of CCl4-intoxicated rats with Mor/Telm downregulated m-RNA expression of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) (71.8%), and reduced protein expression of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (p-SMAD3) (70.6%) compared to untreated animals. Mor/Telm regimen also elevated p-SMAD7 protein expression as well as m-RNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) (3.6 and 3.1 fold, respectively p < 0.05) compared to CCl4 intoxicated group. Histopathological picture of the liver tissue intoxicated with CCl4 revealed marked improvement by Mor/Telm co-treatment. Conclusively, this study substantiated the hepatoprotective effect of Mor/Telm regimen against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through suppression of TGF-β1/SMAD3, and HDAC2/NF-κB signaling pathways and up-regulation of SMAD7 and PPARγ expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayira A Abdel Baky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa M Fouad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Kawkab A Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany A Alzokaky
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University, New Damietta, Egypt
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Wang W, Li Y, Zhu F, Huang Y. STAT3-induced upregulation of lncRNA TTN-AS1 aggravates podocyte injury in diabetic nephropathy by promoting oxidative stress. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae079. [PMID: 38828128 PMCID: PMC11142850 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), being the second cause of end-stage renal disease globally. Podocyte injury is closely associated with DN developmen. Our study aimed to investigate the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TTN-AS1 in DN-associated podocyte injury. Methods The mouse podocyte cell line (MPC5) and human primary podocytes were stimulated by high glucose (HG; 30 nM glucose) to establish the cellular model of DN. Before HG stimulation, both podocytes were transfected with sh-TTN-AS1#1/2 or pcDNA3.1/STAT3 to evaluate the influence of TTN-AS1 knockdown or STAT3 overexpression on HG-induced podocyte injury. TTN-AS1 and STAT3 expression in both podocytes was examined by RT-qPCR. Cell viability and death were assessed by CCK-8 and LDH release assay. ELISA was adopted for testing IL-6 and TNF-α contents in cell supernatants. The levels of oxidative stress markers (ROS, MDA, SOD, and GSH) in cell supernatants were determined by commercial kits. Western blotting was used for measuring the expression of fibrosis markers (fibronectin and α-SMA and podocyte function markers (podocin and nephrin) in podocytes. Results HG stimulation led to decreased cell viability, increased cell death, fibrosis, inflammation, cell dysfunction and oxidative stress in podocytes. However, knockdown of TTN-AS1 ameliorated HG-induced podocyte injury. Mechanically, the transcription factor STAT3 interacted with TTN-AS1 promoter and upregulated TTN-AS1 expression. STAT3 overexpression offset the protective effect of TTN-AS1 silencing on HG-induced podocyte damage. Conclusion Overall, STAT3-mediated upregulation of lncRNA TTN-AS1 could exacerbate podocyte injury in DN through suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26, Shengli Street, Jiang'an District, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, China
| | - Yongxia Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26, Shengli Street, Jiang'an District, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, China
| | - Fan Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26, Shengli Street, Jiang'an District, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, China
| | - Yunfang Huang
- Department of Nephrology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 26, Shengli Street, Jiang'an District, Wuhan, Hubei 430014, China
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7
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Xiong F, Zhang Y, Li T, Tang Y, Song SY, Zhou Q, Wang Y. A detailed overview of quercetin: implications for cell death and liver fibrosis mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1389179. [PMID: 38855739 PMCID: PMC11157233 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1389179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Quercetin, a widespread polyphenolic flavonoid, is known for its extensive health benefits and is commonly found in the plant kingdom. The natural occurrence and extraction methods of quercetin are crucial due to its bioactive potential. Purpose This review aims to comprehensively cover the natural sources of quercetin, its extraction methods, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and its role in various cell death pathways and liver fibrosis. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed across several electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang database, and ClinicalTrials.gov, up to 10 February 2024. The search terms employed were "quercetin", "natural sources of quercetin", "quercetin extraction methods", "bioavailability of quercetin", "pharmacokinetics of quercetin", "cell death pathways", "apoptosis", "autophagy", "pyroptosis", "necroptosis", "ferroptosis", "cuproptosis", "liver fibrosis", and "hepatic stellate cells". These keywords were interconnected using AND/OR as necessary. The search focused on studies that detailed the bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of quercetin, its role in different cell death pathways, and its effects on liver fibrosis. Results This review details quercetin's involvement in various cell death pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, and cuproptosis, with particular attention to its regulatory influence on apoptosis and autophagy. It dissects the mechanisms through which quercetin affects these pathways across different cell types and dosages. Moreover, the paper delves into quercetin's effects on liver fibrosis, its interactions with hepatic stellate cells, and its modulation of pertinent signaling cascades. Additionally, it articulates from a physical organic chemistry standpoint the uniqueness of quercetin's structure and its potential for specific actions in the liver. Conclusion The paper provides a detailed analysis of quercetin, suggesting its significant role in modulating cell death mechanisms and mitigating liver fibrosis, underscoring its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Science and Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yichen Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Wenjiang District People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Si-Yuan Song
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Qiao Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Clinical Immunology Translational Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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8
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Nojima H, Shimizu H, Murakami T, Shuto K, Koda K. Critical Roles of the Sphingolipid Metabolic Pathway in Liver Regeneration, Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression and Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:850. [PMID: 38473211 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050850] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The sphingolipid metabolic pathway, an important signaling pathway, plays a crucial role in various physiological processes including cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, and immune regulation. The liver has the unique ability to regenerate using bioactive lipid mediators involving multiple sphingolipids, including ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Dysregulation of the balance between sphingomyelin, ceramide, and S1P has been implicated in the regulation of liver regeneration and diseases, including liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Understanding and modulating this balance may have therapeutic implications for tumor proliferation, progression, and metastasis in HCC. For cancer therapy, several inhibitors and activators of sphingolipid signaling, including ABC294640, SKI-II, and FTY720, have been discussed. Here, we elucidate the critical roles of the sphingolipid pathway in the regulation of liver regeneration, fibrosis, and HCC. Regulation of sphingolipids and their corresponding enzymes may considerably influence new insights into therapies for various liver disorders and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Nojima
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, 3426-3, Anesaki, Ichihara, Chiba 299-0011, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Shimizu
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, 3426-3, Anesaki, Ichihara, Chiba 299-0011, Japan
| | - Takashi Murakami
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, 3426-3, Anesaki, Ichihara, Chiba 299-0011, Japan
| | - Kiyohiko Shuto
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, 3426-3, Anesaki, Ichihara, Chiba 299-0011, Japan
| | - Keiji Koda
- Department of Surgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center, 3426-3, Anesaki, Ichihara, Chiba 299-0011, Japan
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9
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Zheng Y, Ji S, Li X, Wen L. Qijia rougan formula ameliorates ECM deposition in hepatic fibrosis by regulating the JAK1/STAT6-microRNA-23a feedback loop in macrophage M2 polarization. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115794. [PMID: 37922651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115794] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the critical pathological stage in the progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, no approved anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs are available currently. Qijia Rougan Formula (QRF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with significant clinical efficacy on hepatic fibrosis. It was derived from Sanjiasan, a famous decoction documented in the Book of Treatise on the Pestilence in the Ming Dynasty of China. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. This study further confirmed the therapeutic effects of QRF on hepatic fibrosis and dissected its underlying molecular mechanisms from the perspective of macrophage M2 polarization, one of the critical events in hepatic fibrosis. Experimentally, QRF significantly improved extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and fibrosis in the liver of model rats. QRF diminished the proportion of M2 macrophages, decreased the levels of TGF-β, PDGFB and IL-10, and regulated the expression of p-JAK1, p-STAT6, JAK1 and microRNA-23a both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, it was confirmed that QRF effectively improves liver function and hepatocyte damage, and reduces ECM deposition. QRF ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by regulating JAK1/STAT6-microRNA-23a negative feedback loop to inhibit macrophage M2 polarization and thus reduce ECM deposition. Our study illustrates the potential of QRF for hepatic fibrosis therapy, suggesting that QRF is a promising anti-hepatic fibrosis drug candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zheng
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaoxiu Ji
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Li
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Wen
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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10
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Yao C, Dai S, Wang C, Fu K, Wu R, Zhao X, Yao Y, Li Y. Luteolin as a potential hepatoprotective drug: Molecular mechanisms and treatment strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 167:115464. [PMID: 37713990 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Luteolin is a flavonoid widely present in various traditional Chinese medicines. In recent years, luteolin has received more attention due to its impressive liver protective effect, such as metabolic associated fatty liver disease, hepatic fibrosis and hepatoma. This article summarizes the pharmacological effects, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and toxicity of luteolin against liver diseases, and provides prospect. The results indicate that luteolin improves liver lesions through various mechanisms, including inhibiting inflammatory factors, reducing oxidative stress, regulating lipid balance, slowing down excessive aggregation of extracellular matrix, inducing apoptosis and autophagy of liver cancer cells. Pharmacokinetics research manifested that due to metabolic effects, the bioavailability of luteolin is relatively low. It is worth noting that appropriate modification, new delivery systems, and derivatives can enhance its bioavailability. Although many studies have shown that the toxicity of luteolin is minimal, strict toxicity experiments are still needed to evaluate its safety and promote its reasonable development. In addition, this study also discussed the clinical applications related to luteolin, indicating that it is a key component of commonly used liver protective drugs in clinical practice. In view of its excellent pharmacological effects, luteolin is expected to become a potential drug for the treatment of various liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhao Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Rui Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yuxin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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11
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Mansouri RA, Ahmed AM, Alshaibi HF, Al-Bazi MM, Banjabi AA, Alsufiani HM, Aloqbi AA, Aboubakr EM. A new cirrhotic animal protocol combining carbon tetrachloride with methotrexate to address limitations of the currently used chemical-induced models. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1201583. [PMID: 37397479 PMCID: PMC10308223 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1201583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chemically induced cirrhotic animal models are commonly used. However, they have limitations such as high mortalities and low yield of cirrhotic animals that limit their uses. Aims: To overcome limitations of the chemically induced cirrhotic animal model via combined administration of methotrexate (MTX) with CCl4 and decrease their commonly used doses depending on the proposed synergetic cirrhotic effect. Methods: Rats were divided into six groups: normal (4 weeks), normal (8 weeks), MTX, CCl4 (4 weeks), CCl4 (8 weeks), and MTX + CCl4 (4 weeks) groups. Animals' hepatic morphology and histopathological characterization were explored. Hepatic Bcl2 and NF-κB-p65 tissue contents were determined using the immunostaining technique, and hepatic tissue damage, oxidative status, and inflammatory status biochemical parameters were determined. Results: CCl4 + MTX combined administration produced prominent cirrhotic liver changes, further confirmed by a substantial increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters, whereas mortalities were significantly lower than in other treated groups. Conclusion: The present study introduced a new model that can significantly improve the major limitations of chemically induced cirrhotic animal models with new pathological features that mimic human cirrhosis. Compared to other chemically induced methods, the present model can save time, cost, and animal suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha A. Mansouri
- Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel M. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Huda F. Alshaibi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Embryonic Stem Cell Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha M. Al-Bazi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer A. Banjabi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hadeil Muhanna Alsufiani
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Akram Ahmed Aloqbi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Esam M. Aboubakr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
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12
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Cui XY, Jiang XD, Li WH, Zhang R, You HJ, Tang ZQ, Ma Y, Yang Z, Che NC, Liu WL. Investigation of effective components and action mechanism of Yiguanjian in treatment of liver fibrosis based on network pharmacology. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2023; 31:256-267. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v31.i7.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese medicine compounds are characterized by the comprehensive adjustment of multiple components and show unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. Yiguanjian (YGJ) is a famous prescription for nourishing Yin to soothe the liver, which can improve the symptoms of liver fibrosis, and understanding its anti-liver fibrosis mechanism can promote its development and use.
