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Li Z, Zheng Y, Zhang L, Xu E. Cryptotanshinone alleviates liver fibrosis via inhibiting STAT3/CPT1A-dependent fatty acid oxidation in hepatic stellate cells. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 399:111119. [PMID: 38936533 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111119] [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: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a major source of fibrogenic cells and play a central role in liver fibrogenesis. HSC activation depends on metabolic activation, for which it is well established that fatty acid oxidation (FAO) sustains their rapid proliferative rate. Studies have indicated that tanshinones inhibit HSC activation, however, the anti-fibrosis mechanisms of tanshinones are remain unclear. Herein, we reported that cryptotanshinone (CTS), a lipid-soluble ingredient of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, exhibited the strongest inhibitory effects on HSC-LX2 proliferation and activation. CTS could induce lipocyte phenotype in mouse primary HSC and HSC-LX2. Transcriptomic sequencing and qPCR revealed that CTS regulated fatty acid metabolism and inhibited CPT1A and CPT1B expression. Target prediction suggested CTS regulates lipid metabolism by targeting STAT3. Mechanistically, the level of ATP and acetyl-CoA were reduced by the treatment of CTS, indicating that CTS could inhibit the level of FAO. Furthermore, CTS could inhibit the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT3. Additionally, CPT1A overexpression reversed the efficacy of CTS. Finally, CTS (40 mg/kg/day) attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and inhibited collagen production and HSC activation. Moreover, the results of immunofluorescence showed that α-SMA and p-STAT3 were co-located, and CTS could reduce the levels of p-STAT3 and α-SMA. In summary, CTS alleviated liver fibrosis by inhibiting the p-STAT3/CPT1A-dependent FAO both in vitro and in vivo, making it a potential candidate drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zibo Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450046, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
| | - Yaqiu Zheng
- International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013, China
| | - Erping Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Research and Development on the Whole Industry Chain of Yu-Yao, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450046, China; Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450046, China.
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2
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Park JH, Kwon S, Choi SY, Kim B, Oh J. Optimizing the Amino Acid Sequence Enhances the Productivity and Bioefficacy of the RBP-Albumin Fusion Protein. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:617. [PMID: 38927853 PMCID: PMC11200973 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060617] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The significant growth of the global protein drug market, including fusion proteins, emphasizes the crucial role of optimizing amino acid sequences to enhance the productivity and bioefficacy. Among these fusion proteins, RBP-IIIA-IB, comprising retinol-binding protein in conjunction with the albumin domains, IIIA and IB, has displayed efficacy in alleviating liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). This study aimed to address the issue of the low productivity in RBP-IIIA-IB. To induce structural changes, the linking sequence, EVDD, between domain IIIA and IB in RBP-IIIA-IB was modified to DGPG, AAAA, and GGPA. Among these, RBP-IIIA-AAAA-IB demonstrated an increase in yield (>4-fold) and a heightened inhibition of HSC activation. Furthermore, we identified amino acid residues that could form disulfide bonds when substituted with cysteine. Through the mutation of N453S-V480S in RBP-IIIA-AAAA-IB, the productivity further increased by over 9-fold, accompanied by an increase in anti-fibrotic activity. Overall, there was a more than 30-fold increase in the fusion protein's yield. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of modifying linker sequences and introducing extra disulfide bonds to improve both the production yield and biological efficacy of fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hoon Park
- New Drug Development Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Osong 28160, Republic of Korea; (J.H.P.); (S.-Y.C.)
| | - Sohyun Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea;
| | - So-Young Choi
- New Drug Development Center, Osong Medical Innovation Foundation, Osong 28160, Republic of Korea; (J.H.P.); (S.-Y.C.)
| | - Bongcheol Kim
- Senelix Co. Ltd., 25, Beobwon-ro 11-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul 05836, Republic of Korea;
| | - Junseo Oh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea;
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3
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Very N, Boulet C, Gheeraert C, Berthier A, Johanns M, Bou Saleh M, Guille L, Bray F, Strub JM, Bobowski-Gerard M, Zummo FP, Vallez E, Molendi-Coste O, Woitrain E, Cianférani S, Montaigne D, Ntandja-Wandji LC, Dubuquoy L, Dubois-Chevalier J, Staels B, Lefebvre P, Eeckhoute J. O-GlcNAcylation controls pro-fibrotic transcriptional regulatory signaling in myofibroblasts. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:391. [PMID: 38830870 PMCID: PMC11148087 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06773-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Tissue injury causes activation of mesenchymal lineage cells into wound-repairing myofibroblasts (MFs), whose uncontrolled activity ultimately leads to fibrosis. Although this process is triggered by deep metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming, functional links between these two key events are not yet understood. Here, we report that the metabolic sensor post-translational modification O-linked β-D-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) is increased and required for myofibroblastic activation. Inhibition of protein O-GlcNAcylation impairs archetypal myofibloblast cellular activities including extracellular matrix gene expression and collagen secretion/deposition as defined in vitro and using ex vivo and in vivo murine liver injury models. Mechanistically, a multi-omics approach combining proteomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data mining revealed that O-GlcNAcylation controls the MF transcriptional program by targeting the transcription factors Basonuclin 2 (BNC2) and TEA domain transcription factor 4 (TEAD4) together with the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) co-activator. Indeed, inhibition of protein O-GlcNAcylation impedes their stability leading to decreased functionality of the BNC2/TEAD4/YAP1 complex towards promoting activation of the MF transcriptional regulatory landscape. We found that this involves O-GlcNAcylation of BNC2 at Thr455 and Ser490 and of TEAD4 at Ser69 and Ser99. Altogether, this study unravels protein O-GlcNAcylation as a key determinant of myofibroblastic activation and identifies its inhibition as an avenue to intervene with fibrogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninon Very
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Clémence Boulet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Céline Gheeraert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Alexandre Berthier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Manuel Johanns
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Mohamed Bou Saleh
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Loïc Guille
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Bray
- Miniaturization for Synthesis, Analysis & Proteomics, UAR 3290, CNRS, University of Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Marc Strub
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS UMR7178, Univ. Strasbourg, IPHC, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie Bobowski-Gerard
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Francesco P Zummo
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Vallez
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Olivier Molendi-Coste
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Eloise Woitrain
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Sarah Cianférani
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS UMR7178, Univ. Strasbourg, IPHC, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - David Montaigne
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Line Carolle Ntandja-Wandji
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Laurent Dubuquoy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | | | - Bart Staels
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Lefebvre
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Jérôme Eeckhoute
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France.
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Jiang J, Gareev I, Ilyasova T, Shumadalova A, Du W, Yang B. The role of lncRNA-mediated ceRNA regulatory networks in liver fibrosis. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:463-470. [PMID: 38511056 PMCID: PMC10950566 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.01.001] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
In the dynamic realm of molecular biology and biomedical research, the significance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) acting as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) continues to grow, encompassing a broad spectrum of both physiological and pathological conditions. Particularly noteworthy is their pivotal role in the intricate series of events leading to the development of hepatic fibrosis, where hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role. Recent strides in scientific exploration have unveiled the intricate involvement of lncRNAs as ceRNAs in orchestrating the activation of HSCs. This not only deepens our comprehension of the functioning of proteins, DNA, and the extensive array of coding and noncoding RNAs but also sheds light on the intricate molecular interactions among these molecules. Furthermore, the well-established ceRNA networks, involving classical interactions between lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs), are not mere bystanders; they actively participate in instigating and advancing liver fibrosis. This underscores the pressing need for additional thorough research to fully grasp the potential of ceRNA. The unyielding pursuit of knowledge in this field remains a potent driving force with the capacity to enhance the quality of life for numerous individuals grappling with such diseases. It holds the promise of ushering in a new era of precision medicine, signifying a relentless dedication to unraveling the intricacies of molecular interactions that could pave the way for transformative advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, 150067, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Ilgiz Gareev
- Central Research Laboratory, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 3 Lenin Street, 450008, Russia
| | - Tatiana Ilyasova
- Department of Internal Diseases, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 3 Lenin Street, 450008, Russia
| | - Alina Shumadalova
- Department of General Chemistry, Bashkir State Medical University, Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, 3 Lenin Street, 450008, Russia
| | - Weijie Du
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, 150067, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Baofeng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (The State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, 150067, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin 150081, China
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Liu H, Zhou Y, Guo P, Zheng X, Chen W, Zhang S, Fu Y, Zhou X, Wan Z, Zhao B, Zhao Y. Hemodialysis bilayer bionic blood vessels developed by the mechanical stimulation of hepatitis B viral X( HBX) gene- transfected hepatic stellate cells. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024; 25:499-512. [PMID: 38910495 PMCID: PMC11199092 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300479] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Artificial vascular graft (AVG) fistula is widely used for hemodialysis treatment in patients with renal failure. However, it has poor elasticity and compliance, leading to stenosis and thrombosis. The ideal artificial blood vessel for dialysis should replicate the structure and components of a real artery, which is primarily maintained by collagen in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of arterial cells. Studies have revealed that in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) become hyperactive and produce excessive ECM fibers. Furthermore, mechanical stimulation can encourage ECM secretion and remodeling of a fiber structure. Based on the above factors, we transfected HSCs with the hepatitis B viral X (HBX) gene for simulating the process of HBV infection. Subsequently, these HBX-HSCs were implanted into a polycaprolactone-polyurethane (PCL-PU) bilayer scaffold in which the inner layer is dense and the outer layer consists of pores, which was mechanically stimulated to promote the secretion of collagen nanofiber from the HBX-HSCs and to facilitate crosslinking with the scaffold. We obtained an ECM-PCL-PU composite bionic blood vessel that could act as access for dialysis after decellularization. Then, the vessel scaffold was implanted into a rabbit's neck arteriovenous fistula model. It exhibited strong tensile strength and smooth blood flow and formed autologous blood vessels in the rabbit's body. Our study demonstrates the use of human cells to create biomimetic dialysis blood vessels, providing a novel approach for creating clinical vascular access for dialysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyi Liu
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China.
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Peng Guo
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China
| | - Xiongwei Zheng
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Weibin Chen
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yu Fu
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xu Zhou
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China
| | - Zheng Wan
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Xiamen Health and Medical Big Data Center, Xiamen 361008, China
| | - Yilin Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Vascular Interventional Radiology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361004, China.
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma (Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University), Xiamen 361004, China.
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Cellular Intervention and Interventional Medical Materials, Xiamen 361004, China.
