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Fu Y, Wang Z, Qin H. Examining the Pathogenesis of MAFLD and the Medicinal Properties of Natural Products from a Metabolic Perspective. Metabolites 2024; 14:218. [PMID: 38668346 PMCID: PMC11052500 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040218] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), characterized primarily by hepatic steatosis, has become the most prevalent liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately two-fifths of the global population. The pathogenesis of MAFLD is extremely complex, and to date, there are no approved therapeutic drugs for clinical use. Considerable evidence indicates that various metabolic disorders play a pivotal role in the progression of MAFLD, including lipids, carbohydrates, amino acids, and micronutrients. In recent years, the medicinal properties of natural products have attracted widespread attention, and numerous studies have reported their efficacy in ameliorating metabolic disorders and subsequently alleviating MAFLD. This review aims to summarize the metabolic-associated pathological mechanisms of MAFLD, as well as the natural products that regulate metabolic pathways to alleviate MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hong Qin
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410006, China; (Y.F.); (Z.W.)
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2
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Shi F, Zhao M, Zheng S, Zheng L, Wang H. Advances in genetic variation in metabolism-related fatty liver disease. Front Genet 2023; 14:1213916. [PMID: 37753315 PMCID: PMC10518415 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1213916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolism-related fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease in the world. Its pathogenesis is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. With the upgrading of gene screening methods and the development of human genome project, whole genome scanning has been widely used to screen genes related to MAFLD, and more and more genetic variation factors related to MAFLD susceptibility have been discovered. There are genetic variants that are highly correlated with the occurrence and development of MAFLD, and there are genetic variants that are protective of MAFLD. These genetic variants affect the development of MAFLD by influencing lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. Therefore, in-depth analysis of different mechanisms of genetic variation and targeting of specific genetic variation genes may provide a new idea for the early prediction and diagnosis of diseases and individualized precision therapy, which may be a promising strategy for the treatment of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Shi
- School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Shudan Zheng
- School of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Lihong Zheng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Haiqiang Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Zhao Y, Wang H, He T, Ma B, Chen G, Tzeng C. Knockdown of Yap attenuates TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis by interaction with hedgehog signals. J Cell Commun Signal 2023:10.1007/s12079-023-00775-6. [PMID: 37338798 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-023-00775-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an aberrant wound healing response to tissue injury characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and loss of normal liver architecture. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is regards to be the major process in liver fibrogenesis which is dynamic and reversible. Both Hippo signaling core factor Yap and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling promote HSCs transdifferentiation thereby regulating the repair process of liver injury. However, the molecular function of YAP and the regulation between Yap and Hh during fibrogenesis remain uncertain. In this study, the essential roles of Yap in liver fibrosis were investigated. Yap was detected to be increased in liver fibrotic tissue by the thioacetamide (TAA)-induced zebrafish embryonic and adult models. Inhibition of Yap by both embryonic morpholino interference and adult's inhibitor treatment was proved to alleviate TAA-induced liver lesions by and histology and gene expression examination. Transcriptomic analysis and gene expression detection showed that Yap and Hh signaling pathway have a cross talking upon TAA-induced liver fibrosis. In addition, TAA induction promoted the nuclear colocalization of YAP and Hh signaling factor GLI2α. This study demonstrates that Yap and Hh play synergistic protective roles in liver fibrotic response and provides new theoretical insight concerning the mechanisms of fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Zhao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China.
| | - Huiling Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Tianhua He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Bo Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Guoguang Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 211800, China
| | - Chimeng Tzeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361005, China.
