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Perramón M, Navalón-López M, Fernández-Varo G, Moreno-Lanceta A, García-Pérez R, Faneca J, López-Moya M, Fornaguera C, García-Villoria J, Morales-Ruiz M, Melgar-Lesmes P, Borrós S, Jiménez W. Liver-targeted nanoparticles delivering nitric oxide reduce portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116143. [PMID: 38219387 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116143] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a small vasodilator playing a key role in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension. Here, we assessed the potential therapeutic effect of a NO donor targeted to the liver by poly(beta-amino ester) nanoparticles (pBAE NPs) in experimental cirrhosis. Retinol-functionalized NO donor pBAE NPs (Ret pBAE NPs) were synthetized with the aim of actively targeting the liver. Administration of Ret pBAE NPs resulted in uptake and transfection by the liver and spleen. NPs were not found in other organs or the systemic circulation. Treatment with NO donor Ret pBAE NPs (30 mg/ kg body weight) significantly decreased aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and portal pressure (9.75 ± 0.64 mmHg) compared to control NPs (13.4 ± 0.53 mmHg) in cirrhotic rats. There were no effects on mean arterial pressure and cardiac output. Liver-targeted NO donor NPs reduced collagen fibers and steatosis, activation of hepatic stellate cells and mRNA expression of profibrogenic and proinflammatory genes. Finally, Ret pBAE NPs displayed efficient transfection in human liver slices. Overall, liver-specific NO donor NPs effectively target the liver and mitigated inflammation and portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats. The use of Ret pBAE may prove to be an effective therapeutic strategy to treat advanced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meritxell Perramón
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain.
| | - María Navalón-López
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Fernández-Varo
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alazne Moreno-Lanceta
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rocío García-Pérez
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery & Transplantation, General & Digestive Surgery Service, Digestive & Metabolic Disease Institute (ICMDM) of Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. Department of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joana Faneca
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mario López-Moya
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Fornaguera
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith García-Villoria
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Morales-Ruiz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pedro Melgar-Lesmes
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Salvador Borrós
- Grup d'Enginyeria de Materials (Gemat), Institut Químic de Sarrià (IQS), Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Department of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Abdel-Kawy HS. Effect of carvedilol versus propranolol on acute and chronic liver toxicity in rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2021; 44:101-111. [PMID: 30810389 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2019.1576718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-selective β-blockers have largely been used for prophylaxis of bleeding from gastroesophageal varices, but their hepatic effects and their influence on the development of varices has yet to be clarified. This study examined whether carvedilol would reduce acute and chronic liver injury in rats in comparison to propranolol. Experiment (1) Investigated the effects of carvedilol (1.2 mg/kg) and propranolol (4.0 mg/kg) administered daily for 7 days by gavage on paracetamol (1500 mg/kg i.p.) -induced acute liver injury in rats. Experiment (2) Investigated the effects of carvedilol (1.2 mg/kg) and propranolol (4.0 mg/kg) by gavage daily for 8 weeks on CCl4 -induced chronic liver injury in rats. Biochemical markers and histopathology of the livers were studied. Liver perfusion studies were carried out on CCl4 treated rats. Experiment (1) Carvedilol significantly improved the functional state of the liver in paracetamol-induced acute toxic hepatitis to a greater extent than propranolol. This was evidenced by a greater reduction in elevated serum levels of ALT and AST, hepatic MDA and TNF-α, attenuation of the paracetamol-induced decrease in GSH, together with improvement in the histological architecture of the liver. Experiment (2) Carvedilol was superior to propranolol against CCl4-induced hepatic injury and fibrogenesis. It suppressed hepatic inflammation, attenuated hepatic oxidative stress, and inhibited HSC activation. Carvedilol also decreased portal perfusion pressure. These results suggest that carvedilol might be a therapeutic anti-fibrogenic candidate against hepatic fibrosis, protecting the liver from acute and chronic toxic injury, in addition to lowering portal pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Salah Abdel-Kawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Gedahh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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3
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Cunningham RP, Sheldon RD, Rector RS. The Emerging Role of Hepatocellular eNOS in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Development. Front Physiol 2020; 11:767. [PMID: 32719616 PMCID: PMC7350778 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is comprised of a spectrum of liver injury ranging from excess fat accumulation in the liver (steatosis), to steatohepatitis (NASH), to its end stage of cirrhosis. A hallmark of NAFLD progression is the decline in function of hepatic mitochondria, although the mechanisms remain unresolved. Given the important role endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) plays in mitochondrial dynamics in other tissues, it has emerged as a potential mediator of maintaining mitochondrial function in the liver. In this mini review, we summarize the most relevant findings that extends current understanding of eNOS as a regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis, and identifies a potential additional role in mitochondrial turnover and attenuating inflammation during NAFLD development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory P Cunningham
