1
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Banerjee A, Farci P. Fibrosis and Hepatocarcinogenesis: Role of Gene-Environment Interactions in Liver Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8641. [PMID: 39201329 PMCID: PMC11354981 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ that performs vital functions in the body. Despite its extraordinary regenerative capacity compared to other organs, exposure to chemical, infectious, metabolic and immunologic insults and toxins renders the liver vulnerable to inflammation, degeneration and fibrosis. Abnormal wound healing response mediated by aberrant signaling pathways causes chronic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Fibrosis plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis. Once thought to be irreversible, recent clinical studies show that hepatic fibrosis can be reversed, even in the advanced stage. Experimental evidence shows that removal of the insult or injury can inactivate HSCs and reduce the inflammatory response, eventually leading to activation of fibrolysis and degradation of ECM. Thus, it is critical to understand the role of gene-environment interactions in the context of liver fibrosis progression and regression in order to identify specific therapeutic targets for optimized treatment to induce fibrosis regression, prevent HCC development and, ultimately, improve the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Banerjee
- Department of Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India;
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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2
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Dantas Machado AC, Ramos SF, Gauglitz JM, Fassler AM, Petras D, Aksenov AA, Kim UB, Lazarowicz M, Barnard Giustini A, Aryafar H, Vodkin I, Warren C, Dorrestein PC, Zarrinpar A, Zarrinpar A. Portosystemic shunt placement reveals blood signatures for the development of hepatic encephalopathy through mass spectrometry. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5303. [PMID: 37652904 PMCID: PMC10471626 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40741-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Elective transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement can worsen cognitive dysfunction in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) patients due to toxins, including possible microbial metabolites, entering the systemic circulation. We conducted untargeted metabolomics on a prospective cohort of 22 patients with cirrhosis undergoing elective TIPS placement and followed them up to one year post TIPS for HE development. Here we suggest that pre-existing intrahepatic shunting predicts HE severity post-TIPS. Bile acid levels decrease in the peripheral vein post-TIPS, and the abundances of three specific conjugated di- and tri-hydroxylated bile acids are inversely correlated with HE grade. Bilirubins and glycerophosphocholines undergo chemical modifications pre- to post-TIPS and based on HE grade. Our results suggest that TIPS-induced metabolome changes can impact HE development, and that pre-existing intrahepatic shunting could be used to predict HE severity post-TIPS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephany Flores Ramos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Julia M Gauglitz
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Fassler
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Daniel Petras
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- CMFI Cluster of Excellence, Interfaculty Institute of Microbiology and Infection Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alexander A Aksenov
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Un Bi Kim
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Michael Lazarowicz
- Department of Radiology, Division of Interventional Radiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Abbey Barnard Giustini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Puget Sounds Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hamed Aryafar
- San Diego Imaging, San Diego, CA, USA
- Departments of Radiology, University of California San Diego Medical Center, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Irine Vodkin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Curtis Warren
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Pieter C Dorrestein
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center for Computational Mass Spectrometry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ali Zarrinpar
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Amir Zarrinpar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Institute of Diabetes and Metabolic Health, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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3
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Shuang L, Chen SL, Ren C, Su XL, Xu XN, Zheng GD, Zou SM. Effects of hypoxia and reoxygenation on oxidative stress, histological structure, and apoptosis in a new hypoxia-tolerant variety of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2023; 278:111358. [PMID: 36572142 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A new hypoxia-tolerant variety of blunt snout bream was obtained by successive breeding of the wild population, which markedly improved hypoxia tolerance. In this study, the hypoxia-tolerant variety was exposed to hypoxia (2.0 mg O2·L-1) for 4, 7 days. The contents of blood biochemical indicators including the number of red blood cells (RBC), total cholesterol (T-CHO), total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), glucose (GLU), and lactic acid (LD) increased significantly (P < 0.05) under hypoxia. The glycogen content in the liver and muscle decreased significantly (P < 0.05) and the LD content in the brain, muscle and liver increased significantly (P < 0.05) under hypoxia. The levels of oxidative stress-related indicators i.e., superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) also changed significantly (P < 0.05) in the heart, liver, and intestine of the new variety under hypoxia. Additionally, hypoxia has caused injuries to the heart, liver, and intestine, but it shows amazing repair ability during reoxygenation. The apoptotic cells and apoptosis rate in the heart, liver, and intestine increased under hypoxia. Under hypoxia, the expression of the B-cell lymphomas 2 (Bcl-2) gene in the heart, liver, and intestine was significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated, while the expression of the BCL2-associated agonist of cell death (Bad) gene was significantly (P < 0.05) up-regulated. These results are of great significance for enriching the basic data of blunt snout bream new variety in response to hypoxia and promoting the healthy development of its culture industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shuang
- Genetics and Breeding Center for Blunt Snout Bream, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Hucheng Ring Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Song-Lin Chen
- Genetics and Breeding Center for Blunt Snout Bream, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Hucheng Ring Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Chao Ren
- Genetics and Breeding Center for Blunt Snout Bream, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Hucheng Ring Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiao-Lei Su
- Genetics and Breeding Center for Blunt Snout Bream, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Hucheng Ring Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Xiao-Na Xu
- Genetics and Breeding Center for Blunt Snout Bream, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Hucheng Ring Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Guo-Dong Zheng
- Genetics and Breeding Center for Blunt Snout Bream, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Hucheng Ring Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Shu-Ming Zou
- Genetics and Breeding Center for Blunt Snout Bream, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; Key Laboratory of Freshwater Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Shanghai 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Hucheng Ring Road 999, Shanghai 201306, China.