- Translational Medicine Research Center-Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theragnostic and Clinical Translation, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
- Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital Medical Research Center, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
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4
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Jin J, Cong J, Lei S, Zhang Q, Zhong X, Su Y, Lu M, Ma Y, Li Z, Wang L, Zhu N, Yang J. Cracking the code: Deciphering the role of the tumor microenvironment in osteosarcoma metastasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110422. [PMID: 37302370 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110422] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. It is characterized by a rapid progression, poor prognosis, and early pulmonary metastasis. Over the past 30 years, approximately 85% of patients with osteosarcoma have experienced metastasis. The five-year survival of patients with lung metastasis during the early stages of treatment is less than 20%. The tumor microenvironment (TME) not only provides conditions for tumor cell growth but also releases a variety of substances that can promote the metastasis of tumor cells to other tissues and organs. Currently, there is limited research on the role of the TME in osteosarcoma metastasis. Therefore, to explore methods for regulating osteosarcoma metastasis, further investigations must be conducted from the perspective of the TME. This will help to identify new potential biomarkers for predicting osteosarcoma metastasis and assist in the discovery of new drugs that target regulatory mechanisms for clinical diagnosis and treatment. This paper reviews the research progress on the mechanism of osteosarcoma metastasis based on TME theory, which will provide guidance for the clinical treatment of osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin 541001, China; Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Jiacheng Cong
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Shangbo Lei
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Qiujin Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Xinyi Zhong
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Yingying Su
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Mingchuan Lu
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Yifen Ma
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Zihe Li
- Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin 541001, China
| | - Ningxia Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China.
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guangxi, Guilin 541001, China; Department of Immunology, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China; Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Microenvironmental Regulation, Guilin Medical University, Guilin 541199, China.
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Zheng Y, Xie L, Yang D, Luo K, Li X. Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 113:154721. [PMID: 36870824 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154721] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response. PURPOSE The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review. METHODS The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF. CONCLUSION The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaipei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Fu X, Chang J, Jiao D, Zhu M, Ma Y. SLIT3 knockdown inhibited TGF-β-induced hepatic stellate cells activation by down-regulating YAP signal. Mol Cell Toxicol 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s13273-023-00336-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Objective
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease caused by a variety of pathophysiological. However, there are no effective treatments to combat it. HSCs are a major source of fibrotic cells and exploring the mechanisms of HSC activation may provide new strategies for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Objectives
To explore the role and underlying mechanism of SLIT3 in HSCs fibrosis.
Results
GSE163211 dataset analysis identified aberrant expression of SLIT3 in NASH F1-F4 tissues and SLIT3 expression level was positively correlated with fibrosis-related proteins. In vitro experiments showed that TGF-β induced upregulation of SLIT3 in LX-2 cells. Knockdown of SLIT3 significantly inhibited TGF-β-induced α-SMA, COL1A2, and COL1A1 expression, inhibited excessive cell proliferation and migration, and suppressed YAP activity.
Conclusion
Collectively, our findings suggest that SLIT3 deficiency alleviates TGF-β-induced HSCs activation by inhibiting YAP activity.
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Pibiri M, Simbula G. Role of the Hippo pathway in liver regeneration and repair: recent advances. Inflamm Regen 2022; 42:59. [PMID: 36471376 PMCID: PMC9720992 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-022-00235-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the signaling pathways involved in normal liver regeneration have been well characterized, less has been done for livers affected by chronic tissue damage. These "abnormal livers" have an impaired regenerative response that leads to liver repair and fibrosis. The tumor suppressor Hippo pathway plays a key role in liver regeneration and repair. On this basis, this review discusses recent studies focusing on the involvement of the Hippo signaling pathway during "normal healthy liver regeneration" (i.e., in a normal liver after 2/3 partial hepatectomy) and "abnormal liver regeneration" (i.e., in a liver damaged by chronic disease). This could be an important question to address with respect to new therapies aimed at improving impaired liver regenerative responses. The studies reported here have shown that activation of the Hippo coactivators YAP/TAZ during normal liver regeneration promotes the formation of a new bile duct network through direct BEC proliferation or/and hepatocyte dedifferentiation to HPCs which can trans-differentiate to BECs. Moreover, YAP/TAZ signaling interaction with other signaling pathways mediates the recruitment and activation of Kupffer cells, which release mitogenic cytokines for parenchymal and/or non-parenchymal cells and engage in phagocytosis of cellular debris. In addition, YAP-mediated activation of stellate cells (HSCs) promotes liver regeneration through the synthesis of extracellular matrix. However, in chronically diseased livers, where the predetermined threshold for proper liver regeneration is exceeded, YAP/TAZ activation results in a reparative process characterized by liver fibrosis. In this condition, YAP/TAZ activation in parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells results in (i) differentiation of quiescent HSCs into myofibroblastic HSCs; (ii) recruitment of macrophages releasing inflammatory cytokines; (iii) polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype. Since accumulation of damaged hepatocytes in chronic liver injury represent a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocarcinoma, this review also discussed the involvement of the Hippo pathway in the clearance of damaged cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Pibiri