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Ryan D Sheldon
- Metabolic and Nutritional Programming, Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - R Scott Rector
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, MO, United States.,Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States.,Medicine-Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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4
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Flores-Costa R, Alcaraz-Quiles J, Titos E, López-Vicario C, Casulleras M, Duran-Güell M, Rius B, Diaz A, Hall K, Shea C, Sarno R, Currie M, Masferrer JL, Clària J. The soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator IW-1973 prevents inflammation and fibrosis in experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Br J Pharmacol 2018; 175:953-967. [PMID: 29281143 PMCID: PMC5825296 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is characterized by steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulation reduces inflammation and fibrosis in experimental models of lung, kidney and heart disease. Here, we tested whether sGC stimulation is also effective in experimental NASH. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH NASH was induced in mice by feeding a choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet. These mice received either placebo or the sGC stimulator IW-1973 at two different doses (1 and 3 mg·kg-1 ·day-1 ) for 9 weeks. IW-1973 was also tested in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis were assessed by Oil Red O, haematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, Sirius Red, F4/80 and α-smooth muscle actin staining. mRNA expression was assessed by quantitative PCR. Levels of IW-1973, cytokines and cGMP were determined by LC-MS/MS, Luminex and enzyme immunoassay respectively. KEY RESULTS Mice with NASH showed reduced cGMP levels and sGC expression, increased steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, TNF-α and MCP-1 levels and up-regulated collagen types I α1 and α2, MMP2, TGF-β1 and tissue metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 expression. IW-1973 restored hepatic cGMP levels and sGC expression resulting in a dose-dependent reduction of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. IW-1973 levels were ≈40-fold higher in liver tissue than in plasma. IW-1973 also reduced hepatic steatosis and adipocyte hypertrophy secondary to enhanced autophagy in HFD-induced obese mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data indicate that sGC stimulation prevents hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in experimental NASH. These findings warrant further evaluation of IW-1973 in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Flores-Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Alcaraz-Quiles
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Titos
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina López-Vicario
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mireia Casulleras
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Duran-Güell
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bibiana Rius
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Diaz
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Renee Sarno
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mark Currie
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Joan Clària
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Hospital Clínic, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERehd, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF-CLIF), Barcelona, Spain
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5
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Kus E, Jasiński K, Skórka T, Czyzynska-Cichon I, Chlopicki S. Short-term treatment with hepatoselective NO donor V-PYRRO/NO improves blood flow in hepatic microcirculation in liver steatosis in mice. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 70:463-469. [PMID: 29631249 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impairment of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) function and diminished nitric oxide (NO) production has been regarded as an important pathogenic factor in liver steatosis. Restoring NO-dependent function was shown to counteract liver steatosis, obesity, and insulin resistance. However, it is not known whether restored liver perfusion and improvement in hepatic blood flow contributes to the anti-steatotic effects of NO. Taking advantage of in vivo MRI, we have examined the effects of short-term treatment with the hepatoselective NO donor V-PYRRO/NO on hepatic microcirculation in advanced liver steatosis. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice fed for six months a high fat diet (HFD; 60 kcal% of fat) were treated for 3 weeks with V-PYRRO/NO (twice a day 5mg/kg b.w. ip). An MRI assessment of liver perfusion using the FAIR-EPI method and a portal vein blood flow using the FLASH method were performed. Blood biochemistry, glucose tolerance tests, a histological evaluation of the liver, and liver NO concentrations were also examined. RESULTS Short-term treatment with V-PYRRO/NO releasing NO selectively in the liver improved liver perfusion and portal vein blood flow. This effect was associated with a slight improvement in glucose tolerance but there was no effect on liver steatosis, body weight, white adipose tissue mass, plasma lipid profile, or aminotransferase activity. CONCLUSION Short-term treatment with V-PYRRO/NO-derived NO improves perfusion in hepatic microcirculation and this effect may also contribute to the anti-steatotic effects of hepatoselective NO donors linked previously to the modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Kus
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Jasiński
- Department of MRI, Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Skórka
- Department of MRI, Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Izabela Czyzynska-Cichon
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Stefan Chlopicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Chair of Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.
