Human Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells Relieve Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis via Upregulation of TGR5 in Mdr2-/- Mice and Human Intrahepatic Cholangiocyte Organoid Models

Serum metabonomics reveal the effectiveness of human placental mesenchymal stem cell therapy for primary sclerosing cholangitis

BACKGROUND

The metabolic patterns of human placental-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hP-MSC) treatment for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remain unclear, and therapeutic effects significantly vary due to individual differences. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate the serological response to hP-MSC transplantation through small molecular metabolites and identify easily detectable markers for efficacy evaluation.

METHODS

Using Mdr2-/- mice as a PSC model and Mdr2+/+ mice as controls, the efficacy of hP-MSC treatment was assessed based on liver pathology, liver enzymes, and inflammatory factors. Serum samples were collected for 12C-/13C-dansylation and DmPA labeling LC-MS analysis to investigate changes in metabolic pathways after hP-MSC treatment. Key metabolites and regulatory enzymes were validated by qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Potential biomarkers of hP-MSC efficacy were identified through correlation analysis and machine learning.

RESULTS

Collectively, the results of the liver histology, serum liver enzyme levels, and inflammatory factors supported the therapeutic efficacy of hP-MSC treatment. Based on significant differences, 41 differentially expressed metabolites were initially identified; these were enriched in bile acid, lipid, and hydroxyproline metabolism. After treatment, bile acid transport was accelerated, whereas bile acid production was reduced; unsaturated fatty acid synthesis was upregulated overall, with increased FADS2 and elongase expression and enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation; hepatic proline 4-hydroxylase expression was decreased, leading to reduced hydroxyproline production. Correlation analysis of liver enzymes and metabolites, combined with time trends, identified eight potential biomarkers: 2-aminomuconate semialdehyde, L-1-pyrroline-3-hydroxy-5-carboxylic acid, L-isoglutamine, and maleamic acid were more abundant in model mice but decreased after hP-MSC treatment. Conversely, 15-methylpalmitic, eicosenoic, nonadecanoic, and octadecanoic acids were less abundant in model mice but increased after hP-MSC treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed metabolic regulatory changes in PSC model mice after hP-MSC treatment and identified eight promising biomarkers, providing preclinical evidence to support therapeutic applications of hP-MSC.

Organoids: development and applications in disease models, drug discovery, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine

Organoids are miniature, highly accurate representations of organs that capture the structure and unique functions of specific organs. Although the field of organoids has experienced exponential growth, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, gene editing, and bioinstrumentation, a comprehensive and accurate overview of organoid applications remains necessary. This review offers a detailed exploration of the historical origins and characteristics of various organoid types, their applications-including disease modeling, drug toxicity and efficacy assessments, precision medicine, and regenerative medicine-as well as the current challenges and future directions of organoid research. Organoids have proven instrumental in elucidating genetic cell fate in hereditary diseases, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, and malignancies, as well as in the study of processes such as embryonic development, molecular mechanisms, and host-microbe interactions. Furthermore, the integration of organoid technology with artificial intelligence and microfluidics has significantly advanced large-scale, rapid, and cost-effective drug toxicity and efficacy assessments, thereby propelling progress in precision medicine. Finally, with the advent of high-performance materials, three-dimensional printing technology, and gene editing, organoids are also gaining prominence in the field of regenerative medicine. Our insights and predictions aim to provide valuable guidance to current researchers and to support the continued advancement of this rapidly developing field.

Investigating the therapeutic potential of hesperidin targeting CRISP2 in intervertebral disc degeneration and cancer risk mitigation

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) can lead to disc herniation and spinal instability, sometimes requiring surgical intervention. Currently, estrogen has a potential protective effect on IDD, and estrogen is associated with an increased risk of some cancers, such as breast and endometrial cancer. Therefore, it is important to identify natural compounds that estrogen analogues treat IDD while reducing the risk of tumor development.

Objective

This study aims to explore a natural metabolic treatment strategy by targeting CRISP2 with the natural compound Hesperidin to mimic the protective effects of estrogen on IDD and reduce the risk of tumor development.