AIM To explore the mechanism of YGJ in the treatment of liver fibrosis through network pharmacology and to experi-mentally validate the initial results obtained.
METHODS Components of YGJ and potentially targeted proteins were downloaded from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. The targets of liver fibrosis were accessed from GeneCard and OMIM databases. STRING database was utilized to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network based on the components of YGJ and the targets of liver fibrosis. The PPI network was subjected to random walk with restart (RWR) to obtain key genes, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed based on the DAVID database. For animal experimental validation, eighteen SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal group, a model group, and a YGJ group. The rats in the model group and YGJ group were intraperitoneally injected with 50% CCl4 olive oil solution for 6 wk to induce liver fibrosis, and rats in the normal group were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of olive oil solution. Then, the rats of the YGJ group were given YGJ decoction (6.67 g/kg) daily for 4 weeks. Meanwhile, rats in the other groups were given distilled water. Blood and liver samples were collected, and the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum of rats were detected with an automated analyzer. Pathological changes in liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Western blot and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of key proteins and genes in the liver.
RESULTS A total of 52 components and 186 potential targets of YGJ were obtained, and 1080 targets of liver fibrosis were screened. The top 10 genes with the high-affinity scores to the drug targets were STAT6, SRC, MAPK3, STX1A, EP300, STAT3, PLG, CTNNB1, CDKN1B, and CANX. The top 50 genes were mainly enriched in response to PI3K- Akt signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway, etc. In CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rats, YGJ decoction could significantly improve liver lesions and reduce fibrosis. YGJ decoction could reduce α-SMA expression, promote the expression of phosphorylated STAT6, increase the protein expression of PPAR-γ and CD163 and the mRNA expression of Arg-1, CD206, and CD163, and inhibit the gene expression of IL-6.
CONCLUSION The therapeutic effect of YGJ decoction for liver fibrosis involves multiple components and multiple pathways, including the STAT6/PPAR-γ pathway.
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13
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Crespo M, Nikolic I, Mora A, Rodríguez E, Leiva-Vega L, Pintor-Chocano A, Horrillo D, Hernández-Cosido L, Torres JL, Novoa E, Nogueiras R, Medina-Gómez G, Marcos M, Leiva M, Sabio G. Myeloid p38 activation maintains macrophage-liver crosstalk and BAT thermogenesis through IL-12-FGF21 axis. Hepatology 2023; 77:874-887. [PMID: 35592906 PMCID: PMC9936978 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Obesity features excessive fat accumulation in several body tissues and induces a state of chronic low-grade inflammation that contributes to the development of diabetes, steatosis, and insulin resistance. Recent research has shown that this chronic inflammation is crucially dependent on p38 pathway activity in macrophages, suggesting p38 inhibition as a possible treatment for obesity comorbidities. Nevertheless, we report here that lack of p38 activation in myeloid cells worsens high-fat diet-induced obesity, diabetes, and steatosis. Deficient p38 activation increases macrophage IL-12 production, leading to inhibition of hepatic FGF21 and reduction of thermogenesis in the brown fat. The implication of FGF21 in the phenotype was confirmed by its specific deletion in hepatocytes. We also found that IL-12 correlates with liver damage in human biopsies, indicating the translational potential of our results. Our findings suggest that myeloid p38 has a dual role in inflammation and that drugs targeting IL-12 might improve the homeostatic regulation of energy balance in response to metabolic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Crespo
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares , Madrid , Spain
| | - Ivana Nikolic
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares , Madrid , Spain
| | - Alfonso Mora
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares , Madrid , Spain
| | - Elena Rodríguez
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares , Madrid , Spain
| | - Luis Leiva-Vega
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares , Madrid , Spain
| | | | - Daniel Horrillo
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Lipobeta group , Universidad Rey Juan Carlos , Madrid , Spain.,Laboratorio LAFEMEX, Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud , Universidad Rey Juan Carlos , Madrid , Spain
| | - Lourdes Hernández-Cosido
- Department of General Surgery , University Hospital of Salamanca-IBSAL , Salamanca , Spain.,Department of Surgery , University of Salamanca , Salamanca , Spain
| | - Jorge L Torres
- Department of Internal Medicine , University Hospital of Salamanca-Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL) , Salamanca , Spain.,Department of Medicine , University of Salamanca , Salamanca , Spain
| | - Eva Novoa
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS) , University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria , Santiago de Compostela , Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Rubén Nogueiras
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS) , University of Santiago de Compostela-Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria , Santiago de Compostela , Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatologia de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) , Madrid , Spain
| | - Gema Medina-Gómez
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Lipobeta group , Universidad Rey Juan Carlos , Madrid , Spain.,Laboratorio LAFEMEX, Área de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Departamento de Ciencias Básicas de la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud , Universidad Rey Juan Carlos , Madrid , Spain
| | - Miguel Marcos
- Department of Internal Medicine , University Hospital of Salamanca-Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL) , Salamanca , Spain.,Department of Medicine , University of Salamanca , Salamanca , Spain
| | - Magdalena Leiva
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares , Madrid , Spain
| | - Guadalupe Sabio
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares , Madrid , Spain
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14
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Alavifard H, Mazhari S, Meyfour A, Tokhanbigli S, Ghavami S, Zali MR, Aghdaei HA, Hatami B, Baghaei K. Imatinib suppresses activation of hepatic stellate cells by targeting STAT3/IL-6 pathway through miR-124. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:969-980. [PMID: 36655489 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells is the primary function of facilitating liver fibrosis. Interfering with the coordinators of different signaling pathways in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) could be a potential approach in ameliorating liver fibrosis. Regarding the illustrated anti-fibrotic effect of imatinib in liver fibrosis, we investigated the imatinib's potential role in inhibiting HSC activation through miR-124 and its interference with the STAT3/hepatic leukemia factor (HLF)/IL-6 circuit. The anti-fibrotic effect of imatinib was investigated in the LX-2 cell line and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced Sprague-Dawley rat. The expression of IL-6, STAT3, HLF, miR-124, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and the protein level of α-SMA and STAT3 was measured by western blot analysis both in vitro and in vivo. The LX-2 cells were subjected to immunocytochemistry (ICC) for α-SMA expression. After administering imatinib in the liver fibrosis model, histopathological examinations were done, and hepatic function serum markers were checked. Imatinib administration alleviated mentioned liver fibrosis markers. The expression of miR-124 was downregulated, while IL-6/HLF/STAT3 circuit agents were upregulated in vitro and in vivo. Notably, imatinib intervention decreased the expression of IL-6, STAT3, and HLF. Elevated expression of miR-124 suppressed the expression of STAT3 and further inhibited HSCs activation. Our results demonstrated that imatinib not only ameliorated hepatic fibrosis through tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) activity but also interfered with the miR-124 and STAT3/HLF/IL-6 pathway. Considering the important role of miR-124 in regulating liver fibrosis and HSCs activation, imatinib may exert its anti-fibrotic activity through miR-124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sogol Mazhari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anna Meyfour
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Katowice School of Technology, Katowice, Poland
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Liu J, Wang F, Luo F. The Role of JAK/STAT Pathway in Fibrotic Diseases: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13010119. [PMID: 36671504 PMCID: PMC9855819 DOI: 10.3390/biom13010119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
There are four members of the JAK family and seven of the STAT family in mammals. The JAK/STAT molecular pathway could be activated by broad hormones, cytokines, growth factors, and more. The JAK/STAT signaling pathway extensively mediates various biological processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, apoptosis, and immune regulation. JAK/STAT activation is closely related to growth and development, homeostasis, various solid tumors, inflammatory illness, and autoimmune diseases. Recently, with the deepening understanding of the JAK/STAT pathway, the relationship between JAK/STAT and the pathophysiology of fibrotic diseases was noticed, including the liver, renal, heart, bone marrow, and lung. JAK inhibitor has been approved for myelofibrosis, and subsequently, JAK/STAT may serve as a promising target for fibrosis in other organs. Therefore, this article reviews the roles and mechanisms of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway in fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Faping Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fengming Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Inflammation, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-18980601355
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16
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Many Ways to Communicate-Crosstalk between the HBV-Infected Cell and Its Environment. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010029. [PMID: 36678377 PMCID: PMC9866324 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects an estimated 257 million people worldwide and can lead to liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Viral replication is generally considered not to be cytopathic, and although some HBV proteins may have direct carcinogenic effects, the majority of HBV infection-related disease is related to chronic inflammation resulting from disrupted antiviral responses and aberrant innate immune reactions. Like all cells, healthy and HBV-infected cells communicate with each other, as well as with other cell types, such as innate and adaptive immune cells. They do so by both interacting directly and by secreting factors into their environment. Such factors may be small molecules, such as metabolites, single viral proteins or host proteins, but can also be more complex, such as virions, protein complexes, and extracellular vesicles. The latter are small, membrane-enclosed vesicles that are exchanged between cells, and have recently gained a lot of attention for their potential to mediate complex communication and their potential for therapeutic repurposing. Here, we review how HBV infection affects the communication between HBV-infected cells and cells in their environment. We discuss the impact of these interactions on viral persistence in chronic infection, as well as their relation to HBV infection-related pathology.