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6
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Li Y, Dong L, Yin X, Wang X, Zhu X, Zheng P, Tang Y. CD47, a novel YAP target gene, contributes to hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis induced by high-fat diet. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31621. [PMID: 38831842 PMCID: PMC11145538 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31621] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have been widely recognized as a primary source of pathological myofibroblasts, leading to the accumulation of extracellular matrix and liver fibrosis. CD47, a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed on the surface of various cell types, has been implicated in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the precise role of CD47 in HSC activation and the underlying regulatory mechanisms governing CD47 expression remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to investigate CD47 expression in HSCs from mice subjected to a high-fat diet. CD47 silencing in HSCs markedly inhibited the expression of fibrotic genes and promoted apoptosis. Mechanistically, we found that Yes-associated protein (YAP) collaborates with TEAD4 to augment the transcriptional activation of CD47 by binding to its promoter region. Notably, disruption of the interaction between YAP and TEAD4 caused a substantial decrease in CD47 expression in HSCs and reduced the development of high-fat diet-induced liver fibrosis. Our findings highlight CD47 as a critical transcriptional target of YAP in promoting HSC activation in response to a high-fat diet. Targeting the YAP/TEAD4/CD47 signaling axis may hold promise as a therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Henan Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Chronic Liver Injury and Outstanding Foreign Scientists Studio for Chronic Liver Injury, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lin Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuecui Yin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengyuan Zheng
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori and Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall B. J. Medical Research Center of Zhengzhou University, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Youcai Tang
- Department of Pediatrics, Henan Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Chronic Liver Injury and Outstanding Foreign Scientists Studio for Chronic Liver Injury, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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7
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Huang BH, Guo ZW, Lv BH, Zhao X, Li YB, Lv WL. A role for curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1396834. [PMID: 38855740 PMCID: PMC11157132 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1396834] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animal models. Methods A systematic search was conducted on studies published from establishment to November 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and other databases. The methodological quality was assessed using Sycle's RoB tool. An analysis of sensitivity and subgroups were performed when high heterogeneity was observed. A funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. Results This meta-analysis included 24 studies involving 440 animals with methodological quality scores ranging from 4 to 6. The results demonstrated that curcumin treatment significantly improved Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [standard mean difference (SMD) = -3.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-4.96, -2.83), p < 0.01, I2 = 85.9%], Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)[SMD = - 4.40, 95% CI (-5.40, -3.40), p < 0.01, I2 = 81.2%]. Sensitivity analysis of AST and ALT confirmed the stability and reliability of the results obtained. However, the funnel plot exhibited asymmetry. Subgroup analysis based on species and animal models revealed statistically significant differences among subgroups. Furthermore, curcumin therapy improved fibrosis degree, oxidative stress level, inflammation level, and liver synthesis function in animal models of liver fibrosis. Conclusion Curcumin intervention not only mitigates liver fibrosis but also enhances liver function, while concurrently modulating inflammatory responses and antioxidant capacity in animal models. This result provided a strong basis for further large-scale animal studies as well as clinical trials in humans in the future. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024502671.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Hao Huang
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Wei Guo
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo-Han Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Bo Li
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Liang Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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8
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Sokal-Dembowska A, Jarmakiewicz-Czaja S, Ferenc K, Filip R. Can Nutraceuticals Support the Treatment of MASLD/MASH, and thus Affect the Process of Liver Fibrosis? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5238. [PMID: 38791276 PMCID: PMC11120776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105238] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Currently, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are considered to be the main causes of fibrosis. In turn, fibrosis may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma or advanced cirrhosis, i.e., potentially life-threatening conditions. It is likely that therapy aimed at reducing the risk of developing hepatic steatosis and inflammation could be helpful in minimizing the threat/probability of organ fibrosis. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the influence of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the precise role of selected ingredients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, and curcumin. It is likely that the use of these ingredients in the treatment of patients with MASLD/MASH, along with behavioral and pharmacological therapy, may have a beneficial effect on combating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and thereby preventing liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Sokal-Dembowska
- Institute of Health Sciences, Medical College, Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Ferenc
- Institute of Medicine, Medical College, Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Rafał Filip
- Institute of Medicine, Medical College, Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Gastroenterology with IBD Unit, Clinical Hospital No. 2, 35-301 Rzeszow, Poland
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9
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Zhou HY, Wang BQ, Chen MX, Wang YF, Jiang YF, Ma J. KDM4C represses liver fibrosis by regulating H3K9me3 methylation of ALKBH5 and m6A methylation of snail1 mRNA. J Dig Dis 2024; 25:298-309. [PMID: 38938016 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to disclose the molecular mechanism of snail1 in liver fibrosis. METHODS Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was used to induce a liver fibrosis model in mice whereby serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were evaluated, and liver pathological alternations were assessed. Rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) were irritated with transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, followed by assessment of cell viability and migration. The levels of snail1, ALKBH5, and lysine specific demethylase 4C (KDM4C) were quantified by immunohistochemistry, western blot, or reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, in addition to α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), anti-collagen type I α1 (COL1A1), vimentin, and E-cadherin. Photoactivatable ribonucleoside-enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation and RNA stability were evaluated to determine the relationship between ALKBH5 and snail1. Changes in KDM4C-bound ALKBH5 promoter and enrichment of histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation (H3K9me3) at the ALKBH5 promoter were determined using chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS In fibrosis mice, snail1 was upregulated while ALKBH5 and KDM4C were downregulated. KDM4C overexpression reduced serum ALT and AST levels, liver injury, and α-SMA, COL1A1 and VIMENTIN expressions but increased E-cadherin expression. However, the aforementioned trends were reversed by concurrent overexpression of snail1. In HSC-T6 cells exposed to TGF-β1, ALKBH5 overexpression weakened cell viability and migration, downregulated α-SMA, COL1A1 and VIMENTIN, upregulated E-CADHERIN, and decreased m6A modification of snail1 and its mRNA stability. KDM4C increased ALKBH5 expression by lowering H3K9me3 level, but inhibited HSC-T6 cell activation by regulating the ALKBH5/snail1 axis. CONCLUSION KDM4C decreases H3K9me3 methylation to upregulate ALKBH5 and subsequently inhibits snail1, ultimately impeding liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Ying Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bing Qing Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Meng Xuan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yi Fan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Yong Fang Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jing Ma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
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Yin X, Dong L, Wang X, Qin Z, Ma Y, Ke X, Li Y, Wang Q, Mi Y, Lyu Q, Xu X, Zheng P, Tang Y. Perilipin 5 regulates hepatic stellate cell activation and high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Animal Model Exp Med 2024; 7:166-178. [PMID: 37202925 PMCID: PMC11079159 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12327] [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: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases globally. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major effector cells of liver fibrosis. HSCs contain abundant lipid droplets (LDs) in their cytoplasm during quiescence. Perilipin 5 (PLIN 5) is a LD surface-associated protein that plays a crucial role in lipid homeostasis. However, little is known about the role of PLIN 5 in HSC activation. METHODS PLIN 5 was overexpressed in HSCs of Sprague-Dawley rats by lentivirus transfection. At the same time, PLIN 5 gene knockout mice were constructed and fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to study the role of PLIN 5 in NAFLD. The corresponding reagent kits were used to measure TG, GSH, Caspase 3 activity, ATP level, and mitochondrial DNA copy number. Metabolomic analysis of mice liver tissue metabolism was performed based on UPLC-MS/MS. AMPK, mitochondrial function, cell proliferation, and apoptosis-related genes and proteins were detected by western blotting and qPCR. RESULTS Overexpression of PLIN 5 in activated HSCs led to a decrease in ATP levels in mitochondria, inhibition of cell proliferation, and a significant increase in cell apoptosis through AMPK activation. In addition, compared with the HFD-fed C57BL/6J mice, PLIN 5 knockout mice fed with HFD showed reduced liver fat deposition, decreased LD abundance and size, and reduced liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the unique regulatory role of PLIN 5 in HSCs and the role of PLIN 5 in the fibrosis process of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuecui Yin
- Department of Internal Medicinethe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Lin Dong
- Department of Pediatricsthe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xiaohan Wang
- Department of Pediatricsthe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhenzhen Qin
- Department of Internal Medicinethe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yuying Ma
- Department of Internal Medicinethe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xiaofei Ke
- Department of Pediatricsthe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Internal Medicinethe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Qingde Wang
- Department of Internal Medicinethe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yang Mi
- Department of Internal Medicinethe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Quanjun Lyu
- Department of Clinical Nutritionthe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xia Xu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Co‐innovation Center of Henan Province for New drug R & D and Preclinical Safety, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesZhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Pengyuan Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicinethe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Youcai Tang
- Department of Internal Medicinethe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
- Department of Pediatrics, Gastroenterology, Henan Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Chronic Liver Injury and Henan Provincial Outstanding Overseas Scientists Chronic Liver Injury Studiothe Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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11
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Zhou Y, Yan J, Huang H, Liu L, Ren L, Hu J, Jiang X, Zheng Y, Xu L, Zhong F, Li X. The m 6A reader IGF2BP2 regulates glycolytic metabolism and mediates histone lactylation to enhance hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:189. [PMID: 38443347 PMCID: PMC10914723 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06509-9] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Evidence for the involvement of N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the etiology and progression of liver fibrosis has emerged and holds promise as a therapeutic target. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mRNA-binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) is a newly identified m6A-binding protein that functions to enhance mRNA stability and translation. However, its role as an m6A-binding protein in liver fibrosis remains elusive. Here, we observed that IGF2BP2 is highly expressed in liver fibrosis and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and inhibition of IGF2BP2 protects against HSCs activation and liver fibrogenesis. Mechanistically, as an m6A-binding protein, IGF2BP2 regulates the expression of Aldolase A (ALDOA), a key target in the glycolytic metabolic pathway, which in turn regulates HSCs activation. Furthermore, we observed that active glycolytic metabolism in activated HSCs generates large amounts of lactate as a substrate for histone lactylation. Importantly, histone lactylation transforms the activation phenotype of HSCs. In conclusion, our findings reveal the essential role of IGF2BP2 in liver fibrosis by regulating glycolytic metabolism and highlight the potential of targeting IGF2BP2 as a therapeutic for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Zhou
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jiexi Yan
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - He Huang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Longfei Ren
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinjing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxu Jiang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lingcong Xu
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fupeng Zhong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Precision Medicine Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
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12
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Zhang T, Wang C, Song A, Lei X, Li G, Sun H, Wang X, Geng Z, Shu G, Deng X. Water extract of earthworms mitigates mouse liver fibrosis by potentiating hepatic LKB1/Nrf2 axis to inhibit HSC activation and hepatocyte death. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117495. [PMID: 38016572 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117495] [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: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE When left untreated, liver fibrosis (LF) causes various chronic liver diseases. Earthworms (Pheretima aspergillum) are widely used in traditional medicine because of their capacity to relieve hepatic diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the anti-LF effects of water extract of earthworms (WEE) and the underlying molecular mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS A CCl4-induced mouse model of LF was used to study the impact of WEE on LF in vivo. The anti-LF activity of WEE in mice was compared with that of silybin, which can be clinically applied in LF intervention and was used as a positive control. Activation of LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and apoptosis and ferroptosis of AML-12 hepatocytes induced by TGFβ1 were used as in vitro models. RESULTS WEE drastically improved LF in mice. WEE reduced markers of activated HSCs in mice and inhibited TGFβ1-induced activation of LX-2 HSCs in vitro. Additionally, WEE suppressed CCl4-induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in mouse hepatocytes. Mechanistically, WEE induced Nrf2 to enter the nuclei of the mouse liver cells, and the hepatic levels of Nrf2-downstream antioxidative factors increased. LKB1/AMPK/GSK3β is an upstream regulatory cascade of Nrf2. In the LF mouse model, WEE increased hepatic phosphorylated LKB1, AMPK, and GSK3β levels. Similar results were obtained for the LX-2 cells. In AML-12 hepatocytes and LX-2 HSCs, WEE elevated intracellular Nrf2 levels, promoted its nuclear translocation, and inhibited TGFβ1-induced ROS accumulation. Knocking down LKB1 abolished the impact of WEE on the AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 cascade and eliminated its protective effects against TGFβ1. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal that WEE improves mouse LF triggered by CCl4 and supports its application as a promising hepatoprotective agent against LF. The potentiation of the hepatic antioxidative AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 cascade by activating LKB1 and the subsequent suppression of HSC activation and hepatocyte apoptosis and ferroptosis are implicated in WEE-mediated alleviation of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuo Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Anning Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangqiong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hui Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhirong Geng
- College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangwen Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xukun Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, China.