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Hu X, Zhao J, Zhao J, Yang E, Jia M. Genome-wide liver transcriptomic profiling of a malaria mouse model reveals disturbed immune and metabolic responses. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:40. [PMID: 36717945 PMCID: PMC9885691 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05672-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver is responsible for a range of functions in vertebrates, such as metabolism and immunity. In malaria, the liver plays a crucial role in the interaction between the parasite and host. Although malarial hepatitis is a common clinical complication of severe malaria, other malaria-related liver changes have been overlooked during the blood stage of the parasite life-cycle, in contrast to the many studies that have focused on parasite invasion of and replication in the liver during the hepatic stage of the parasite. METHODS A rodent model of malaria was established using Plasmodium yoelii strain 17XL, a lethal strain of rodent malaria, for liver transcriptomic profiling. RESULTS Differentially expressed messenger RNAs were associated with innate and adaptive immune responses, while differentially expressed long noncoding RNAs were enriched in the regulation of metabolism-related pathways, such as lipid metabolism. The coexpression network showed that host genes were related to cellular transport and tissue remodeling. Hub gene analysis of P. yoelii indicated that ubiquitination genes that were coexpressed with the host were evolutionarily conserved. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis yielded evidence of activated immune responses, aberrant metabolic processes and tissue remodeling changes in the livers of mice with malaria during the blood stage of the parasite, which provided a systematic outline of liver responses during Plasmodium infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Hu
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jie Zhao
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Junhui Zhao
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Ence Yang
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Medical Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191 China ,grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Mozhi Jia
- grid.11135.370000 0001 2256 9319Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191 China
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5
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Dantas Machado AC, Ramos SF, Gauglitz JM, Carpenter AM, Petras D, Aksenov AA, Kim UB, Lazarowicz M, Giustini AB, Aryafar H, Vodkin I, Warren C, Dorrestein PC, Zarrinpar A, Zarrinpar A. Pre- and Post-Portosystemic Shunt Placement Metabolomics Reveal Molecular Signatures for the Development of Hepatic Encephalopathy. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.01.02.22281374. [PMID: 36711444 PMCID: PMC9882439 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.02.22281374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of advanced liver disease causing brain dysfunction. This is likely due to the accumulation of unfiltered toxins within the bloodstream. A known risk factor for developing or worsening HE is the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), which connects the pre-hepatic and post-hepatic circulation allowing some blood to bypass the dysfunctional liver and decreases portal hypertension. To better understand the pathophysiology of post-TIPS HE, we conducted a multi-center prospective cohort study employing metabolomic analyses on hepatic vein and peripheral vein blood samples from participants with cirrhosis undergoing elective TIPS placement, measuring chemical modifications and changes in concentrations of metabolites resulting from TIPS placement. In doing so, we identified numerous alterations in metabolites, including bile acids, glycerophosphocholines, and bilirubins possibly implicated in the development and severity of HE.
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6
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Lei J, Li Q, Xu H, Luo M, Liu Z, Xiang D, Chen P. Anlotinib improves bile duct ligature‐induced liver fibrosis in rats via antiangiogenesis regulated by VEGFR2/mTOR pathway. Drug Dev Res 2022; 84:143-155. [PMID: 36464837 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Cholestasis is a main clinical feature of biliary atresia (BA), which leads to liver fibrosis (LF). The focus of BA treatment is preventing and slowing the progress of LF. This study reports the improvement effect of anlotinib on common bile duct ligature (BDL)-induced LF in young rats. The BDL young rats were treated with anlotinib and the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, and total bilirubin were determined. Histological staining was performed and pathological changes in liver tissue were observed. The expression levels of α-SMA, collagen I, CD31, TGF-β1, phospho-VEGFR2, phospho-4E/BP1, and phospho-S6K1 were determined. The results showed that anlotinib significantly improved the liver function and histopathological injury of BDL rats, inhibited the deposition of collagen and hepatocyte apoptosis, and downregulated the protein expression of α-SMA and collagen I. Furthermore, anlotinib treatment significantly inhibited microvascular formation in the liver and downregulated the expression level of phospho-VEGFR2, thereby suggesting that the antifibrosis effect of anlotinib may be achieved by antiangiogenesis. In addition, anlotinib downregulated the expression of phospho-S6K1 and upregulated the expression of phospho-4E/BP1, two downstream proteins of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. MHY1485, an agonist of mTOR, significantly reversed the inhibitory effect of anlotinib on angiogenesis and LF but did not influence the effect of anlotinib on the downregulation of phospho-VEGFR2 expression. Together, the above-mentioned results suggest that the effect of anlotinib on BDL-induced LF involves at least antiangiogenesis regulated by the VEGFR2/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Lei
- Department of General Surgery Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital Nanchang Jiangxi P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- Rehabilitation Center Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital Nanchang Jiangxi P.R. China
| | - Hongyan Xu
- Department of Pathology Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital Nanchang Jiangxi P.R. China
| | - Ming Luo
- Department of General Surgery Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital Nanchang Jiangxi P.R. China
| | - Zhiwen Liu
- Department of neonatal surgery Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital Nanchang Jiangxi P.R. China
| | - Deng Xiang
- Department of General Surgery Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital Nanchang Jiangxi P.R. China
| | - Peiqun Chen
- Department of General Surgery Jiangxi Provincial Children's Hospital Nanchang Jiangxi P.R. China
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7
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Park J, Heo YJ, Kwon S. Interaction Between Hepatocytes and Proximal Tubular Epithelial Cells in Hypoxia-induced Lipotoxicity. BIOTECHNOL BIOPROC E 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12257-021-0137-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Baghaei K, Mazhari S, Tokhanbigli S, Parsamanesh G, Alavifard H, Schaafsma D, Ghavami S. Therapeutic potential of targeting regulatory mechanisms of hepatic stellate cell activation in liver fibrosis. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1044-1061. [PMID: 34952225 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a manifestation of different etiologies of liver disease with the involvement of multiple mediators in complex network interactions. Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the central driver of hepatic fibrosis, given their potential to induce connective tissue formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein accumulation. Therefore, identifying the cellular and molecular pathways involved in the activation of HSCs is crucial in gaining mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives to more effectively target the disease. In addition to a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the role of HSCs in liver fibrosis, we also discuss here the proposed therapeutic strategies based on targeting HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Sogol Mazhari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Gilda Parsamanesh
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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Hypoxia, Hypoxia-Inducible Factors and Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071764. [PMID: 34359934 PMCID: PMC8305108 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a potentially reversible pathophysiological event, leading to excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components and taking place as the net result of liver fibrogenesis, a dynamic and highly integrated process occurring during chronic liver injury of any etiology. Liver fibrogenesis and fibrosis, together with chronic inflammatory response, are primarily involved in the progression of chronic liver diseases (CLD). As is well known, a major role in fibrogenesis and fibrosis is played by activated myofibroblasts (MFs), as well as by macrophages and other hepatic cell populations involved in CLD progression. In the present review, we will focus the attention on the emerging pathogenic role of hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and related mediators in the fibrogenic progression of CLD.