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17
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Tourkochristou E, Assimakopoulos SF, Thomopoulos K, Marangos M, Triantos C. NAFLD and HBV interplay - related mechanisms underlying liver disease progression. Front Immunol 2022; 13:965548. [PMID: 36544761 PMCID: PMC9760931 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.965548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) constitute common chronic liver diseases with worldwide distribution. NAFLD burden is expected to grow in the coming decade, especially in western countries, considering the increased incidence of diabetes and obesity. Despite the organized HBV vaccinations and use of anti-viral therapies globally, HBV infection remains endemic and challenging public health issue. As both NAFLD and HBV have been associated with the development of progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the co-occurrence of both diseases has gained great research and clinical interest. The causative relationship between NAFLD and HBV infection has not been elucidated so far. Dysregulated fatty acid metabolism and lipotoxicity in NAFLD disease seems to initiate activation of signaling pathways that enhance pro-inflammatory responses and disrupt hepatocyte cell homeostasis, promoting progression of NAFLD disease to NASH, fibrosis and HCC and can affect HBV replication and immune encountering of HBV virus, which may further have impact on liver disease progression. Chronic HBV infection is suggested to have an influence on metabolic changes, which could lead to NAFLD development and the HBV-induced inflammatory responses and molecular pathways may constitute an aggravating factor in hepatic steatosis development. The observed altered immune homeostasis in both HBV infection and NAFLD could be associated with progression to HCC development. Elucidation of the possible mechanisms beyond HBV chronic infection and NAFLD diseases, which could lead to advanced liver disease or increase the risk for severe complications, in the case of HBV-NAFLD co-existence is of high clinical significance in the context of designing effective therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Tourkochristou
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Stelios F. Assimakopoulos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece,*Correspondence: Stelios F. Assimakopoulos,
| | - Konstantinos Thomopoulos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Markos Marangos
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Christos Triantos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
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18
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Zhao Q, Bai J, Chen Y, Liu X, Zhao S, Ling G, Jia S, Zhai F, Xiang R. An optimized herbal combination for the treatment of liver fibrosis: Hub genes, bioactive ingredients, and molecular mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 297:115567. [PMID: 35870684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and it is associated with long-term adverse outcomes and mortality. As a primary resource for complementary and alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has accumulated a large number of effective formulas for the treatment of liver fibrosis in clinical practice. However, studies on how to systematically optimize TCM formulas are still lacking. AIM OF THE REVIEW To provide a methodological reference for the systematic optimization of TCM formulae against liver fibrosis and explored the underlying molecular mechanisms; To provide an efficient method for searching for lead compounds from natural sources and developing from herbal medicines; To enable clinicians and patients to make more reasonable choices and promote the effective treatment toward those patients with liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS TCM formulas related to treating liver fibrosis were collected from the Web of Science, PubMed, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, and the Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP). Furthermore, the TCM compatibility patterns were mined using association analysis. The core TCM combinations were found by designing an optimized formulas algorithm. Finally, the hub target proteins, potential molecular mechanisms, and active compounds were explored through integrative pharmacology and docking-based inverse virtual screening (IVS) approaches. RESULTS We found that the herbs for reinforcing deficiency, activating blood, removing blood stasis, and clearing heat were the basis of TCM formulae patterns. Furthermore, the combination of Salviae Miltiorrhizae (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge; Chinese salvia/Danshen), Astragali Radix (Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge; Astragalus/Huangqi), and Radix Bupleuri (Bupleurum chinense DC.; Bupleurum/Chaihu) was identified as core groups. A total of six targets (TNF, STAT3, EGFR, IL2, ICAM1, PTGS2) play a pivotal role in TCM-mediated liver fibrosis inhibition. (-)-Cryptotanshinone, Tanshinaldehyde, Ononin, Thymol, Daidzein, and Formononetin were identified as active compounds in TCM. And mechanistically, TCM could affect the development of liver fibrosis by regulating inflammation, immunity, angiogenesis, antioxidants, and involvement in TNF, MicroRNAs, Jak-STAT, NF-kappa B, and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) signaling pathways. Molecular docking results showed that key components had good potential to bind to the target genes. CONCLUSION In summary, this study provides a methodological reference for the systematic optimization of TCM formulae and exploration of underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Jinwei Bai
- School of Medical Equipment, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Yiwei Chen
- Faculty of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Xin Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Shangfeng Zhao
- Faculty of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Guixia Ling
- School of Medical Equipment, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Shubing Jia
- Faculty of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Fei Zhai
- School of Medical Equipment, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Rongwu Xiang
- School of Medical Equipment, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, China; Liaoning Professional Technology Innovation Center on Medical Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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19
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Hany NM, Eissa S, Basyouni M, Hasanin AH, Aboul-Ela YM, Elmagd NMA, Montasser IF, Ali MA, Skipp PJ, Matboli M. Modulation of hepatic stellate cells by Mutaflor ® probiotic in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease management. Lab Invest 2022; 20:342. [PMID: 35907883 PMCID: PMC9338485 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NAFLD and NASH are emerging as primary causes of chronic liver disease, indicating a need for an effective treatment. Mutaflor® probiotic, a microbial treatment of interest, was effective in sustaining remission in ulcerative colitis patients. OBJECTIVE To construct a genetic-epigenetic network linked to HSC signaling as a modulator of NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis, then assess the effects of Mutaflor® on this network. METHODS First, in silico analysis was used to construct a genetic-epigenetic network linked to HSC signaling. Second, an investigation using rats, including HFHSD induced NASH and Mutaflor® treated animals, was designed. Experimental procedures included biochemical and histopathologic analysis of rat blood and liver samples. At the molecular level, the expression of genetic (FOXA2, TEAD2, and LATS2 mRNAs) and epigenetic (miR-650, RPARP AS-1 LncRNA) network was measured by real-time PCR. PCR results were validated with immunohistochemistry (α-SMA and LATS2). Target effector proteins, IL-6 and TGF-β, were estimated by ELISA. RESULTS Mutaflor® administration minimized biochemical and histopathologic alterations caused by NAFLD/NASH. HSC activation and expression of profibrogenic IL-6 and TGF-β effector proteins were reduced via inhibition of hedgehog and hippo pathways. Pathways may have been inhibited through upregulation of RPARP AS-1 LncRNA which in turn downregulated the expression of miR-650, FOXA2 mRNA and TEAD2 mRNA and upregulated LATS2 mRNA expression. CONCLUSION Mutaflor® may slow the progression of NAFLD/NASH by modulating a genetic-epigenetic network linked to HSC signaling. The probiotic may be a useful modality for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Hany
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
| | - Sanaa Eissa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt. .,MASRI Research Institue, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Manal Basyouni
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
| | - Amany H Hasanin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmin M Aboul-Ela
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nagwa M Abo Elmagd
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Iman F Montasser
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Ali
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Military Medical Academy, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Paul J Skipp
- Centre for Proteomic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marwa Matboli
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. box, Cairo, 11381, Egypt
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20
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Song Z, Liu X, Zhang W, Luo Y, Xiao H, Liu Y, Dai G, Hong J, Li A. Ruxolitinib suppresses liver fibrosis progression and accelerates fibrosis reversal via selectively targeting Janus kinase 1/2. J Transl Med 2022; 20:157. [PMID: 35382859 PMCID: PMC8981941 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03366-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND JAK1 and JAK2 have been implicated in fibrosis and cancer as a fibroblast-related marker; however, their role in liver fibrosis has not been elucidated. Here, we aim to determine the effect and underlying mechanism of JAK1/2 inhibition on liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and further explore the therapeutic efficacy of Ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 selective inhibitor, on preventing and reversing liver fibrosis in mice. METHODS Immunohistochemistry staining of JAK1 and JAK2 were performed on liver tissue in mice with hepatic fibrosis and human liver tissue microarray of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. LX-2 cells treated with specific siRNA of JAK1 and JAK2 were used to analysis activation, proliferation and migration of HSCs regulated by JAK1/2. The effects of Ruxolitinib (JAK1/2 inhibitor) on liver fibrosis were studied in LX-2 cells and two progressive and reversible fibrosis animal models (carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), Thioacetamide (TAA)). RESULTS We found that JAK1/2 expression was positively correlated with the progression of HCC in humans and the levels of liver fibrosis in mice. Silencing of JAK1/2 down-regulated their downstream signaling and inhibited proliferation, migration, and activation of HSCs in vitro, while Ruxolitinib had similar effects on HSCs. Importantly, Ruxolitinib significantly attenuated fibrosis progression, improved cell damage, and accelerated fibrosis reversal in the liver of mice treated with CCl4 or TAA. CONCLUSIONS JAK1/2 regulates the function of HSCs and plays an essential role in liver fibrosis and HCC development. Its inhibitor, Ruxolitinib, may be an effective drug for preventing and treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghui Song