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Leclerc D, Christensen KE, Reagan AM, Keser V, Luan Y, Malysheva OV, Wasek B, Bottiglieri T, Caudill MA, Howell GR, Rozen R. Folate Deficiency and/or the Genetic Variant Mthfr 677C >T Can Drive Hepatic Fibrosis or Steatosis in Mice, in a Sex-Specific Manner. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2300355. [PMID: 38327171 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202300355] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Disturbances in one-carbon metabolism contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which encompasses steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The goal is to examine impact of folate deficiency and the Mthfr677C >T variant on NAFLD. METHODS AND RESULTS This study uses the new Mthfr677C >T mouse model for the human MTHFR677C >T variant. Mthfr677CC and Mthfr677TT mice were fed control diet (CD) or folate-deficient (FD) diets for 4 months. FD and Mthfr677TT alter choline/methyl metabolites in liver and/or plasma (decreased S-adenosylmethionine (SAM):S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) ratio, methyltetrahydrofolate, and betaine; increased homocysteine [Hcy]). FD, with contribution from Mthfr677TT, provokes fibrosis in males. Studies of normal livers reveal alterations in plasma markers and gene expression that suggest an underlying predisposition to fibrosis induced by FD and/or Mthfr677TT in males. These changes are absent or reverse in females, consistent with the sex disparity of fibrosis. Sex-based differences in methylation potential, betaine, sphingomyelin, and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels may prevent fibrogenesis in females. In contrast, Mthfr677TT alters choline metabolism, dysregulates expression of lipid metabolism genes, and promotes steatosis in females. CONCLUSION This study suggests that folate deficiency predisposes males to fibrosis, which is exacerbated by Mthfr677TT, whereas Mthfr677TT predisposes females to steatosis, and reveal novel contributory mechanisms for these NAFLD-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Leclerc
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Karen E Christensen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Vafa Keser
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Yan Luan
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olga V Malysheva
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Brandi Wasek
- Center of Metabolomics, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Teodoro Bottiglieri
- Center of Metabolomics, Institute of Metabolic Disease, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Marie A Caudill
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Genomics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Rima Rozen
- Departments of Human Genetics and Pediatrics, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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14
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Wang W, Li K, Xiao W. The pharmacological role of Ginsenoside Rg3 in liver diseases: A review on molecular mechanisms. J Ginseng Res 2024; 48:129-139. [PMID: 38465219 PMCID: PMC10920009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are a significant global health burden and are among the most common diseases. Ginssennoside Rg3 (Rg3), which is one of the most abundant ginsenosides, has been found to have significant preventive and therapeutic effects against various types of diseases with minimal side effects. Numerous studies have demonstrated the significant preventive and therapeutic effects of Rg3 on various liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, acute liver injury, nonalcoholic liver diseases (NAFLD), liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The underlying molecular mechanism behind these effects is attributed to apoptosis, autophagy, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and the regulation of multiple signaling pathways. This review provides a comprehensive description of the potential molecular mechanisms of Rg3 in the development of liver diseases. The article focuses on the regulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, autophagy, inflammation, and other related factors. Additionally, the review discusses combination therapy and liver targeting strategy, which can accelerate the translation of Rg3 from bench to bedside. Overall, this article serves as a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhong Wang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- The Key Lab of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Li
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- The Key Lab of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Weihua Xiao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- The Key Lab of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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15
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Sun YD, Zhang H, Li YM, Han JJ. Abnormal metabolism in hepatic stellate cells: Pandora's box of MAFLD related hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189086. [PMID: 38342420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as key mediators in liver injury response, are believed to play a crucial role in the repair process of liver injury. However, in MAFLD patients, the normal metabolic and immunoregulatory mechanisms of HSCs become disrupted, leading to disturbances in the local microenvironment. Abnormally activated HSCs are heavily involved in the initiation and progression of HCC. The metabolic disorders and abnormal activation of HSCs not only initiate liver fibrosis but also contribute to carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the relationship between the abnormal metabolism of HSCs and the local immune system in the liver, elucidating the mechanisms of immune imbalance caused by abnormally activated HSCs in MAFLD patients. Based on this understanding, we discuss the potential and challenges of metabolic-based and immunology-based mechanisms in the treatment of MAFLD-related HCC, with a specific focus on the role of HSCs in HCC progression and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapy. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the importance of HSCs in maintaining normal liver function and highlights the significance of HSCs in the progression of MAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Dong Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yuan-Min Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Jian-Jun Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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16
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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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17
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An Y, Xu C, Liu W, Jiang J, Ye P, Yang M, Zhu W, Yu J, Yu M, Sun W, Hong J, Qiu H, Wei W, Zhang S. Angiotensin II type-2 receptor attenuates liver fibrosis progression by suppressing IRE1α-XBP1 pathway. Cell Signal 2024; 113:110935. [PMID: 37866666 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been recognized as a crucial contributor to the development of liver fibrosis, and AT2R, an essential component of RAS, is involved in the progression of liver fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms by which AT2R modulates liver fibrosis remain elusive. Here, we report that AT2R was induced to be highly expressed during the progression of liver fibrosis, and the elevated AT2R attenuates liver fibrosis by suppressing IRE1α-XBP1 pathway. In this study, we found that AT2R is not expressed in the no cirrhotic adult liver, but is induced expression during liver fibrosis in both cirrhotic patients and fibrotic mice models. Upregulated AT2R inhibits the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In addition, our study showed that during liver fibrosis, AT2R deletion increased the dimerization activation of IRE1α and promoted XBP1 splicing, and the spliced XBP1s could promote their transcription by binding to the AT2R promoter and repress the IRE1α-XBP1 axis, forming an AT2R-IRE1α-XBP1 negative feedback loop. Importantly, the combination treatment of an AT2R agonist and an endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) alleviator significantly attenuated liver fibrosis in a mouse model of liver fibrosis. Therefore, we conclude that the AT2R-IRE1α signaling pathway can regulate the progression of liver fibrosis, and AT2R is a new potential therapeutic target for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue An
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Changyong Xu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wenmin Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ji Jiang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Pengfei Ye
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Weihua Zhu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jingjing Yu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Manman Yu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wuyi Sun
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jian Hong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huan Qiu
- School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Shihao Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University; Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Centre of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Hefei 230032, China.
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Cao R, Cao C, Hu X, Du K, Zhang J, Li M, Li B, Lin H, Zhang A, Li Y, Wu L, Huang Y. Kaempferol attenuates carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced hepatic fibrosis by promoting ASIC1a degradation and suppression of the ASIC1a-mediated ERS. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 121:155125. [PMID: 37820466 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kaempferol is a flavonoid derived from the herb, Kaempferia galanga L., in addition to exhibiting a wide range of pharmacological properties, kaempferol is also an anti-inflammatory, anti-lipid metabolizing, and anti-oxidative stress agent. The underlying molecular mechanisms of its effects on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are yet unknown. Activated HSCs induces VEGF release and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation which are important factors in hepatic fibrosis. PURPOSE Our aim is to explore how kaempferol may affect hepatic fibrosis and the mechanisms behind its effects. METHODS The in vivo model was Sprague-Dawley rats induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Histological staining was used to observe histological features of the liver. The levels of (alanine aminotransferase) ALT and (aspartate aminotransferase) AST were detected by the corresponding kits. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) was used to stimulate the HSC-T6 rat hepatic stellate cells. The mechanisms underlying this process were investigated using a variety of molecular approaches, including immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. Moreover, intracellular Ca2+ were observed by laser confocal microscope. RESULTS It was found that kaempferol significantly reduced the expression of ASIC1a, VEGF, α-SMA and Collagen-I proteins in a model of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. In HSC-T6, kaempferol inhibits activation of HSCs by decreasing expression of ASIC1a, eIF2α, p-eIF2α and ATF-4. Laser confocal fluorescence showed that kaempferol inhibited Ca2+ influx and reduced Ca2+ concentration around the endoplasmic reticulum. Molecular docking and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) results further indicated that kaempferol interacted with ASIC1a. We found that kaempferol may promote the degradation of ASIC1a and inhibited ASIC1a- mediated upregulation of ERS. CONCLUSION The data from our in vivo experiments demonstrate that kaempferol effectively attenuates hepatic fibrosis. In vitro studies we further propose a novel mechanism of kaempferol against hepatic fibrosis which can interact with ASIC1a and promote ASIC1a degradation while inhibiting the activation and VEGF release of HSCs by suppressing the ASIC1a-eIF2α-ATF-4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Cao
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chun Cao
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiaojie Hu
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Kang Du
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jingrong Zhang
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Mengxue Li
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Huimin Lin
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Anqi Zhang
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yangyang Li
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Li Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China.
