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Ma Z, Sun J, Li Z, Huang S, Li B. AMDHD1 acts as a tumor suppressor and contributes to activation of TGF-β signaling pathway in cholangiocarcinoma. Cell Death Differ 2024:10.1038/s41418-024-01361-y. [PMID: 39143229 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-024-01361-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignant tumor of the digestive system, characterized by its aggressive behavior and the absence of effective therapeutic biomarkers. Although recent studies have implicated AMDHD1 in tumor formation, its role in CCA development has been insufficiently explored. We utilized multiple bioinformatic datasets alongside 108 clinical samples to examine AMDHD1 expression in CCA. Then, in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to assess its impact on tumor growth and metastasis. Furthermore, proteomic analysis and immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry were employed to identify the downstream effectors of AMDHD1. We discovered that AMDHD1 was down-regulated in CCA and this down-regulation was associated with adverse clinicopathological features and prognosis. We also demonstrated that overexpression of AMDHD1 hindered G1/S progression in the cell cycle and promoted apoptosis, thereby inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, we found that AMDHD1 operated in a TGF-β-dependent manner and the inhibition of TGF-β signaling abrogated the effect of AMDHD1 overexpression on CCA cells. Specifically, AMDHD1 inhibited the ubiquitination and degradation of the SMAD4 protein through binding to the MH2 domain and synergistically enhanced SMAD2/3 phosphorylation, which activated of TGF-β signaling pathway and resulted in the suppression of CCA cell proliferation and migration. Our study identifies AMDHD1 as a significant prognostic biomarker and a tumor suppressor in CCA. It underscores the pivotal role of the AMDHD1/TGF-β signaling pathway in the development and progression of CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuyi Ma
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Sun
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenchong Li
- Junior Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Gastrointestinal Oncology and Preclinical Models, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shanzhou Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Binglu Li
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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2
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Yan W, Rao D, Fan F, Liang H, Zhang Z, Dong H. Hepatitis B virus X protein and TGF-β: partners in the carcinogenic journey of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1407434. [PMID: 38962270 PMCID: PMC11220127 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1407434] [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: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection is substantially associated with the development of liver cancer globally, with the prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases exceeding 50%. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) encodes the Hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein, a pleiotropic regulatory protein necessary for the transcription of the HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) microchromosome. In previous studies, HBV-associated HCC was revealed to be affected by HBx in multiple signaling pathways, resulting in genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications in proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. In addition, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has dichotomous potentials at various phases of malignancy as it is a crucial signaling pathway that regulates multiple cellular and physiological processes. In early HCC, TGF-β has a significant antitumor effect, whereas in advanced HCC, it promotes malignant progression. TGF-β interacts with the HBx protein in HCC, regulating the pathogenesis of HCC. This review summarizes the respective and combined functions of HBx and TGB-β in HCC occurrence and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dean Rao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feimu Fan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huifang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, National Health Commission (NHC), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Zunyi Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hanhua Dong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Province for the Clinical Medicine Research Center of Hepatic Surgery, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Xue X, Li Y, Yao Y, Zhang S, Peng C, Li Y. A comprehensive review of miR-21 in liver disease: Big impact of little things. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112116. [PMID: 38696909 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of non-coding RNA with 20-24 nucleotides, are defined as the powerful regulators for gene expression. miR-21 is a multifunctional miRNA enriched in the circulatory system and multiple organs, which not only serves as a non-invasive biomarker in disease diagnosis, but also participates in many cellular activities. In various chronic liver diseases, the increase of miR-21 affects glycolipid metabolism, viral infection, inflammatory and immune cell activation, hepatic stellate cells activation and tissue fibrosis, and autophagy. Moreover, miR-21 is also a liaison in the deterioration of chronic liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and it impacts on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, immune escape, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation by regulating target genes expression in different signaling pathways. In current research on miRNA therapy, some natural products can exert the hepatoprotective effects depending on the inhibition of miR-21 expression. In addition, miR-21-based therapeutic also play a role in regulating intracellular miR-21 levels and enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs. Herein, we systemically summarized the recent progress of miR-21 on biosynthesis, biomarker function, molecular mechanism and miRNA therapy in chronic liver disease and HCC, and looked forward to outputting some information to enable it from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Xue
- 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
| | - Yanzhi 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
| | - 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
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- 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 Peng
- 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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Shi X, Zhang K, Qi Q, Zhou W, Yu F, Zhang Y. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate hepatic stellate cells activation and liver fibrosis. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:734. [PMID: 38874773 PMCID: PMC11178641 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09664-6] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis, a prevalent chronic liver disease, is characterized by liver fibrosis as its central pathological process. Recent advancements highlight the clinical efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) therapy in the treatment of liver cirrhosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We investigated the pharmacodynamic effects of UC-MSCs and MSC conditional medium (MSC-CM) in vivo, utilizing a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrotic rat model. Concurrently, we assessed the in vitro impact of MSCs and MSC-CM on various cellular process of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), including proliferation, apoptosis, activation, immunomodulatory capabilities, and inflammatory factor secretion. Our results indicate that both MSCs and MSC-CM significantly ameliorate the pathological extent of fibrosis in animal tissues, reducing the collagen content, serum biochemical indices and fibrosis biomarkers. In vitro, MSC-CM significantly inhibited the activation of the HSC line LX-2. Notably, MSC-CM modulated the expression of type I procollagen and TGFβ-1 while increasing MMP1 expression. This modulation restored the MMP1/TIMP1 ratio imbalance and extracellular matrix deposition in TGFβ-1 induced fibrosis. Both MSCs and MSC-CM not only induced apoptosis in HSCs but also suppressed proliferation and inflammatory cytokine release from activated HSCs. Furthermore, MSCs and MSC-CM exerted a suppressive effect on total lymphocyte activation. CONCLUSIONS UC-MSCs and MSC-CM primarily modulate liver fibrosis severity by regulating HSC activation. This study provides both in vivo and in vitro pharmacodynamic evidence supporting the use of MSCs in liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Shi
- State Industrial Base for Stem Cell Engineering Products, Tianjin, 300384, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
- VCANBIO Cell & Gene Engineering Corp., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Kun Zhang
- State Industrial Base for Stem Cell Engineering Products, Tianjin, 300384, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
- VCANBIO Cell & Gene Engineering Corp., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Qi Qi
- State Industrial Base for Stem Cell Engineering Products, Tianjin, 300384, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
- VCANBIO Cell & Gene Engineering Corp., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Wangyi Zhou
- State Industrial Base for Stem Cell Engineering Products, Tianjin, 300384, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
- VCANBIO Cell & Gene Engineering Corp., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Fengshi Yu
- State Industrial Base for Stem Cell Engineering Products, Tianjin, 300384, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
- VCANBIO Cell & Gene Engineering Corp., Ltd, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- State Industrial Base for Stem Cell Engineering Products, Tianjin, 300384, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China.
- VCANBIO Cell & Gene Engineering Corp., Ltd, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory for Blood Cell Therapy Technology, Tianjin, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China.
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Zhu M, Wang Y, Han J, Sun Y, Wang S, Yang B, Wang Q, Kuang H. Artesunate Exerts Organ- and Tissue-Protective Effects by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Autophagy, Apoptosis, and Fibrosis: A Review of Evidence and Mechanisms. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:686. [PMID: 38929125 PMCID: PMC11200509 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060686] [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: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The human body comprises numerous organs and tissues operating in synchrony, it facilitates metabolism, circulation, and overall organismal function. Consequently, the well-being of our organs and tissues significantly influences our overall health. In recent years, research on the protective effects of artesunate (AS) on various organ functions, including the heart, liver, brain, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, bones, and others has witnessed significant advancements. Findings from in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that AS may emerge as a newfound guardian against organ damage. Its protective mechanisms primarily entail the inhibition of inflammatory factors and affect anti-fibrotic, anti-aging, immune-enhancing, modulation of stem cells, apoptosis, metabolic homeostasis, and autophagy properties. Moreover, AS is attracting a high level of interest because of its obvious antioxidant activities, including the activation of Nrf2 and HO-1 signaling pathways, inhibiting the release of reactive oxygen species, and interfering with the expression of genes and proteins associated with oxidative stress. This review comprehensively outlines the recent strides made by AS in alleviating organismal injuries stemming from various causes and protecting organs, aiming to serve as a reference for further in-depth research and utilization of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Jianwei Han
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Yanping Sun
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Shuang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Bingyou Yang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
| | - Qiuhong Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510024, China
| | - Haixue Kuang
- Key Laboratory of Basic and Application Research of Beiyao (Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine), Ministry of Education, Harbin 150040, China; (M.Z.); (Y.W.); (J.H.); (Y.S.); (S.W.); (B.Y.)