- Department of Hepatology, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shiliugang Road, Guangzhou, 510315, Guangdong, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shiliugang Road, Guangzhou, 510315, Guangdong, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.,Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Wan Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shiliugang Road, Guangzhou, 510315, Guangdong, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Yue Luo
- Department of Hepatology, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shiliugang Road, Guangzhou, 510315, Guangdong, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.,Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Hua Xiao
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Affiliated Hospital (Clinical College) of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, 423000, China
| | - Guanqi Dai
- Department of Hepatology, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shiliugang Road, Guangzhou, 510315, Guangdong, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Hong
- School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Aimin Li
- Department of Hepatology, Cancer Center, Integrated Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, No.13 Shiliugang Road, Guangzhou, 510315, Guangdong, China. .,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China. .,Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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21
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Dai M, Peng W, Zhang T, Zhao Q, Ma X, Cheng Y, Wang C, Li F. Metabolomics reveals the role of PPARα in Tripterygium Wilfordii-induced liver injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 289:115090. [PMID: 35143937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Tripterygium glycosides tablets (TGT) and Tripterygium wilfordii tablets (TWT) have been used to treat autoimmune diseases clinically, however, the side effects of TWT are higher than TGT, especially for hepatotoxicity. THE AIM OF THE STUDY This study aims to determine the mechanism of TWT-induced liver injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed metabolomic analysis of samples from mice with liver injury induced by TGT and TWT. Ppara-null mice were used to determine the role of PPARα in TWT-induced liver injury. RESULTS The results indicated that TWT induced the accumulation of medium- and long-chain carnitines metabolism, which was associated with the disruption of PPARα-IL6-STAT3 axis. PPARα agonists fenofibrate could reverse the liver injury from TWT and TP/Cel, and its protective role could be attenuated in Ppara-null mice. The toxicity difference of TWT and TGT was due to the different ratio of triptolide (TP) and celastrol (Cel) in the tablet in which TP/Cel was lower in TWT than TGT. The hepatotoxicity induced by TP and Cel also inhibited PPARα and upregulated IL6-STAT3 axis, which could be alleviated following by PPARα activation. CONCLUSIONS These results indicated that PPARα plays an important role in the hepatotoxicity of Tripterygium wilfordii, and PPARα activation may offer a promising approach to prevent hepatotoxicity induced by the preparations of Tripterygium wilfordii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manyun Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Institute of Rare Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaofang Ma
- Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; Laboratory of Metabolomics and Drug-induced Liver Injury, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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22
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L-carnitine ameliorates bile duct ligation induced liver fibrosis via reducing the nitrosative stress in experimental animals: preclinical evidences. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08488. [PMID: 34901512 PMCID: PMC8642613 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile duct ligation (BDL) has been extensively used in studying the mechanisms of fibrogenesis and anti-fibrotic drugs. Considering the liver regenerative capacity and the diverse results from BDL, the present study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of L-carnitine on bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in experimental rats. Rats were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 6). The bile duct was ligated and serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin and albumin, hepatic hydroxyproline (HP), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and cytokines were measured. iNOS expression was measured by using Western blot and finally, liver tissue was processed for histopathological analysis (H&E staining)". The level of iNOS was increased in the control group, whereas a decrease in the level of iNOS was found in the L-carnitine treated group. In the present study, we found that bile duct ligation in rats showed an increase in body and liver weight, while treatment with carnitine showed normal body and liver weight. Serum AST, ALT, total bilirubin, HP, GSH, MDA, and cytokines were increased in bile duct ligated rats. In addition, L-carnitine treated rats showed a reduction in oxidative stress as well as inhibiting the release of cytokines in a dose-dependent manner and showed protection against bile duct ligation. The study concludes that L-carnitine has a protective effect against the liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation.
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23
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Zhou Y, Wu R, Cai FF, Zhou WJ, Lu YY, Zhang H, Chen QL, Sun MY, Su SB. Development of a novel anti-liver fibrosis formula with luteolin, licochalcone A, aloe-emodin and acacetin by network pharmacology and transcriptomics analysis. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:1594-1606. [PMID: 34808067 PMCID: PMC8635660 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1999275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Xiaoyaosan decoction (XYS), a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula is used to treat liver fibrosis in clinics. OBJECTIVE This study explores defined compound combinations from XYS decoction to treat liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Network pharmacology combined with transcriptomics analysis was used to analyze the XYS decoction and liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome liver fibrosis. From the constructed XYS-Syndrome-liver fibrosis network, the top 10 active formulas were developed by topological analysis according to network stability. The most active formula was determined by in vitro study. The anti-fibrosis effect was evaluated by in vitro and in vivo studies. RESULTS According to the network XYS-Syndrome-liver fibrosis network, 8 key compounds and 255 combinations were predicted from in XYS. Luteolin, licochalcone A, aloe-emodin and acacetin formula (LLAAF) had a synergistic effect on the proliferation inhibition of hepatic stellate cells compared to individual compounds alone. The treatment of XYS and LLAAF showed a similar anti-liver fibrotic effect that reduced histopathological changes of liver fibrosis, Hyp content and levels of α-SMA and collagen I in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Transcriptomics analysis revealed LLAAF regulated PI3K-Akt, AMPK, FoxO, Jak-STAT3, P53, cell cycle, focal adhesion, and PPAR signalling. Furthermore, LLAAF was confirmed to regulate Jak-STAT and PI3K-Akt-FoxO signalling in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS This study developed a novel anti-liver formula LLAAF from XYS, and demonstrated its anti-liver fibrotic activity which may be involved in the regulation of Jak-STAT and PI3K-Akt-FoxO signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei-fei Cai
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhou
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Yu Lu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi-Long Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Yu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Mingyu Sun
| | - Shi-Bing Su
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- CONTACT Shi-Bing Su
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24
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Exploring the Gamut of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases for Their Promise in the Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121776. [PMID: 34944593 PMCID: PMC8698495 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a predominant health concern affecting approximately a quarter of the world’s population. NAFLD is a spectrum of liver ailments arising from nascent lipid accumulation and leading to inflammation, fibrosis or even carcinogenesis. Despite its prevalence and severity, no targeted pharmacological intervention is approved to date. Thus, it is imperative to identify suitable drug targets critical to the development and progression of NAFLD. In this quest, a ray of hope is nestled within a group of proteins, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), as targets to contain or even reverse NAFLD. RTKs control numerous vital biological processes and their selective expression and activity in specific diseases have rendered them useful as drug targets. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements in characterizing the role of RTKs in NAFLD progression and qualify their suitability as pharmacological targets. Available data suggests inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, AXL, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor, and activation of cellular mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 could pave the way for novel NAFLD therapeutics. Thus, it is important to characterize these RTKs for target validation and proof-of-concept through clinical trials.