| | - Yan Huang
- Anhui Provincial laboratory of inflammatory and immunity Disease, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Azizsoltani A, Hatami B, Zali MR, Mahdavi V, Baghaei K, Alizadeh E. Obeticholic acid-loaded exosomes attenuate liver fibrosis through dual targeting of the FXR signaling pathway and ECM remodeling. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115777. [PMID: 37913732 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115777] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
End-stage of liver fibrosis as a precancerous state could lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma which liver transplantation is the only effective treatment. Previous studies have indicated that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, such as obeticholic acid (OCA) protect against hepatic injuries. However, free OCA administration results in side effects in clinical trials that could be alleviated by applying bio carriers such as MSC-derived exosomes (Exo) with the potential to mimic the biological regenerative effect of their parent cells, as proposed in this study. Loading OCA into the Exo was conducted via water bath sonication. Ex vivo bio distribution studies validated the Exo-loaded OCA more permanently accumulated in the liver. Using CCL4-induced liver fibrosis, we proposed whether Exo isolated from human Warton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells loaded with a minimal dosage of OCA can facilitate liver recovery. Notably, Exo-loaded OCA exerted additive anti-fibrotic efficacy on histopathological features in CCL4-induced fibrotic mice. Compared to baseline, Exo-mediated delivery OCA results in marked improvements in the fibrotic-related indicators as well as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations. Accordingly, the synergistic impact of Exo-loaded OCA as a promising approach is associated with the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and Fxr-Cyp7a1 cascade on CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mice. In conclusion, our data confirmed the additive protective effects of Exo-loaded OCA in fibrotic mice, which suggests a valuable therapeutic strategy to combat liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the use of Exo for accurate drug delivery to the liver tissue can be inspiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezou Azizsoltani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Mahdavi
- Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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20
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Kim E. Tumor Immune Microenvironment as a New Therapeutic Target for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development. Dev Reprod 2023; 27:167-174. [PMID: 38292233 PMCID: PMC10824567 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2023.27.4.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is driven by a multistep and long-term process. Because current therapeutic strategies are limited for HCC patients, there are increasing demands for understanding of immunotherapy, which has made technological and conceptual innovations in the treatment of cancer. Here, I discuss HCC immunotherapy in the view of interaction between liver resident cells and immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunjeong Kim
- BK21 FOUR KNU Creative BioResearch Group, School of Life
Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu
41566, Korea
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21
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Zhang L, Zeng J, Wu H, Tian H, Song D, Wu W, Dong F. Knockdown of TXNDC5 alleviates CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice by enhancing endoplasmic reticulum stress. Am J Med Sci 2023; 366:449-457. [PMID: 37716602 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathological process in many chronic liver diseases. TXNDC5 has been shown to be involved in the progression of renal and pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of TXNDC5 in hepatic fibrosis is unknown. The purpose of this study is to explore the role and mechanism of TXNDC5 in hepatic fibrosis. METHODS We used TGF-β1 to activate LX-2 cells and reduced TXNDC5 expression by short hairpin RNA. Cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry or Tunel assay. The fibrosis-related proteins and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs)-related proteins were measured by western blot. ELISA was performed to detect COL1AL levels and MMP2/9 activities in cell medium. A mouse model of hepatic fibrosis was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of CCL4. HE and Masson staining were performed to assess fibrosis in mouse liver tissue. RESULTS The results show that TXNDC5 was up-regulated in activated LX-2 cells and CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis mice. Knockdown of TXNDC5 inhibited the viability of activated LX-2 cells and the production of collagen COL1A1. Knockdown of TXNDC5 promoted apoptosis of activated LX-2 cells. Mechanically, inhibition of TXNDC5 enhanced ERs, and the ERs inhibitor 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) reversed the effect of TXNDC5 on activated LX-2 cells. More importantly, knockdown of TXNDC5 alleviated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSIONS Knockdown of TXNDC5 may reduce hepatic fibrosis by regulating ERs, and targeting TXNDC5 seems to be a candidate treatment for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Health Management, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jieying Zeng
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaiyu Wu
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongtian Tian
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Di Song
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Weiqing Wu
- Department of Health Management, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Fajin Dong
- Department of Ultrasound, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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22
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Liao X, Ruan X, Yao P, Yang D, Wu X, Zhou X, Jing J, Wei D, Liang Y, Zhang T, Qin S, Jiang H. LncRNA-Gm9866 promotes liver fibrosis by activating TGFβ/Smad signaling via targeting Fam98b. J Transl Med 2023; 21:778. [PMID: 37919785 PMCID: PMC10621198 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04642-1] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The exact mechanism and target molecules of liver fibrosis have remained largely elusive. Here, we investigated the role of long noncoding RNA Gm9866(lncRNA-Gm9866) on liver fibrosis. METHODS The transcription of lncRNA-Gm9866 in activated cells and mouse fibrotic livers was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The effects of lentivirus-mediated knockdown or overexpression of lncRNA-Gm9866 in liver fibrosis were examined in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis, cell samples validation, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) co-localization, RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), actinomycin D test and Western blot (WB) were carried out to explore the potential mechanism of lncRNA-Gm9866. RESULTS The expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Collagen I (COL-1) and lncRNA-Gm9866 were significantly increased in tissues and cells. Overexpressing lncRNA-Gm9866 promoted the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Silencing lncRNA-Gm9866 inhibited the activation of HSCs and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1) induced fibrosis. Overexpressing lncRNA-Gm9866 promoted hepatocytes (HCs) apoptosis and the expression of pro-fibrogenic genes, inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCs. Knockdown of lncRNA-Gm9866 inhibited the apoptosis of HCs, the expression of pro-fibrogenic genes, TGFβ1 induced fibrosis and the occurrence of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, and promoted the proliferation and migration of HCs. Mechanistically, lncRNA-Gm9866 may directly bine with Fam98b. Silencing Fam98b in stably overexpressing lncRNA-Gm9866 cell lines reversed the increase of pro-fibrogenic genes and pro-apoptotic genes, fibrosis related pathway protein TGFβ1, Smad2/3, p-Smad2/3 and Notch3 induced by overexpressing lncRNA-Gm9866. CONCLUSIONS LncRNA-Gm9866 may regulate TGFβ/Smad and Notch pathways by targeting Fam98b to regulate liver fibrosis. LncRNA-Gm9866 may be a new target for diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Liao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xianxian Ruan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Peishan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dan Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xianbin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Wuming Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- Department of Emergency, People's Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Jie Jing
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Dafu Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yaodan Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Taicheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Shanyu Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
| | - Haixing Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6, Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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Zheng Y, Zhou R, Cai J, Yang N, Wen Z, Zhang Z, Sun H, Huang G, Guan Y, Huang N, Shi M, Liao Y, Bin J, Liao W. Matrix Stiffness Triggers Lipid Metabolic Cross-talk between Tumor and Stromal Cells to Mediate Bevacizumab Resistance in Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3577-3592. [PMID: 37610655 PMCID: PMC10618741 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Bevacizumab is an anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody that plays an important role in the combination treatment of advanced colorectal cancer. However, resistance remains a major hurdle limiting bevacizumab efficacy, highlighting the importance of identifying a mechanism of antiangiogenic therapy resistance. Here, we investigated biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) related to metabolic processes and acquired resistance to bevacizumab. Evaluation of paired pre- and posttreatment samples of liver metastases from 20 colorectal cancer patients treated with combination bevacizumab therapy, including 10 responders and 10 nonresponders, indicated that ECM deposition in liver metastases and a highly activated fatty acid oxidation (FAO) pathway were elevated in nonresponders after antiangiogenic therapy compared with responders. In mouse models of liver metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), anti-VEGF increased ECM deposition and FAO in colorectal cancer cells, and treatment with the FAO inhibitor etomoxir enhanced the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were essential for matrix stiffness-mediated FAO in colon cancer cells. Matrix stiffness activated lipolysis in HSCs via the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/yes-associated protein (YAP) pathway, and free fatty acids secreted by HSCs were absorbed as metabolic substrates and activated FAO in colon cancer cells. Suppressing HSC lipolysis using FAK and YAP inhibition enhanced the efficacy of anti-VEGF therapy. Together, these results indicate that bevacizumab-induced ECM remodeling triggers lipid metabolic cross-talk between colon cancer cells and HSCs. This metabolic mechanism of bevacizumab resistance mediated by the physical tumor microenvironment represents a potential therapeutic target for reversing drug resistance. SIGNIFICANCE Extracellular matrix stiffening drives bevacizumab resistance by stimulating hepatic stellate cells to provide fuel for mCRC cells in the liver, indicating a potential metabolism-based therapeutic strategy for overcoming resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannan Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianan Cai
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Nanyan Yang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhaowei Wen
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiying Sun
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Genjie Huang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yijin Guan
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Huang
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Min Shi
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulin Liao
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianping Bin
- Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wangjun Liao
- Department of Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Yuan X, Yang J, Huang Y, Li J, Li Y. Gut Microbiota Metabolite 3-Indolepropionic Acid Directly Activates Hepatic Stellate Cells by ROS/JNK/p38 Signaling Pathways. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1464. [PMID: 37892146 PMCID: PMC10604901 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a growing interest in studying the communication of gut microbial metabolites between the gut and the liver as liver fibrosis progresses. Although 3-Indolepropionic acid (IPA) is regarded as a clinically valuable gut metabolite for the treatment of certain chronic diseases, the effects of oral administration of IPA on hepatic fibrosis in different animal models have been conflicting. While some mechanisms have been proposed to explain these contradictory effects, the direct impact of IPA on hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we found that IPA could directly activate LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells in vitro. IPA upregulated the expression of fibrogenic marker genes and promoted the features associated with HSCs activation, including proliferation and contractility. IPA also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria and the expression of inflammation-related genes in LX-2 cells. However, when a ROS-blocking agent was used, these effects were reduced. p38 and JNK, the downstream signaling cascades of ROS, were found to be required for the activation of LX-2 induced by IPA. These findings suggest that IPA can directly activate hepatic stellate cells through ROS-induced JNK and p38 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Yuan
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China;
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China; (J.Y.); (Y.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Junting Yang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China; (J.Y.); (Y.H.)
- School of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Yuling Huang
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China; (J.Y.); (Y.H.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jia Li
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China;
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China; (J.Y.); (Y.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China;
- Zhongshan Institute for Drug Discovery, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Zhongshan 528400, China; (J.Y.); (Y.H.)