- grid.7763.50000 0004 1755 3242Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Blocco A. 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Simbula
- grid.7763.50000 0004 1755 3242Department of Biomedical Sciences, Oncology and Molecular Pathology Unit, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.P. Monserrato-Sestu km 0.700, Blocco A. 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
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8
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Chew NW, Chong B, Ng CH, Kong G, Chin YH, Xiao W, Lee M, Dan YY, Muthiah MD, Foo R. The genetic interactions between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular diseases. Front Genet 2022; 13:971484. [PMID: 36035124 PMCID: PMC9399730 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.971484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing debate on whether non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an active contributor or an innocent bystander in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has sparked interests in understanding the common mediators between the two biologically distinct entities. This comprehensive review identifies and curates genetic studies of NAFLD overlapping with CVD, and describes the colinear as well as opposing correlations between genetic associations for the two diseases. Here, CVD described in relation to NAFLD are coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation. Unique findings of this review included certain NAFLD susceptibility genes that possessed cardioprotective properties. Moreover, the complex interactions of genetic and environmental risk factors shed light on the disparity in genetic influence on NAFLD and its incident CVD. This serves to unravel NAFLD-mediated pathways in order to reduce CVD events, and helps identify targeted treatment strategies, develop polygenic risk scores to improve risk prediction and personalise disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas W.S. Chew
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Nicholas W.S. Chew, ; Roger Foo,
| | - Bryan Chong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gwyneth Kong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yip Han Chin
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wang Xiao
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency of Science Technology and Research, Bipolis way, Singapore
| | - Mick Lee
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency of Science Technology and Research, Bipolis way, Singapore
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mark D. Muthiah
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National University Centre for Organ Transplantation, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger Foo
- Department of Cardiology, National University Heart Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cardiovascular Disease Translational Research Programme, National University Health Systems, Singapore, Singapore
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency of Science Technology and Research, Bipolis way, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Nicholas W.S. Chew, ; Roger Foo,
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Priming, Triggering, Adaptation and Senescence (PTAS): A Hypothesis for a Common Damage Mechanism of Steatohepatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212545. [PMID: 34830427 PMCID: PMC8624051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the pathomechanism of steatohepatitis (SH) is hampered by the difficulty of distinguishing between causes and consequences, by the broad spectrum of aetiologies that can produce the phenotype, and by the long time-span during which SH develops, often without clinical symptoms. We propose that SH develops in four phases with transitions: (i) priming lowers stress defence; (ii) triggering leads to acute damage; (iii) adaptation, possibly associated with cellular senescence, mitigates tissue damage, leads to the phenotype, and preserves liver function at a lower level; (iv) finally, senescence prevents neoplastic transformation but favours fibrosis (cirrhosis) and inflammation and further reduction in liver function. Escape from senescence eventually leads to hepatocellular carcinoma. This hypothesis for a pathomechanism of SH is supported by clinical and experimental observations. It allows organizing the various findings to uncover remaining gaps in our knowledge and, finally, to provide possible diagnostic and intervention strategies for each stage of SH development.
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Dongiovanni P, Meroni M, Longo M, Fargion S, Fracanzani AL. Genetics, Immunity and Nutrition Boost the Switching from NASH to HCC. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1524. [PMID: 34829753 PMCID: PMC8614742 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading contributor to the global burden of chronic liver diseases. The phenotypic umbrella of NAFLD spans from simple and reversible steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may worsen into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Notwithstanding, HCC may develop also in the absence of advanced fibrosis, causing a delayed time in diagnosis as a consequence of the lack of HCC screening in these patients. The precise event cascade that may precipitate NASH into HCC is intricate and it entails diverse triggers, encompassing exaggerated immune response, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress, organelle derangement and DNA aberrancies. All these events may be accelerated by both genetic and environmental factors. On one side, common and rare inherited variations that affect hepatic lipid remodeling, immune microenvironment and cell survival may boost the switching from steatohepatitis to liver cancer, on the other, diet-induced dysbiosis as well as nutritional and behavioral habits may furtherly precipitate tumor onset. Therefore, dietary and lifestyle interventions aimed to restore patients' health contribute to counteract NASH progression towards HCC. Even more, the combination of therapeutic strategies with dietary advice may maximize benefits, with the pursuit to improve liver function and prolong survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Dongiovanni
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pad. Granelli, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (M.L.); (S.F.); (A.L.F.)