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Pandita H, Mezey E, Ganapathy-Kanniappan S. Augmented Liver Uptake of the Membrane Voltage Sensor Tetraphenylphosphonium Distinguishes Early Fibrosis in a Mouse Model. Front Physiol 2021; 12:676722. [PMID: 34759830 PMCID: PMC8573124 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.676722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial (mito-) oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) is a critical determinant of cellular membrane potential/voltage. Dysregulation of OxPhos is a biochemical signature of advanced liver fibrosis. However, less is known about the net voltage of the liver in fibrosis. In this study, using the radiolabeled [3H] voltage sensor, tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP), which depends on membrane potential for cellular uptake/accumulation, we determined the net voltage of the liver in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis. We demonstrated that the liver uptake of 3H-TPP significantly increased at 4 weeks of CCl4-administration (6.07 ± 0.69% ID/g, p < 0.05) compared with 6 weeks (4.85 ± 1.47% ID/g) and the control (3.50 ± 0.22% ID/g). Analysis of the fibrosis, collagen synthesis, and deposition showed that the increased 3H-TPP uptake at 4 weeks corresponds to early fibrosis (F1), according to the METAVIR scoring system. Biodistribution data revealed that the 3H-TPP accumulation is significant in the fibrogenic liver but not in other tissues. Mechanistically, the augmentation of the liver uptake of 3H-TPP in early fibrosis concurred with the upregulation of mito-electron transport chain enzymes, a concomitant increase in mito-oxygen consumption, and the activation of the AMPK-signaling pathway. Collectively, our results indicate that mito-metabolic response to hepatic insult may underlie the net increase in the voltage of the liver in early fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himanshi Pandita
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Esteban Mezey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shanmugasundaram Ganapathy-Kanniappan
- Division of Interventional Radiology, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Zhang M, He L, Liu J, Zhou L. Luteolin Attenuates Diabetic Nephropathy through Suppressing Inflammatory Response and Oxidative Stress by Inhibiting STAT3 Pathway. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2021; 129:729-739. [PMID: 31896157 DOI: 10.1055/a-0998-7985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). DN has many pathological changes, but tubular injury is considered to be a crucial pathological feature and plays a key role in the progression of DN. Accumulating studies have confirmed that Luteolin (3,4,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, Lut) possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which may play a role in kidney protection in DN. OBJECTIVES This paper described the effects of Lut on appropriated tubular injury in the kidneys of db/db mice and searched the possible mechanisms underlying the kidney protection effect in DN. METHODS Twelve-week-old male C57BL/6 J db/db and C57BL/6 J db/m mice were used for the animal experiments. They were organized into the following five groups for the animal experiments: a db/m group (control, n=6); a db/db group(n=8) ; a db/db group receiving Lut (10 mg/kg/day, n=8)treatment by oral gavage; a db/db group receiving stattic (a selective STAT3 inhibitor,50 mg/Kg/day, n=8) treatment by oral gavage and a db/db group receiving both stattic and Lut treatment by oral gavage. RESULTS In this study, we found that Lut might ameliorate glomerular sclerosis and interstitial fibrosis in DN mouse models through inhibiting the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. And it might play its biological function mainly through repressing the STAT3 activation. CONCLUSIONS Lut attenuates DN mainly via suppression of inflammatory response and oxidative response. STAT3 pathway is the potential target, which ultimately reduces renal fibrosis and delays the progress of DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoyuan Zhang
- Rehabilitation Department, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Liyu He
- Nephrology Department, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Lab of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jingsong Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, PR China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Nephrology Department, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Key Lab of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification in Hunan, Changsha, Hunan, PR China
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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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Khanam A, Saleeb PG, Kottilil S. Pathophysiology and Treatment Options for Hepatic Fibrosis: Can It Be Completely Cured? Cells 2021; 10:cells10051097. [PMID: 34064375 PMCID: PMC8147843 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a dynamic process that occurs as a wound healing response against liver injury. During fibrosis, crosstalk between parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells, activation of different immune cells and signaling pathways, as well as a release of several inflammatory mediators take place, resulting in inflammation. Excessive inflammation drives hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, which then encounters various morphological and functional changes before transforming into proliferative and extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts. Finally, enormous ECM accumulation interferes with hepatic function and leads to liver failure. To overcome this condition, several therapeutic approaches have been developed to inhibit inflammatory responses, HSC proliferation and activation. Preclinical studies also suggest several targets for the development of anti-fibrotic therapies; however, very few advanced to clinical trials. The pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis is extremely complex and requires comprehensive understanding to identify effective therapeutic targets; therefore, in this review, we focus on the various cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis and discuss potential strategies to control or reverse the fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshi Khanam
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Paul G. Saleeb
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-706-4872
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Namachivayam A, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A. A review on molecular mechanism of alcoholic liver disease. Life Sci 2021; 274:119328. [PMID: 33711388 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption leads to damage to the organs of the body. More importantly, the liver is majorly affected organ upon alcohol consumption for most of the people; it causes inflammation and affects various pathways involved in metabolism. If the person is with high response of inflammatory in conduct with alcohol leads to the liver damage, which involves the creating effects with major cycle leads to homeostasis. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms of alcoholic liver disease, such as the important role of genes, risk factors, pathogenicity, and role of micro RNA, the role of inflammation in the liver, and alcoholic fibrosis in the liver. There is increased oxidative stress, change in the biochemical alterations, and reduction in the antioxidant enzymes. These changes in the mechanism lead to liver injury. Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4 is the major transcriptional factor for the regulation of some genes involved in the lipid metabolism and oxidation process; with the help of the agonist, we can attenuate the level of the gene in the site of hepatic tissues, which will prevent the homeostatic condition. This review shows a clear view of the various pathways involved in alcohol consumption, which helps in the prevention of ALD using an agonist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunraj Namachivayam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore, Tamil Nadu 632014, India.
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Zhang M, Wang Y, Zhu G, Sun C, Wang J. Hepatoprotective effect and possible mechanism of phytoestrogen calycosin on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 394:189-204. [PMID: 32474674 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01891-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The study was to explore the hepatoprotective effect and possible mechanism of calycosin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 in C57BL/6 male mice. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and hydroxyproline (Hyp) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined by biochemical assays. Liver histopathology was assessed by H&E and Masson trichrome staining. The mRNA expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-I (Col-I), Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were determined using qRT-PCR. The protein levels of α-SMA, Col-I, estrogen receptor α (ERα), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), JAK2, phospho-JAK2 (p-JAK2), STAT3, and phospho-STAT3 (p-STAT3) were detected by Western blotting. The levels of α-SMA and ERβ were measured by immunohistochemistry. Calycosin significantly reduced liver index, MDA level, and ALT and AST activity and increased SOD activity. The α-SMA, Col-I, and Hyp of the calycosin group were significantly lower than those of the model group. Calycosin increased MMP-1 and inhibited TIMP-1 expression resulting in the improvement of MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio. Importantly, calycosin improved ERβ protein expression, JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA expressions, p-JAK2/JAK2, and p-STAT3/STAT3 relative protein expressions. However, ERα, JAK2, and STAT3 protein expressions were relatively unchanged. Calycosin significantly inhibits liver fibrosis in mice, and its mechanism may involve the following: calycosin inhibits oxidative stress; calycosin inhibits collagen synthesis and balances MMP-1/TIMP-1 system; calycosin increases ERβ expression and activates JAK2-STAT3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Yaxin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Guannan Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China.
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Zhang Y, Lu W, Chen X, Cao Y, Yang Z. A Bioinformatic Analysis of Correlations between Polymeric Immunoglobulin Receptor (PIGR) and Liver Fibrosis Progression. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:5541780. [PMID: 33937393 PMCID: PMC8055406 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5541780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study is aimed at investigating the enriched functions of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR) and its correlations with liver fibrosis stage. METHODS PIGR mRNA expression in normal liver, liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and hepatitis virus infection samples was calculated in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Oncomine databases. Enrichment analysis of PIGR-related genes was conducted in Metascape and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Logistic model and ROC curve were performed to evaluate the correlations between pIgR and liver fibrosis. RESULTS PIGR mRNA was upregulated in advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis compared to normal liver (all p < 0.05). PIGR mRNA was also overexpressed in activated HSCs compared to senescent HSCs, liver stem/progenitor cells, and reverted HSCs (all p < 0.05). Enrichment analysis revealed that PIGR-related genes involved in the defense response to virus and interferon (IFN) signaling. In GEO series, PIGR mRNA was also upregulated by hepatitis virus B, C, D, and E infection (all p < 0.05). After adjusting age and gender, multivariate logistic regression models revealed that high PIGR in the liver was a risk factor for liver fibrosis (OR = 82.2, p < 0.001). The area under curve (AUC), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity, and specificity of PIGR for liver fibrosis stage >2 were 0.84, 0.86, 0.7, 0.61, and 0.90. CONCLUSION PIGR was correlated with liver fibrosis and might involve in hepatitis virus infection and HSC transdifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhang
- 1Department of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Wenjun Lu
- 2Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The People's Hospital of Danyang, Affiliated Danyang Hospital of Nantong University, Jiangsu 212300, China
| | - Xiaorong Chen
- 1Department of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Yajuan Cao
- 3Central Laboratory, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
- 4Clinical Translation Research Center, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zongguo Yang
- 1Department of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
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Zadorozhna M, Di Gioia S, Conese M, Mangieri D. Neovascularization is a key feature of liver fibrosis progression: anti-angiogenesis as an innovative way of liver fibrosis treatment. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:2279-2288. [PMID: 32040707 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis affects over 100 million people in the world; it represents a multifactorial, fibro-inflammatory disorder characterized by exacerbated production of extracellular matrix with consequent aberration of hepatic tissue. The aetiology of this disease is very complex and seems to involve a broad spectrum of factors including the lifestyle, environment factors, genes and epigenetic changes. More evidences indicate that angiogenesis, a process consisting in the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, plays a crucial role in the progression of liver fibrosis. Central to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) which represent a crossroad among inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. Quiescent HSCs can be stimulated by a host of growth factors, pro-inflammatory mediators produced by damaged resident liver cell types, as well as by hypoxia, contributing to neoangiogenesis, which in turn can be a bridge between acute and chronic inflammation. As matter of fact, studies demonstrated that neutralization of vascular endothelial growth factor as well as other proangiogenic agents can attenuate the progression of liver fibrosis. With this review, our intent is to discuss the cause and the role of angiogenesis in liver fibrosis focusing on the current knowledge about the impact of anti-angiogenetic therapies in this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Zadorozhna
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Sante Di Gioia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Domenica Mangieri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
