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Masuda A, Nakamura T, Iwamoto H, Suzuki H, Sakaue T, Tanaka T, Imamura Y, Mori N, Koga H, Kawaguchi T. Ex-vivo expanded CD34 + cell transplantation alleviates fibrotic liver injury via innate immune modulation in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis mice. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:899-909. [PMID: 38678462 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.03.488] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In drug-induced liver injury, vascular endothelial progenitor cells, specifically the CD34+ cell fractions, have been found to decrease liver fibrosis and promote regeneration. However, it is unclear whether CD34+ cell transplantation has anti-fibrogenic effects on MASH, which has previously been treated effectively with anti-angiogenic therapy. We investigated the efficacy of ex vivo-expanded CD34+ cells in treating MASH livers. MATERIALS AND METHODS Diet-induced MASH mice were fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet for 12 or 20 weeks, and were designated as a mild and a severe fibrosis model, respectively. Mouse bone marrow CD34+ cells were expanded for 7 days, transplanted into each mouse once or twice 2 weeks later, and sacrificed at 4 weeks after the first transplantation. RESULTS Expanded CD34+ cell transplantation ameliorated liver fibrosis, regardless of fibrosis degree, as indicated by the decrease in α-smooth muscle actin-positive cells, hydroxyproline concentration, and fibrogenic gene expression of Col1a1 and Timp1. Furthermore, engrafted CD34+ cells reduced alanine transaminase levels, the number of TUNEL+ hepatocytes, and 8-OHdG concentration. RNA-sequencing data showed that "defense response to virus" was the most down-regulated category in the Gene Ontology analysis and subsequent analysis revealed the suppression of RIG-I-like receptors/Irf7/Stat1/Cxcl10 axis in expanded CD34+ cell-transplanted livers. Finally, the downregulation of CXCL10 expression inhibits the mobilization of inflammatory immune cells, macrophages, T cells, and natural killer cells to the MASH liver. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that transplanted expanded CD34+ cells alleviate fibrotic liver injury in MASH mouse models through possible modulation of the innate immune response, which is abnormally activated by hepatocyte lipotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsutaka Masuda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Toru Nakamura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan.
| | - Hideki Iwamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Takahiko Sakaue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Toshimitsu Tanaka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Yasuko Imamura
- Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Mori
- Department of Social Welfare, Kyushu University of Nursing and Social Welfare, Tamana, Kumamoto, 8650061, Japan
| | - Hironori Koga
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan; Liver Cancer Research Division, Research Center for Innovative Cancer Therapy, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Fukuoka, 8300011, Japan
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Yao M, Fang RF, Xie Q, Xu M, Sai WL, Yao DF. Early monitoring values of oncogenic signalling molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2350-2361. [PMID: 38994143 PMCID: PMC11236219 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevention and early diagnosis of liver cancer remains a global medical challenge. During the malignant transformation of hepatocytes, a variety of oncogenic cellular signalling molecules, such as novel high mobility group-Box 3, angiopoietin-2, Golgi protein 73, glypican-3, Wnt3a (a signalling molecule in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and secretory clusterin, can be expressed and secreted into the blood. These signalling molecules are derived from different signalling pathways and may not only participate in the malignant transformation of hepatocytes but also become early diagnostic indicators of hepatocarcinogenesis or specific targeted molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. This article reviews recent progress in the study of several signalling molecules as sensitive biomarkers for monitoring hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rong-Fei Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haian People’s Hospital, Haian 226600, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Li Sai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Deng-Fu Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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Yao M, Fang RF, Xie Q, Xu M, Sai WL, Yao DF. Early monitoring values of oncogenic signalling molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2814-2825. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevention and early diagnosis of liver cancer remains a global medical challenge. During the malignant transformation of hepatocytes, a variety of oncogenic cellular signalling molecules, such as novel high mobility group-Box 3, angiopoietin-2, Golgi protein 73, glypican-3, Wnt3a (a signalling molecule in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway), and secretory clusterin, can be expressed and secreted into the blood. These signalling molecules are derived from different signalling pathways and may not only participate in the malignant transformation of hepatocytes but also become early diagnostic indicators of hepatocarcinogenesis or specific targeted molecules for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. This article reviews recent progress in the study of several signalling molecules as sensitive biomarkers for monitoring hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Rong-Fei Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qun Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haian People’s Hospital, Haian 226600, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Min Xu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Li Sai