| | - Marica Meroni
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pad. Granelli, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (M.L.); (S.F.); (A.L.F.)
| | - Miriam Longo
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pad. Granelli, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (M.L.); (S.F.); (A.L.F.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Fargion
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pad. Granelli, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (M.L.); (S.F.); (A.L.F.)
| | - Anna Ludovica Fracanzani
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pad. Granelli, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.M.); (M.L.); (S.F.); (A.L.F.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
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11
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Yan Y, Zeng J, Xing L, Li C. Extra- and Intra-Cellular Mechanisms of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9081014. [PMID: 34440218 PMCID: PMC8391653 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver resulting from the persistent liver injury and wound-healing reaction induced by various insults. Although hepatic fibrosis is considered reversible after eliminating the cause of injury, chronic injury left unchecked can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms controlling the fibrotic response is needed to develop novel clinical strategies. It is well documented that activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the most principal cellular players promoting synthesis and deposition of ECM components. In the current review, we discuss pathways of HSC activation, emphasizing emerging extra- and intra-cellular signals that drive this important cellular response to hepatic fibrosis. A number of cell types and external stimuli converge upon HSCs to promote their activation, including hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, macrophages, cytokines, altered ECM, hepatitis viral infection, enteric dysbiosis, lipid metabolism disorder, exosomes, microRNAs, alcohol, drugs and parasites. We also discuss the emerging signaling pathways and intracellular events that individually or synergistically drive HSC activation, including TGFβ/Smad, Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog and Hippo signaling pathways. These findings will provide novel potential therapeutic targets to arrest or reverse fibrosis and cirrhosis.
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12
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Longo M, Paolini E, Meroni M, Dongiovanni P. Remodeling of Mitochondrial Plasticity: The Key Switch from NAFLD/NASH to HCC. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4173. [PMID: 33920670 PMCID: PMC8073183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver and the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Currently, the global burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has dramatically overcome both viral and alcohol hepatitis, thus becoming the main cause of HCC incidence. NAFLD pathogenesis is severely influenced by lifestyle and genetic predisposition. Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that may adapt in response to environment, genetics and epigenetics in the liver ("mitochondrial plasticity"). Mounting evidence highlights that mitochondrial dysfunction due to loss of mitochondrial flexibility may arise before overt NAFLD, and from the early stages of liver injury. Mitochondrial failure promotes not only hepatocellular damage, but also release signals (mito-DAMPs), which trigger inflammation and fibrosis, generating an adverse microenvironment in which several hepatocytes select anti-apoptotic programs and mutations that may allow survival and proliferation. Furthermore, one of the key events in malignant hepatocytes is represented by the remodeling of glucidic-lipidic metabolism combined with the reprogramming of mitochondrial functions, optimized to deal with energy demand. In sum, this review will discuss how mitochondrial defects may be translated into causative explanations of NAFLD-driven HCC, emphasizing future directions for research and for the development of potential preventive or curative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Longo
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pad. Granelli, Via F Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.L.); (E.P.); (M.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Erika Paolini
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pad. Granelli, Via F Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.L.); (E.P.); (M.M.)
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marica Meroni
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pad. Granelli, Via F Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.L.); (E.P.); (M.M.)
| | - Paola Dongiovanni
- General Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Pad. Granelli, Via F Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.L.); (E.P.); (M.M.)