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Tian F, Liu Y, Gao J, Yang N, Shang X, Lv J, Ba D, Zhou X, Zhang C, Ma X. Study on the association between TGF-β1 and liver fibrosis in patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis. Exp Ther Med 2019; 19:1275-1280. [PMID: 32010299 PMCID: PMC6966196 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the role of the cytokine transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in liver fibrosis among patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis (hepatic CE). Hepatic tissue specimens and serum samples from 30 patients with hepatic CE were collected and TGF-β1 levels were compared between the two groups. The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed by Masson staining. The expression levels of cytokine TGF-β1 in liver tissue and serum were detected by immunohistochemistry and ELISA, respectively. Masson staining of liver lesion tissue in patients with hepatic CE indicated different degrees of fibrosis in the liver and the World Health Organization classification was positively correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis (P<0.05). In addition, the expression of cytokine TGF-β1 was higher in liver lesion tissue specimens compared with that in the adjacent control samples (P<0.05). At the same time, cytokine TGF-β1 in serum specimens of patients was higher than that in the healthy control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, the expression of TGF-β1 is upregulated in patients with hepatic CE, which was closely associated to liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengming Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Yumei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Jian Gao
- College of Basic Medicine of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Ning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqian Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Jie Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Derong Ba
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Chuntao Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
| | - Xiumin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Medical Research Institute of First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China.,College of Basic Medicine of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, P.R. China
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Mafanda EK, Kandhi R, Bobbala D, Khan MGM, Nandi M, Menendez A, Ramanathan S, Ilangumaran S. Essential role of suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in hepatocytes and macrophages in the regulation of liver fibrosis. Cytokine 2019; 124:154501. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2018.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Abd El-Rahman SS, Fayed HM. Targeting AngII/AT1R signaling pathway by perindopril inhibits ongoing liver fibrosis in rat. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2019; 13:2131-2141. [PMID: 31348596 DOI: 10.1002/term.2940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a substantial role in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension. Hence, targeting RAS through angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can mend hepatic fibrosis; the current study was designed to examine the potential fibrosis inhibition activity of perindopril using a rat model of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA). Four groups of rats were used throughout this study, Group I (control group); rats received the vehicle. TAA was used for inducing liver fibrosis in rats by intraperitoneal injection of 200-mg/kg body weight twice a week for 6 weeks. Group II served as (TAA group). Rats of Groups III and IV were given perindopril at doses of 2 and 8 mg/kg 2 weeks after TAA administration and continued concomitantly with TAA till the end of the experiment. Injection of TAA resulted in a significant increase in aminotransferases' activities and bilirubin with a significant decrease in serum albumin and total protein and a significant decrease in hepatic content of GSH and SOD. Additionally, TAA injection raised the hepatic content of TGF-β1, α-SMA, TNF-α, and level of MDA. Histological and immunohistochemical data presented marked fibrosis in liver sections of TAA-administrated rats with increased collagen deposition, elevated METAVIR scoring, and increased expression of α-SMA, caspase-3, and AT1R. Oral dosing of perindopril for 4 weeks concomitant with TAA could mend the altered parameters near to normal values and abolished the ongoing fibrosis extension. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that perindopril, as ACE inhibitor, could grant a superior remedial nominee in preventing liver fibrosis progression through targeting angiotensin II formation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hany M Fayed
- Pharmacology Department, Medical Division, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
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Choi JY, Kwon EY, Choi MS. Elucidation of the Metabolic and Transcriptional Responses of an Oriental Herbal Medicine, Bangpungtongseong-san, to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Diet-Induced Obese Mice. J Med Food 2019; 22:928-936. [PMID: 31390281 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2018.4383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bangpungtongseong-san (BT), an oriental herbal medicine, is used to treat obesity in Korea and East Asia and its antiobesity effects have been examined by several researchers. However, the molecular mechanisms of the antihepatic steatosis effects of BT are unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of BT on obesity, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, by analyzing metabolic and transcriptional responses using mRNA-sequencing profiles. C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD + BT (1.5%, w/w, BT) for 12 weeks. Phenotype characteristics were estimated, and the antiobesity mechanism was examined using mRNA sequencing transcriptomic profiles in HFD-induced obese mice. BT treatment ameliorated dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis in HFD-induced obese mice and reduced body weight gain. The levels of hepatic lipotoxicity markers were significantly decreased, while hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities were augmented by BT compared with in the HFD group. BT attenuated HFD-induced fatty liver through transcriptional changes in the liver. BT treatment downregulated mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation-related genes in the liver, suggesting improved mitochondrial function. BT treatment also decreased the hepatic fibrosis-related transcriptome. Our findings provide insight into the antiobesity effects of BT, an alternative oriental medicine, for treating obesity-related conditions. Metabolic and transcriptional responses to diet-induced obesity with BT treatment improved liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Young Choi
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Eun-Young Kwon
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.,Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics Research, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Myung-Sook Choi
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea.,Center for Food and Nutritional Genomics Research, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
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37
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Yokoyama T, Yagi Mendoza H, Tanaka T, Ii H, Takano R, Yaegaki K, Ishikawa H. Regulation of CCl 4-induced liver cirrhosis by hepatically differentiated human dental pulp stem cells. Hum Cell 2019; 32:125-140. [PMID: 30637566 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-018-00234-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the most effective treatment for treating liver cirrhosis. However, a limited number of donors, graft rejection, and other complications can undermine transplant success. It is considered that cell transplantation is an alternative approach of liver transplantation. We previously developed a protocol for hepatic differentiation of cluster of differentiation 117+ stem cells isolated from human exfoliated deciduous tooth pulp (SHEDs) under hydrogen sulfide exposure. These cells showed excellent hepatic function. Here, we investigated whether hepatocyte-like cell transplantation is effective for treating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver cirrhosis. SHEDs were hepatically differentiated, which was confirmed via immunological analyses and albumin concentration determination in the medium. Rats were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 for and the differentiated cells were injected into rat spleen. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Liver functions were serologically and pathologically determined. Quantitative real-time-polymerase chain reaction was implemented to clarify the treatment procedure of liver cirrhosis. In vitro-differentiated hepatocyte-like cells were positive for all examined hepatic markers. SHED-derived hepatocyte transplantation eliminated liver fibrosis and restored liver structure in rats. Liver immunohistochemical analyses showed the presence of human-specific hepatic markers, i.e., a large amount of human hepatic cells were very active in the liver and spleen. Serological tests revealed significant liver function recovery in the transplantation group. Expression of genes promoting fibrosis increased after cirrhosis induction but was suppressed after transplantation. Our results suggest that xenotransplantation of hepatocyte-like cells of human origin can treat cirrhosis. Moreover, cell-based therapy of chronic liver conditions may be an effective option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Yokoyama
- Department of Oral Health, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8159, Japan
| | - Hiromi Yagi Mendoza
- Department of Oral Health, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8159, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tanaka
- Department of Oral Health, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8159, Japan
| | - Hisataka Ii
- Department of Oral Health, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8159, Japan
| | - Riya Takano
- Department of Oral Health, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8159, Japan
| | - Ken Yaegaki
- Department of Oral Health, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8159, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Ishikawa
- Department of Oral Health, The Nippon Dental University School of Life Dentistry at Tokyo, 1-9-20 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-8159, Japan.,Laboratory of Clinical Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Laboratory of Advanced Research D # 326, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
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38
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Norona LM, Nguyen DG, Gerber DA, Presnell SC, Mosedale M, Watkins PB. Bioprinted liver provides early insight into the role of Kupffer cells in TGF-β1 and methotrexate-induced fibrogenesis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0208958. [PMID: 30601836 PMCID: PMC6314567 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis develops from a series of complex interactions among resident and recruited cells making it a challenge to replicate using standard in vitro approaches. While studies have demonstrated the importance of macrophages in fibrogenesis, the role of Kupffer cells (KCs) in modulating the initial response remains elusive. Previous work demonstrated utility of 3D bioprinted liver to recapitulate basic fibrogenic features following treatment with fibrosis-associated agents. In the present study, culture conditions were modified to recapitulate a gradual accumulation of collagen within the tissues over an extended exposure timeframe. Under these conditions, KCs were added to the model to examine their impact on the injury/fibrogenic response following cytokine and drug stimuli. A 28-day exposure to 10 ng/mL TGF-β1 and 0.209 μM methotrexate (MTX) resulted in sustained LDH release which was attenuated when KCs were incorporated in the model. Assessment of miR-122 confirmed early hepatocyte injury in response to TGF-β1 that appeared delayed in the presence of KCs, whereas MTX-induced increases in miR-122 were observed when KCs were incorporated in the model. Although the collagen responses were mild under the conditions tested to mimic early fibrotic injury, a global reduction in cytokines was observed in the KC-modified tissue model following treatment. Furthermore, gene expression profiling suggests KCs have a significant impact on baseline tissue function over time and an important modulatory role dependent on the context of injury. Although the number of differentially expressed genes across treatments was comparable, pathway enrichment suggests distinct, KC- and time-dependent changes in the transcriptome for each agent. As such, the incorporation of KCs and impact on baseline tissue homeostasis may be important in recapitulating temporal dynamics of the fibrogenic response to different agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M. Norona
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- The Institute for Drug Safety Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Deborah G. Nguyen
- Research and Development, Organovo, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
| | - David A. Gerber
- Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sharon C. Presnell
- Research and Development, Organovo, Inc., San Diego, California, United States of America
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Merrie Mosedale
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- The Institute for Drug Safety Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Paul B. Watkins
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- The Institute for Drug Safety Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
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Lin IY, Chiou YS, Wu LC, Tsai CY, Chen CT, Chuang WC, Lee MC, Lin CC, Lin TT, Chen SC, Pan MH, Ma N. CCM111 prevents hepatic fibrosis via cooperative inhibition of TGF-β, Wnt and STAT3 signaling pathways. J Food Drug Anal 2019; 27:184-194. [PMID: 30648571 PMCID: PMC9298635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- In-Yu Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shiou Chiou
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Tsai
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Tong Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli,
Taiwan
| | | | - Ming-Chung Lee
- Brion Research Institute of Taiwan, New Taipei City,
Taiwan
| | - Ching-Che Lin
- Brion Research Institute of Taiwan, New Taipei City,
Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ting Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Ssu-Ching Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Min-Hsiung Pan
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402,
Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung,
Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. E-mail addresses: (M.-H. Pan), (N. Ma)
| | - Nianhan Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, College of Health Sciences and Technology, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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40
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Farid AS, Fath EM, Mido S, Nonaka N, Horii Y. Hepatoprotective immune response during Trichinella spiralis infection in mice. J Vet Med Sci 2018; 81:169-176. [PMID: 30541982 PMCID: PMC6395222 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.18-0540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with gastrointestinal nematodes provoke immune and inflammatory responses
mediated by cytokines released from T-helper type-2 (Th2) cells. Infections with
Trichinella species have been reported to differ by the host species.