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10
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Rodart IF, Pares MM, Mendes A, Accardo CM, Martins JRM, Silva CB, Carvalho FO, Barreto JA, Reis MG, Tersariol ILS, Nader HB. Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Hyaluronan for Detecting HCV Infection and Liver Fibrosis in Asymptomatic Blood Donors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26133892. [PMID: 34202190 PMCID: PMC8270308 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is asymptomatic, silent, and progressive liver disease. In HCV-infected patients the increase in serum HA is associated with the development of hepatic fibrosis and disease progression. Methods: HCV-RNA detection was performed in all serological samples of blood donors that tested positive using HCV Ultra ELISA. Determination of hyaluronan (HA) was performed in positive HCV samples using ELISA-like fluorometric method. The HA content was compared to HCV viral load, genotype of the virus, liver fibrosis as well as ALT and GGT liver biomarkers. Results: Persistently normal ALT (<40 U/L) and GGT (<50 U/L) serum levels were detected in 75% and 69% of the HCV-Infected blood donors, respectively. Based on ROC analysis, the HA value < 34.2 ng/mL is an optimal cut-off point to exclude HCV viremia (specificity = 91%, NPV = 99%). Applying HA value ≥34.2 ng/mL significant liver fibrosis (≥F2) can be estimated in 46% of the HCV-infected blood donors. HA serum level (≥34.2 ng/mL) associated with a high ALT level (>40 U/mL) can correctly identify HCV infection and probable liver fibrosis (sensitivity = 96% and specificity = 90%) in asymptomatic blood donors. Conclusions: A high level of HA (≥34.2 ng/mL) in association with ALT (≥40 U/L) in serum can provide a good clinical opportunity to detect HCV-infected asymptomatic persons that potentially require a liver biopsy confirmation and antiviral treatment to prevent the development of advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itatiana F. Rodart
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
| | - Madalena M. Pares
- Associação Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (COLSAN), São Paulo 04038-000, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (C.B.S.); (F.O.C.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Aline Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
| | - Camila M. Accardo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
| | - João R. M. Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
| | - Cleidenice B. Silva
- Associação Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (COLSAN), São Paulo 04038-000, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (C.B.S.); (F.O.C.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Fabrício O. Carvalho
- Associação Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (COLSAN), São Paulo 04038-000, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (C.B.S.); (F.O.C.); (J.A.B.)
| | - José A. Barreto
- Associação Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (COLSAN), São Paulo 04038-000, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (C.B.S.); (F.O.C.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Mitermayer G. Reis
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Muniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador 40296-710, Brazil;
| | - Ivarne L. S. Tersariol
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.L.S.T.); (H.B.N.); Tel.: +55-11-5579-3175 (I.L.S.T.); +55-11-5549-4629 (H.B.N.)
| | - Helena B. Nader
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.L.S.T.); (H.B.N.); Tel.: +55-11-5579-3175 (I.L.S.T.); +55-11-5549-4629 (H.B.N.)