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Deng-Fu Yao
- Department of Immunology, Medical School of Nantong University and Research Center of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu Province, China
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Kim W, Chu JO, Kim DY, Lee SH, Choi CH, Lee KH. Mimicking chronic alcohol effects through a controlled and sustained ethanol release device. J Biol Eng 2024; 18:31. [PMID: 38715085 PMCID: PMC11077717 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00428-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption, a pervasive societal issue, poses considerable health risks and socioeconomic consequences. Alcohol-induced hepatic disorders, such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis, underscore the need for comprehensive research. Existing challenges in mimicking chronic alcohol exposure in cellular systems, attributed to ethanol evaporation, necessitate innovative approaches. In this study, we developed a simple, reusable, and controllable device for examining the physiological reactions of hepatocytes to long-term alcohol exposure. Our approach involved a novel device designed to continuously release ethanol into the culture medium, maintaining a consistent ethanol concentration over several days. We evaluated device performance by examining gene expression patterns and cytokine secretion alterations during long-term exposure to ethanol. These patterns were correlated with those observed in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Our results suggest that our ethanol-releasing device can be used as a valuable tool to study the mechanisms of chronic alcohol-mediated hepatic diseases at the cellular level. Our device offers a practical solution for studying chronic alcohol exposure, providing a reliable platform for cellular research. This innovative tool holds promise for advancing our understanding of the molecular processes involved in chronic alcohol-mediated hepatic diseases. Future research avenues should explore broader applications and potential implications for predicting and treating alcohol-related illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanil Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Institute of Medical Science, School of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ok Chu
- Department of Cosmetic Science and Technology, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Yeon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, 41940, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyeon Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hyung Choi
- School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, 38541, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyung-Ha Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Systems Biology, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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Kovner AV, Kapushchak YK, Zaparina O, Mordvinov VA, Pakharukova MY. Hepatic vascular changes associated with Opisthorchis felineus infection in Syrian hamsters and humans. Acta Trop 2024; 250:107100. [PMID: 38101765 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.107100] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The liver fluke Opisthorchis felineus is a foodborne zoonotic pathogen endemic to Russia, Kazakhstan, and several European countries. The adult flukes affect the hepatobiliary system of piscivorous mammals and humans, thereby causing numerous complications, including liver fibrosis. Detailing the mechanisms of progression of the fibrotic complications is a hot topic in the field of research on opisthorchiasis pathogenesis. Pathologic angiogenesis appears to be associated with the fibrogenic progression due to active participation in the recruitment of inflammatory cells and many factors involved in the modulation of the extracellular matrix. The aim of the study was to evaluate neoangiogenesis and amyloid deposits in liver tissues of model animals and patients with confirmed chronic opisthorchiasis. In addition, we assessed a possible correlation of neoangiogenesis with liver fibrosis. We found a significant increase in the number of newly formed vessels and amyloid deposits in the liver of people with chronic opisthorchiasis compared to that of uninfected ones. Thus, for the first time we have demonstrated neoangiogenesis and amyloid deposits during O. felineus infection in a Mesocricetus auratus model. Regression analysis showed that CD34+ newly formed vessels correlate with fibrosis severity in the course of the infection. Our results indicate the potential contribution of angiogenesis to the progression of liver fibrosis, associated with O. felineus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Kovner
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Ak. Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Yaroslav K Kapushchak
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Ak. Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Oxana Zaparina
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Ak. Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Viatcheslav A Mordvinov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Ak. Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Maria Y Pakharukova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics (ICG), Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (SB RAS), 10 Ak. Lavrentiev Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, 2 Pirogova Str., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, 2 Ak. Timakova Str., Novosibirsk, 630117, Russia