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Asoka AS, Kolikkandy A, Nair B, Kamath AJ, Sethi G, Nath LR. Role of Culinary Indian Spices in the Regulation of TGF-β Signaling Pathway in Inflammation-Induced Liver Cancer. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300793. [PMID: 38766929 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) results from various etiologies, such as Hepatitis B and C, Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disorders, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. About 80 to 90% of HCC cases possess cirrhosis, which is brought on by persistent liver inflammation. TGF-β is a multifunctional polypeptide molecule that acts as a pro-fibrogenic marker, inflammatory cytokine, immunosuppressive agent, and pro-carcinogenic growth factor during the progression of HCC. The preclinical and clinical evidence illustrates that TGF-β can induce epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, promoting progression and hepatocyte immune evasion. Therefore, targeting the TGF-β pathway can be a promising therapeutic option against HCC. METHODS AND RESULTS We carry out a systemic analysis of eight potentially selected culinary Indian spices: Turmeric, Black pepper, Ginger, Garlic, Fenugreek, Red pepper, Clove, Cinnamon, and their bioactives in regulation of the TGF-β pathway against liver cancer. CONCLUSION Turmeric and its active constituent, curcumin, possess the highest therapeutic potential in treating inflammation-induced HCC and they also have the maximum number of ongoing in-vivo and in-vitro studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajay Sarija Asoka
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Anusha Kolikkandy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Bhagyalakshmi Nair
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Adithya J Kamath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore
| | - Lekshmi R Nath
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Science Campus, Ponekkara, P.O., Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India
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Zhou H, Liu Y, Su Y, Ji P, Kong L, Sun R, Zhang D, Xu H, Li W, Li W. Ginsenoside Rg1 attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced chronic liver damage by activating Nrf2 signaling and inhibiting inflammasomes in hepatic cells. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 324:117794. [PMID: 38244950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) is a precious traditional Chinese medicine with multiple pharmacological effects. Ginsenoside Rg1 is a main active ingredient extracted from ginseng, which is known for its age-delaying and antioxidant effects. Increasing evidence indicates that Rg1 exhibits anti-inflammatory properties in numerous diseases and may ameliorate oxidative damage and inflammation in many chronic liver diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY Chronic inflammatory injury in liver cells is an important pathological basis of many liver diseases. However, its mechanism remains unclear and therapeutic strategies to prevent its development need to be further explored. Thus, our study is to delve the protective effect and mechanism of Rg1 against chronic hepatic inflammatory injuries induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS The chronic liver damage model in mice was build up by injecting intraperitoneally with LPS (200 μg/kg) for 21 days. Serum liver function indicators and levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were examined by using corresponding Kits. Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson stains were utilized to visualize hepatic histopathological damage, glycogen deposition, and liver fibrosis. The nuclear import of p-Nrf2 and the generation of Col4 in the liver were detected by IF, while IHC was employed to detect the expressions of NLRP3 and AIM2 in the hepatic. The Western blot and q-PCR were used to survey the expressions of proteins and mRNAs of fibrosis and apoptosis, and the expressions of Keap1, p-Nrf2 and NLRP3, NLRP1, AIM2 inflammasome-related proteins in mouse liver. The cell viability of human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) was detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 to select the action concentration of LPS, and intracellular ROS generation was detected using a kit. The expressions of Nuclear Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and NLRP3, NLRP1, and AIM2 inflammasome-related proteins in HepG2 cells were detected by Western blot. Finally, the feasibility of the molecular interlinking between Rg1 and Nrf2 was demonstrated by molecular docking. RESULTS Rg1 treatment for 21 days decreased the levels of ALT, AST, and inflammatory factors of serum IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in mice induced by LPS. Pathological results indicated that Rg1 treatment obviously alleviated hepatocellular injury and apoptosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and liver fibrosis in LPS stimulated mice. Rg1 promoted Keap1 degradation and enhanced the expressions of p-Nrf2, HO-1 and decreased the levels of NLRP1, NLRP3, AIM2, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-6 in livers caused by LPS. Furthermore, Rg1 effectively suppressed the rise of ROS in HepG2 cells induced by LPS, whereas inhibition of Nrf2 reversed the role of Rg1 in reducing the production of ROS and NLRP3, NLRP1, and AIM2 expressions in LPS-stimulated HepG2 cells. Finally, the molecular docking illustrated that Rg1 exhibits a strong affinity towards Nrf2. CONCLUSION The findings indicate that Rg1 significantly ameliorates chronic liver damage and fibrosis induced by LPS. The mechanism may be mediated through promoting the dissociation of Nrf2 from Keap1 and then activating Nrf2 signaling and further inhibiting NLRP3, NLRP1, and AIM2 inflammasomes in liver cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yong Su
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Pengmin Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Liangliang Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Ran Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Duoduo Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Hanyang Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Weiping Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Weizu Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
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8
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Lv YF, Xie CS, Liu ZX, Kang MD, Liu Y, Liao ZQ, Ji YL, Zhao R, Li YS, Wei XY, Luo RG, Tang Q. Sevelamer reverses liver fibrosis by deactivation of hepatic stellate cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116121. [PMID: 38461906 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by a progressive wound healing response caused by chronic liver injury. Currently, there are no approved clinical treatments for liver fibrosis. Sevelamer is used clinically to treat hyperphosphatemia and has shown potential therapeutic effects on liver diseases. However, there have been few studies evaluating the therapeutic effects of sevelamer on liver fibrosis, and the specific mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic effects of sevelamer-induced low inorganic phosphate (Pi) stress in vitro and in vivo and analyzed the detailed mechanisms. We found that low Pi stress could inhibit the proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by promoting apoptosis, effectively suppressing the migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatic stellate cells. Additionally, low Pi stress significantly increased the antioxidant stress response. It is worth noting that low Pi stress indirectly inhibited the activation and migration of HSCs by suppressing transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) expression in macrophages. In a rat model of liver fibrosis, oral administration of sevelamer significantly decreased blood phosphorus levels, improved liver function, reduced liver inflammation, and increased the antioxidant stress response in the liver. Our study revealed that the key mechanism by which sevelamer inhibited liver fibrosis involved binding to gastrointestinal phosphate, resulting in a decrease in blood phosphorus levels, the downregulation of TGF-β expression in macrophages, and the inhibition of HSC migration and fibrosis-related protein expression. Therefore, our results suggest that sevelamer-induced low Pi stress can attenuate hepatic stellate cell activation and inhibit the progression of liver fibrosis, making it a potential option for the treatment of liver fibrosis and other refractory chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Feng Lv
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Chuan-Sheng Xie
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zhi-Xing Liu
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Mei-Diao Kang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Zi-Qiang Liao
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yu-Long Ji
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Yan-Shu Li
- Jiangxi Center of Medical Device Testing, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Jiangxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Rong-Guang Luo
- Department of Medical Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Qun Tang
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China; Institute for Advanced Study, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China.
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9
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Shi Q, Xia Y, Wu M, Pan Y, Wu S, Lin J, Kong Y, Yu Z, Zan X, Liu P, Xia J. Mi-BMSCs alleviate inflammation and fibrosis in CCl 4-and TAA-induced liver cirrhosis by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad signaling. Mater Today Bio 2024; 25:100958. [PMID: 38327975 PMCID: PMC10847164 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.100958] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is an aggressive disease, and over 80 % of liver cancer patients are complicated by cirrhosis, which lacks effective therapies. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising option for treating liver cirrhosis. However, this therapeutic approach is often challenged by the low homing ability and short survival time of transplanted MSCs in vivo. Therefore, a novel and efficient cell delivery system for MSCs is urgently required. This new system can effectively extend the persistence and duration of MSCs in vivo. In this study, we present novel porous microspheres with microfluidic electrospray technology for the encapsulation of bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMSCs) in the treatment of liver cirrhosis. Porous microspheres loaded with BMSCs (Mi-BMSCs) exhibit good biocompatibility and demonstrate better anti-inflammatory properties than BMSCs alone. Mi-BMSCs significantly increase the duration of BMSCs and exert potent anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects against CCl4 and TAA-induced liver cirrhosis by targeting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway to ameliorate cirrhosis, which highlight the potential of Mi-BMSCs as a promising therapeutic approach for early liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Shi
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuhan Xia
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Minmin Wu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yating Pan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiyi Wu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiawei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifan Kong
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhijie Yu
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xingjie Zan
- Wenzhou Institute, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Perioperative Medicine, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, 325001, China
| | - Pixu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jinglin Xia
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Interventional Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, China
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10
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Abbasi-Dokht T, Malek F, Nafissi N, Mohammadlou M, Sheikh M, Akbari S, Zargaran MH, Baharlou R. Assessing angiogenesis factors as prognostic biomarkers in breast cancer patients and their association with clinicopathological factors. Biomarkers 2024; 29:36-43. [PMID: 38251636 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2024.2309541] [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: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angiogenesis is fundamental for tumor growth and metastasis across many solid malignancies. Considerable interest has focused on the molecular regulation of tumor angiogenesis as a means to predict disease outcomes and guide therapeutic decisions. METHODS In the present study, we investigated the prognostic value of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the serum of 120 women diagnosed with breast cancer using ELISA as well as examined their associations with clinical parameters and the outcome of the disease. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that the serum concentration of TGF-β and EGF were remarkably higher in patients with higher tumor size, end stages of the disease, and positive lymph node involvement compared to patients with lower tumor size, early stages of the disease, and negative lymph node involvement. In addition, we found a significant correlation between the serum concentration of VEGF and the level of EGF, FGF, and DLL4 in patients with breast cancer. Furthermore, both univariate and multivariate analyses showed that TGF-β and EGF can be used as end-stage predictors. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Based on our findings, increasing the level of angiogenesis factors is significantly associated with higher tumor size and late stages of the disease in patients with breast cancer. Moreover, measuring the level of angiogenesis factors could lead to better prediction of disease outcomes and choosing the best treatments for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tannaz Abbasi-Dokht
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Farhad Malek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kosar Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Nahid Nafissi
- Department of Breast, Rasoul Akram Hospital Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Mohammadlou
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Maryam Sheikh
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Sedigheh Akbari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kosar Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Zargaran
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kosar Hospital, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Rasoul Baharlou
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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11