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11
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Li H. Angiogenesis in the progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocelluar carcinoma. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:217-233. [PMID: 33131349 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1842732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Persistent inflammation and hypoxia are strong stimulus for pathological angiogenesis and vascular remodeling, and are also the most important elements resulting in liver fibrosis. Sustained inflammatory process stimulates fibrosis to the end-point of cirrhosis and sinusoidal portal hypertension is an important feature of cirrhosis. Neovascularization plays a pivotal role in collateral circulation formation of portal vein, mesenteric congestion, and high perfusion. Imbalance of hepatic artery and portal vein blood flow leads to the increase of hepatic artery inflow, which is beneficial to the formation of nodules. Angiogenesis contributes to progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and anti-angiogenesis therapy can improve liver fibrosis, reduce portal pressure, and prolong overall survival of patients with HCC. Areas covers: This paper will try to address the difference of the morphological characteristics and mechanisms of neovascularization in the process from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis and HCC and further compare the different efficacy of anti-angiogenesis therapy in these three stages. Expert opinion: More in-depth understanding of the role of angiogenesis factors and the relationship between angiogenesis and other aspects of the pathogenesis and transformation may be the key to enabling future progress in the treatment of patients with liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Central Laboratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Chengdu, Sichuan Province, P. R. China
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12
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Ogawa H, Kaji K, Nishimura N, Takagi H, Ishida K, Takaya H, Kawaratani H, Moriya K, Namisaki T, Akahane T, Yoshiji H. Lenvatinib prevents liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation and sinusoidal capillarization in experimental liver fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4001-4013. [PMID: 33609067 PMCID: PMC8051749 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular targeted agents are pharmacologically used to treat liver fibrosis and have gained increased attention. The present study examined the preventive effect of lenvatinib on experimental liver fibrosis and sinusoidal capillarization as well as the in vitro phenotypes of hepatic stellate cells. LX-2, a human stellate cell line, was used for in vitro studies. In vivo liver fibrosis was induced in F344 rats using carbon tetrachloride by intraperitoneal injection for 8 weeks, and oral administration of lenvatinib was started two weeks after initial injection of carbon tetrachloride. Lenvatinib restrained proliferation and promoted apoptosis of LX-2 with suppressed phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and AKT. It also down-regulated COL1A1, ACTA2 and TGFB1 expressions by inhibiting the transforming growth factor-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. Treatment with lenvatinib also suppressed platelet-derived growth factor-BB-stimulated proliferation, chemotaxis and vascular endothelial growth factor-A production, as well as basic fibroblast growth factor-induced LX-2 proliferation. In vivo study showed that lenvatinib attenuated liver fibrosis development with reduction in activated hepatic stellate cells and mRNA expression of profibrogenic markers. Intrahepatic neovascularization was ameliorated with reduced hepatic expressions of Vegf1, Vegf2 and Vegfa in lenvatinib-treated rats. Collectively, these results suggest the potential use of lenvatinib as a novel therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyuki Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kaji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | | | - Hirotetsu Takagi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Koji Ishida
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Takaya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Hideto Kawaratani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Kei Moriya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Tadashi Namisaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
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13
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Mariotti V, Fiorotto R, Cadamuro M, Fabris L, Strazzabosco M. New insights on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor in biliary pathophysiology. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100251. [PMID: 34151244 PMCID: PMC8189933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) includes 5 members (VEGF-A to -D, and placenta growth factor), which regulate several critical biological processes. VEGF-A exerts a variety of biological effects through high-affinity binding to tyrosine kinase receptors (VEGFR-1, -2 and -3), co-receptors and accessory proteins. In addition to its fundamental function in angiogenesis and endothelial cell biology, VEGF/VEGFR signalling also plays a role in other cell types including epithelial cells. This review provides an overview of VEGF signalling in biliary epithelial cell biology in both normal and pathologic conditions. VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling stimulates bile duct proliferation in an autocrine and paracrine fashion. VEGF/VEGFR-1/VEGFR-2 and angiopoietins are involved at different stages of biliary development. In certain conditions, cholangiocytes maintain the ability to secrete VEGF-A, and to express a functional VEGFR-2 receptor. For example, in polycystic liver disease, VEGF secreted by cystic cells stimulates cyst growth and vascular remodelling through a PKA/RAS/ERK/HIF1α-dependent mechanism, unveiling a new level of complexity in VEFG/VEGFR-2 regulation in epithelial cells. VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling is also reactivated during the liver repair process. In this context, pro-angiogenic factors mediate the interactions between epithelial, mesenchymal and inflammatory cells. This process takes place during the wound healing response, however, in chronic biliary diseases, it may lead to pathological neo-angiogenesis, a condition strictly linked with fibrosis progression, the development of cirrhosis and related complications, and cholangiocarcinoma. Novel observations indicate that in cholangiocarcinoma, VEGF is a determinant of lymphangiogenesis and of the immune response to the tumour. Better insights into the role of VEGF signalling in biliary pathophysiology might help in the search for effective therapeutic strategies.
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Key Words
- ADPKD, adult dominant polycystic kidney disease
- Anti-Angiogenic therapy
- BA, biliary atresia
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- CCA, cholangiocarcinoma
- CCl4, carbon tetrachloride
- CLDs, chronic liver diseases
- Cholangiocytes
- Cholangiopathies
- DP, ductal plate
- DPM, ductal plate malformation
- DRCs, ductular reactive cells
- Development
- HIF-1α, hypoxia-inducible factor type 1α
- HSCs, hepatic stellate cells
- IHBD, intrahepatic bile ducts
- IL-, interleukin-
- LECs, lymphatic endothelial cells
- LSECs, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells
- Liver repair
- MMPs, matrix metalloproteinases
- PBP, peribiliary plexus
- PC, polycystin
- PDGF, platelet-derived growth factor
- PIGF, placental growth factor
- PLD, polycystic liver diseases
- Polycystic liver diseases
- SASP, senescence-associated secretory phenotype
- TGF, transforming growth factor
- VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factors
- VEGF-A
- VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling
- VEGFR-1/2, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1/2
- mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Mariotti
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Romina Fiorotto
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Massimiliano Cadamuro
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Fabris
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padua, School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Mario Strazzabosco
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Liver Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Almaeen AH, Alduraywish AA, Mobasher MA, Almadhi OIM, Nafeh HM, El-Metwally TH. Oxidative stress, immunological and cellular hypoxia biomarkers in hepatitis C treatment-naïve and cirrhotic patients. Arch Med Sci 2021; 17:368-375. [PMID: 33747272 PMCID: PMC7959056 DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.91451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of chronic liver disease, with calamitous complications. Its highest rate is recorded in Egypt. This study investigated whether oxidative stress, immunological chaos and cellular hypoxia are implicated in the pathophysiology of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the changes in blood oxidative stress, cellular hypoxia/angiogenesis and cellular immunological biomarkers in hospital-diagnosed treatment-naïve HCV-infected Upper Egyptian chronic liver disease patients vs. healthy controls (n = 40). The consecutively included patients comprised 120 with normal serum enzymes (HCV-NE) and 130 with high serum enzymes (HCV-HE), along with 120 cirrhotic patients. RESULTS Oxidative stress biomarkers - malondialdehyde (MDA), total peroxides and oxidative stress index (OSI) - were significantly lower in controls vs. each of the patient groups. Cirrhotic patients presented the highest levels. However, total antioxidants (TAO) showed non-significant differences among the four groups. The cellular hypoxia/angiogenesis biomarkers - lactate, vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor 1 (sVEGFR1) - vs. controls were massively increased in patient groups. VEGF was lowest while sVEGFR1 was highest among cirrhotic patients. Immunological biomarkers, - granulocyte/monocyte-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and total immunoglobulin G (IgG) - were massively increased in patient groups vs. controls. GM-CSF was lowest in HCV-HE and IgG was highest in cirrhotic patients. sVEGFR1 correlated with the progression towards cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS Oxidative stress is implicated in the progress of HCV infection with marked induction of cellular hypoxia and dysfunctional angiogenesis, and a futile immunological reaction. sVEGFR1 level correlated with progression towards HCV-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maysa Ahmed Mobasher