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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25
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Tang R, Luo J, Zhu X, Miao P, Tang H, Jian Y, Ruan S, Ling F, Tang M. Recent progress in the effect of ferroptosis of HSCs on the development of liver fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1258870. [PMID: 37860583 PMCID: PMC10584331 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1258870] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a common pathological process that must take place for multiple chronic liver diseases to develop into cirrhosis and liver cancer. Liver fibrosis (LF) is regulated by various cytokines and signaling pathways in its occurrence and development. Ferroptosis is an important mode of cell death caused by iron-dependent oxidative damage and is regulated by iron metabolism and lipid peroxidation signaling pathways. In recent years, numerous studies have shown that ferroptosis is closely related to LF. As the main material secreted by the extracellular matrix, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are a general concern in the development of LF. Therefore, targeting HSC ferroptosis against LF is crucial. This review describes the current status of treating LF by inducing HSC ferroptosis that would aid studies in better understanding the current knowledge on ferroptosis in HSCs and the future research direction in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Luo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Pengyu Miao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Jian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Sibei Ruan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng Ling
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxi Tang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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Godoy G, Bernardo C, Casagrande L, Sérgio M, Zanoni J, Perles J, Curi R, Bazotte R. Linseed oil attenuates fatty liver disease in mice fed a high-carbohydrate diet. Braz J Med Biol Res 2023; 56:e12927. [PMID: 37703111 PMCID: PMC10496762 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2023e12927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of linseed oil as a lipid source on liver disease induced by a high-carbohydrate diet (HCD) was evaluated. Adult male Swiss mice received an HCD containing carbohydrates (72.1%), proteins (14.2%), and lipids (4.0%). The Control HCD group (HCD-C) received an HCD containing lard (3.6%) and soybean oil (0.4%) as lipid sources. The L10 and L100 groups received an HCD with 10 and 100% linseed oil as lipid sources, respectively. A group of mice were euthanized before receiving the diets (day 0) and the remaining groups after 56 days of receiving the diets (HCD-C, L10, and L-100 groups). Morphological and histopathological analyses, as well as collagen deposition were evaluated. Perivenous hepatocytes (PVH) of the HCD-C group were larger (P<0.05) than periportal hepatocytes (PPH) in the median lobe (ML) and left lobe (LL). There was a greater (P<0.05) deposition of type I collagen in PPH (vs PVH) and in the ML (vs LL). The ML exhibited a higher proportion of apoptotic bodies, inflammatory infiltrate, and hepatocellular ballooning. All these alterations (hepatocyte size, deposition of type I collagen, apoptotic bodies, inflammatory infiltrate, and hepatocellular ballooning) induced by HCD were prevented or attenuated in L10 and L100 groups. Another indicator of the beneficial effects of linseed oil was the lower (P<0.05) number of binucleated hepatocytes (HCD-C vs L10 or L100 group). In general, the L100 group had greater effects than the L10 group. In conclusion, linseed oil impedes or reduces the liver injury progression induced by an HCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Godoy
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - C.C.O. Bernardo
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - L. Casagrande
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - M.L.M. Sérgio
- Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - J.N. Zanoni
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
- Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - J.V.C.M. Perles
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
- Departamento de Ciências Morfológicas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
| | - R. Curi
- Programa de Pós-graduação Interdisciplinar em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Cruzeiro do Sul, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
- Seção de Produção de Imunobiológicos, Centro Bioindustrial, Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - R.B. Bazotte
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
- Departamento de Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Maringá, PR, Brasil
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Li Y, Lu Y, Nian M, Sheng Q, Zhang C, Han C, Dou X, Ding Y. Therapeutic potential and mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines in treating fibrotic liver disease. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:643-657. [PMID: 37777315 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60443-1] [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: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition characterized by replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue, and also the leading cause of liver-related death worldwide. During the treatment of liver fibrosis, in addition to antiviral therapy or removal of inducers, there remains a lack of specific and effective treatment strategies. For thousands of years, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used to treat liver fibrosis in clinical setting. CHMs are effective for liver fibrosis, though its mechanisms of action are unclear. In recent years, many studies have attempted to determine the possible mechanisms of action of CHMs in treating liver fibrosis. There have been substantial improvements in the experimental investigation of CHMs which have greatly promoted the understanding of anti-liver fibrosis mechanisms. In this review, the role of CHMs in the treatment of liver fibrosis is described, based on studies over the past decade, which has addressed the various mechanisms and signaling pathways that mediate therapeutic efficacy. Among them, inhibition of stellate cell activation is identified as the most common mechanism. This article provides insights into the research direction of CHMs, in order to expand its clinical application range and improve its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yunrui Lu
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Mozuo Nian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Qiuju Sheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Xiaoguang Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China.
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Filip M, Baldea I, David L, Moldovan B, Flontas GC, Macavei S, Muntean DM, Decea N, Tigu AB, Clichici SV. Hybrid Material Based on Vaccinium myrtillus L. Extract and Gold Nanoparticles Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hepatic Stellate Cells Exposed to TGF-β. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1271. [PMID: 37627336 PMCID: PMC10452749 DOI: 10.3390/biom13081271] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The study aimed to investigate the impact of gold nanoparticles capped with Cornus sanguinea (NPCS) and mixed with a fruit extract (Vaccinum myrtillus L.-VL) on human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) exposed to TGF-β. (2) Methods: NPCS were characterized by UV-Vis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The cytotoxic effects of VL, NPCS and of the hybrid compounds obtained by mixing the two components in variable proportions (NPCS-VL) were assessed. LDH activity, MDA levels, secretion of inflammation markers, the expression of fibrogenesis markers and collagen I synthesis were estimated after treating the cells with a mixture of 25:25 μg/mL NPCS and VL. (3) Results: TEM analysis showed that NPCS had spherical morphology and homogenous distribution, while their formation and elemental composition were confirmed by XRD and EDX analysis. TGF-β increased cell membrane damage as well as secretion of IL-1β, IL-1α and TLR4. It also amplified the expression of α-SMA and type III collagen and induced collagen I deposition. NPCS administration reduced the inflammation caused by TGF-β and downregulated α-SMA expression. VL diminished LDH activity and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The NPCS-VL mixture maintained IL-1β, IL-1α, TLR4 and LDH at low levels after TGF-β exposure, but it enhanced collagen III expression. (4) Conclusions: The mixture of NPCS and VL improved cell membrane damage and inflammation triggered by TGF-β and mitigated collagen I deposition, but it increased the expression of collagen III, suggestive of a fibrogenetic effect of the hybrid material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Filip
- Department of Physiology, ‘‘Iuliu Hatieganu’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.C.F.); (N.D.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Ioana Baldea
- Department of Physiology, ‘‘Iuliu Hatieganu’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.C.F.); (N.D.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Luminita David
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering “Babes-Bolyai” University, 11 Arany Janos Street, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.D.); (B.M.)
| | - Bianca Moldovan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering “Babes-Bolyai” University, 11 Arany Janos Street, 400028 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (L.D.); (B.M.)
| | - Gabriel Cristian Flontas
- Department of Physiology, ‘‘Iuliu Hatieganu’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.C.F.); (N.D.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Sergiu Macavei
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Donath Street, No. 67-103, 400293 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Dana Maria Muntean
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, ‘‘Iuliu Hatieganu’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Nicoleta Decea
- Department of Physiology, ‘‘Iuliu Hatieganu’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.C.F.); (N.D.); (S.V.C.)
| | - Adrian Bogdan Tigu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4 Louis Pasteur Street, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Simona Valeria Clichici
- Department of Physiology, ‘‘Iuliu Hatieganu’’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 1–3 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (G.C.F.); (N.D.); (S.V.C.)
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Choi J, Son Y, Moon JW, Park DW, Kim YS, Oh J. Fusion Protein of RBP and Albumin Domain III Reduces Lung Fibrosis by Inactivating Lung Stellate Cells. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2007. [PMID: 37509646 PMCID: PMC10377390 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11072007] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated stellate cells play a role in fibrosis development in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. The fusion protein R-III, which consists of retinol-binding protein and albumin domain III, has been demonstrated to attenuate liver and renal fibrosis by suppressing stellate cell activation. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of R-III against bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in mice. R-III reduced lung fibrosis and primarily localized in autofluorescent cells in the lung tissue. Furthermore, we isolated lung stellate cells (LSCs) from rat lungs using the isolation protocol employed for hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). LSCs shared many characteristics with HSCs, including the presence of vitamin A-containing lipid droplets and the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I, markers for activated HSCs/myofibroblasts. LSCs spontaneously transdifferentiated into myofibroblasts in in vitro culture, which was inhibited by R-III. These findings suggest that R-III may reduce lung fibrosis by inactivating LSCs and could be a promising treatment for extrahepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeho Choi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuna Son
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Wook Moon
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Won Park
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sik Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan 15355, Republic of Korea
| | - Junseo Oh
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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30
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Cheng C, Wu Y, Wang X, Xue Q, Huang Y, Liao F, Wang X, Duan Q, Miao C. RNA methylations in hepatic fibrosis, a gradually emerging new treatment strategy. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:126. [PMID: 37420298 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01066-8] [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: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a pathological process caused by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix caused by a series of causes, leading to the formation of fiber scar. RNA methylation is a newly discovered epigenetic modification that exists widely in eukaryotes and prokaryotes and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of many diseases. RESULTS The occurrence and development of HF are regulated by many factors, including excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, activation of hepatic stellate cells, inflammation, and oxidative stress. RNA methylations of different species have become a crucial regulatory mode of transcript expression, And participate in the pathogenesis of tumors, nervous system diseases, autoimmune diseases, and other diseases. In addition, there are five common types of RNA methylation, but only m6A plays a crucial regulatory role in HF. The pathophysiological regulation of m6A on HF is achieved by the combination of the methylated transferase, demethylated enzyme, and methylated reading protein. CONCLUSIONS RNA methylated methyltransferase, demethylase, and reading protein extensively affect the pathological mechanism of HF, which may be a new therapeutic and diagnostic target, representing a new class of therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yajie Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuyun Xue
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yurong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Faxue Liao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
- Anhui Public Health Clinical Center, Hefei, China.
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Qiangjun Duan
- Department of Experimental (Practical Training) Teaching Center, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Chenggui Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
- Institute of Rheumatism, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
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31
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Varjavand P, Hesampour A. The Role of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Imatinib in the Process of Liver Fibrosis Healing Through CCL2-CCR2 and CX3CL1-CX3CR1 Axes. Rep Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 12:350-358. [PMID: 38317807 PMCID: PMC10838597 DOI: 10.61186/rbmb.12.2.350] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Background Persistent liver damage contributes to the development of liver fibrosis, marked by an accumulation of extracellular matrix. Macrophages play a pivotal role in this process, with the CCL2-CCR2 and CX3CR1-CX3CL1 axes serving as key regulators of macrophage recruitment, liver infiltration, and differentiation. In this study, utilizing a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)-induced liver fibrosis, we aimed to investigate the impact of imatinib and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) on the expression of these axis. Methods Sixteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: healthy, liver fibrosis, imatinib-recipient, and BM-MSC-recipient. Treatment effects were evaluated using histopathology and Sirus-red staining. Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to analyze changes in the expression of the genes CCL2, CCR2, CX3CL1, and CX3CR1. Results Histopathological assessments revealed the efficacy of imatinib and BM-MSCs in mitigating liver fibrosis. Our findings demonstrated a significant reduction in CCL2 and CCR2 expression in both imatinib and BM-MSCs treatment groups compared to the liver fibrosis group. Conversely, the gene expression of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 increased in both therapeutic groups compared to the liver fibrosis groups. Conclusions The notable decrease in CCL2-CCR2 genes in both therapeutic groups suggests that BM-MSCs and imatinib may contribute to a decline in inflammatory macrophages within the liver. The lower CCL2-CCR2 expression in imatinib-recipient rats indicates better efficacy in modulating the recruitment of inflammatory macrophages. The elevated expression of CX3CL1 in BM-MSC-recipient rats suggests a greater impact on the polarization of LY6Chigh (inflammatory) to LY6Clow (anti-inflammatory) macrophages, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Varjavand
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ardeshir Hesampour
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.