Previously, in rats, we observed acute liver inflammation in response to infection with
Trichinella spiralis, and the rat hosts showed a series of biochemical
changes characterized by a decrease in serum paraoxonase (PON) 1 activity associated with
the down-regulation of hepatic PON1 synthesis. In the present study, we investigated the
effect(s) of species differences on the immune response against T.
spiralis infection by analyzing serum PON1 activity and the associated
inflammatory/anti-inflammatory mediators in mice. There were inconsistent changes in the
serum PON1 activity of mice infected with T. spiralis, and these changes
were associated with significant increases in the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2,
IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor
necrosis factor α during the enteric phase of the infection, while the levels of IL-5 and
interferon γ were significantly increased throughout the entire experimental period.
Moreover, T. spiralis infection in mice was associated with little
inflammatory cell infiltration in hepatic tissues. Given the zoonotic prevalence of
T. spiralis, further mechanistic research in this area is
warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Samir Farid
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Qalyubia, Egypt.,Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Eman Mohamed Fath
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.,Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Toukh 13736, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Shogo Mido
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Nariaki Nonaka
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.,Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi 1-1, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Yoichiro Horii
- Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitic Diseases, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Miyazaki, 1-1 Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan.,Center for Animal Disease Control, University of Miyazaki, Gakuen-Kibanadai-Nishi 1-1, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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41
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Fan J, Chen Q, Wei L, Zhou X, Wang R, Zhang H. Asiatic acid ameliorates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in rats: involvement of Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB/IκBα, and JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathways. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:3595-3605. [PMID: 30464391 PMCID: PMC6208532 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s179876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Currently, there are no effective therapies for liver fibrosis; hence, the development of anti-liver fibrosis agents is urgently needed. Here, we attempted to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of asiatic acid (AA) on liver fibrosis, mainly focusing on the impact of AA on nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/IκBα, and JAK1/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways. Methods Rats were induced liver fibrosis by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 6 weeks and concomitantly treated with AA (5 and 15 mg/kg) or vehicle by daily gavage. After AA treatment, the morphology of liver tissue was analyzed by H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining, and serum biochemical indicators were also assayed. Thereafter, the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO-1, GCLC, NF-κB, IκBα, JAK1, p-JAK1, STAT3, and p-STAT3 were determined by Western blotting. Results Our results showed that AA treatment dramatically ameliorated CCl4-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis in rats. The expression of nuclear Nrf2 was increased after AA treatment, whereas cytoplasm Nrf2 levels were decreased. The protein expression of Nrf2 target proteins including HO-1, NQO-1, and GCLC was significantly increased by AA treatment. Furthermore, AA treatment decreased the levels of nuclear NF-κB to inhibit NF-κB/IκBα signaling pathway. In addition, we also found that AA treatment regulated JAK1/STAT3 signaling by decreasing the phosphorylation levels of JAK1 and STAT3. Conclusion These results demonstrate that AA ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats by regulating Nrf2/ARE, NF-κB/IκBα, and JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathways, which suggests that AA might be a new antifibrosis agent that improves liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China,
| | - Qingshan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Liwen Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China,
| | - Xiaoming Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai 9th People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201999, China,
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201204, China,
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42
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Farouk S, Sabet S, Abu Zahra FA, El-Ghor AA. Bone marrow derived-mesenchymal stem cells downregulate IL17A dependent IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway in CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206130. [PMID: 30346985 PMCID: PMC6197688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic potential of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) has been reported in several animal models of liver fibrosis. Interleukin (IL) 17A, IL6 and Stat3 have been described to play crucial roles in chronic liver injury. However, the modulatory effect of MSCs on these markers was controversial in different diseases. BM-MSCs might activate the IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway and promote cell invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma, but the immunomodulatory role of BM-MSCs on IL17A/IL6/STAT3 was not fully elucidated in liver fibrosis. In the present study, we evaluated the capacity of the BM-MSCs in the modulation of cytokines milieu and signal transducers, based on unique inflammatory genes Il17a and Il17f and their receptors Il17rc and their effect on the IL6/STAT3 pathway in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats. A single dose of BM-MSCs was administered to the group with induced liver fibrosis, and the genes and proteins of interest were evaluated along six weeks after treatment. Our results showed a significant downregulation of Il17a, Il17ra, il17f and Il17rc genes. In accordance, BM-MSCs administration declined IL17, IL2 and IL6 serum proteins and downregulated IL17A and IL17RA proteins in liver tissue. Interestingly, BM-MSCs downregulated both Stat3 mRNA expression and p-STAT3, while Stat5a gene was downregulated and p-STAT5 protein was elevated. Also P-SMAD3 and TGFβR2 proteins were downregulated in response to BM-MSCs treatment. Collectively, we suggest that BM-MSCs might play an immunomodulatory role in the treatment of liver fibrosis through downregulation of IL17A affecting IL6/STAT3 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimaa Farouk
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Science & Technology, AL-Neelain University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Salwa Sabet
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
- * E-mail:
| | - Fatma A. Abu Zahra
- Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Akmal A. El-Ghor
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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43
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Bonacci M, Lens S. Editorial: STAT-4 polymorphism - a tool to personalise clinical practice in chronic HBV infection. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 48:768-769. [PMID: 30246310 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bonacci
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabela Lens
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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44
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Xiang DM, Sun W, Ning BF, Zhou TF, Li XF, Zhong W, Cheng Z, Xia MY, Wang X, Deng X, Wang W, Li HY, Cui XL, Li SC, Wu B, Xie WF, Wang HY, Ding J. The HLF/IL-6/STAT3 feedforward circuit drives hepatic stellate cell activation to promote liver fibrosis. Gut 2018; 67:1704-1715. [PMID: 28754776 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response that disrupts the liver architecture and function by replacing functional parenchyma with scar tissue. Recent progress has advanced our knowledge of this scarring process, but the detailed mechanism of liver fibrosis is far from clear. METHODS The fibrotic specimens of patients and HLF (hepatic leukemia factor)PB/PB mice were used to assess the expression and role of HLF in liver fibrosis. Primary murine hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and human HSC line Lx2 were used to investigate the impact of HLF on HSC activation and the underlying mechanism. RESULTS Expression of HLF was detected in fibrotic livers of patients, but it was absent in the livers of healthy individuals. Intriguingly, HLF expression was confined to activated HSCs rather than other cell types in the liver. The loss of HLF impaired primary HSC activation and attenuated liver fibrosis in HLFPB/PB mice. Consistently, ectopic HLF expression significantly facilitated the activation of human HSCs. Mechanistic studies revealed that upregulated HLF transcriptionally enhanced interleukin 6 (IL-6) expression and intensified signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation, thus promoting HSC activation. Coincidentally, IL-6/STAT3 signalling in turn activated HLF expression in HSCs, thus completing a feedforward regulatory circuit in HSC activation. Moreover, correlation between HLF expression and alpha-smooth muscle actin, IL-6 and p-STAT3 levels was observed in patient fibrotic livers, supporting the role of HLF/IL-6/STAT3 cascade in liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS In aggregate, we delineate a paradigm of HLF/IL-6/STAT3 regulatory circuit in liver fibrosis and propose that HLF is a novel biomarker for activated HSCs and a potential target for antifibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai-Min Xiang
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Nelson Institute of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, USA.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Sun
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bei-Fang Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Teng-Fei Zhou
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuo Cheng
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming-Yang Xia
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Wang
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xing Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Lanzhou General Hospital of Lanzhou Military Command, Lanzhou, China
| | - Heng-Yu Li
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu-Liang Cui
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shi-Chao Li
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Wei-Fen Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yang Wang
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Ding
- The International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China
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45
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El Sharkawy R, Thabet K, Lampertico P, Petta S, Mangia A, Berg T, Metwally M, Bayoumi A, Boonstra A, Brouwer WP, Smedile A, Abate ML, Loglio A, Douglas MW, Khan A, Santoro R, Fischer J, Leeming DJ, Liddle C, George J, Eslam M. A STAT4 variant increases liver fibrosis risk in Caucasian patients with chronic hepatitis B. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 48:564-573. [PMID: 29963713 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host genetic modifiers of the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain poorly understood. Recently, a genome-wide association study (GWAS)-identified polymorphism in the STAT4 gene that contributes to the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was shown to be associated with the full spectrum of hepatitis B virus (HBV) outcomes in Asian patients. However, the functional mechanisms for this effect are unknown and the role of the variant in modulating HBV disease in Caucasians has not been investigated. AIMS To determine whether STAT4 genetic variation is associated with liver injury in Caucasian patients with CHB and to investigate potential mechanisms mediating this effect. METHODS STAT4 rs7574865 was genotyped in 1085 subjects (830 with CHB and 255 healthy controls). STAT4 expression in liver, PBMCs and NK cells, STAT4 phosphorylation and secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) according to STAT4 genetic variation was examined. RESULTS STAT4 rs7574865 genotype was independently associated with hepatic inflammation (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.07-2.06, P = 0.02) and advanced fibrosis (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.19-2.83, P = 0.006). The minor allele frequency of rs7574865 was significantly lower than that in healthy controls. rs7574865 GG risk carriers expressed lower levels of STAT4 in liver, PBMCs and in NK cells, while NK cells from patients with the risk genotype had impaired STAT4 phosphorylation following stimulation with IL-12/IL-18 and a reduction in secretion of IFN-γ. CONCLUSION Genetic susceptibility to HBV persistence, hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in Caucasians associates with STAT4 rs7574865 variant. Downstream effects on NK cell function through STAT4 phosphorylation-dependent IFN-γ production likely contribute to these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - K Thabet
- Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Minia, Egypt
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Cummins CB, Wang X, Nunez Lopez O, Graham G, Tie HY, Zhou J, Radhakrishnan RS. Luteolin-Mediated Inhibition of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation via Suppression of the STAT3 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061567. [PMID: 29795016 PMCID: PMC6032316 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is responsible for hepatic fibrogenesis and is associated with an overexpression of transcription 3 (STAT3). Luteolin, a common dietary flavonoid with potent anti-inflammatory properties, has previously demonstrated antifibrogenic properties in HSCs but the mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Activated human and rat hepatic stellate cell lines LX-2 and HSC-T6 were used to study the effects of luteolin on HSCs. Cellular proteins were determined by western blot and immunofluorescence. Cell proliferation was assessed with Alamar Blue assay. Luteolin significantly decreased LX-2 and HSC-T6 cell viability in a time-and-dose-dependent manner, as well as decreased HSC end-products α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, and fibronectin. Luteolin decreased levels of total and phosphorylated STAT3, suppressed STAT3 nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity, and attenuated expression of STAT3-regulated proteins c-myc and cyclin D1. STAT3 specific inhibitors stattic and SH-4-54 demonstrated similar effects on HSC viability and α-SMA production. In LX-2 and HSC-T6 cells, luteolin demonstrates a potent ability to inhibit hepatic fibrogenesis via suppression of the STAT3 pathway. These results further elucidate the mechanism of luteolin as well as the effect of the STAT3 pathway on HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire B Cummins
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Xiaofu Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Omar Nunez Lopez
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Gabriel Graham
- School of Medicine, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dothan, AL 36303, USA.