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6
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Protective Effects of Amarogentin against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Mice. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22050754. [PMID: 28481234 PMCID: PMC6154739 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22050754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amarogentin, a secoiridoid glycoside that is mainly extracted from Swertia and Gentiana roots, has been suggested to exhibit many biological effects, including anti-oxidative, anti-tumour, and anti-diabetic activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of amarogentin on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in vivo and the underlying mechanism. Fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injections of 6 mL/kg of 20% carbon tetrachloride (dissolved in olive oil) twice per week for seven weeks. Mice were orally treated with 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg amarogentin and with colchicine as a positive control. Biochemical assays and histopathological investigations showed that amarogentin delayed the formation of liver fibrosis; decreased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde and hydroxyproline levels; and increased albumin, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels. Moreover, amarogentin exhibited downregulation of α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-β₁ levels in immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. The levels of phosphorylated extracellular regulated protein kinases, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 were also significantly reduced in all amarogentin-treated groups in a dose-dependent manner. These findings demonstrated that amarogentin exerted significant hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice and suggested that the effect of amarogentin against liver fibrosis may be by anti-oxidative properties and suppressing the mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathway.
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7
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El-Demerdash E, Abdel-Sattar SA, El-Bakly WM, Mohamed EA. Antifibrotic Effects of Carvedilol and Impact of Liver Fibrosis on Carvedilol Pharmacokinetics in a Rat model. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2016; 42:767-779. [PMID: 28012025 DOI: 10.1007/s13318-016-0391-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ebtehal El-Demerdash
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Somaia A Abdel-Sattar
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wesam M El-Bakly
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman A Mohamed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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8
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Anavi S, Eisenberg-Bord M, Hahn-Obercyger M, Genin O, Pines M, Tirosh O. The role of iNOS in cholesterol-induced liver fibrosis. J Transl Med 2015; 95:914-24. [PMID: 26097999 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of cholesterol in the liver is associated with the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related fibrosis. However, underlying mechanisms are not well understood. The present study investigated the role of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in cholesterol-induced liver fibrosis by feeding wild-type (WT) and iNOS-deficient mice with control or high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 6 weeks. WT mice fed with HCD developed greater liver fibrosis, compared with iNOS-deficient mice, as evident by Sirius red staining and higher expression levels of profibrotic genes. Enhanced liver fibrosis in the presence of iNOS was associated with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α stabilization, matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression, and enhanced hepatic DNA damage. The profibrotic role of iNOS was also demonstrated in vivo using a selective inhibitor of iNOS as well as in vitro in a rat liver stellate cell line (HSC-T6). In conclusion, these findings suggest that iNOS is an important mediator in HCD-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Anavi
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Eisenberg-Bord
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Michal Hahn-Obercyger
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Olga Genin
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Mark Pines
- Institute of Animal Sciences, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Oren Tirosh
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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9
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Maslak E, Gregorius A, Chlopicki S. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) function and NAFLD; NO-based therapy targeted to the liver. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:689-94. [PMID: 26321269 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) present unique, highly specialised endothelial cells in the body. Unlike the structure and function of typical, vascular endothelial cells, LSECs are comprised of fenestrations, display high endocytic capacity and play a prominent role in maintaining overall liver homeostasis. LSEC dysfunction has been regarded as a key event in multiple liver disorders; however, its role and diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic significance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is still neglected. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the importance of LSECs in NAFLD. Attention is focused on the LSECs-mediated NO-dependent mechanisms in NAFLD development. We briefly describe the unique, highly specialised phenotype of LSECs and consequences of LSEC dysfunction on function of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and hepatocytes. The potential efficacy of liver selective NO donors against liver steatosis and novel treatment approaches to modulate LSECs-driven liver pathology including NAFLD are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Maslak
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gregorius
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Stefan Chlopicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland; Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland.