Methods

Microarray data from healthy volunteers and IDD patients were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and RNA sequencing and clinical data from various cancer types were analyzed. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Bioconductor Limma package, followed by principal component analysis, volcano plot, and heatmap visualization. Additionally, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses, CIBERSORT and ssGSEA immune cell infiltration assessments, survival analysis, metabolite enrichment analysis, and molecular docking were performed. Hesperidin's interaction with CRISP2 was further validated through molecular docking and experimental studies.

Results

Hesperidin significantly reduced the expression of CRISP2, iNOS, and COX2 in IDD models, decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, and diminished inflammatory markers. CIBERSORT and ssGSEA analyses revealed a correlation between CRISP2 and immune cell infiltration. Survival analysis demonstrated that CRISP2 expression levels were associated with patient survival across various cancer types. Hesperidin was found to mimic estrogen's effects on IDD and reduce tumor progression. Cell culture and experimental validation confirmed Hesperidin's protective effects on nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs).

Conclusion

Hesperidin, as a potential natural metabolic regulator, not only has therapeutic effects on IDD but may also synergize with estrogen therapy to promote spinal health without increasing cancer risk. This study presents a new clinical approach for IDD treatment and lays the foundation for further drug development and experimental research.

Total astragalus saponins attenuate primary sclerosing cholangitis in mice by upregulation of TGR5

Total astragalus saponins (TAS) are the main active components of astragali radix, and have potent anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. However, the therapeutic efficacy of TAS and their potential mechanisms in the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remain unclear. In this study, two mouse models of PSC, including 3,5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-Dihydro-2,4,6-Collidine (DDC)-induced PSC and Mdr2-/- spontaneous PSC, and the Tgr5-/- mice were used to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of TAS. Treatment with TAS, particularly with a dose of 56 mg/kg, significantly ameliorated the PSC-related liver injury, cholestasis, collagen deposition, ductular reaction (DR), and fibrosis in the DDC-induced and Mdr2-/-spontaneous PSC mice. Furthermore, treatment with TAS significantly mitigated the PSC-related inflammatory responses in vivo and HIBEpiC cells by inhibiting the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Mechanistically, treatment with TAS rescued the PSC-decreased hepatic TGR5 expression to attenuate the NF-κB p65 phosphorylation. Notably, the therapeutic efficacy of TAS on PSC in DDC-induced mice was abrogated in Tgr5-/- mice, suggesting the anti-PSC effect of TAS may depend on enhancing TGR5 expression. In conclusion, TAS ameliorated DR, inflammation and liver fibrosis in both models of PSC mice by rescuing TGR5 expression. Our findings may aid in the design of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PSC.

A Platelet-Powered Drug Delivery System for Enhancing Chemotherapy Efficacy for Liver Cancer Using the Trojan Horse Strategy

Optimizing the delivery and penetration of nano-sized drugs within liver cancer sites, along with remodeling the tumor microenvironment, is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. For this study, a platelet (PLT)-mediated nanodrug delivery system (DASA+ATO@PLT) was developed to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy. This system delivers nano-sized dasatinib and atovaquone specifically to liver tumor sites and facilitates intra-tumoral permeation upon release. Through JC-1, immunohistochemistry, and DNA damage analyses, the therapeutic effect of DASA+ATO@PLT was assessed. In vitro simulation and intravital imaging were carried out to determine the accumulation of dasatinib and atovaquone in liver tumor sites. The experiment demonstrated the accumulation of dasatinib and atovaquone in tumor sites, followed by deep permeation in the tumor microenvironment with the assistance of PLTs, while simultaneously revealing the ability of DASA+ATO@PLT to remodel the liver cancer microenvironment (overcoming hypoxia) and enhance chemotherapeutic efficacy. This system utilizes the natural tumor recognition ability of PLTs and enhances the chemo-immunotherapeutic effect through targeted delivery of nano-chemotherapeutic drugs to the tumor, resulting in effective accumulation and infiltration. The PLT-mediated nanodrug delivery system serves as a "Trojan horse" to carry therapeutic drugs as cargo and deliver them to target cells, leading to favorable outcomes.