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Ding P, Zhang P, Li H, Ming Y. Effect of mycophenolate mofetil alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:821-828. [PMID: 37587066 PMCID: PMC10930439 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.220542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatic fibrosis is a serious pathological consequence of chronic liver disease. Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is a commonly used immunosuppressant after organ transplant. However, the relationship between MMF and hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. This study aims to explore the effect of MMF on hepatic fibrosis in mice and the potential mechanism. METHODS A total of 24 mice (male, 8-week old, C57BL/6) were randomly divided into a control group, a MMF group, a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) group and a CCl4+MMF group (n=6 in each group). After the mice were sacrificed, the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were detected. The liver tissues were taken up for Masson staining and collagen I (COL1) immunohistochemistry. The levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were detected by Western blotting. Finally, the levels of mRNA for TGF-β1, α-SMA, and COL1 were detected using real-time PCR. RESULTS Compared with the CCl4 group, the ALT and AST levels were lower (both P<0.05), the degree of liver fibrosis was alleviated, and the deposition of COL1 in the liver was significantly decreased (P<0.01) in the CCl4+MMF group. Compared with the CCl4 group, the protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and α-SMA were significantly decreased (both P<0.05) and the relative expression levels of TGF-β1, α-SMA and COL1 mRNA in the liver were significantly decreased (all P<0.05) in the CCl4+MMF. CONCLUSIONS MMF could reduce CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis, which might be related to the inhibition of TGF-β1. This study is expected to provide a target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ding
- Organ Transplantation Center, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of the National Health Commission, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Pengpeng Zhang
- Organ Transplantation Center, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of the National Health Commission, Changsha 410013, China.
| | - Hao Li
- Organ Transplantation Center, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of the National Health Commission, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Yingzi Ming
- Organ Transplantation Center, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013.
- Engineering and Technology Research Center for Transplantation Medicine of the National Health Commission, Changsha 410013, China.
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Frankowski R, Kobierecki M, Wittczak A, Różycka-Kosmalska M, Pietras T, Sipowicz K, Kosmalski M. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Metabolic Repercussions: The Vicious Cycle and Its Interplay with Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119677. [PMID: 37298632 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of metabolic-related disorders, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), has been increasing. Therefore, developing improved methods for the prevention, treatment, and detection of these two conditions is also necessary. In this study, our primary focus was on examining the role of chronic inflammation as a potential link in the pathogenesis of these diseases and their interconnections. A comprehensive search of the PubMed database using keywords such as "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease", "type 2 diabetes mellitus", "chronic inflammation", "pathogenesis", and "progression" yielded 177 relevant papers for our analysis. The findings of our study revealed intricate relationships between the pathogenesis of NAFLD and DM2, emphasizing the crucial role of inflammatory processes. These connections involve various molecular functions, including altered signaling pathways, patterns of gene methylation, the expression of related peptides, and up- and downregulation of several genes. Our study is a foundational platform for future research into the intricate relationship between NAFLD and DM2, allowing for a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the potential for introducing new treatment standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Frankowski
- Students' Research Club, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
| | - Mateusz Kobierecki
- Students' Research Club, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
| | - Andrzej Wittczak
- Students' Research Club, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Tadeusz Pietras
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
| | - Kasper Sipowicz
- Department of Interdisciplinary Disability Studies, The Maria Grzegorzewska University in Warsaw, 02-353 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Kosmalski
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
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Du J, Liu L, Fan H, Yu Y, Luo Y, Gu F, Yu H, Liao X. Anthocyanins improve liver fibrosis in mice by regulating the autophagic flux level of hepatic stellate cells by mmu_circ_0000623. Food Sci Nutr 2023; 11:3002-3018. [PMID: 37324880 PMCID: PMC10261807 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.3281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a key step in the progression of various chronic liver diseases to liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer, it is also an important link affecting prognosis. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of anthocyanins on liver fibrosis and the molecular mechanism of mmu_circ_0000623 in anthocyanin therapy. In this study, CCL4 was used to build a mouse liver fibrosis model, and the treatment groups were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg of anthocyanins daily by gavage. Liver fibrosis indicators, macrophage polarization markers, and liver injury markers were further detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting (WB), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Morphological verification of liver injury in different treatment groups was performed by histopathological method. A mouse hepatic stellate cell (HSC) model and a mouse liver fibrosis model were constructed to verify the expression of circ_0000623, miR-351-5p, and TFEB. Transfected with mRFP-GFP-LC3 to detect the autophagic flux of HSCs. We found that 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg of anthocyanins could significantly reduce the degree of liver fibrosis in mice. In addition, anthocyanins can inhibit the proliferation, activation, and migration ability of HSCs. circ_0000623 was lowly expressed in mice with liver fibrosis, and anthocyanin treatment could promote its increased expression. Further testing found that anthocyanins could reverse the blocked autophagic flux induced by PDGF or CCL4. This effect is achieved by regulating the expression of TFEB by competitive adsorption of miR-351-5p. Anthocyanins could treat liver fibrosis by modulating circ_0000623/miR-351-5p/TFEB-mediated changes in HSC autophagic flux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhui Du
- Department of Medical ImagingThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyang CityChina
| | - Likun Liu
- Department of Medical ImagingThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyang CityChina
| | - Haiqing Fan
- Department of Medical ImagingThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyang CityChina
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Medical ImagingThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyang CityChina
| | - Yilin Luo
- Department of Medical ImagingThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyang CityChina
| | - Fang Gu
- Department of Medical ImagingThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyang CityChina
| | - Hui Yu
- Department of Medical ImagingThe Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical UniversityGuiyang CityChina
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Ganguly K, Kimmelman AC. Reprogramming of tissue metabolism during cancer metastasis. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:461-471. [PMID: 36935322 PMCID: PMC10192089 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a systemic disease that involves malignant cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic metabolic adaptations. Most studies have tended to focus on elucidating the metabolic vulnerabilities in the primary tumor microenvironment, leaving the metastatic microenvironment less explored. In this opinion article, we discuss the current understanding of the metabolic crosstalk between the cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment, both at local and systemic levels. We explore the possible influence of the primary tumor secretome to metabolically and epigenetically rewire the nonmalignant distant organs during prometastatic niche formation and successful metastatic colonization by the cancer cells. In an attempt to understand the process of prometastatic niche formation, we have speculated how cancer may hijack the inherent regenerative propensity of tissue parenchyma during metastatic colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koelina Ganguly
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alec C Kimmelman
- Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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36
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Ping DB, Sun X, Peng Y, Liu CH. Cyp4a12-mediated retinol metabolism in stellate cells is the antihepatic fibrosis mechanism of the Chinese medicine Fuzheng Huayu recipe. Chin Med 2023; 18:51. [PMID: 37161575 PMCID: PMC10170698 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00754-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which contain multiple retinol-containing lipid droplets, are important profibrotic cells in liver fibrosis. Under Cyp4a12a/b oxidation, HSC activation was accompanied by the downregulation of genes involved in retinol metabolism, inducing RAE-1 production. By eliminating activated HSCs, NK cells expressing the activating receptor NKG2D are recruited to alleviate fibrosis. FZHY was found to significantly reduce the severity of liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs. The molecular processes that govern retinol metabolism, on the other hand, are largely unexplored. This study focused on the regulation of Cyp4a12a/b by FZHY to elucidate the antifibrotic molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of FZHY on retinol metabolism. METHODS To investigate mechanisms and altered pathways of FZHY against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis based on transcriptomics data. Bioinformatics analysis was used to screen its pharmacological targets. The predicted targets were confirmed by a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments, including mass spectrometry, in situ hybridization, immunofluorescence assays and real-time PCR. Then, the results were further characterized by recombinant adenovirus vectors that were constructed and transfected into the cultured primary HSCs. RESULTS Transcriptomics revealed that Cyp4a12a/b is nearly completely lost in liver fibrosis, and these effects might be partially reversed by FZHY therapy recovery. In vitro and in vivo studies indicated that Cyp4a12a/b deletion disrupted retinol metabolism and lowered Rae-1 expression. Activated HSCs successfully escape recognition and elimination by natural killer (NK) cells as a result of reduced Rae-1. Notablely, we discovered that FZHY may restore the Cyp4a12a/b capability, allowing the recovery of the cytotoxic function of NK cells against HSCs, and thereby reducing hepatic fibrosis by suppressing HSC activation. CONCLUSION Our findings revealed a new role for Cyp4a in retinol metabolism in the development of hepatic fibrosis, and they highlight Cyp4a12/Rae-1 signals as possible therapeutic targets for antifibrotic medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Bing Ping
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yuan Peng
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Cheng-Hai Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Ministry of Education, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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37
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Zhang N, Guo F, Song Y. HOXC8/TGF-β1 positive feedback loop promotes liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation via activating Smad2/Smad3 signaling. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 662:39-46. [PMID: 37099809 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.04.011] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis occurs in any chronic liver disease, where extraordinary increase of extracellular matrix components is caused by the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. HOXC8 has been disclosed to participate inregulating cell proliferation and fibrosis in tumors. However, the role of HOXC8 in liver fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms has not yet been investigated. In this study, we founded that HOXC8 mRNA and protein was elevated in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-treated human (LX-2) HSC cells. Importantly, we observed that downregulating HOXC8 alleviates liver fibrosis and suppressed the fibrogenic gene induction induced by CCl4 in vivo. In addition, inhibition of HOXC8 suppressed the HSC activation and the expression of fibrosis-associated genes (α-SMA and COL1a1) induced by TGF-β1 in LX-2 cells in vitro, while HOXC8 overexpression had the opposite effects. Mechanistically, we demonstrated HOXC8 activates TGFβ1 transcription and enhanced the phosphorylated Smad2/Smad3 levels, suggesting a positive feedback loop between HOXC8 and TGF-β1 that facilitates TGF-β signaling and subsequent HSCs activation. Collectively, our data strongly indicated that a HOXC8/TGF-β1 positive feedback loop plays as a critical role in controlling the HSC activation and in the liver fibrosis process, suggesting that inhibition of HOXC8 may serve as a promoting therapeutic strategy for diseases characterized by liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, Shanxi, China.
| | - Fang Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi, 046000, Shanxi, China
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38
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Xiao Y, Zhao C, Tai Y, Li B, Lan T, Lai E, Dai W, Guo Y, Gan C, Kostallari E, Tang C, Gao J. STING mediates hepatocyte pyroptosis in liver fibrosis by Epigenetically activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. Redox Biol 2023; 62:102691. [PMID: 37018971 PMCID: PMC10106968 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis signaling pathways represent two distinct central mechanisms in liver disease. However, the interconnections between these two pathways and the epigenetic regulation of the STING-NLRP3 axis in hepatocyte pyroptosis during liver fibrosis remain unknown. STING and NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathways are activated in fibrotic livers but are suppressed by Sting knockout. Sting knockout ameliorated hepatic pyroptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. In vitro, STING induces pyroptosis in primary murine hepatocytes by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome. H3K4-specific histone methyltransferase WD repeat-containing protein 5 (WDR5) and DOT1-like histone H3K79 methyltransferase (DOT1L) are identified to regulate NLRP3 expression in STING-overexpressing AML12 hepatocytes. WDR5/DOT1L-mediated histone methylation enhances interferon regulatory transcription factor 3 (IRF3) binding to the Nlrp3 promoter and promotes STING-induced Nlrp3 transcription in hepatocytes. Moreover, hepatocyte-specific Nlrp3 deletion and downstream Gasdermin D (Gsdmd) knockout attenuate hepatic pyroptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. RNA-sequencing and metabolomics analysis in murine livers and primary hepatocytes show that oxidative stress and metabolic reprogramming might participate in NLRP3-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis and liver fibrosis. The STING-NLRP3-GSDMD axis inhibition suppresses hepatic ROS generation. In conclusion, this study describes a novel epigenetic mechanism by which the STING-WDR5/DOT1L/IRF3-NLRP3 signaling pathway enhances hepatocyte pyroptosis and hepatic inflammation in liver fibrosis.