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10
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Maslak E, Zabielski P, Kochan K, Kus K, Jasztal A, Sitek B, Proniewski B, Wojcik T, Gula K, Kij A, Walczak M, Baranska M, Chabowski A, Holland RJ, Saavedra JE, Keefer LK, Chlopicki S. The liver-selective NO donor, V-PYRRO/NO, protects against liver steatosis and improves postprandial glucose tolerance in mice fed high fat diet. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 93:389-400. [PMID: 25534988 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Maslak
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Piotr Zabielski
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Kamila Kochan
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland; Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Kamil Kus
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland; Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Jasztal
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Barbara Sitek
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Bartosz Proniewski
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Wojcik
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Gula
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Kij
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Maria Walczak
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland; Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Baranska
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland; Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University, Ingardena 3, 30-060 Krakow, Poland.
| | - Adrian Chabowski
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, Mickiewicza 2C, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland.
| | - Ryan J Holland
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States.
| | - Joseph E Saavedra
- Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States.
| | - Larry K Keefer
- Chemical Biology Laboratory, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland 21702, United States.
| | - Stefan Chlopicki
- Jagiellonian Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (JCET), Jagiellonian University, Bobrzynskiego 14, 30-348 Krakow, Poland; Department of Experimental Pharmacology (Chair of Pharmacology), Jagiellonian University Medical College, Grzegorzecka 16, 31-531 Krakow, Poland.
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11
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Ergün Y, Kurutaş EB, Ozdil B, Güneşaçar R, Ergün Y. Evaluation of nitrite/nitrate levels in relation to oxidative stress parameters in liver cirrhosis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2011; 35:303-8. [PMID: 21316327 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2010.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2010] [Revised: 11/23/2010] [Accepted: 12/29/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species have been implicated in several pathophysiological events leading to fibrosis and cirrhosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible contribution of peroxynitrite (formed by the interaction of nitric oxide and superoxide anion) in the pathophysiology of cirrhosis. METHODS Twenty-six cirrhotic patients classified as Child-Pugh A, and seven as Child-Pugh B, were included in the study, and nine healthy volunteers served as controls. Levels of nitrite/nitrate (NOx), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), nitrotyrosine (peroxynitrite marker), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) were measured in blood samples. RESULTS NOx, TBARS, CAT, SOD and GSH levels were higher in cirrhosis patients than in the controls (NOx: 0.17 ± 0.02, 0.95 ± 0.12, 1.3 ± 0.1; TBARS: 2.0 ± 0.05, 4.6 ± 0.3, 5 ± 0.3; CAT: 1.8 ± 0.1, 4 ± 0.3, 4.5 ± 0.4; SOD: 1.8 ± 0.2, 4.8 ± 0.5, 7 ± 0.4; and GSH: 1.3 ± 0.05, 3.6 ± 0.3, 4.5 ± 0.6 in controls, and Child-Pugh A and B patients, respectively). However, there were no differences in nitrotyrosine levels across these groups (controls: 11.4 ± 0.4; Child-Pugh A: 11.1 ± 0.4; Child-Pugh B: 11.9 ± 1.6). NOx levels showed significant and strongly positive correlations with TBARS, SOD, CAT and GSH levels. In contrast, no correlations were found between either NOx or TBARS and nitrotyrosine levels. CONCLUSION Nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species, but not peroxynitrite, are overproduced in patients with cirrhosis in spite of evidence of an increase in antioxidant defenses. This suggests that therapeutic measures aimed at attenuating oxidative stress as well as increasing antioxidant defenses may well benefit patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ergün
- Department of pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Kahramanmaraş, Turkey.