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Wang Y, Jiao L, Qiang C, Chen C, Shen Z, Ding F, Lv L, Zhu T, Lu Y, Cui X. The role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in fibrosis diseases and its molecular mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116116. [PMID: 38181715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a process of tissue repair that results in the slow creation of scar tissue to replace healthy tissue and can affect any tissue or organ. Its primary feature is the massive deposition of extracellular matrix (mainly collagen), eventually leading to tissue dysfunction and organ failure. The progression of fibrotic diseases has put a significant strain on global health and the economy, and as a result, there is an urgent need to find some new therapies. Previous studies have identified that inflammation, oxidative stress, some cytokines, and remodeling play a crucial role in fibrotic diseases and are essential avenues for treating fibrotic diseases. Among them, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are considered the main targets for the treatment of fibrotic diseases since they are the primary driver involved in ECM degradation, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are natural endogenous inhibitors of MMPs. Through previous studies, we found that MMP-9 is an essential target for treating fibrotic diseases. However, it is worth noting that MMP-9 plays a bidirectional regulatory role in different fibrotic diseases or different stages of the same fibrotic disease. Previously identified MMP-9 inhibitors, such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, suffer from some rather pronounced side effects, and therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate new drugs. In this review, we explore the mechanism of action and signaling pathways of MMP-9 in different tissues and organs, hoping to provide some ideas for developing safer and more effective biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Linke Jiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Caoxia Qiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zihuan Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Ding
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lifei Lv
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingdong Lu
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangning Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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12
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Liu H, Sun M, Wu N, Liu B, Liu Q, Fan X. TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway, Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, and VEGF: Their mechanisms and roles in vascular remodeling related diseases. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e1060. [PMID: 38018603 PMCID: PMC10629241 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular remodeling is a basic pathological process in various diseases characterized by abnormal changes in the morphology, structure, and function of vascular cells, such as migration, proliferation, hypertrophy, and apoptosis. Various growth factors and pathways are involved in the process of vascular remodeling. The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, which is mainly mediated by TGF-β1, is an important factor in vascular wall enhancement during vascular development and regulates the vascular response to injury by promoting the accumulation of intimal tissue. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has an important effect on initiating the formation of blood vessels. The Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway also plays an important role in angiogenesis. In addition, studies have shown that there is a certain interaction between the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway, Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, and VEGF. Many studies have shown that in the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, aneurysm, vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia, pulmonary hypertension, restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, and other diseases, various inflammatory reactions lead to changes in vascular structure and vascular microenvironment, which leads to vascular remodeling. The occurrence of vascular remodeling changes the morphology of blood vessels and thus changes the hemodynamics, which is the cause of further development of the disease process. Vascular remodeling can cause vascular smooth muscle cell dysfunction and vascular homeostasis regulation. This review aims to explore the mechanisms of the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway, Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, and vascular endothelial growth factor in vascular remodeling and related diseases. This paper is expected to provide new ideas for research on the occurrence and development of related diseases and provide a new direction for research on the treatment of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of NeurologyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Mingyue Sun
- Department of NeurologyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Nan Wu
- Department of NeurologyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Bin Liu
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric DisordersBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Qingxin Liu
- Department of NeurologyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
| | - Xueli Fan
- Department of NeurologyBinzhou Medical University HospitalBinzhouChina
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13
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Pan W, Wang Y, Zhao C. miR-140-5p attenuates hepatic fibrosis by directly targeting TGFβR1. Scand J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:1335-1343. [PMID: 37313731 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2223735] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the protective effect and related mechanism of miR-140-5p on liver fibrosis by interfering with TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. METHODS Liver fibrosis mice models were established by intraperitoneal injection of CCL4. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the structural and morphological changes of the liver. Masson staining was used to detect collagen deposition. Human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs, LX-2) were transfected with miR-140-5p mimic or inhibitor then treated with TGF-β1. The qRT-PCR and Western blotting was used to detect the expression of related molecules. The luciferase reporter assay was used to identify the target of miR-140-5p. RESULTS Our results indicated that miR-140-5p expression was downregulated in fibrotic liver tissues of model mice and LX-2 cells treated with TGF-β1. The overexpression of miR-140-5p decreased the expression of collagen1(COL1) and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA), inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad-2/3 (pSmad-2/3) in LX-2 cells. Conversely, the knockdown of miR-140-5p upregulated COL1 and α-SMA expression, increased Smad-2/3 phosphorylation. A dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that TGFβR1 was a target gene of miR-140-5p. The overexpression of miR-140-5p suppressed TGFβR1 expression in LX-2 cells. Additionally, knockdown of TGFβR1 decreased the expression of COL1 and α-SMA. Conversely, the overexpression of TGFβR1 reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-140-5p upregulation on expression of COL1 and α-SMA. CONCLUSION miR-140-5p bound to TGFβR1 mRNA 3'-untranslated region(3'UTR) and inhibited the expression of TGFβR1, pSmad-2/3, COL1 and α-SMA, thereby exerting a potential therapeutic effect on hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Caiyan Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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14
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Li L, Dong Y, Liu X, Wang M. Mangiferin for the Management of Liver Diseases: A Review. Foods 2023; 12:2469. [PMID: 37444207 DOI: 10.3390/foods12132469] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a digestive and metabolic organ, and several factors can induce liver damage, which is a severe threat to human health. As a natural polyphenolic compound, mangiferin belongs to xanthone glucoside and mainly exists in many plants, such as mango. It is notorious that mangiferin has remarkable pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidative stress, antiviral and so on. Emerging evidence indicates the therapeutic benefits of mangiferin against liver disease, including liver injury, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. This review aims to summarize the possible underlying signaling mediated by mangiferin in liver disease treatment and the available findings of mangiferin, which can be used to treat different liver diseases and may contribute to mangiferin as a therapeutic agent for liver disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisi Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Yujia Dong
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Xifu Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Hebei Anti-Tumor Molecular Target Technology Innovation Center, College of Life Science, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine, Minzu University of China, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100086, China
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15
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Xu Y, Liu F, He D, Han L, Zheng X, Hu M, Chen P. Monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells negatively regulate hepatic stellate cells in vitro by secreting IL-10. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152315. [PMID: 36608595 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2022.152315] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The development of liver fibrosis is associated with inflammatory responses resulting from chronic liver disease. Immature dendritic cells (imDCs) play an important role in modulating the inflammatory environment of the liver. This study investigated the effects of imDCs on the regulation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during liver fibrosis. We isolated and induced imDCs from monocytes of healthy volunteers, activated LX-2 cells with TGF-β to establish in vivo liver fibrosis HSCs model, and then set up a cell co-culture system with transwell membranes. imDC surface markers and apoptosis rates of LX-2 cells were detected by flow cytometry. The concentration of IL-10 secreted by imDC was measured through ELISA. The expression of α-SMA in LX-2 after co-culture was examined by qRT‑PCR. Proliferation of LX-2 cells were detected by CCK-8. The western blot was used to illustrate the LX-2 activation-related proteins such as Smad3/7 and TGF-β1. The imDCs co-culture group and the interleukin-10 (IL-10) treatment group had similar results, as they were both able to increase apoptosis, inhibit proliferation, downregulate α-SMA mRNA, and reduce TGF-β1 and Smad3 protein expression in LX-2 cells. Additionally, the Smad7 protein level was increased after treatment with imDC and IL-10. However, the results in the IL-10 antagonist group showed the opposite trend to that of imDCs and IL-10 groups. Thus, these results suggest that imDC secretion of IL-10 negatively regulates activated LX-2 cells, probably via inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway and increased expression of Smad7 protein. This may be a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Di He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China
| | - Mingdao Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China.
| | - Peng Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650000, China.
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The Function and Therapeutic Potential of lncRNAs in Cardiac Fibrosis. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020154. [PMID: 36829433 PMCID: PMC9952806 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis remains an unresolved problem in cardiovascular diseases. Fibrosis of the myocardium plays a key role in the clinical outcomes of patients with heart injuries. Moderate fibrosis is favorable for cardiac structure maintaining and contractile force transmission, whereas adverse fibrosis generally progresses to ventricular remodeling and cardiac systolic or diastolic dysfunction. The molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are multifactorial and complex. Several molecular mechanisms, such as TGF-β signaling pathway, extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and degradation, and non-coding RNAs, positively or negatively regulate myocardial fibrosis. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant mediators in gene regulation in cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated that lncRNAs are crucial in genetic programming and gene expression during myocardial fibrosis. We summarize the function of lncRNAs in cardiac fibrosis and their contributions to miRNA expression, TGF-β signaling, and ECMs synthesis, with a particular attention on the exosome-derived lncRNAs in the regulation of adverse fibrosis as well as the mode of action of lncRNAs secreted into exosomes. We also discuss how the current knowledge on lncRNAs can be applied to develop novel therapeutic strategies to prevent or reverse cardiac fibrosis.
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Nakamura Y, Miyaaki H, Miuma S, Akazawa Y, Fukusima M, Sasaki R, Haraguchi M, Soyama A, Hidaka M, Eguchi S, Nakao K. Automated fibrosis phenotyping of liver tissue from non-tumor lesions of patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:555-561. [PMID: 35553006 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10340-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibrosis is the most important pathological feature in predicting development of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the incidence rate of HCC in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is relatively low. We evaluated phenotypic histological features to differentiate HCC from non-HCC in patients with non-tumor lesions of cirrhotic livers. METHODS Seventeen patients with NAFLD who underwent liver transplantation were enrolled. FibroNest was used to quantify histological phenotypes of non-tumor fibrosis lesions. Quantification included collagen content and structure traits, fiber morphometric traits, and fibrosis architecture traits. Each trait was described by up to seven quantitative fibrosis traits (qFTs). Among the qFTs measured in each specimen, those that described most of the variability between consecutive groups were automatically detected and combined into a normalized Phenotypic Composite Fibrosis Score (Ph-CFS). We trained FibroNest to identify the principal traits that differentiate HCC from non-HCC. RESULTS HCC was found in 8 cases and non-HCC in 9 cases. The Ph-CFS significantly differentiated HCC from non-HCC (4.6 vs. 5.9, p < 0.05). Individual qFTs for morphometric features including collagen fiber length, width, perimeter, and area denoted significant differences between HCC and non-HCC. The Ph-CFS could be used to distinguish HCC (Ph-FCS < 5.0) from non-HCC (Ph-FCS ≥ 5.0) with 75% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CONCLUSION In patients who underwent liver transplantation, fibrotic histological phenotypes in non-tumor lesions appeared to be different between HCC and non-HCC. Phenotypic analysis of collagen in non-tumor lesions might be an effective and automated method to distinguish HCC from non-HCC on histopathology imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Miyaaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.