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Madir A, Grgurevic I, Tsochatzis EA, Pinzani M. Portal hypertension in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Current knowledge and challenges. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:290-307. [PMID: 38313235 PMCID: PMC10835535 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i4.290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH) has traditionally been observed as a consequence of significant fibrosis and cirrhosis in advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, recent studies have provided evidence that PH may develop in earlier stages of NAFLD, suggesting that there are additional pathogenetic mechanisms at work in addition to liver fibrosis. The early development of PH in NAFLD is associated with hepatocellular lipid accumulation and ballooning, leading to the compression of liver sinusoids. External compression and intra-luminal obstacles cause mechanical forces such as strain, shear stress and elevated hydrostatic pressure that in turn activate mechanotransduction pathways, resulting in endothelial dysfunction and the development of fibrosis. The spatial distribution of histological and functional changes in the periportal and perisinusoidal areas of the liver lobule are considered responsible for the pre-sinusoidal component of PH in patients with NAFLD. Thus, current diagnostic methods such as hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement tend to underestimate portal pressure (PP) in NAFLD patients, who might decompensate below the HVPG threshold of 10 mmHg, which is traditionally considered the most relevant indicator of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH). This creates further challenges in finding a reliable diagnostic method to stratify the prognostic risk in this population of patients. In theory, the measurement of the portal pressure gradient guided by endoscopic ultrasound might overcome the limitations of HVPG measurement by avoiding the influence of the pre-sinusoidal component, but more investigations are needed to test its clinical utility for this indication. Liver and spleen stiffness measurement in combination with platelet count is currently the best-validated non-invasive approach for diagnosing CSPH and varices needing treatment. Lifestyle change remains the cornerstone of the treatment of PH in NAFLD, together with correcting the components of metabolic syndrome, using nonselective beta blockers, whereas emerging candidate drugs require more robust confirmation from clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Madir
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Ivica Grgurevic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and University College London, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom
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Zheng J, Du PZ, Yang C, Tao YY, Li L, Li ZM, Yang L. DCE-MRI-based radiomics in predicting angiopoietin-2 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2023; 48:3343-3352. [PMID: 37495746 PMCID: PMC10556176 DOI: 10.1007/s00261-023-04007-8] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer, and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Studies have shown that increased angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) expression relative to Ang-1 expression in tumors is associated with a poor prognosis.The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of predicting Ang-2 expression in HCC by preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI)-based radiomics. METHODS The data of 52 patients with HCC who underwent surgical resection in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Ang-2 expression in HCC was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. All patients underwent preoperative upper abdominal DCE-MRI and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging scans. Radiomics features were extracted from the early and late arterial and portal phases of axial DCE-MRI. Univariate analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was performed to select the optimal radiomics features for analysis. A logistic regression analysis was performed to establish a DCE-MRI radiomics model, clinic-radiologic (CR) model and combined model integrating the radiomics score with CR factors. The stability of each model was verified by 10-fold cross-validation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, calibration curve analysis and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to evaluate these models. RESULTS Among the 52 HCC patients, high Ang-2 expression was found in 30, and low Ang-2 expression was found in 22. The areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) for the radiomics model, CR model and combined model for predicting Ang-2 expression were 0.800, 0.874, and 0.933, respectively. The DeLong test showed that there was no significant difference in the AUC between the radiomics model and the CR model (p > 0.05) but that the AUC for the combined model was significantly greater than those for the other 2 models (p < 0.05). The DCA results showed that the combined model outperformed the other 2 models and had the highest net benefit. CONCLUSION The DCE-MRI-based radiomics model has the potential to predict Ang-2 expression in HCC patients; the combined model integrating the radiomics score with CR factors can further improve the prediction performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zheng
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Interventional Medical Center, Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Pei-Zhuo Du