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Fukuhara S, Tsujimura A, Okuda H, Yamamoto K, Takao T, Miyagawa Y, Nonomura N, Okuyama A. Vardenafil and resveratrol synergistically enhance the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in corpus cavernosal smooth muscle cells and its therapeutic potential for erectile dysfunction in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat: preliminary findings. J Sex Med 2011; 8:1061-71. [PMID: 21269399 DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02193.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are very effective agents for erectile dysfunction; however, specific patient populations are hard to treat. The efficacy of PDE5 inhibitors is limited because a minimum amount of nitric oxide (NO) is necessary. Resveratrol, a plant polyphenol, is reported to activate endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) through activation of sirtuin 1. We previously reported that human corpus cavernosal smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) express eNOS and synthesize cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) via the NO/cGMP pathway. AIM To investigate the ability of resveratrol and/or vardenafil to increase cGMP in an in vitro model using CCSMCs and to improve erectile function in an in vivo rat model of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. METHODS CCSMCs were treated with resveratrol and/or vardenafil. Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (N = 4 in each group): age-matched controls, diabetic controls, and diabetic rats treated with resveratrol, vardenafil, or both in combination for the last 4 weeks of an 8-week period of diabetes induction. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Intracellular cGMP measurement, intracovernous pressure (ICP)/mean arterial pressure (MAP) ratio, and smooth muscle/collagen ratio. RESULTS Intracellular cGMP level was elevated by resveratrol treatment in CCSMCs. The combination treatment of resveratrol and vardenafil had a synergistic effect. Diabetic rats showed impairment of erectile function. Treatment with either resveratrol or vardenafil improved ICP/MAP ratio, and combination therapy with resveratrol and vardenafil had a synergistic effect in improvement of ICP/MAP. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with either resveratrol or vardenafil elevated cGMP level in CCSMCs and improved erectile function in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Furthermore, a synergistic effect was observed in vitro and in vivo. Resveratrol or combination therapy of resveratrol and vardenafil can improve erectile function in which NO release is impaired, although further study is needed to confirm the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Fukuhara
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Vercelino R, Crespo I, de Souza GFP, Cuevas MJ, de Oliveira MG, Marroni NP, González-Gallego J, Tuñón MJ. S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine attenuates liver fibrosis in cirrhotic rats. J Mol Med (Berl) 2010; 88:401-11. [DOI: 10.1007/s00109-009-0577-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2009] [Revised: 11/30/2009] [Accepted: 12/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Edwards C, Feng HQ, Reynolds C, Mao L, Rockey DC. Effect of the nitric oxide donor V-PYRRO/NO on portal pressure and sinusoidal dynamics in normal and cirrhotic mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2008; 294:G1311-7. [PMID: 18356534 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00368.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Reduced sinusoidal endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production contributes to increased intrahepatic resistance and portal hypertension after liver injury. We hypothesized that V-PYRRO/NO, an NO donor prodrug metabolized "specifically" in the liver, would reduce portal venous pressure (PVP) without affecting the systemic vasculature. Liver injury was induced in male BALB/c mice by weekly CCl(4) gavage. PVP and mean arterial pressure were recorded during intravenous administration of V-PYRRO/NO. In vivo microscopy was used to monitor sinusoidal diameter and flow during drug administration. Mean PVP was increased in CCl(4)-treated mice compared with sham-treated mice. In dose-response experiments, the minimum dose of PYRRO/NO required to acutely lower PVP by 20%, the amount believed to yield a clinically meaningful outcome, was 200 nmol/kg. This dose decreased portal pressure in cirrhotic (23.4 +/- 2.0%, P < 0.001 vs. vehicle) and sham-treated (19.5 +/- 2.3%, P < 0.001 vs. vehicle) animals by a similar magnitude. This concentration also led to dilation of hepatic sinusoids and an increase in sinusoidal volumetric flow, consistent with a reduction of intrahepatic resistance. The effect of V-PYRRO/NO on mean arterial pressure was significant at all concentrations tested, including the lowest, 30 nmol/kg (P < 0.001 vs. vehicle for all doses). We conclude that V-PYRRO/NO had widespread vascular effects and, as such, is unlikely to be suitable for treatment of portal hypertension. As the potential of this or other similar compounds for treatment of portal hypertension is evaluated, effects on the systemic vasculature will also need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Edwards