| | - Satoshi Miuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Yuko Akazawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Masanori Fukusima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Ryu Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Masafumi Haraguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Soyama
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hidaka
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Susumu Eguchi
- Department of Surgery, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
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Yuan M, Hu X, Yao L, Jiang Y, Li L. Mesenchymal stem cell homing to improve therapeutic efficacy in liver disease. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:179. [PMID: 35505419 PMCID: PMC9066724 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02858-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation, as an alternative strategy to orthotopic liver transplantation, has been evaluated for treating end-stage liver disease. Although the therapeutic mechanism of MSC transplantation remains unclear, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that MSCs can regenerate tissues and self-renew to repair the liver through differentiation into hepatocyte-like cells, immune regulation, and anti-fibrotic mechanisms. Multiple clinical trials have confirmed that MSC transplantation restores liver function and alleviates liver damage. A sufficient number of MSCs must be home to the target tissues after administration for successful application. However, inefficient homing of MSCs after systemic administration is a major limitation in MSC therapy. Here, we review the mechanisms and clinical application status of MSCs in the treatment of liver disease and comprehensively summarize the molecular mechanisms of MSC homing, and various strategies for promoting MSC homing to improve the treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengqin Yuan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lichao Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yingan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Lanjuan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. .,State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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Ge C, Tan J, Lou D, Zhu L, Zhong Z, Dai X, Sun Y, Kuang Q, Zhao J, Wang L, Liu J, Wang B, Xu M. Mulberrin confers protection against hepatic fibrosis by Trim31/Nrf2 signaling. Redox Biol 2022; 51:102274. [PMID: 35240537 PMCID: PMC8891817 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mulberrin (Mul) is a key component of the traditional Chinese medicine Romulus Mori with various biological functions. However, the effects of Mul on liver fibrosis have not been addressed, and thus were investigated in our present study, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Here, we found that Mul administration significantly ameliorated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and dysfunction in mice. Furthermore, CCl4-triggerd collagen deposition and liver fibrosis were remarkably attenuated in mice with Mul supplementation through suppressing transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Additionally, Mul treatments strongly restrained the hepatic inflammation in CCl4-challenged mice via blocking nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. Importantly, we found that Mul markedly increased liver TRIM31 expression in CCl4-treated mice, accompanied with the inactivation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. CCl4-triggered hepatic oxidative stress was also efficiently mitigated by Mul consumption via improving nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. Our in vitro studies confirmed that Mul reduced the activation of human and mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated by TGF-β1. Consistently, Mul remarkably retarded the inflammatory response and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation both in human and murine hepatocytes. More importantly, by using hepatocyte-specific TRIM31 knockout mice (TRIM31Hep-cKO) and mouse primary hepatocytes with Nrf2-knockout (Nrf2KO), we identified that the anti-fibrotic and hepatic protective effects of Mul were TRIM31/Nrf2 signaling-dependent, relieving HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. Therefore, Mul-ameliorated hepatocyte injury contributed to the suppression of HSCs activation by improving TRIM31/Nrf2 axis, thus providing a novel therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxu Ge
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Jun Tan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China.
| | - Deshuai Lou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Liancai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Zixuan Zhong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Xianling Dai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Yan Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Qin Kuang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Junjie Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Longyan Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Jin Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China.
| | - Minxuan Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China.
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20
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Li L, Wang Q, He Y, Sun L, Yang Y, Pang X. Astragaloside IV suppresses migration and invasion of TGF-β 1-induced human hepatoma HuH-7 cells by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and TGF-β 1/Smad3 pathways. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2022; 395:397-405. [PMID: 35092472 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02199-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), one of the major compounds extract from Astragalus membranaceus, has shown attractive anti-cancer effects in certain malignancies. Oxidative stress (OS) is considered as a crucial factor in promoting the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In response to OS, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) upregulates and induces heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) to combat oxidative damages. The phosphorylation of the COOH-terminal of Smad3 (pSmad3C) activates p21 to resist HCC progression, while the phosphorylation of the linker region of Smad3 (pSmad3L) up-regulates c-Myc transcription to exert promoting effect towards HCC. This study aimed to explore whether AS-IV suppresses migration and invasion of human hepatoma HuH-7 cells by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways. HuH-7 cells were induced with TGF-β1 (9 or 40 pM) to establish HCC model in vitro and pretreated with AS-IV at different concentration (5, 10, and 20 μM) for 24 h. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) of HuH-7 cells were measured. The expression of Nrf2, pSmad3C, Nrf2/pNrf2, HO-1, pSmad3C/3L, c-Myc, and p21 were detected. Exposure of HuH-7 cells to TGF-β1 enhanced the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and ROS production. Pretreatment with AS-IV (5, 10, and 20 μM) significantly reduced the cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and ROS production in HuH-7 cells. Furthermore, AS-IV increased the expressions of Nrf2/pNrf2, HO-1, pSmad3C, and p21, meanwhile reduced the expressions of pSmad3L and c-Myc. In conclusion, our study suggested that AS-IV inhibit HuH-7 cells migration and invasion, which related to activate Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, up-regulation pSmad3C/p21 pathway, and down-regulation pSmad3L/c-Myc pathway. The present research supports the notion that AS-IV may be a latent agent for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yinghao He
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Liangjie Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Xiaonan Pang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, China.
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21
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Wu T, Wang X, Chen M, Zhang X, Zhang J, Cheng J, Kong L, Tang M. Respiratory exposure to graphene quantum dots causes fibrotic effects on lung, liver and kidney of mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 163:112971. [PMID: 35358666 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.112971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Graphene quantum dots (GQDs), as a novel graphene-based nanoparticle, presented a bright prospect in fields of biomedicine due to their excellent optical property. However, the biosafety assessment of GQDs is far behind their rapid development, which could restrict their wilder applications. This study focused on the potential adverse effects of two kinds of promising GQDs, i.e. nitrogen-doping graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) and amino-modified graphene quantum dot (A-GQDs) on primary target organs of GNMs, including lung, liver and kidney. The intranasal instillation used here was to imitate the respiratory exposure of GQDs that is a commonly exposure route of GQDs in the environment. Although no severe damages associated with general health occurred in mice treated with GQDs, the fibrosis evidenced by statistically significant increases in the area of collagen I and TGF-ß1 and p-Smad3 expressions were observed in the lung, liver and kidney tissues. Interestingly, the fibrotic effect induced by GQDs could be effectively alleviated by a ferroptosis-specific inhibitor, which demonstrated a close relationship of fibrosis and ferroptosis. This study not only provides new insights on the toxicity mechanisms of GQDs, but also offers some efficient ways to control toxicity of GQDs, like dosage threshold and small molecular drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China.
| | - Xinyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Min Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jixiang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Jin Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Lu Kong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
| | - Meng Tang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, PR China
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22
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Lu J, Yu L, Shi J. Low-dose paclitaxel modulates the cross talk between the JNK and Smad signaling in primary biliary fibroblasts. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992) 2022; 68:159-164. [PMID: 35239875 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20210777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism underlying the occurrence of benign bile duct stricture and the target of low-dose paclitaxel in the prevention of benign bile duct stricture. METHODS Under the stimulation of transforming growth factor beta 1, the expression of collagen type I and connective tissue growth factor were detected on isolated primary fibroblasts. The phosphorylation levels of JNK and Smad2L were detected using Western blot. The effect of low-dose paclitaxel on the transforming growth factor beta 1-induced inhibition of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor expression and JNK and Smad2L phosphorylation was also observed. RESULTS Transforming growth factor beta 1 induced the secretion of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor as well as JNK phosphorylation in biliary fibroblasts. The JNK inhibitor or siRNA-Smad2 inhibited the transforming growth factor beta 1-induced secretion of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor. Low-dose paclitaxel inhibited the expression of type I collagen induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 and may inhibit the secretion of collagen in biliary fibroblasts. CONCLUSION The activation of JNK/Smad2L induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 is involved in the occurrence of benign bile duct stricture that is mediated by the overexpression of type I collagen and connective tissue growth factor, and low-dose paclitaxel may inhibit the phosphorylation of JNK/Smad2L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Lu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Department of Nephrology - Xi'an, China
| | - Liang Yu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery - Xi'an, China
| | - Jianhua Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery - Xi'an, China
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23
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Zheng GH, Liu J, Yan Guo F, Zhang ZH, Jiang YJ, Lin YC, Lan XQ, Ren J, Wu YL, Nan JX, Hua Jin C, Lian LH. The in vitro and in vivo study of a pyrazole derivative, J-1063, as a novel anti-liver fibrosis agent: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and mechanistic analysis. Bioorg Chem 2022; 122:105715. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Baba AB, Rah B, Bhat GR, Mushtaq I, Parveen S, Hassan R, Hameed Zargar M, Afroze D. Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) Signaling in Cancer-A Betrayal Within. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:791272. [PMID: 35295334 PMCID: PMC8918694 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.791272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A ubiquitously expressed cytokine, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plays a significant role in various ongoing cellular mechanisms. The gain or loss-of-function of TGF-β and its downstream mediators could lead to a plethora of diseases includes tumorigenesis. Specifically, at the early onset of malignancy TGF-β act as tumour suppressor and plays a key role in clearing malignant cells by reducing the cellular proliferation and differentiation thus triggers the process of apoptosis. Subsequently, TGF-β at an advanced stage of malignancy promotes tumorigenesis by augmenting cellular transformation, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition invasion, and metastasis. Besides playing the dual roles, depending upon the stage of malignancy, TGF-β also regulates cell fate through immune and stroma components. This oscillatory role of TGF-β to fight against cancer or act as a traitor to collaborate and crosstalk with other tumorigenic signaling pathways and its betrayal within the cell depends upon the cellular context. Therefore, the current review highlights and understands the dual role of TGF-β under different cellular conditions and its crosstalk with other signaling pathways in modulating cell fate.
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The Bright and the Dark Side of TGF-β Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Mechanisms, Dysregulation, and Therapeutic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040940. [PMID: 35205692 PMCID: PMC8870127 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is a preeminent regulator of diverse cellular and physiological processes. Frequent dysregulation of TGF-β signaling has been implicated in cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, the autocrine and paracrine effects of TGF-β have paradoxical implications. While acting as a potent tumor suppressor pathway in the early stages of malignancy, TGF-β diverts to a promoter of tumor progression in the late stages, reflecting its bright and dark natures, respectively. Within this context, targeting TGF-β represents a promising therapeutic option for HCC treatment. We discuss here the molecular properties of TGF-β signaling in HCC, attempting to provide an overview of its effects on tumor cells and the stroma. We also seek to evaluate the dysregulation mechanisms that mediate the functional switch of TGF-β from a tumor suppressor to a pro-tumorigenic signal. Finally, we reconcile its biphasic nature with the therapeutic implications. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with genetic and nongenetic aberrations that impact multiple genes and pathways, including the frequently dysregulated transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. The regulatory cytokine TGF-β and its signaling effectors govern a broad spectrum of spatiotemporally regulated molecular and cellular responses, yet paradoxically have dual and opposing roles in HCC progression. In the early stages of tumorigenesis, TGF-β signaling enforces profound tumor-suppressive effects, primarily by inducing cell cycle arrest, cellular senescence, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, as the tumor advances in malignant progression, TGF-β functionally switches to a pro-tumorigenic signal, eliciting aggressive tumor traits, such as epithelial–mesenchymal transition, tumor microenvironment remodeling, and immune evasion of cancer cells. On this account, the inhibition of TGF-β signaling is recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy for advanced HCC. In this review, we evaluate the functions and mechanisms of TGF-β signaling and relate its complex and pleiotropic biology to HCC pathophysiology, attempting to provide a detailed perspective on the molecular determinants underlying its functional diversion. We also address the therapeutic implications of the dichotomous nature of TGF-β signaling and highlight the rationale for targeting this pathway for HCC treatment, alone or in combination with other agents.