- Department of Radiology, The Second Clinical Medical College of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Cui Yang
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Interventional Medical Center, Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
- Department of Radiology, Panzhihua Central Hospital, Panzhihua, 617000, China
| | - Yun-Yun Tao
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Interventional Medical Center, Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Zu-Mao Li
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Medical Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, Interventional Medical Center, Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
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Kim GA, Cho HC, Jeong SW, Kang BK, Kim M, Jung S, Hwang J, Yoon EL, Jun DW. A Phase 2a, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of ALS-L1023 in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040623. [PMID: 37111380 PMCID: PMC10142612 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040623] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical data have shown that the herbal extract, ALS-L1023, from Melissa officinalis reduces visceral fat and hepatic steatosis. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of ALS-L1023 as the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We conducted a 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 2a study in patients with NAFLD (MRI-proton density fat fraction [MRI-PDFF] ≥ 8% and liver fibrosis ≥ 2.5 kPa on MR elastography [MRE]) in Korea. Patients were randomly assigned to 1800 mg ALS-L1023 (n = 19), 1200 mg ALS-L1023 (n = 21), or placebo (n = 17) groups. Efficacy endpoints included changes in liver fat on MRI-PDFF, liver stiffness on MRE, and liver enzymes. For the full analysis set, a relative hepatic fat reduction from baseline was significant in the 1800 mg ALS-L1023 group (-15.0%, p = 0.03). There was a significant reduction in liver stiffness from baseline in the 1200 mg ALS-L1023 group (-10.7%, p = 0.03). Serum alanine aminotransferase decreased by -12.4% in the 1800 mg ALS-L1023 group, -29.8% in the 1200 mg ALS-L1023 group, and -4.9% in the placebo group. ALS-L1023 was well tolerated and there were no differences in the incidence of adverse events among the study groups. ALS-L1023 could reduce hepatic fat content in patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gi-Ae Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Chin Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Republic of Korea
| | - Soung Won Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul 04401, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Kyeong Kang
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Mimi Kim
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungwon Jung
- Graduate School for Biomedical Science & Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungwook Hwang
- Graduate School for Biomedical Science & Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Eileen L Yoon
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
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Lee EJ, Kim Y, Kim JE, Yoon EL, Lee SR, Jun DW. ALS-L1023 from Melissa officinalis Alleviates Liver Fibrosis in a Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Model. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:life13010100. [PMID: 36676050 PMCID: PMC9863634 DOI: 10.3390/life13010100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
ALS-L1023 is an ingredient extracted from Melissa officinalis L. (Labiatae; lemon balm), which is known as a natural medicine that suppresses angiogenesis. Herein, we aimed to determine whether ALS-L1023 could alleviate liver fibrosis in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) model. C57BL/6 wild-type male mice (age, 6 weeks old) were fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet (CDHFD) for 10 weeks to induce NAFLD. For the next 10 weeks, two groups of mice received the test drug along with CDHFD. Two doses (a low dose, 800 mg/kg/day; and a high dose, 1200 mg/kg/day) of ALS-L1023 were selected and mixed with feed for administration. Obeticholic acid (OCA; 10 mg/kg/day) was used as the positive control. Biochemical analysis revealed that the ALS-L1023 low-dose group had significantly decreased alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase. The area of fibrosis significantly decreased due to the administration of ALS-L1023, and the anti-fibrotic effect of ALS-L1023 was greater than that of OCA. RNA sequencing revealed that the responder group had lower expression of genes related to the hedgehog-signaling pathway than the non-responder group. ALS-L1023 may exert anti-fibrotic effects in the NAFLD model, suggesting that it may provide potential benefits for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Jeoung Lee
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Kim
- Hanyang Medicine-Engineering-Bio Collaborative & Comprehensive Center for Drug Development, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kim
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Eileen Laurel Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University School of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ryol Lee
- Department of Surgery, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.R.L.); (D.W.J.)
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Translational Medical Science, Hanyang University Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang Medicine-Engineering-Bio Collaborative & Comprehensive Center for Drug Development, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University School of Medicine, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.R.L.); (D.W.J.)