| | - Hong-Yan Tie
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450066, China.
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Ravi S Radhakrishnan
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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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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48
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Choi E, Kim W, Joo SK, Park S, Park JH, Kang YK, Jin SY, Chang MS. Expression patterns of STAT3, ERK and estrogen-receptor α are associated with development and histologic severity of hepatic steatosis: a retrospective study. Diagn Pathol 2018; 13:23. [PMID: 29615085 PMCID: PMC5883355 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-018-0698-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic steatosis renders hepatocytes vulnerable to injury, resulting in the progression of preexisting liver disease. Previous animal and cell culture studies implicated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and estrogen-receptor α in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and disease progression. However, to date there have been few studies performed using human liver tissue to study hepatic steatosis. We examined the expression patterns of mTOR, STAT3, ERK and estrogen-receptor α in liver tissues from patients diagnosed with hepatic steatosis. METHODS We reviewed the clinical and histomorphological features of 29 patients diagnosed with hepatic steatosis: 18 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 11 with alcoholic fatty acid disease (AFLD), and a control group (16 biliary cysts and 22 hepatolithiasis). Immunohistochemistry was performed on liver tissue using an automated immunostainer. The histologic severity of hepatic steatosis was evaluated by assessing four key histomorphologic parameters common to NAFLD and AFLD: steatosis, lobular inflammation, ballooning degeneration and fibrosis. RESULTS mTOR, phosphorylated STAT3, phosphorylated pERK, estrogen-receptor α were found to be more frequently expressed in the hepatic steatosis group than in the control group. Specifically, mTOR was expressed in 78% of hepatocytes, and ERK in 100% of hepatic stellate cells, respectively, in patients with NAFLD. Interestingly, estrogen-receptor α was diffusely expressed in hepatocytes in all NALFD cases. Phosphorylated (active) STAT3 was expressed in 73% of hepatocytes and 45% of hepatic stellate cells in patients with AFLD, and phosphorylated (active) ERK was expressed in hepatic stellate cells in all AFLD cases. Estrogen-receptor α was expressed in all AFLD cases (focally in 64% of AFLD cases, and diffusely in 36%). Phosphorylated STAT3 expression in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells correlated with severe lobular inflammation, severe ballooning degeneration and advanced fibrosis, whereas diffusely expressed estrogen-receptor α correlated with a mild stage of fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate ERK activation and estrogen-receptor α may be relevant in the development of hepatic steatosis. However, diffuse expression of estrogen-receptor α would appear to impede disease progression, including hepatic fibrosis. Finally, phosphorylated STAT3 may also contribute to disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Euno Choi
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 20 Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 07061, Korea
| | - Won Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 20 Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sae Kyung Joo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 20 Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sunyoung Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 20 Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 07061, Korea
| | - Jeong Hwan Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 20 Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 07061, Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Kang
- Department of Pathology, Seoul Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Mareunnae-ro 9, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - So-Young Jin
- Department of Pathology, Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital, 59 daesagwan-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mee Soo Chang
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Boramae Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 20 Boramae-ro 5-gil, Dongjak-gu, Seoul, 07061, Korea.
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Raghu C, Ekena J, Cullen JM, Webb CB, Trepanier LA. Evaluation of potential serum biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in dogs with liver disease. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1009-1018. [PMID: 29485210 PMCID: PMC5980386 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Serum interleukin 6 (IL‐6), chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and the ratio of aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase (AST:ALT) have been correlated with fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in humans with various hepatopathies. Hypothesis/Objectives To determine whether increases in serum IL‐6, CCL2, CRP, or AST:ALT were associated with moderate to severe fibrosis or necroinflammatory activity in dogs with various hepatopathies. Animals Forty‐four client‐owned dogs with clinical evidence of liver disease and 10 healthy purpose‐bred dogs, all undergoing liver biopsies by laparoscopy or laparotomy. Methods Measurement of serum IL‐6, CCL2, CRP, AST, and ALT before scheduled liver biopsy and evaluation of liver histopathology using the METAVIR scoring system used in human medicine, blinded to clinical presentation. Results Median serum IL‐6 was approximately twice as high in dogs with high fibrosis scores (15.5 pg/mL; range, 1.4 to 235 pg/mL) compared to dogs with low fibrosis scores (7.6 pg/mL; range, 1.4 to 148.1 pg/mL), with marginal significance (P = .05). Median serum CCL2 was significantly higher in dogs with active necroinflammation (444 pg/mL; range, 144 to 896 pg/mL) compared to dogs without detectable necroinflammation (326 pg/mL; range, 59 to 1692 pg/mL; P = .008), but with considerable overlap between groups. Neither serum CRP nor AST:ALT ratios were significantly different based on fibrosis or necroinflammatory scores. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Because of substantial variability among dogs, single measurements of IL‐6 and CCL2 have limited diagnostic utility for identifying fibrosis or necroinflammation, respectively, in dogs with various chronic liver diseases. The value of these biomarkers should be explored further in monitoring response to treatment in individual dogs with chronic hepatopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantel Raghu
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Joanne Ekena
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - John M Cullen
- Department of Public Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Craig B Webb
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, Colorado
| | - Lauren A Trepanier
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
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Antagonism of Interleukin-17A ameliorates experimental hepatic fibrosis by restoring the IL-10/STAT3-suppressed autophagy in hepatocytes. Oncotarget 2018; 8:9922-9934. [PMID: 28039485 PMCID: PMC5354781 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-17A has been identified as a driver of hepatic stellate cell activation and plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. However, the underlining fibrosis-promoting mechanism of IL-17A is far from understood. Here we aimed to define whether hepatocytes directly respond to IL-17A stimulation and are associated with the development of hepatic fibrosis. The functional significance of IL-17A was evaluated in bile duct ligation (BDL) or thioacetamide (TAA) injection-induced mouse models of hepatic fibrosis. Human cirrhosis and control tissues were obtained from the patients with cirrhosis who received an open surgical repair process. Neutralizing IL-17A promoted the resolution of BDL or TAA-induced acute or chronic inflammation and fibrosis, resulted in a shift of the suppressive immune response in fibrotic liver toward a Th1-type immune response, and restored autophagy activity in both cholestatic and hepatotoxic liver injury induced fibrotic liver tissues, which was accompanied by a significant inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. Moreover, we found that IL-17A stimulated the concentration-and time-dependent phosphorylation of STAT3 in AML-12 liver cells. Blocking STAT3 with a specific inhibitor STATTIC or STAT3 siRNA protected from the IL-17A-induced autophagy suppression in AML-12 cells, indicating that STAT3 mediates IL-17A-suppressed autophagy. Administration of IL-10, which activated STAT3 and inhibited autophagy, reversed the therapeutic effect of IL-17A antagonism in vivo. Our study suggests that the IL-17A/STAT3 signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis through suppressing hepatocellular autophagy and that blocking this pathway may provide therapeutic benefits for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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