- Department of Pathology, Jouf University College of Medicine, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar I. M. Almadhi
- College of Medicine, Jouf University College of Medicine, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan M. Nafeh
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Tarek Hassan El-Metwally
- Department of Pathology, Jouf University College of Medicine, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Assiut University, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut, Egypt
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15
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Wang Q, Zhang F, Lei Y, Liu P, Liu C, Tao Y. microRNA-322/424 promotes liver fibrosis by regulating angiogenesis through targeting CUL2/HIF-1α pathway. Life Sci 2020; 266:118819. [PMID: 33333053 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the effects and mechanism of miR-322/424 in liver fibrosis. MAIN METHODS miR-322/424 expression in liver cirrhosis patients, mouse and rat liver fibrosis was determined by qPCR. Mice liver fibrosis was established by CCl4, and intervened by miR-322/424 agomir or antagomir. Liver hydroxyproline content and Sirius red staining were used to evaluate collagen deposition. CD31 expression was used to evaluate liver microvessel density. In vitro, the effects of miR-322/424 mimic or inhibitor on human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HHSECs) migration and tube formation were investigated. A dual luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the direct interaction between miR-322/424 and Cullin2. mRNA expression of elongin B/C, Cullin2, and RBX1 was determined by qPCR. HIF-1α protein expression was determined by Western blotting. KEY FINDINGS miR-322/424 level in liver cirrhosis patients, mouse liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 and BDL, and rat liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 and dimethylnitrosamine was increased. miR-322/424 agomir exacerbated CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis, whereas the opposite effect was observed for miR-322/424 antagomir. miR-322/424 agomir significantly upregulated liver CD31 expression; opposite effects occurred with miR-322/424 antagomir. In vitro, miR-322/424 mimic significantly promoted tube formation and cell migration, and increased von Willebrand factor expression, whereas miR-322/424 inhibitor had the opposite effect. Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay identified Cullin2 as miR-322/424 target. miR-322/424 decreased the mRNA expression of elongin B/C, Cullin2, and RBX1 and increased HIF-1α protein expression in HHSECs. SIGNIFICANCE miR-322/424 plays a central role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis by targeting Cullin2, and enhancing HIF-1α-mediated hepatic angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinglan Wang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; College of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; E-Institute of Shanghai Municipal Education Committee, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- College of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yang Lei
- College of Basic Medical Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; E-Institute of Shanghai Municipal Education Committee, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; E-Institute of Shanghai Municipal Education Committee, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Service, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yanyan Tao
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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16
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Smith-Cortinez N, Fagundes RR, Gomez V, Kong D, de Waart DR, Heegsma J, Sydor S, Olinga P, de Meijer VE, Taylor CT, Bank R, Paulusma CC, Faber KN. Collagen release by human hepatic stellate cells requires vitamin C and is efficiently blocked by hydroxylase inhibition. FASEB J 2020; 35:e21219. [PMID: 33236467 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001564rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, mainly composed of collagen. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) mediate liver fibrosis by secreting collagen. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a cofactor of prolyl-hydroxylases that modify newly synthesized collagen on the route for secretion. Unlike most animals, humans cannot synthesize ascorbic acid and its role in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we determined the effect of ascorbic acid and prolyl-hydroxylase inhibition on collagen production and secretion by human HSCs. Primary human HSCs (p-hHSCs) and the human HSCscell line LX-2 were treated with ascorbic acid, transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ) and/or the pan-hydroxylase inhibitor dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG). Expression of collagen-I was analyzed by RT-qPCR (COL1A1), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Collagen secretion was determined in the medium by Western blotting for collagen-I and by HPLC for hydroxyproline concentrations. Expression of solute carrier family 23 members 1 and 2 (SLC23A1/SLC23A2), encoding sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters 1 and 2 (SVCT1/SVCT2) was quantified in healthy and cirrhotic human tissue. In the absence of ascorbic acid, collagen-I accumulated intracellularly in p-hHSCs and LX-2 cells, which was potentiated by TGFβ. Ascorbic acid co-treatment strongly promoted collagen-I excretion and enhanced extracellular hydroxyproline concentrations, without affecting collagen-I (COL1A1) mRNA levels. DMOG inhibited collagen-I release even in the presence of ascorbic acid and suppressed COL1A1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA/ACTA2) mRNA levels, also under hypoxic conditions. Hepatocytes express both ascorbic acid transporters, while p-hHSCs and LX-2 express the only SVCT2, which is selectively enhanced in cirrhotic livers. Human HSCs rely on ascorbic acid for the efficient secretion of collagen-I, which can be effectively blocked by hydroxylase antagonists, revealing new therapeutic targets to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Smith-Cortinez
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Raphael R Fagundes
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Valentina Gomez
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Defu Kong
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dirk R de Waart
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Janette Heegsma
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Svenja Sydor
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Cormac T Taylor
- School of Medicine and Medical Science and the Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ruud Bank
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Coen C Paulusma
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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17
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Photoacoustic Imaging for Assessing Tissue Oxygenation Changes in Rat Hepatic Fibrosis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10090705. [PMID: 32957666 PMCID: PMC7555416 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver inflammation progressively evokes fibrosis and cirrhosis resulting in compromised liver function, and often leading to cancer. Early diagnosis and staging of fibrosis is crucial because the five-year survival rate of early-stage liver cancer is high. This study investigates the progression of hepatic fibrosis induced in rats following ingestion of diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Changes in oxygen saturation and hemoglobin concentration resulting from chronic inflammation were assayed longitudinally during DEN ingestion by photoacoustic imaging (PAI). Accompanying liver tissue changes were monitored simultaneously by B-mode sonographic imaging. Oxygen saturation and hemoglobin levels in the liver increased over 5 weeks and peaked at 10 weeks before decreasing at 13 weeks of DEN ingestion. The oxygenation changes were accompanied by an increase in hepatic echogenicity and coarseness in the ultrasound image. Histology at 13 weeks confirmed the development of severe fibrosis and cirrhosis. The observed increase in PA signal representing enhanced blood oxygenation is likely an inflammatory physiological response to the dietary DEN insult that increases blood flow by the development of neovasculature to supply oxygen to a fibrotic liver during the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Assessment of oxygenation by PAI may play an important role in the future assessment of hepatic fibrosis.