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Predictive Power of Tissue and Circulating Biomarkers for the Severity of Biopsy-Validated Chronic Liver Diseases. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11205985. [PMID: 36294318 PMCID: PMC9604565 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11205985] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although liver biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis and the monitoring of liver disease, non-invasive biomarkers have been recently suggested to predict liver disease severity, progression, and response to therapy. We investigated multiple tissue and circulating markers of angiogenesis in predicting the severity of biopsy-validated chronic liver diseases in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and in NAFLD/NASH patients. Methods: We studied samples from forty-six patients with HCV and/or NAFLD who underwent liver biopsy, liver ultrasonography, and liver stiffness measurement. Ishak and Brunt scores were calculated. Expression of selective genes and luminex analyses of 17 different circulating pro-angiogenic factors were performed. Results: The phenotype of NAFLD/NASH or HCV subjects was similar, except for insulin, which was expressed at higher levels in NAFLD/NASH patients. A Mann−Whitney test showed significant differences for the circulating levels of HB-EGF and for follistatin between HCV and NAFLD/NASH patients. In HCV patients, we found an inverse correlation between disease stage and BMP-9 and VEGF-A circulating levels, while in NASH/NAFLD direct correlations between stage and BMP-9 and VEGF-A circulating levels were noted. The K-means algorithm divided HCV and NASH/NAFLD patients in two clusters with significant differences between them. Logistic regression models showed a positive relationship with BMP-9 levels for NASH/NAFLD and with HB-EGF circulating concentrations for HCV. ROC analysis showed for BMP-9 > 1188 pg/mL a worse disease in NASH/NAFLD, whereas for HB-EGF < 61 pg/mL a higher severity of disease in HCV. Conclusion: Our data show that circulating biomarker profiles can identify the severity of chronic liver disease of NAFLD/NASH or HCV origin.
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Nasiri-Ansari N, Androutsakos T, Flessa CM, Kyrou I, Siasos G, Randeva HS, Kassi E, Papavassiliou AG. Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Concise Review. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162511. [PMID: 36010588 PMCID: PMC9407007 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. It is strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and other metabolic syndrome features. Reflecting the underlying pathogenesis and the cardiometabolic disorders associated with NAFLD, the term metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has recently been proposed. Indeed, over the past few years, growing evidence supports a strong correlation between NAFLD and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, independent of the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. This implies that NAFLD may also be directly involved in the pathogenesis of CVD. Notably, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) dysfunction appears to be implicated in the progression of NAFLD via numerous mechanisms, including the regulation of the inflammatory process, hepatic stellate activation, augmented vascular resistance, and the distortion of microcirculation, resulting in the progression of NAFLD. Vice versa, the liver secretes inflammatory molecules that are considered pro-atherogenic and may contribute to vascular endothelial dysfunction, resulting in atherosclerosis and CVD. In this review, we provide current evidence supporting the role of endothelial cell dysfunction in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NAFLD-associated atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells could thus represent a "golden target" for the development of new treatment strategies for NAFLD and its comorbid CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Nasiri-Ansari
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Androutsakos
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina-Maria Flessa
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- Third Department of Cardiology, ‘Sotiria’ Thoracic Diseases General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Harpal S. Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Eva Kassi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, ‘Laiko’ General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (A.G.P.)
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (A.G.P.)
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12
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Yan J, Liu Q, Tang Q, Zhang J, Jing X, Xia Y, Xu Y, Li J, Li Y, He J. Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor alleviates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induced by Western diet in mice. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22349. [PMID: 35567505 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101975r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Excessive lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver are the major characteristics of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) plays an important role in metabolic homeostasis, raising the possibility that it is involved in NASH. Here, we reduced and increased MANF levels in mice in order to explore its influence on hepatic triglyceride homeostasis, inflammation, and fibrosis during NASH progression. The MANF expression was decreased in Western diet-induced NASH mice. In vivo, liver-specific MANF knockout exacerbated hepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis of mice induced by Western diet, while liver-specific MANF overexpression mitigated these NASH pathogenic features. In vitro, knocking down MANF in primary hepatocyte cultures aggravated hepatic steatosis and inflammation, which MANF overexpression markedly attenuated. Studies in vitro and in vivo suggested that MANF regulated hepatic lipid synthesis by modulating SREBP1 expression. Inhibiting SREBP1 in primary hepatocytes blocked lipid accumulation after MANF knockdown. MANF overexpression reversed LXRs agonist GW3965 induced SREBP1 and LIPIN1 expression. MANF decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting NF-κB phosphorylation. These results suggest that MANF can protect against NASH by regulating SREBP1 expression and NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qinhui Liu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Qin Tang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiandan Jing
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiahui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhan He
- Department of Pharmacy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacy and Adverse Drug Reaction, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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