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Liu J, Yu L, Castro L, Yan Y, Clayton NP, Bushel P, Flagler ND, Scappini E, Dixon D. Short-term tetrabromobisphenol A exposure promotes fibrosis of human uterine fibroid cells in a 3D culture system through TGF-beta signaling. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22101. [PMID: 35032343 PMCID: PMC8852695 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101262r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a derivative of BPA, is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant with weak estrogenic properties. In women, uterine fibroids are highly prevalent estrogen-responsive tumors often with excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and may be the target of environmental estrogens. We have found that BPA has profibrotic effects in vitro, in addition to previous reports of the in vivo fibrotic effects of BPA in mouse uterus. However, the role of TBBPA in fibrosis is unclear. To investigate the effects of TBBPA on uterine fibrosis, we developed a 3D human uterine leiomyoma (ht-UtLM) spheroid culture model. Cell proliferation was evaluated in 3D ht-UtLM spheroids following TBBPA (10-6 -200 µM) administration at 48 h. Fibrosis was assessed using a Masson's Trichrome stain and light microscopy at 7 days of TBBPA (10-3 µM) treatment. Differential expression of ECM and fibrosis genes were determined using RT² Profiler™ PCR arrays. Network and pathway analyses were conducted using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The activation of pathway proteins was analyzed by a transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) protein array. We found that TBBPA increased cell proliferation and promoted fibrosis in 3D ht-UtLM spheroids with increased deposition of collagens. TBBPA upregulated the expression of profibrotic genes and corresponding proteins associated with the TGFB pathway. TBBPA activated TGFB signaling through phosphorylation of TGFBR1 and downstream effectors-small mothers against decapentaplegic -2 and -3 proteins (SMAD2 and SMAD3). The 3D ht-UtLM spheroid model is an effective system for studying environmental agents on human uterine fibrosis. TBBPA can promote fibrosis in uterine fibroid through TGFB/SMAD signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingli Liu
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch (MTB)Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP)National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIHResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Linda Yu
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch (MTB)Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP)National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIHResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Lysandra Castro
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch (MTB)Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP)National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIHResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Yitang Yan
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch (MTB)Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP)National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIHResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Natasha P. Clayton
- Cellular & Molecular Pathogenesis BranchDNTP NIEHS, NIHResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Pierre Bushel
- Biostatistics & Computational Biology Branch, Division of Intramural Research (DIR)NIEHS, NIHResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Norris D. Flagler
- Cellular & Molecular Pathogenesis BranchDNTP NIEHS, NIHResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Erica Scappini
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, DIRNIEHS, NIHResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Darlene Dixon
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch (MTB)Division of the National Toxicology Program (DNTP)National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), NIHResearch Triangle ParkNorth CarolinaUSA
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27
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Li Z, Wang Z, Dong F, Shi W, Dai W, Zhao J, Li Q, Fang ZE, Ren L, Liu T, Wei Z, Mou W, Lin L, Yang Y, Xiao X, Ma L, Bai Z. Germacrone Attenuates Hepatic Stellate Cells Activation and Liver Fibrosis via Regulating Multiple Signaling Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:745561. [PMID: 34675811 PMCID: PMC8523941 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.745561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an abnormal proliferation of connective tissue in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Chronic liver injury leads to release of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) from damaged hepatocytes, which activates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to secrete extracellular matrix proteins, thereby leading to fibrosis. Thus, inhibition of hepatocyte injury and HSC activation, and promotion of apoptosis of activated HSCs are important strategies for prevention of liver fibrosis. In this study, we showed that the germacrone (GER), the main component in the volatile oil of zedoary turmeric, inhibited hepatic fibrosis by regulating multiple signaling pathways. First, GER improved the cell survival rate by inhibiting the production of ROS after hepatocyte injury caused by acetaminophen (APAP). In addition, GER inhibited the activation of HSCs and expression of collagen I by blocking TGF-β/Smad pathway in LX-2 cells. However, when the concentration of GER was higher than 60 μM, it specifically induced HSCs apoptosis by promoting the expression and activation of apoptosis-related proteins, but it had no effect on hepatocytes. Importantly, GER significantly attenuated the methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting liver injury and the activation of HSCs in vivo. In summary, GER can not only protect hepatocytes by reducing ROS release to avoid the liver injury-induced HSC activation, but also directly inhibit the activation and survival of HSCs by regulating TGF-β/Smad and apoptosis pathways. These results demonstrate that GER can be used as a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhilei Wang
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fang Dong
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhang Dai
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-E Fang
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lutong Ren
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ziying Wei
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Mou
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Department of Hepatology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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28
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Dai L, Lu Y, Jiang L, Zhu L, Zhang J, Wang F, Gao Y, Xin W. SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (SOX9) Affects the Proliferation, Invasion and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma by Regulating Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF β)/Smad Signaling. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2021. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2021.2772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) develops rapidly with a high malignancy. SOX9 expression is increased in several tumors. However, its expression and role in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have not yet been elucidated. Real time PCR and Western blot were done to assess SOX9 expression
in tumor tissues and adjacent tissues of ICC. ICC cell line QBC939 cells were separated into control group, SOX9 overexpression group and SOX9 siRNA group followed by analysis of cell survival by MTT assay, cell migration by cell scratch assay, cell invasion by transwell chamber, E-cadherin
and Vimentin level by western blot, TGFβ/Smad signaling protein level by real time PCR. SOX9 level in tumor tissues was significantly increased compared to adjacent tissues (P < 0.05) and it was associated with TNM stage, tissue type and metastasis, and survival time
(P < 0.05). Transfection of pcDNA3.1-SOX9 upregulated SOX9, promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion, downregulated E-cadherin, upregulated Vimentin, TGF-β1 and Smad4 (P < 0.05). SOX9 siRNA transfection into QBC939 cells could significantly reverse
the above mentioned changes (P < 0.05). SOX9 level is increased in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and targeting SOX9 can inhibit cell migration and invasion, and EMT via regulating TGFβ/Smad signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Dai
- Intensive Care Second Unit (Second Ward), Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, China
| | - Yuqing Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, China
| | - Lu Jiang
- Intensive Care Second Unit (Second Ward), Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, China
| | - Liping Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Taizhou Vocational and Technical College, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- Intensive Care Second Unit (Second Ward), Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei, 430000, China
| | - Wenwei Xin
- Department Emergency, Taizhou First Peoples Hospital, Taizhou, Zhejiang, 318000, China
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29
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Liu Y, Ding Y, Hou Y, Yu T, Nie H, Cui Y. The miR-130a-3p/TGF-βRII Axis Participates in Inhibiting the Differentiation of Fibroblasts Induced by TGF-β1. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:732540. [PMID: 34393805 PMCID: PMC8355625 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.732540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic progressive interstitial lung disease that has a poor prognosis. Abnormal activation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) plays a crucial role in fibroblast differentiation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently being considered for the treatment of PF, but the regulatory mechanisms are poorly understood. We co-cultured bone marrow-derived MSCs and mouse lung fibroblasts (MLg) in the presence of TGF-β1, and studied the protein/mRNA expression of fibrosis markers and related signaling pathways. The effects of miR-130a-3p and TGF-β receptor II (TGF-βRII) on the differentiation of MLg induced by TGF-β1 were studied using immunofluorescence assay, Western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR techniques, respectively. Our results showed that MSCs reversed the overexpression of fibrosis markers and TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway proteins and mRNAs after TGF-β1 treatment and increased the level of miR-130a-3p. TGF-βRII was identified as a target of miR-130a-3p and was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The miR-130a-3p/TGF-βRII axis could suppress the differentiation of lung fibroblasts via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, thereby reducing the process of PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Liu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yapeng Hou
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hongguang Nie
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Cui
- Departments of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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30
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Yang J, Gong Y, Xu W, Li L, Shi Z, Wang Q, He Y, Zhang C, Luo C, Fang Z, Yang Y. Smad3 gene C-terminal phosphorylation site mutation exacerbates CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrogenesis by promoting pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2021; 394:1779-1786. [PMID: 34191114 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02114-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Current researches have confirmed that Smads, mediators of TGF-β signaling, are strictly controlled by domain-specific site phosphorylation in the process of hepatic disease. Usually, Smad3 phospho-isoform pSmad3L and pSmad3C are reversible and antagonistic; pSmad2L/C could act together with pSmad3L by stimulating PAI-1 expression and ECM synthesis to transmit fibrogenic signals. Our recent study found that pSmad3C mutation is supposed to perform a vigorous role on the early phase of liver injury and abates salvianolic acid B's anti-hepatic fibrotic-carcinogenesis. However, whether pSmad3C mutation expedites pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction during hepatic fibrogenesis remains vague. Presently, Smad3 gene C-terminal phosphorylation site mutation heterozygote (pSmad3C+/-) mice were constructed to probe if and how pSmad3C retards CCl4-induced hepatic fibrogenesis by inhibiting pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction. Twelve 6-week-old pSmad3C+/- C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injection with CCl4 for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrogenesis. Results showed that pSmad3C mutation aggravates the relative liver weight, biochemical parameters, collagenous fibers and fibrotic septa formation, contributes to fibrogenesis in HT-CCl4 mice. Furthermore, fibrotic-related proteins TGF-β1, pSmad2C, pSmad2L, and PAI-1 were also increased in CCl4-induced pSmad3C+/- mice. These results suggest that pSmad3C mutation exacerbates hepatic fibrogenesis which relates to intensifying pSmad2L/C-mediated signaling transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhenghao Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yinghao He
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Chenchen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Zhirui Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, China.