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18
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Wilkinson AL, Qurashi M, Shetty S. The Role of Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in the Axis of Inflammation and Cancer Within the Liver. Front Physiol 2020; 11:990. [PMID: 32982772 PMCID: PMC7485256 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) form a unique barrier between the liver sinusoids and the underlying parenchyma, and thus play a crucial role in maintaining metabolic and immune homeostasis, as well as actively contributing to disease pathophysiology. Whilst their endocytic and scavenging function is integral for nutrient exchange and clearance of waste products, their capillarisation and dysfunction precedes fibrogenesis. Furthermore, their ability to promote immune tolerance and recruit distinct immunosuppressive leukocyte subsets can allow persistence of chronic viral infections and facilitate tumour development. In this review, we present the immunological and barrier functions of LSEC, along with their role in orchestrating fibrotic processes which precede tumourigenesis. We also summarise the role of LSEC in modulating the tumour microenvironment, and promoting development of a pre-metastatic niche, which can drive formation of secondary liver tumours. Finally, we summarise closely inter-linked disease pathways which collectively perpetuate pathogenesis, highlighting LSEC as novel targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shishir Shetty
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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19
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Novo E, Bocca C, Foglia B, Protopapa F, Maggiora M, Parola M, Cannito S. Liver fibrogenesis: un update on established and emerging basic concepts. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 689:108445. [PMID: 32524998 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrogenesis is defined as a dynamic and highly integrated process occurring during chronic injury to liver parenchyma that can result in excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components (i.e., liver fibrosis). Liver fibrogenesis, together with chronic inflammatory response, is then primarily involved in the progression of chronic liver diseases (CLD) irrespective of the specific etiology. In the present review we will first offer a synthetic and updated overview of major basic concepts in relation to the role of myofibroblasts (MFs), macrophages and other hepatic cell populations involved in CLD to then offer an overview of established and emerging issues and mechanisms that have been proposed to favor and/or promote CLD progression. A special focus will be dedicated to selected issues that include emerging features in the field of cholangiopathies, the emerging role of genetic and epigenetic factors as well as of hypoxia, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and related mediators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Novo
- University of Torino, Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudia Bocca
- University of Torino, Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Beatrice Foglia
- University of Torino, Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Protopapa
- University of Torino, Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Marina Maggiora
- University of Torino, Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy
| | - Maurizio Parola
- University of Torino, Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy.
| | - Stefania Cannito
- University of Torino, Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy
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20
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The interaction between current smoking and hemoglobin on the risk of advanced fibrosis in patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 32:597-600. [PMID: 31524771 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Higher hemoglobin levels have been associated with an increased risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Although the mechanism underlying this association is elusive, smoking has been previously related to both higher hemoglobin concentrations and an increased risk of fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The present study was conducted to investigate formally the interaction among current smoking, hemoglobin levels, and risk for advanced fibrosis in patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS We examined 433 Turkish patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 3) was identified on liver biopsy in 80 cases, whereas 84 patients were current smokers. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effect of current smoking on risk for advanced fibrosis, after adjusting for the effects of age, sex, BMI, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. RESULTS Preliminary analyses revealed the presence of substantial statistical interaction between current smoking and hemoglobin levels (P < 0.001). In separate multivariable analyses conducted in the entire cohort and in the subgroups of patients with high and low hemoglobin levels (according to median value in the study cohort: 14.4 g/l), current smoking was associated with increased risk for advanced fibrosis in patients with high hemoglobin (odds ratio: 3.32, 95% confidence interval: 1.23-7.21, P < 0.01) but neither in those with low hemoglobin (odds ratio: 0.71, 95% confidence interval: 0.28-1.81, P = 0.52) nor in the entire study cohort (odds ratio: 1.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.73-2.14, P = 0.79). CONCLUSION Hemoglobin acts as a modifier in the association between current smoking and advanced fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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21
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Dash S, Aydin Y, Widmer KE, Nayak L. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mechanisms Associated with Chronic HCV Infection and the Impact of Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2020; 7:45-76. [PMID: 32346535 PMCID: PMC7167284 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s221187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the major risk factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanisms of HCC initiation, growth, and metastasis appear to be highly complex due to the decade-long interactions between the virus, immune system, and overlapping bystander effects of host metabolic liver disease. The lack of a readily accessible animal model system for HCV is a significant obstacle to understand the mechanisms of viral carcinogenesis. Traditionally, the primary prevention strategy of HCC has been to eliminate infection by antiviral therapy. The success of virus elimination by antiviral treatment is determined by the SVR when the HCV is no longer detectable in serum. Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) and its analogs, pegylated IFN-α (PEG-IFN-α) alone with ribavirin (RBV), have been the primary antiviral treatment of HCV for many years with a low cure rate. The cloning and sequencing of HCV have allowed the development of cell culture models, which accelerated antiviral drug discovery. It resulted in the selection of highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-based combination therapy that now offers incredible success in curing HCV infection in more than 95% of all patients, including those with cirrhosis. However, several emerging recent publications claim that patients who have liver cirrhosis at the time of DAAs treatment face the risk of HCC occurrence and recurrence after viral cure. This remains a substantial challenge while addressing the long-term benefit of antiviral medicine. The host-related mechanisms that drive the risk of HCC in the absence of the virus are unknown. This review describes the multifaceted mechanisms that create a tumorigenic environment during chronic HCV infection. In addition to the potential oncogenic programming that drives HCC after viral clearance by DAAs, the current status of a biomarker development for early prediction of cirrhosis regression and HCC detection post viral treatment is discussed. Since DAAs treatment does not provide full protection against reinfection or viral transmission to other individuals, the recent studies for a vaccine development are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanta Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA70119, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Yucel Aydin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA70112, USA
| | - Kyle E Widmer
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA70119, USA
| | - Leela Nayak
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA70119, USA
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22
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Saberi-Karimian M, Keshvari M, Ghayour-Mobarhan M, Salehizadeh L, Rahmani S, Behnam B, Jamialahmadi T, Asgary S, Sahebkar A. Effects of curcuminoids on inflammatory status in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med 2020; 49:102322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Zadorozhna M, Di Gioia S, Conese M, Mangieri D. Neovascularization is a key feature of liver fibrosis progression: anti-angiogenesis as an innovative way of liver fibrosis treatment. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:2279-2288. [PMID: 32040707 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05290-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis affects over 100 million people in the world; it represents a multifactorial, fibro-inflammatory disorder characterized by exacerbated production of extracellular matrix with consequent aberration of hepatic tissue. The aetiology of this disease is very complex and seems to involve a broad spectrum of factors including the lifestyle, environment factors, genes and epigenetic changes. More evidences indicate that angiogenesis, a process consisting in the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vessels, plays a crucial role in the progression of liver fibrosis. Central to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) which represent a crossroad among inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. Quiescent HSCs can be stimulated by a host of growth factors, pro-inflammatory mediators produced by damaged resident liver cell types, as well as by hypoxia, contributing to neoangiogenesis, which in turn can be a bridge between acute and chronic inflammation. As matter of fact, studies demonstrated that neutralization of vascular endothelial growth factor as well as other proangiogenic agents can attenuate the progression of liver fibrosis. With this review, our intent is to discuss the cause and the role of angiogenesis in liver fibrosis focusing on the current knowledge about the impact of anti-angiogenetic therapies in this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariia Zadorozhna
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Sante Di Gioia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Domenica Mangieri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Via Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
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24
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Virzì A, Roca Suarez AA, Baumert TF, Lupberger J. Rewiring Host Signaling: Hepatitis C Virus in Liver Pathogenesis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a037366. [PMID: 31501266 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease including metabolic disease, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV induces and promotes liver disease progression by perturbing a range of survival, proliferative, and metabolic pathways within the proinflammatory cellular microenvironment. The recent breakthrough in antiviral therapy using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can cure >90% of HCV patients. However, viral cure cannot fully eliminate the HCC risk, especially in patients with advanced liver disease or comorbidities. HCV induces an epigenetic viral footprint that promotes a pro-oncogenic hepatic signature, which persists after DAA cure. In this review, we summarize the main signaling pathways deregulated by HCV infection, with potential impact on liver pathogenesis. HCV-induced persistent signaling patterns may serve as biomarkers for the stratification of HCV-cured patients at high risk of developing HCC. Moreover, these signaling pathways are potential targets for novel chemopreventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Virzì
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Armando Andres Roca Suarez
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire, Pôle Hépato-digestif, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75231 Paris, France
| | - Joachim Lupberger
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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25
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Biliary atresia (BA) is the most common cause of obstructive jaundice in infants. Although the Kasai procedure has greatly improved the prognosis, most patients still need liver transplantation (LT) for long-term survival. The pathogenesis of BA has not been fully clarified, and liver fibrosis in BA is far beyond biliary obstructive cirrhosis. DATA SOURCES Literature reviews were underwent through PubMed. Persistent inflammation, immune response, biliary epithelial-mesenchymal transition, matrix deposition, decompensated angiogenesis, and unique biliary structure development all contribute to the fibrosis process. Observed evidences in such fields have been collected and form the backbone of this review. RESULTS Interactions of the multiple pathways accelerate this process. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the mechanisms of the liver fibrosis in BA may pave the way to improved survival after the Kasai procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Shen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Gong Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Shan Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, 399 Wanyuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 201102, China.