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39
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Wikan N, Tocharus J, Oka C, Sivasinprasasn S, Chaichompoo W, Suksamrarn A, Tocharus C. The capsaicinoid nonivamide suppresses the inflammatory response and attenuates the progression of steatosis in a NAFLD-rat model. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23279. [PMID: 36541345 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23279] [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: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is relatively associated with comorbidities in obesity and metabolic inflammation. Low-grade inflammation following the high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD can promote the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through particularly liver-resident immune cell recruitment and hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. Therefore, inflammatory intervention may contribute to NASH reduction. Pelargonic acid vanillylamide (PAVA) or nonivamide is one of the pungent capsaicinoids of Capsicum species and has been found in chili peppers. Our previous study demonstrated that PAVA improved hepatic function, decreased oxidative stress and reduced apoptotic cell death but the insight role of PAVA on NAFLD is still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism of PAVA in an NAFLD-rat model. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed with normal diet or HFD for 16 weeks. Then high-fat rats were given vehicle or PAVA (1 mg/kg/day) for another 4 weeks. We found that PAVA alleviated hepatic inflammation associated with the reducing toll-like receptor 4/NF-κB pathway, showing significantly lower recruitment of cluster of differentiation 44. PAVA also maintained activity of insulin signaling pathway, and attenuated NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome formation. NAFLD progresses to NASH through transforming growth factor (TGF-β1), and also recovery to simple stage followed by PAVA suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. Therefore, our findings suggest that PAVA provides a novel therapeutic approach for NAFLD and slows the progression to NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruemon Wikan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jiraporn Tocharus
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chio Oka
- Functional Genomics and Medicine, Division of Biological Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Ikoma, Nara, Japan
| | | | - Waraluck Chaichompoo
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Apichart Suksamrarn
- Department of Chemistry and Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chainarong Tocharus
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.,Center for Research and Development of Natural Products for Health, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
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Kharbanda KK, Chokshi S, Tikhanovich I, Weinman SA, New-Aaron M, Ganesan M, Osna NA. A Pathogenic Role of Non-Parenchymal Liver Cells in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease of Infectious and Non-Infectious Origin. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:255. [PMID: 36829532 PMCID: PMC9953685 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Now, much is known regarding the impact of chronic and heavy alcohol consumption on the disruption of physiological liver functions and the induction of structural distortions in the hepatic tissues in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). This review deliberates the effects of alcohol on the activity and properties of liver non-parenchymal cells (NPCs), which are either residential or infiltrated into the liver from the general circulation. NPCs play a pivotal role in the regulation of organ inflammation and fibrosis, both in the context of hepatotropic infections and in non-infectious settings. Here, we overview how NPC functions in ALD are regulated by second hits, such as gender and the exposure to bacterial or viral infections. As an example of the virus-mediated trigger of liver injury, we focused on HIV infections potentiated by alcohol exposure, since this combination was only limitedly studied in relation to the role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the development of liver fibrosis. The review specifically focusses on liver macrophages, HSC, and T-lymphocytes and their regulation of ALD pathogenesis and outcomes. It also illustrates the activation of NPCs by the engulfment of apoptotic bodies, a frequent event observed when hepatocytes are exposed to ethanol metabolites and infections. As an example of such a double-hit-induced apoptotic hepatocyte death, we deliberate on the hepatotoxic accumulation of HIV proteins, which in combination with ethanol metabolites, causes intensive hepatic cell death and pro-fibrotic activation of HSCs engulfing these HIV- and malondialdehyde-expressing apoptotic hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kusum K. Kharbanda
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Shilpa Chokshi
- Institute of Hepatology, Foundation for Liver Research, London SE5 9NT, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Irina Tikhanovich
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 66160, USA
| | - Steven A. Weinman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 66160, USA
- Research Service, Kansas City Veterans Administration Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Moses New-Aaron
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Murali Ganesan
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Natalia A. Osna
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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41
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Ede S, Özbeyli D, Erdoğan Ö, Çevik Ö, Kanpalta F, Ercan F, Yanardağ R, Saçan Ö, Ertik O, Yüksel M, Şener G. Hepatoprotective effects of parsley (Petroselinum Crispum) extract in rats with bile duct ligation. Arab J Gastroenterol 2023; 24:45-51. [PMID: 36379859 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajg.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of parsley extract (Petroselinum Crispum; PC) against oxidative liver damage caused by bile obstruction in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Bile duct ligation (BDL) method was used to induce liver injury in rats. The rats were divided into the three groups each consisting of 8 rats; Sham-operated control (C), bile duct ligated + saline treated (BDL), and BDL + PC treated groups. PC extract was given at a dose of 2 g/kg orally for 28 days. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanin amino transferase (ALT), and bilirubin levels were analyzed in sera. In order to determine free radicals in liver injury, luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence tests used. Oxidative stress was evaluated through superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, Na+/K+-ATPase and 8-hydroxy guanosine levels. Furthermore, inflammation marker myeloperoxidase, apoptosis marker caspase-3, and fibrosis markers TGF- β and hydoxyproline were investigated. The liver tissues were also examined for histological evaluations. RESULTS While PC treatment decreased AST and ALT levels which increased with BDL, oxidant damage parameters also decreased with this treatment. CONCLUSION The present study, which is the first research for PC extract on cholestasis induced liver damage, demonstrated that PC extract could be a potential therapeutic agent against liver fibrosis and need further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seren Ede
- Marmara University, School of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilek Özbeyli
- Marmara University, Vocational School of Health Services, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ömer Erdoğan
- Adnan Menderes University, School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Özge Çevik
- Adnan Menderes University, School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Aydın, Turkey
| | - Fatma Kanpalta
- Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology & Embriology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feriha Ercan
- Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology & Embriology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Refiye Yanardağ
- İstanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Engineering Department of Chemistry, Avcilar-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Özlem Saçan
- İstanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Engineering Department of Chemistry, Avcilar-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Ertik
- İstanbul University-Cerrahpasa Faculty of Engineering Department of Chemistry, Avcilar-Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Yüksel
- Marmara University, Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Biochemistry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Göksel Şener
- Fenerbahçe University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul, Turkey.
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42
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Zhang Z, Shang J, Yang Q, Dai Z, Liang Y, Lai C, Feng T, Zhong D, Zou H, Sun L, Su Y, Yan S, Chen J, Yao Y, Shi Y, Huang X. Exosomes derived from human adipose mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and remodeling choline metabolism. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:29. [PMID: 36698192 PMCID: PMC9878808 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01788-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease with the presence of progressive wound healing response caused by liver injury. Currently, there are no approved therapies for liver fibrosis. Exosomes derived from human adipose mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs-Exo) have displayed a prominent therapeutic effect on liver diseases. However, few studies have evaluated therapeutic effect of hADMSCs-Exo in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, and its precise mechanisms of action remain unclear. Herein, we investigated anti-fibrotic efficacy of hADMSCs-Exo in vitro and in vivo, and identified important metabolic changes and the detailed mechanism through transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling. We found hADMSCs-Exo could inhibit the proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells through aggravating apoptosis and arresting G1 phase, effectively inhibiting the expression of profibrogenic proteins and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Moreover, it could significantly block collagen deposition and EMT process, improve liver function and reduce liver inflammation in liver cirrhosis mice model. The omics analysis revealed that the key mechanism of hADMSCs-Exo anti-hepatic fibrosis was the inhibition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and affecting the changes of metabolites in lipid metabolism, and mainly regulating choline metabolism. CHPT1 activated by hADMSCs-Exo facilitated formation and maintenance of vesicular membranes. Thus, our study indicates that hADMSCs-Exo can attenuate hepatic stellate cell activation and suppress the progression of liver fibrosis, which holds the significant potential of hADMSCs-Exo for use as extracellular nanovesicles-based therapeutics in the treatment of liver fibrosis and possibly other intractable chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Zhang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Jin Shang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Qinyan Yang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Zonglin Dai
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Yuxin Liang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Chunyou Lai
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Tianhang Feng
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Deyuan Zhong
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Haibo Zou
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Lelin Sun
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Yuhao Su
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Su Yan
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Core laboratory, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072 Sichuan China
| | - Yutong Yao
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Ying Shi
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, Cancer Hospital Affiliate to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610042 Sichuan China ,grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 Sichuan China
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Wu X, Fan X, Miyata T, Kim A, Cajigas-Du Ross CK, Ray S, Huang E, Taiwo M, Arya R, Wu J, Nagy LE. Recent Advances in Understanding of Pathogenesis of Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 18:411-438. [PMID: 36270295 PMCID: PMC10060166 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-031521-030435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is one of the major diseases arising from chronic alcohol consumption and is one of the most common causes of liver-related morbidity and mortality. ALD includes asymptomatic liver steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and alcohol-associated hepatitis and its complications. The progression of ALD involves complex cell-cell and organ-organ interactions. We focus on the impact of alcohol on dysregulation of homeostatic mechanisms and regulation of injury and repair in the liver. In particular, we discuss recent advances in understanding the disruption of balance between programmed cell death and prosurvival pathways, such as autophagy and membrane trafficking, in the pathogenesis of ALD. We also summarize current understanding of innate immune responses, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell dysfunction and hepatic stellate cell activation, and gut-liver and adipose-liver cross talk in response to ethanol. In addition,we describe the current potential therapeutic targets and clinical trials aimed at alleviating hepatocyte injury, reducing inflammatory responses, and targeting gut microbiota, for the treatment of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Wu
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Xiude Fan
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Tatsunori Miyata
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Adam Kim
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Christina K Cajigas-Du Ross
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Semanti Ray
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Emily Huang
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Moyinoluwa Taiwo
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Rakesh Arya
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
| | - Jianguo Wu
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Laura E Nagy
- Northern Ohio Alcohol Center, Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA;
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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44