Human Hepatobiliary Organoids: Recent Advances in Drug Toxicity Verification and Drug Screening

Many drug and therapeutic modalities have emerged over the past few years. However, successful commercialization is dependent on their safety and efficacy evaluations. Several preclinical models are available for drug-screening and safety evaluations, including cellular- and molecular-level models, tissue and organoid models, and animal models. Organoids are three-dimensional cell cultures derived from primary tissues or stem cells that are structurally and functionally similar to the original organs and can self-renew, and they are used to establish various disease models. Human hepatobiliary organoids have been used to study the pathogenesis of diseases, such as hepatitis, liver fibrosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, primary sclerosing cholangitis and biliary tract cancer, as they retain the physiological and histological characteristics of the liver and bile ducts. Here, we review recent research progress in validating drug toxicity, drug screening and personalized therapy for hepatobiliary-related diseases using human hepatobiliary organoid models, discuss the challenges encountered in current research and evaluate the possible solutions.

MSC-derived exosomes attenuate hepatic fibrosis in primary sclerosing cholangitis through inhibition of Th17 differentiation

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an autoimmune cholangiopathy characterized by chronic inflammation of the biliary epithelium and periductal fibrosis, with no curative treatment available, and liver transplantation is inevitable for end-stage patients. Human placental mesenchymal stem cell (hpMSC)-derived exosomes have demonstrated the ability to prevent fibrosis, inhibit collagen production and possess immunomodulatory properties in autoimmune liver disease. Here, we prepared hpMSC-derived exosomes (ExoMSC) and further investigated the anti-fibrotic effects and detailed mechanism on PSC based on Mdr2-/- mice and multicellular organoids established from PSC patients. The results showed that ExoMSC ameliorated liver fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice with significant collagen reduction in the preductal area where Th17 differentiation was inhibited as demonstrated by RNAseq analysis, and the percentage of CD4+IL-17A+T cells was reduced both in ExoMSC-treated Mdr2-/- mice (Mdr2-/--Exo) in vivo and ExoMSC-treated Th17 differentiation progressed in vitro. Furthermore, ExoMSC improved the hypersecretory phenotype and intercellular interactions in the hepatic Th17 microenvironment by regulating PERK/CHOP signaling as supported by multicellular organoids. Thus, our data demonstrate the anti-fibrosis effect of ExoMSC in PSC disease by inhibiting Th17 differentiation, and ameliorating the Th17-induced microenvironment, indicating the promising potential therapeutic role of ExoMSC in liver fibrosis of PSC or Th17-related diseases.

Fucoxanthin Enhances the Antifibrotic Potential of Placenta-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a CCl4-induced Mouse Model of Liver

BACKGROUND

The effectiveness of fucoxanthin (Fx) in liver diseases has been reported due to its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-based therapy has also been proposed as a promising strategy for liver fibrosis treatment. Recent studies have shown that the co-administration of MSCs and drugs demonstrates a pronounced effect on liver fibrosis.

AIM

This study aimed to determine the therapeutic potential of placenta-derived MSCs (PD-MSCs) in combination with Fx to treat liver fibrosis and evaluate their impact on the main links of liver fibrosis pathogenesis.

METHODS

After PD-MSCs isolation and identification, outbred ICR/CD1 mice were divided into five groups: Control group, CCl4 group (CCl4), Fx group (CCl4+Fx), PD-MSCs group (CCl4+MSCs) and cotreatment group (CCl4+MSCs+Fx). Biochemical histopathological investigations were performed. Semiquantitative analysis of the alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA+), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-9+, MMP-13+), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1+) areas, and the number of positive cells in them were studied by immunohistochemical staining. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), hepatic growth factor (HGF), procollagen-1 (COL1α1) in liver homogenate and proinflammatory cytokines in blood serum were determined using an enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

Compared to the single treatment with PD-MSCs or Fx, their combined administration significantly reduced liver enzyme activity, the severity of liver fibrosis, the proinflammatory cytokine levels, TGF-β level, α-SMA+, TIMP-1+ areas and the number of positive cells in them, and increased HGF level, MMP-13+, and MMP-9+ areas.

CONCLUSION

Fx enhanced the therapeutic potential of PD-MSCs in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, but more investigations are necessary to understand the mutual impact of PD-MSCs and Fx.