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13
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Tsai MY, Yang WC, Lin CF, Wang CM, Liu HY, Lin CS, Lin JW, Lin WL, Lin TC, Fan PS, Hung KH, Lu YW, Chang GR. The Ameliorative Effects of Fucoidan in Thioacetaide-Induced Liver Injury in Mice. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26071937. [PMID: 33808318 PMCID: PMC8036993 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26071937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver disorders have been recognized as one major health concern. Fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from the brown seaweed Fucus serratus, has previously been reported as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. However, the discovery and validation of its hepatoprotective properties and elucidation of its mechanisms of action are still unknown. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect and possible modes of action of a treatment of fucoidan against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver injury in male C57BL/6 mice by serum biochemical and histological analyses. The mouse model for liver damage was developed by the administration of TAA thrice a week for six weeks. The mice with TAA-induced liver injury were orally administered fucoidan once a day for 42 days. The treated mice showed significantly higher body weights; food intakes; hepatic antioxidative enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)); and a lower serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Additionally, a reduced hepatic IL-6 level and a decreased expression of inflammatory-related genes, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA was observed. These results demonstrated that fucoidan had a hepatoprotective effect on liver injury through the suppression of the inflammatory responses and acting as an antioxidant. In addition, here, we validated the use of fucoidan against liver disorders with supporting molecular data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yang Tsai
- Animal Industry Division, Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Executive Yuan, 112 Muchang, Xinhua Dist, Tainan 71246, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Bioresources, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, 1 Shuefu Road, Neipu, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Cheng Yang
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, 4 Section, 1 Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-C.Y.); (C.-S.L.)
| | - Chuen-Fu Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Shuefu Road, Neipu, Pingtung 912301, Taiwan;
| | - Chao-Min Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, 580 Xinmin Road, Chiayi 60054, Taiwan; (C.-M.W.); (T.-C.L.); (P.-S.F.)
| | - Hsien-Yueh Liu
- Bachelor Degree Program in Animal Healthcare, Hungkuang University, 6 Section, 1018 Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung 433304, Taiwan; (H.-Y.L.); (J.-W.L.); (W.-L.L.)
| | - Chen-Si Lin
- School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, 4 Section, 1 Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan; (W.-C.Y.); (C.-S.L.)
| | - Jen-Wei Lin
- Bachelor Degree Program in Animal Healthcare, Hungkuang University, 6 Section, 1018 Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung 433304, Taiwan; (H.-Y.L.); (J.-W.L.); (W.-L.L.)
| | - Wei-Li Lin
- Bachelor Degree Program in Animal Healthcare, Hungkuang University, 6 Section, 1018 Taiwan Boulevard, Shalu District, Taichung 433304, Taiwan; (H.-Y.L.); (J.-W.L.); (W.-L.L.)
- General Education Center, Chaoyang University of Technology, 168 Jifeng Eastern Road, Taichung 413310, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Chun Lin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, 580 Xinmin Road, Chiayi 60054, Taiwan; (C.-M.W.); (T.-C.L.); (P.-S.F.)
| | - Pei-Shan Fan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, 580 Xinmin Road, Chiayi 60054, Taiwan; (C.-M.W.); (T.-C.L.); (P.-S.F.)
| | - Kuo-Hsiang Hung
- Graduate Institute of Bioresources, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, 1 Shuefu Road, Neipu, Pingtung 91201, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (K.-H.H.); (Y.-W.L.); (G.-R.C.)
| | - Yu-Wen Lu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, 1 Section, 542 Chung-Shan Road, Changhua 50008, Taiwan
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, 6 Lugong Road, Changhua 50544, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (K.-H.H.); (Y.-W.L.); (G.-R.C.)
| | - Geng-Ruei Chang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chiayi University, 580 Xinmin Road, Chiayi 60054, Taiwan; (C.-M.W.); (T.-C.L.); (P.-S.F.)
- Correspondence: (K.-H.H.); (Y.-W.L.); (G.-R.C.)
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Albhaisi S, Sanyal AJ. Gene-Environmental Interactions as Metabolic Drivers of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:665987. [PMID: 34040583 PMCID: PMC8142267 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.665987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide in the past few decades as a consequence of the global obesity epidemic and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. NAFLD is closely associated with components of the metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, suggesting a plausible metabolic mechanistic basis. Metabolic inflexibility is considered a nidus for NAFLD pathogenesis, causing lipotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular stress leading to inflammation, apoptosis and fibrogenesis, thus mediating disease progression into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and ultimately cirrhosis. In this review, we describe they key metabolic drivers that contribute to development of NAFLD and NASH, and we explain how NASH is a metabolic disease. Understanding the metabolic basis of NASH is crucial for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somaya Albhaisi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Arun J. Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Arun J. Sanyal,
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