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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Langer DA, Das A, Semela D, Kang-Decker N, Hendrickson H, Bronk SF, Katusic ZS, Gores GJ, Shah VH. Nitric oxide promotes caspase-independent hepatic stellate cell apoptosis through the generation of reactive oxygen species. Hepatology 2008; 47:1983-93. [PMID: 18459124 PMCID: PMC2562502 DOI: 10.1002/hep.22285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) contribute to portal hypertension through multiple mechanisms that include collagen deposition, vasoconstriction, and regulation of sinusoidal structure. Under normal physiologic conditions, endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase-derived NO exerts paracrine effects on HSCs; however, in cirrhosis, NO generation is impaired in association with concomitant HSC activation and changes in sinusoidal structure, events that contribute significantly to the development of portal hypertension. These concepts, in combination with recent evidence that induction of HSC-selective apoptosis may represent a useful target for treatment of chronic liver disease, led us to examine if NO may further limit HSC function through apoptosis. Indeed, both NO donors and endothelial NO synthase overexpression promoted HSC apoptotic pathways. HSC death conferred by NO occurred through mitochondrial membrane depolarization and through a caspase-independent pathway. Furthermore, NO-induced apoptosis of HSC did not occur through the canonical pathways of soluble guanylate cyclase or protein nitration, but rather through the generation of superoxide and hydroxyl radical intermediates. Lastly, HSC isolated from rats after bile duct ligation were more susceptible to NO-induced apoptosis. These data indicate that NO promotes HSC apoptosis through a signaling mechanism that involves mitochondria, is mediated by reactive oxygen species, and occurs independent of caspase activation. CONCLUSION We postulate that NO-dependent apoptosis of HSCs may maintain sinusoidal homeostasis, and may represent an additional beneficial effect of NO donors for therapy of portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Langer
- Gastrointestinal Research Unit and Fiterman Center for Digestive Disease, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Amitava Das
- Gastrointestinal Research Unit and Fiterman Center for Digestive Disease, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - David Semela
- Gastrointestinal Research Unit and Fiterman Center for Digestive Disease, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Ningling Kang-Decker
- Gastrointestinal Research Unit and Fiterman Center for Digestive Disease, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Helen Hendrickson
- Gastrointestinal Research Unit and Fiterman Center for Digestive Disease, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Steven F. Bronk
- Center for Basic Research in Digestive Diseases and Fiterman Center for Digestive Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Zvonimir S. Katusic
- Department of Anesthesiology and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Gregory J. Gores
- Center for Basic Research in Digestive Diseases and Fiterman Center for Digestive Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Vijay H. Shah
- Gastrointestinal Research Unit and Fiterman Center for Digestive Disease, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
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Kovanecz I, Rambhatla A, Ferrini MG, Vernet D, Sanchez S, Rajfer J, Gonzalez-Cadavid N. Chronic daily tadalafil prevents the corporal fibrosis and veno-occlusive dysfunction that occurs after cavernosal nerve resection. BJU Int 2007; 101:203-10. [PMID: 17888043 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2007.07223.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether a long-term single daily oral dose of a longer half-life phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor, tadalafil, has a similar effect to that of the shorter half-life PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil and vardenafil, and can prevent the fibrosis and resultant corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction (CVOD) occurring after cavernosal nerve (CN) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male rats (10 per group) had either a sham operation, unilateral CN resection (CNR) or bilateral CNR, and were left untreated or given retrolingually 5 mg/kg per day of tadalafil. After 45 days, CVOD was assessed via cavernosometry, and the underlying corporal tissue changes were examined by immunohistochemistry and histochemistry (followed by quantitative image analysis), Western blots, and ad hoc methods. RESULTS Tadalafil treatment normalized the low response to papaverine and high drop rate in the intracavernosal pressure measured by cavernosometry after CNR compared with sham-operated rats. Tadalafil also normalized the increase in penile shaft collagen content, and the reduction in corporal smooth muscle cell (SMC) content, SMC/collagen, and replication index, and improved the lower collagen III/I ratio and the increase in apoptotic index, caused by CNR, compared with sham operation. There were no effects of tadalafil on increased transforming growth factor beta1, inducible nitric oxide synthase and xanthine oxidoreductase levels. CONCLUSIONS A long-term single daily dose of tadalafil prevented CVOD and the underlying corporal fibrosis in the rat caused by CN damage, as effectively as the previously reported continuous treatment with vardenafil or sildenafil, through a cGMP-related mechanism that appears to be independent of inducible nitric oxide synthase induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Istvan Kovanecz
- Urology Research Laboratory, Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
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