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31
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Yang Y, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Zhang F, Li L. The Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Liver Diseases: Mechanism, Efficacy, and Safety Issues. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:655268. [PMID: 34136500 PMCID: PMC8200416 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.655268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation is a novel treatment for liver diseases due to the roles of MSCs in regeneration, fibrosis inhibition and immune regulation. However, the mechanisms are still not completely understood. Despite the significant efficacy of MSC therapy in animal models and preliminary clinical trials, issues remain. The efficacy and safety of MSC-based therapy in the treatment of liver diseases remains a challenging issue that requires more investigation. This article reviews recent studies on the mechanisms of MSCs in liver diseases and the associated challenges and suggests potential future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yalei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingjian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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32
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Kabel AM, Arab HH, Abd Elmaaboud MA. Attenuation of diethyl nitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma by taxifolin and/or alogliptin: The interplay between toll-like receptor 4, transforming growth factor beta-1, and apoptosis. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:1710-1720. [PMID: 33840231 DOI: 10.1177/09603271211008496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver malignancies worldwide. Alogliptin is an anti-diabetic that may have effective anticancer properties against many types of malignancies. Taxifolin is a flavonoid that has potent antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of alogliptin and/or taxifolin on diethyl nitrosamine-induced HCC in rats. One hundred male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups as follows: Control; HCC; HCC + Alogliptin; HCC + Taxifolin; and HCC + Alogliptin + Taxifolin group. The survival rate, liver function tests, tissue antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor (erythroid derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were measured. Also, hepatic caspase 3, caspase 9, beclin-1, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in addition to serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and α-L-Fucosidase (AFU) were assessed. Specimens of the liver were subjected to histopathological examination. Alogliptin and/or taxifolin induced significant improvement of liver function tests with significant increase in the survival rate, tissue antioxidant enzymes, Nrf2, caspase 3, caspase 9, Beclin-1 and JNK activities associated with significant decrease in serum AFP and AFU, tissue MDA, TGF-β1, IL-1α and TLR4 expression compared to HCC group. These results were significant with taxifolin/alogliptin combination when compared to the use of each of these agents alone. In conclusion, taxifolin/alogliptin combination might be used as adjuvant therapy for attenuation of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Kabel
- Pharmacology Department, 68782Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - H H Arab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, 125895Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - M A Abd Elmaaboud
- Pharmacology Department, 68782Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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33
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Qi X, Chen S, He H, Wen W, Wang H. The role and potential application of extracellular vesicles in liver cancer. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2021; 64:1281-1294. [PMID: 33847910 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-020-1905-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide and mainly includes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived nanometer-sized vesicles that can be released by different cell types under normal and pathological conditions and thus play important roles in the transmission of biological information between cells. Increasing evidence suggests that liver cancer cell-derived EVs may help establish a favorable microenvironment to support the proliferation, invasion and metastasis of cancer cells. In this review, we summarized the role of EVs in the tumor microenvironment (TME) during the development and progression of liver cancer. As messenger carriers, EVs are loaded by various biomolecules, such as proteins, RNA, DNA, lipids and metabolites, making them potential liquid biopsy biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of liver cancer. We also highlighted the progress of EVs as antigen carriers and EV-based therapeutics in preclinical studies of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Qi
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Shuzhen Chen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Huisi He
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Wen Wen
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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34
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Zou LL, Li JR, Li H, Tan JL, Wang MX, Liu NN, Gao RM, Yan HY, Wang XK, Dong B, Li YH, Peng ZG. TGF-β isoforms inhibit hepatitis C virus propagation in transforming growth factor beta/SMAD protein signalling pathway dependent and independent manners. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:3498-3510. [PMID: 33682288 PMCID: PMC8034461 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) plays an important role in the viral liver disease progression via controlling viral propagation and mediating inflammation‐associated responses. However, the antiviral activities and mechanisms of TGF‐β isoforms, including TGF‐β1, TGF‐β2 and TGF‐β3, remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated that all of the three TGF‐β isoforms were increased in Huh7.5 cells infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV), but in turn, the elevated TGF‐β isoforms could inhibit HCV propagation with different potency in infectious HCV cell culture system. TGF‐β isoforms suppressed HCV propagation through interrupting several different stages in the whole HCV life cycle, including virus entry and intracellular replication, in TGF‐β/SMAD signalling pathway–dependent and TGF‐β/SMAD signalling pathway–independent manners. TGF‐β isoforms showed additional anti‐HCV activities when combined with each other. However, the elevated TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2, not TGF‐β3, could also induce liver fibrosis with a high expression of type I collagen alpha‐1 and α‐smooth muscle actin in LX‐2 cells. Our results showed a new insight into TGF‐β isoforms in the HCV‐related liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Li Zou
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Rui Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hu Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Li Tan
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mei-Xi Wang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Nan-Nan Liu
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Rong-Mei Gao
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Yan Yan
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Kai Wang
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Biao Dong
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Huan Li
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zong-Gen Peng
- CAMS Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drug Research, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, The National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC), Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Antimicrobial Agents, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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35
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Tian T, Xie R, Ding K, Han B, Yang Q, Yang X. IOX1 protects from TGF-β induced fibrosis in LX-2 cells via the regulation of extracellular matrix protein expression. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:180. [PMID: 33488789 PMCID: PMC7812578 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9611] [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: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of the histone H3K9 demethylase inhibitor, IOX1, on the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis in TGF-β-induced human hepatic stellate LX-2 cells. Cellular proliferation, apoptosis, histone H3K9 dimethylation (H3K9me2), protein expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), type I collagen (Col I), MMP-1 and TIMP-1 were measured. H3K9me2 levels in the promoter region of ECM-related genes were detected by real-time cell analysis (RTCA), flow cytometry, western blotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) in LX-2 cells. IOX1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and the IC50 of IOX1 was 100 µM in cells treated with IOX1 for 48 h. IOX1 significantly induced apoptosis in LX-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, different concentration of IOX1 increased the level of H3K9me2 and downregulated the expression of α-SMA, Col I, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 in TGF-β-induced LX-2 cells. ChIP measurements indicated that H3K9me2 levels in the promotor region of the corresponding genes were increased in TGF-β-induced LX-2 cells. IOX1 may elevate H3K9me2 in the promotor region of Col I, MMP-1, and TIMP-1 genes to regulate α-SMA, Col I, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 protein expression to induce cell apoptosis, inhibit LX-2 cell proliferation and oppose hepatic fibrotic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Department of Eugenic Genetics, Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou 550003, P.R. China
| | - Rujia Xie
- Department of Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Kaize Ding
- Department of Assisted Reproduction, Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou 550003, P.R. China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Qin Yang
- Department of Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Eugenic Genetics, Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou 550003, P.R. China
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36
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Hori Y, Ikeura T, Yamaguchi T, Yoshida K, Matsuzaki K, Ishida M, Satoi S, Okazaki K. Role of phosphorylated Smad3 signal components in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of pancreas. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2020; 19:581-589. [PMID: 32532597 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) has poor prognosis. The carcinogenesis of IPMN is not clear. The aim of this study was to clarify transitions in phosphorylated Smad3 signaling during IPMN carcinogenesis. METHODS By using immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of pSmad3C and pSmad3L from 51 IPMN surgical specimens resected at our institution between 2010 and 2013. We also examined the expression of Ki-67, c-Myc and p-JNK. RESULTS The median immunostaining index of pSmad3C was 79.2% in low-grade dysplasia, 74.9% in high-grade dysplasia, and 42.0% in invasive carcinoma (P < 0.01), whereas that of pSmad3L was 3.4%, 4.3%, and 42.4%, respectively (P < 0.01). There was a negative relationship between the expression of pSmad3C and c-Myc (P < 0.001, r = -0.615) and a positive relationship between the expression of pSmad3L and c-Myc (P < 0.001, r = 0.696). Negative relationship between the expression of pSmad3C and Ki-67 (P < 0.01, r = -0.610) and positive relationship between the expression of pSmad3L and Ki-67 (P < 0.01, r = 0.731) were confirmed. p-JNK-positive cells were frequently observed among pSmad3L-positive cancer cells. The median of pSmad3L/pSmad3C ratio in the non-recurrence group and the recurrence group were 0.58 (range, 0.05-0.93), 3.83 (range, 0.85-5.96), respectively (P = 0.02). The median immunostaining index of c-Myc in the non-recurrence group and the recurrence group were 2.91 (range, 0-36.9) and 82.1 (range, 46.2-97.1), respectively (P = 0.02). The median immunostaining index of Ki-67 in the non-recurrence group and the recurrence group were 12.9 (range 5.7-30.8) and 90.9 (range 52.9-98.5), respectively (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS pSmad3L was upregulated in malignant IPMN. pSmad3L/pSmad3C ratio may be a useful prognostic factor in IPMN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Hori
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Ikeura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamaguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Katsunori Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Koichi Matsuzaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Ishida
- Department of Pathology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Sohei Satoi
- Department of Surgery, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan
| | - Kazuichi Okazaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 5731191, Japan.
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37
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Zhang K, Zhang M, Luo Z, Wen Z, Yan X. The dichotomous role of TGF-β in controlling liver cancer cell survival and proliferation. J Genet Genomics 2020; 47:497-512. [PMID: 33339765 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the major form of primary liver cancer and one of the most prevalent and life-threatening malignancies globally. One of the hallmarks in HCC is the sustained cell survival and proliferative signals, which are determined by the balance between oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is an effective growth inhibitor of epithelial cells including hepatocytes, through induction of cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, cellular senescence, or autophagy. The antitumorigenic effects of TGF-β are bypassed during liver tumorigenesis via multiple mechanisms. Furthermore, along with malignant progression, TGF-β switches to promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. This dichotomous nature of TGF-β is one of the barriers to therapeutic targeting in liver cancer. Thereafter, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms is a prerequisite for discovering novel antitumor drugs that may specifically disable the growth-promoting branch of TGF-β signaling or restore its tumor-suppressive arm. This review summarizes how TGF-β inhibits or promotes liver cancer cell survival and proliferation, highlighting the functional switch mechanisms during the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kegui Zhang
- School of Biological Engineering, Huainan Normal University, Huainan, 232001, China
| | - Meiping Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China
| | - Zhijun Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Zhili Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China.
| | - Xiaohua Yan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, China; Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nanchang University Medical College, Nanchang, 330031, China.