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Alavifard H, Mazhari S, Meyfour A, Tokhanbigli S, Ghavami S, Zali MR, Aghdaei HA, Hatami B, Baghaei K. Imatinib suppresses activation of hepatic stellate cells by targeting STAT3/IL-6 pathway through miR-124. Cell Biol Int 2023; 47:969-980. [PMID: 36655489 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells is the primary function of facilitating liver fibrosis. Interfering with the coordinators of different signaling pathways in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) could be a potential approach in ameliorating liver fibrosis. Regarding the illustrated anti-fibrotic effect of imatinib in liver fibrosis, we investigated the imatinib's potential role in inhibiting HSC activation through miR-124 and its interference with the STAT3/hepatic leukemia factor (HLF)/IL-6 circuit. The anti-fibrotic effect of imatinib was investigated in the LX-2 cell line and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced Sprague-Dawley rat. The expression of IL-6, STAT3, HLF, miR-124, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and the protein level of α-SMA and STAT3 was measured by western blot analysis both in vitro and in vivo. The LX-2 cells were subjected to immunocytochemistry (ICC) for α-SMA expression. After administering imatinib in the liver fibrosis model, histopathological examinations were done, and hepatic function serum markers were checked. Imatinib administration alleviated mentioned liver fibrosis markers. The expression of miR-124 was downregulated, while IL-6/HLF/STAT3 circuit agents were upregulated in vitro and in vivo. Notably, imatinib intervention decreased the expression of IL-6, STAT3, and HLF. Elevated expression of miR-124 suppressed the expression of STAT3 and further inhibited HSCs activation. Our results demonstrated that imatinib not only ameliorated hepatic fibrosis through tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) activity but also interfered with the miR-124 and STAT3/HLF/IL-6 pathway. Considering the important role of miR-124 in regulating liver fibrosis and HSCs activation, imatinib may exert its anti-fibrotic activity through miR-124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sogol Mazhari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Anna Meyfour
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Autophagy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.,Faculty of Medicine, Katowice School of Technology, Katowice, Poland
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Xiang L, Wang X, Shao Y, Jiao Q, Cheng J, Zheng X, Zhou S, Chen Y. Folate Decoration Supports the Targeting of Camptothecin Micelles against Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells and the Suppression of Fibrogenesis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:2030-2042. [PMID: 36571106 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c16616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As the central cellular player in fibrogenesis, activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the major target of antifibrotic nanomedicines. Based on our finding that activated HSCs increase the expression of folate receptor alpha (FRα), we tried to apply folic acid (FA) decoration to generate an active drug-targeting at aHSCs and suppress hepato-fibrogenesis. FA-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers (PEG-PCL) were synthesized and self-assembled into the spherical micelles that owned a uniform size distribution averaging at 60 nm, excellent hemo- and cyto-compatibility, and pH-sensitive stability. These FA-modified micelles were preferentially ingested by aHSCs as expected and accumulated more in acutely CCl4 injured mouse livers compared to nondecorated counterparts. Such an aHSC targetability facilitated the loaded medicinal camptothecin (CPT) to achieve a greater therapeutic efficacy and inhibition of MF phenotypic genes in aHSCs. Encouragingly, though free CPT and nontargeting CPT micelles produced negligible curative outcomes, FA-decorated CPT micelles yielded effectively remedial effects in chronically CCl4-induced fibrotic mice, as represented by a significant shrinkage of aHSC population, suppression of fibrogenesis, and recovery of liver structure and function, clearly indicating the success of the folate decoration-supported aHSC-targeted strategy for antifibrotic nanomedicines in fibrosis resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiang
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yaru Shao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jiao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jiang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Xiaotong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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Wang D, Xu H, Fan L, Ruan W, Song Q, Diao H, He R, Jin Y. Hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling facilitates long-term arsenite-induced hepatocytes epithelial-mesenchymal transition and liver fibrosis in sprague-dawley rats. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 249:114386. [PMID: 36508792 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic is a well known environmental hazardous material, chronic arsenic exposure results in different types of liver damage. Among them, liver fibrosis has become a research hotspot because of its reversibility, while the underlying mechanism is still unclear. Previous studies revealed that EGFR/ERK signaling appears to play an important role in fibrosis diseases. In this study, sprague-dawley rats were exposed to different doses of arsenite for 36 weeks to investigate the roles of EGFR/ERK signaling on arsenite-induced liver fibrogenesis. Our results showed that long-term arsenite exposure induced liver fibrosis, accompanied by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, excessive serum secretion of extracellular matrix (ECM), and hepatocytes epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT). In addition, arsenite exposure caused hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling in liver tissue of rats, indicating that EGFR/ERK signaling may be involved in arsenite-induced liver fibrosis. Indeed, erlotinib (a specific phosphorylation inhibitor of EGFR) intervention significantly decreased arsenite induced hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling, thereby suppressed hepatocytes EMT process and alleviated liver fibrogenesis in arsenite exposed rats. In summary, the present study provides evidences showing that hyperphosphorylation of EGFR/ERK signaling facilitates long-term arsenite-induced hepatocytes EMT and liver fibrosis in rats, which brings new insights into the pathogenesis of arsenic-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dapeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Huifen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Wenli Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China; Tongren Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Tongren 554300, Guizhou, China
| | - Qian Song
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Heng Diao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Rui He
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
| | - Ying Jin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China
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Yu W, Wang S, Wang Y, Chen H, Nie H, Liu L, Zou X, Gong Q, Zheng B. MicroRNA: role in macrophage polarization and the pathogenesis of the liver fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1147710. [PMID: 37138859 PMCID: PMC10149999 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages, as central components of innate immunity, feature significant heterogeneity. Numerus studies have revealed the pivotal roles of macrophages in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis induced by various factors. Hepatic macrophages function to trigger inflammation in response to injury. They induce liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and then inflammation and fibrosis are alleviated by the degradation of the extracellular matrix and release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding endogenous RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through translation repression or mRNA degradation, have distinct roles in modulating macrophage activation, polarization, tissue infiltration, and inflammation regression. Considering the complex etiology and pathogenesis of liver diseases, the role and mechanism of miRNAs and macrophages in liver fibrosis need to be further clarified. We first summarized the origin, phenotypes and functions of hepatic macrophages, then clarified the role of miRNAs in the polarization of macrophages. Finally, we comprehensively discussed the role of miRNAs and macrophages in the pathogenesis of liver fibrotic disease. Understanding the mechanism of hepatic macrophage heterogeneity in various types of liver fibrosis and the role of miRNAs on macrophage polarization provides a useful reference for further research on miRNA-mediated macrophage polarization in liver fibrosis, and also contributes to the development of new therapies targeting miRNA and macrophage subsets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Hao Nie
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Zou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoting Zou, ; Quan Gong, ; Bing Zheng,
| | - Quan Gong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoting Zou, ; Quan Gong, ; Bing Zheng,
| | - Bing Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoting Zou, ; Quan Gong, ; Bing Zheng,
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Coumaric acid from M. polymorphum extracts reverses the activated state of hepatic stellate cells (GRX) and inhibits their proliferation by decreasing the p53/p21 pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 396:925-937. [PMID: 36520165 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02361-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Coumaric acid is a phenolic compound found in medicinal plants. Its use has been reported in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, prevention of alterations induced by oxidative stress, as well as acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, this study evaluated coumaric acid as a potential treatment for liver fibrosis. Cell proliferation was assessed by the trypan blue exclusion technique and the cytotoxicity of coumaric acid was performed using an LDH assay. Mechanisms of cell apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry. The expression of genes associated with apoptosis, cell cycle control, and fibrosis was assessed by qPCR. The production of lipid droplets was quantified by oil red staining. The experiments performed showed that the treatment with coumaric acid was able to reduce cell proliferation without causing cell cytotoxicity or apoptosis. Coumaric acid was able to inhibit the expression of cyclin D1 and CDK's (CDK2, CDK4, and CDK6), increasing p53 and p21, which could lead to cell cycle arrest. Treatment with coumaric acid was also able to revert the activated phenotype of GRX cells to their quiescent state. Thus, our results suggest that coumaric acid has a potential therapeutic effect against liver fibrosis.
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Mohammad Omar J, Hai Y, Jin S. Hypoxia-induced factor and its role in liver fibrosis. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14299. [PMID: 36523459 PMCID: PMC9745792 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14299] [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: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis develops as a result of severe liver damage and is considered a major clinical concern throughout the world. Many factors are crucial for liver fibrosis progression. While advancements have been made to understand this disease, no effective pharmacological drug and treatment strategies have been established that can effectively prevent liver fibrosis or even could halt the fibrotic process. Most of those advances in curing liver fibrosis have been aimed towards mitigating the causes of fibrosis, including the development of potent antivirals to inhibit the hepatitis virus. It is not practicable for many individuals; however, a liver transplant becomes the only suitable alternative. A liver transplant is an expensive procedure. Thus, there is a significant need to identify potential targets of liver fibrosis and the development of such agents that can effectively treat or reverse liver fibrosis by targeting them. Researchers have identified hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) in the last 16 years as important transcription factors driving several facets of liver fibrosis, making them possible therapeutic targets. The latest knowledge on HIFs and their possible role in liver fibrosis, along with the cell-specific activities of such transcription factors that how they play role in liver fibrosis progression, is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Mohammad Omar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yang Hai
- College of International Education, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Shizhu Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
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Ishtiaq SM, Arshad MI, Khan JA. PPARγ signaling in hepatocarcinogenesis: Mechanistic insights for cellular reprogramming and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 240:108298. [PMID: 36243148 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is leading cause of cancer-related mortalities globally. The therapeutic approaches for chronic liver diseases-associated liver cancers aimed at modulating immune check-points and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling pathway during multistep process of hepatocarcinogenesis that played a dispensable role in immunopathogenesis and outcomes of disease. Herein, the review highlights PPARγ-induced effects in balancing inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and interplay of PPARγ, hepatic stellate cells and fibrogenic niche in cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic crosstalk of hepatocarcinogenesis. PPARγ-mediated effects in pre-malignant microenvironment promote growth arrest, cell senescence and cell clearance in liver cancer pathophysiology. Furthermore, PPARγ-immune cell axis of liver microenvironment exhibits an immunomodulation strategy of resident immune cells of the liver (macrophages, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells) in concomitance with current clinical guidelines of the European Association for Study of Liver Diseases (EASL) for several liver diseases. Thus, mechanistic insights of PPARγ-associated high value targets and canonical signaling suggest PPARγ as a possible therapeutic target in reprogramming of hepatocarcinogenesis to decrease burden of liver cancers, worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Momna Ishtiaq
- Institute of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | | | - Junaid Ali Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan 60000, Pakistan.
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