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Gong Y, Yang Y. Activation of Nrf2/AREs-mediated antioxidant signalling, and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway: a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis - A review. Life Sci 2020; 256:117909. [PMID: 32512009 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a wound-healing response that occurs during chronic liver injury and features by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC), the leading effector in HF, is responsible for overproduction of ECM. It has been documented that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulates superfluous accumulation of ECM and triggers HSCs activation mainly via canonical Smad-dependent pathway. Also, the pro-fibrogenic TGF-β1 is correlated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant mechanisms. Moreover, involvement of oxidative stress (OS) can be clearly elucidated as a fundamental event in liver fibrogenesis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements (Nrf2-AREs) pathway, a group of OS-mediated transcription factors with diverse downstream targets, is associated with the induction of diverse detoxifying enzymes and the most pivotal endogenous antioxidative system. More specifically, Nrf2-AREs pathway has recently assigned as a new therapeutic target for cure of HF. The overall goal of this review will focus on recent findings about activation of Nrf2-AREs-mediated antioxidant and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in the liver, providing an overview of recent advances in transcriptional repressors that dislocated during HF formation, and highlighting possible novel therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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Chen X, Zhao Y, Yang A, Tian Y, Pang D, Sun J, Tang L, Huang H, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Tu P, Hu Z, Li J. Chinese Dragon's Blood EtOAc Extract Inhibits Liver Cancer Growth Through Downregulation of Smad3. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:669. [PMID: 32477135 PMCID: PMC7237706 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most prevalent malignancies, which ranks the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The screening of anti-HCC drug with high efficiency and low toxicity from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has attracted more and more attention. As a TCM, Chinese dragon’s blood has been used for the treatment of cardiovascular illness, gynecological illness, skin disorder, otorhinolaryngological illness, and diabetes mellitus complications for many years. However, the anti-tumor effect and underlying mechanisms of Chinese dragon’s blood remain ill-defined. Herein we have revealed that Chinese dragon’s blood EtOAc extract (CDBEE) obviously suppressed the growth of human hepatoma HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells. Moreover, CDBEE inhibited the migration and invasion of HepG2 and SK-HEP-1 cells. Additionally, CDBEE displayed good in vitro anti-angiogenic activity. Importantly, CDBEE treatment significantly blunted the oncogenic capability of HepG2 cells in nude mice. Mechanistically, CDBEE inhibited Smad3 expression in human hepatoma cells and tumor tissues from nude mice. Using RNA interference, we demonstrated that CDBEE exerted anti-hepatoma activity partially through down-regulation of Smad3, one of major members in TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Therefore, CDBEE may be a promising candidate drug for HCC treatment, especially for liver cancer with aberrant TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Chen
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanan Zhao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ailin Yang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Tian
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Daoran Pang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Leimengyuan Tang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huiming Huang
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Molecular Orthopaedics, Beijing Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Zhao
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Pengfei Tu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongdong Hu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Zhang W, Jin Y, Wang D, Cui J. Neuroprotective effects of leptin on cerebral ischemia through JAK2/STAT3/PGC-1-mediated mitochondrial function modulation. Brain Res Bull 2020; 156:118-130. [PMID: 31935431 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Neuroprotective effects of leptin have been shown in mouse model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and primary cortical neuronal culture with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), while the underlying mechanisms are less understood. In the present study, we investigated whether leptin modulated mitochondrial function through JAK2/STAT3 in vivo mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and in OGD-challenged primary neuronal cultures. JAK2/STAT3; mitochondrial biogenesis markers (PGC-1α); and apoptosis-associated proteins (caspase-3, BCL-2, BCL-XL, and cytochrome c) were detected by western blotting and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction at 1 h before and after ischemia/reperfusion. P-STAT3 and PGC-1α in neurons and astrocytes were detected. Moreover, mitochondrial morphology of the ischemic ipsilateral penumbra is examined using transmission electron microscopy. Primary cerebral cortical neurons were evaluated for viability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and apoptosis to assess whether dose-dependent neuroprotective effects of leptin during OGD were mitigated by the JAK2/STAT3 inhibitor AG490. Leptin activated JAK2/STAT3 signaling in neurons and astrocytes distributed in the ischemic ipsilateral penumbra, with peak p-STAT3 levels observed at 1 h after reperfusion. Leptin increased PGC-1α, BCL-2, and BCL-XL protein levels, cell viability, and MMP and decreased apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo; these effects were reversed by AG490 treatment. Our findings suggest that leptin-mediated neuroprotective effects in tMCAO may peak at 1 h to induce the transcription of its target gene PGC-1α, stabilization of MMP, inhibition of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening, release of cytochrome c, and apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, PR China
| | - Yinchuan Jin
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Fourth Military Medical University, PR China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, NO.661 2 Yellow River Road, Binzhou, Shandong, 256603, PR China.
| | - Jingjing Cui
- Department of Medical Affairs, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College, NO.661 2 Yellow River Road, Binzhou, Shandong, 256603, PR China.
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Negative Control of Cell Migration by Rac1b in Highly Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Cells Is Mediated by Sequential Induction of Nonactivated Smad3 and Biglycan. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121959. [PMID: 31817656 PMCID: PMC6966648 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Expression of the small GTPase, Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1B (RAC1B), a RAC1-related member of the Rho GTPase family, in tumor tissues of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has been shown previously to correlate positively with patient survival, but the underlying mechanism(s) and the target genes involved have remained elusive. Screening of a panel of established PDAC-derived cell lines by immunoblotting indicated that both RAC1B and Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) were more abundantly expressed in poorly metastatic and well-differentiated lines as opposed to highly metastatic, poorly differentiated ones. Both siRNA-mediated RAC1B knockdown in the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-sensitive PDAC-derived cell lines, Panc1 and PaCa3, or CRISPR/Cas-mediated knockout of exon 3b of RAC1 in Panc1 cells resulted in a dramatic decrease in the expression of SMAD3. Unexpectedly, the knockdown of SMAD3 reproduced the promigratory activity of a RAC1B knockdown in Panc1 and PaCa3, but not in TGF-β-resistant BxPC3 and Capan1 cells, while forced expression of SMAD3 alone was able to mimic the antimigratory effect of ectopic RAC1B overexpression in Panc1 cells. Moreover, overexpression of SMAD3 was able to rescue Panc1 cells from the RAC1B knockdown-induced increase in cell migration, while knockdown of SMAD3 prevented the RAC1B overexpression-induced decrease in cell migration. Using pharmacological and dominant-negative inhibition of SMAD3 C-terminal phosphorylation, we further show that the migration-inhibiting effect of SMAD3 is independent of its activation by TGF-β. Finally, we provide evidence that the antimigratory program of RAC1B-SMAD3 in Panc1 cells is executed through upregulation of the migration and TGF-β inhibitor, biglycan (BGN). Together, our data suggest that a RAC1B-SMAD3-BGN axis negatively controls cell migration and that SMAD3 can induce antimigratory genes, i.e., BGN independent of its role as a signal transducer for TGF-β. Therefore, targeting this novel pathway for activation is a potential therapeutic strategy in highly metastatic PDAC to interfere with invasion and metastasis.
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Obeticholic acid prevents carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis through interaction between farnesoid X receptor and Smad3. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 77:105911. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Zhao J, Han M, Zhou L, Liang P, Wang Y, Feng S, Lu H, Yuan X, Han K, Chen X, Liu S, Cheng J. TAF and TDF attenuate liver fibrosis through NS5ATP9, TGFβ1/Smad3, and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways. Hepatol Int 2019; 14:145-160. [PMID: 31758498 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09997-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the roles and mechanisms of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF)/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treating liver fibrosis. METHODS The effects of TAF/TDF on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in C57BL/6 wild-type or nonstructural protein 5A transactivated protein 9 (NS5ATP9) knockout mice were studied. The differentiation, activation, and proliferation of LX-2 cells after TAF/TDF treatment were tested in vitro. The expression of NS5ATP9 and activities of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1)/Sekelsky mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) and NF-κB/NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathways were detected in TAF/TDF-treated mice and LX-2 cells. The genes related to extracellular matrix accumulation were detected in vivo and in vitro after NS5ATP9 silencing or knockout. RESULTS TAF/TDF significantly inhibited CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice, and regulated the differentiation, activation, and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Furthermore, TAF/TDF suppressed the activities of TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro. NS5ATP9 inhibited liver fibrosis through TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. TAF/TDF upregulated the expression of NS5ATP9 in vivo and in vitro. Finally, TAF/TDF could only show marginal therapeutic effects when NS5ATP9 was silenced and knocked out in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS TAF/TDF prevented progression and promoted reversion of liver fibrosis through assembling TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways via upregulating the expression of NS5ATP9. TAF/TDF also regulated the differentiation, activation, and proliferation of HSCs. The findings provided strong evidence for the role of TAF/TDF as a new promising therapeutic strategy in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Ming Han
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Department of Infectious Disease, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Pu Liang
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Shenghu Feng
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Hongping Lu
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Xiaoxue Yuan
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Kai Han
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Xiaofan Chen
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Shunai Liu
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Jun Cheng
- Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China.
- Institiute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China.
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University & Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Dewidar B, Meyer C, Dooley S, Meindl-Beinker N. TGF-β in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrogenesis-Updated 2019. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111419. [PMID: 31718044 PMCID: PMC6912224 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 437] [Impact Index Per Article: 87.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an advanced liver disease condition, which could progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. To date, there is no direct approved antifibrotic therapy, and current treatment is mainly the removal of the causative factor. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β is a master profibrogenic cytokine and a promising target to treat fibrosis. However, TGF-β has broad biological functions and its inhibition induces non-desirable side effects, which override therapeutic benefits. Therefore, understanding the pleiotropic effects of TGF-β and its upstream and downstream regulatory mechanisms will help to design better TGF-β based therapeutics. Here, we summarize recent discoveries and milestones on the TGF-β signaling pathway related to liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, emphasizing research of the last five years. This comprises impact of TGF-β on liver fibrogenesis related biological processes, such as senescence, metabolism, reactive oxygen species generation, epigenetics, circadian rhythm, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and endothelial-mesenchymal transition. We also describe the influence of the microenvironment on the response of HSC to TGF-β. Finally, we discuss new approaches to target the TGF-β pathway, name current clinical trials, and explain promises and drawbacks that deserve to be adequately addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bedair Dewidar
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, 31527 Tanta, Egypt
| | - Christoph Meyer
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
| | - Nadja Meindl-Beinker
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (B.D.); (C.M.); (S.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-621-383-4983; Fax: +49-621-383-1467
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Contextual Regulation of TGF-β Signaling in Liver Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101235. [PMID: 31614569 PMCID: PMC6829617 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is one of the leading causes for cancer-related death worldwide. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is a pleiotropic cytokine that signals through membrane receptors and intracellular Smad proteins, which enter the nucleus upon receptor activation and act as transcription factors. TGF-β inhibits liver tumorigenesis in the early stage by inducing cytostasis and apoptosis, but promotes malignant progression in more advanced stages by enhancing cancer cell survival, EMT, migration, invasion and finally metastasis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning the multi-faceted roles of TGF-β in liver cancer has become a persistent pursuit during the last two decades. Contextual regulation fine-tunes the robustness, duration and plasticity of TGF-β signaling, yielding versatile albeit specific responses. This involves multiple feedback and feed-forward regulatory loops and also the interplay between Smad signaling and non-Smad pathways. This review summarizes the known regulatory mechanisms of TGF-β signaling in liver cancer, and how they channel, skew and even switch the actions of TGF-β during cancer progression.
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Girolami I, Veronese N, Smith L, Caruso MG, Reddavide R, Leandro G, Demurtas J, Nottegar A. The Activation Status of the TGF-β Transducer Smad2 Is Associated with a Reduced Survival in Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153831. [PMID: 31387321 PMCID: PMC6695973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant function of Smad2, a crucial member of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling, is associated with the development of malignancies, particularly in the gastrointestinal district. However, little is known about its possible prognostic role in such tumor types. With the first meta-analysis on this topic, we demonstrated that the lack of the activated form of Smad2 (phosphor-Smad2 or pSmad2), which was meant to be the C-terminally phosphorylated form, showed a statistically significant association with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients with gastrointestinal cancers (RR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.05–2.37, p = 0.029, I2 = 84%), also after having adjusted for potential confounders (RR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.24–2.18; p < 0.001; I2 = 4%). This finding highlights the importance of the TGF-β signaling in this type of cancer. In this line, further studies are needed to explore more in depth this important molecular pathway, focusing also on potential therapeutic strategies based on its effectors or molecular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Girolami
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Veronese
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Lee Smith
- The Cambridge Centre for Sport and Exercise Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge CB1 1PT, UK
| | - Maria G Caruso
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Reddavide
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Leandro
- National Institute of Gastroenterology "S. de Bellis", Research Hospital, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy
| | - Jacopo Demurtas
- Primary Care Department, Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, 58100 Grosseto, Italy
| | - Alessia Nottegar
- Department of Diagnostics, Section of Pathology, San Bortolo Hospital, 36100 Vicenza, Italy.
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Dong H, Diao H, Zhao Y, Xu H, Pei S, Gao J, Wang J, Hussain T, Zhao D, Zhou X, Lin D. Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in breast cancer cell lines remarkably increases the cell malignancy largely via activation of transforming growth factor beta/SMAD signalling. Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12633. [PMID: 31264317 PMCID: PMC6797518 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) has been frequently noticed in the breast cancers. In this study, we aim to investigate the associations of MMP-9 with the activation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)/SMAD signalling and the malignancy of breast malignant tumour cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The distributions of MMP-9 and TGF-β in the tissues of canine breast cancers were screened by immunohistochemical assays. A recombinant plasmid expressing mouse MMP-9 was generated and transiently transfected into three different breast cancer cell lines. Cell Counting Kit-8 and colony formation assay were used to study cell viability. Migration and invasion ability were analysed by wound assay and transwell filters. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were used to determine the protein and mRNA expression. RESULT Remarkable strong MMP-9 and TGF-β signals were observed in the malignant tissues of canine breast cancers. In the cultured three cell lines receiving recombinant plasmid expressing mouse MMP-9, the cell malignancy was markedly increased, including the cell colony formation, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The levels of activated TGF-β, as well as SMAD4, SMAD2/3 and phosphorylation of SMAD2, were increased, reflecting an activation of TGF-β/SMAD signalling. We also demonstrated that the inhibitors specific for MMP-9 and TGF-β sufficiently blocked the overexpressing MMP-9 induced the activation of SMAD signalling and enhancement on invasion in the tested breast cancer cell lines. CONCLUSION Overexpression of MMP-9 increases the malignancy of breast cancer cell lines, largely via activation of the TGF-β/SMAD signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodi Dong
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxiu Diao
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhao
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Huihao Xu
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Shimin Pei
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiafeng Gao
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Tariq Hussain
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Deming Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangmei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Animal Epidemiology of the Ministry of Agriculture and College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Degui Lin
- The Clinical Department, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Cryptotanshinone protects against pulmonary fibrosis through inhibiting Smad and STAT3 signaling pathways. Pharmacol Res 2019; 147:104307. [PMID: 31181334 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Cryptotanshinone (CTS), a lipophilic compound extracted from root of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), has demonstrated multiple pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-proliferation and anti-infection. However, the effect of CTS on pulmonary fibrosis is unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of CTS treatment on pulmonary fibrosis and its underlying mechanism. The pulmonary fibrosis model was established by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (5 mg/kg) in Sprague-Dawley rats (in vivo) and stimulating human fetal lung fibroblasts (HLFs) with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) (in vitro). CTS (7.5, 15, 30, 60 mg/kg/day) and pirfenidone (150 mg/kg/day, positive control) were administered by oral gavage for 28 days. In this study, we found CTS treatment improved pulmonary function, relieved pathological changes and attenuated the accumulation of extracellular matrix in pulmonary fibrosis rat model induced by bleomycin. Mechanistically, CTS suppressed phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and STAT3 induced by TGF-β1 in HLFs. Stattic, a 1-benzothiophene based small-molecule STAT3 inhibitor, resulted in a significant down-regulation of fibrosis biomarkers including fibronectin, collagen type I and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Overexpression of STAT3 promoted expression of fibrosis biomarkers in HLFs cell model induced by TGF-β1 and partially blocked the inhibitory effect of CTS on TGF-β1-induced fibrosis response. Taken together, these results suggested that CTS protects against pulmonary fibrosis via inhibition of Smad and STAT3 signaling pathways. Thus, CTS may represent a promising drug candidate for treating pulmonary fibrosis.
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Exosome-mediated communication in the tumor microenvironment contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma development and progression. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:53. [PMID: 31142326 PMCID: PMC6542024 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0739-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is an essential intrinsic portion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for the regulation of its origination, development, invasion, and metastasis. As emerging components of the tumor-host interaction, exosomes are increasingly recognized as professional carriers of information in TME and as pivotal molecular entities involved in tumorigenic microenvironment setup. However, much remains unknown about the role of the exosome communication system within TME in the development and progression of HCC. In this review, we focus on the roles and probable mechanisms of TME in HCC and show the exosome-based immune regulation in TME to promote HCC. Multiple processes are involved in HCC, including tumor survival, growth, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. We also discuss the specific roles of exosomes in HCC processes by molding hospitable TME for HCC, such as providing energy, transmitting protumor signals, and evading inhibitory signals. In addition, exosomes induce angiogenesis by changing the biological characteristics of endothelial cells and directly regulating proangiogenic and propermeability factors. Furthermore, exosomes may lead to HCC metastatic invasion by epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, extracellular matrix degradation, and vascular leakage. Finally, we summarize the therapeutic usage of exosomes in the HCC microenvironment and attempt to provide a theoretical reference for modern antitumor agents designed to target these mechanisms.
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Wu S, Liu L, Yang S, Kuang G, Yin X, Wang Y, Xu F, Xiong L, Zhang M, Wan J, Gong X. Paeonol alleviates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis through suppression of hepatic stellate cells activation via inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2019; 41:438-445. [PMID: 31119954 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2019.1613427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Paeonol is a natural phenolic component isolated from the root bark of peony with multiple pharmacological activities. We investigated the anti-fibrotic effect and underlying mechanism of paeonol. Methods: Twenty-four male C57BL/6J mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 6 in each group), injected with CCl4 to induce liver fibrosis and administrated with paeonol according to the regimen. The serum activity of ALT and AST, and H&E staining were to assess liver injury. Sirius and Masson staining, and hydroxyproline content were to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis. TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, MDA, GSH-PX, SOD, and CAT were detected to reflect inflammation and oxidative stress. RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis to assess the activation of HSCs and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling. Results: Paeonol ameliorated liver injury and liver fibrosis, reflected by the decrease of ALT, AST, less lesion in H&E staining, mitigated fibrosis in Sirius and Masson staining, lessened content of hydroxyproline. Paeonol attenuated the level of IL-6 and TNF-α, and elevated the activity of GSH-PX, SOD, and CAT with reducing the level of MDA. The expression of col 1a, α-SMA, vimentin, and desmin were down-regulated and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway was inhibited. Conclusion: These data demonstrated that paeonol could alleviate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through suppression of hepatic stellate cells activation via inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwang Wu
- a Department of Anatomy , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Laicheng Liu
- b Department of Medical Laboratory , Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Sen Yang
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Kuang
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xinru Yin
- d Department of Gastroenterology , Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Fangzhi Xu
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Lingyi Xiong
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Meixia Zhang
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Wan
- c Department of Pharmacology , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xia Gong
- a Department of Anatomy , Chongqing Medical University , Chongqing , People's Republic of China
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