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26
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Virzì A, Roca Suarez AA, Baumert TF, Lupberger J. Oncogenic Signaling Induced by HCV Infection. Viruses 2018; 10:v10100538. [PMID: 30279347 PMCID: PMC6212953 DOI: 10.3390/v10100538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is frequently exposed to toxins, metabolites, and oxidative stress, which can challenge organ function and genomic stability. Liver regeneration is therefore a highly regulated process involving several sequential signaling events. It is thus not surprising that individual oncogenic mutations in hepatocytes do not necessarily lead to cancer and that the genetic profiles of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are highly heterogeneous. Long-term infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) creates an oncogenic environment by a combination of viral protein expression, persistent liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronically deregulated signaling events that cumulate as a tipping point for genetic stability. Although novel direct-acting antivirals (DAA)-based treatments efficiently eradicate HCV, the associated HCC risk cannot be fully eliminated by viral cure in patients with advanced liver disease. This suggests that HCV may persistently deregulate signaling pathways beyond viral cure and thereby continue to perturb cancer-relevant gene function. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about oncogenic signaling pathways derailed by chronic HCV infection. This will not only help to understand the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis but will also highlight potential chemopreventive strategies to help patients with a high-risk profile of developing HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Virzì
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Armando Andres Roca Suarez
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Thomas F Baumert
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
- Pôle Hépato-digestif, Institut Hospitalo-universitaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
| | - Joachim Lupberger
- Inserm, U1110, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
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27
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Bonomini F, Borsani E, Favero G, Rodella LF, Rezzani R. Dietary Melatonin Supplementation Could Be a Promising Preventing/Therapeutic Approach for a Variety of Liver Diseases. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10091135. [PMID: 30134592 PMCID: PMC6164189 DOI: 10.3390/nu10091135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the therapeutic strategies, the role of diet is a well-established factor that can also have an important role in liver diseases. Melatonin, identified in animals, has many antioxidant properties and it was after discovered also in plants, named phytomelatonin. These substances have a positive effect during aging and in pathological conditions too. In particular, it is important to underline that the amount of melatonin produced by pineal gland in human decreases during lifetime and its reduction in blood could be related to pathological conditions in which mitochondria and oxidative stress play a pivotal role. Moreover, it has been indicated that melatonin/phytomelatonin containing foods may provide dietary melatonin, so their ingestion through balanced diets could be sufficient to confer health benefits. In this review, the classification of liver diseases and an overview of the most important aspects of melatonin/phytomelatonin, concerning the differences among their synthesis, their presence in foods and their role in health and diseases, are summarized. The findings suggest that melatonin/phytomelatonin supplementation with diet should be considered important in preventing different disease settings, in particular in liver. Currently, more studies are needed to strengthen the potential beneficial effects of melatonin/phytomelatonin in liver diseases and to better clarify the molecular mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bonomini
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Elisa Borsani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Gaia Favero
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Luigi F Rodella
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
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28
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Angiogenesis and Hepatic Fibrosis: Western and Chinese Medicine Therapies on the Road. Chin J Integr Med 2018; 24:713-720. [DOI: 10.1007/s11655-018-3007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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29
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Srivastava A, Shukla V, Tiwari D, Gupta J, Kumar S, Kumar A. Targeted therapy of chronic liver diseases with the inhibitors of angiogenesis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 105:256-266. [PMID: 29859468 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.05.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis appears to be intrinsically associated with the progression of chronic liver diseases, which eventually leads to the development of cirrhosis and related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma. Several studies have suggested that this association is relevant for chronic liver disease (CLD) progression, with angiogenesis. The fact that angiogenesis plays a pivotal role in CLDs gives rise to new opportunities for treating CLDs. Inhibitor of angiogenesis has proved effective for the treatment of patients suffering from CLD. However, it is limited in diagnosis. The last decade has witnessed a plethora of publications which elucidate the potential of angiogenesis inhibitors for the therapy of CLD. The close relationship between the progression of CLDs and angiogenesis emphasizes the need for anti-angiogenic therapy to block/slow down CLD progression. The present review summarizes all these discussions, the results of the related studies carried out to date and the future prospects in this field. We discuss liver angiogenesis in normal and pathophysiologic conditions with a focus on the role and future use of angiogenic factors as second-line treatment of CLD. This review compiles relevant findings and offers opinions that have emerged in last few years relating liver angiogenesis and its treatment using anti-angiogenic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Srivastava
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Vanistha Shukla
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Deepika Tiwari
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Jaya Gupta
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Faculty of Biotechnology, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Awanish Kumar
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India.
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30
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Underrated enemy - from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 4:55-71. [PMID: 29904722 PMCID: PMC6000748 DOI: 10.5114/ceh.2018.75955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is intrahepatic ectopic lipid deposition which is present despite a lack of other causes of secondary hepatic fat accumulation. It is the most common chronic liver disorder in the welldeveloped countries. NAFLD is a multidisciplinary disease that affects various systems and organs and is inextricably linked to simple obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and overt diabetes mellitus type 2. The positive energy balance related to obesity leads to a variety of systemic changes including modified levels of insulin, insulin- like growth factor-1, adipokines, hepatokines and cytokines. It is strongly linked to carcinogenesis and new evidence proves that NAFLD is associated with higher risk of all-cause mortality and cancer-specific mortality among cancer survivors. This article focuses on the association between NAFLD and extrahepatic gastrointestinal tract cancers, aiming to shed light on the pathomechanism of changes leading to the development of tumors.
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31
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Liver regeneration microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma for prevention and therapy. Oncotarget 2018; 8:1805-1813. [PMID: 27655683 PMCID: PMC5352100 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on liver cancer prevention and treatment has mainly focused on the liver cancer cells themselves. Currently, liver cancers are no longer viewed as only collections of genetically altered cells but as aberrant organs with a plastic stroma, matrix, and vasculature. Improving the microenvironment of the liver to promote liver regeneration and repair by affecting immune function, inflammation and vasculature can regulate the dynamic imbalance between normal liver regeneration and repair and abnormal liver regeneration, thus improving the microenvironment of liver regeneration for the prevention and treatment of liver cancer. This review addresses the basic theory of the liver regeneration microenvironment, including the latest findings on immunity, inflammation and vasculature. Attention is given to the potential design of molecular targets in the microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In an effort to improve the liver regeneration microenvironment of HCC, researchers have extensively utilized the enhancement of immunity, anti-inflammation and the vasculature niche, which are discussed in detail in this review. In addition, the authors summarize the latest pro-fibrotic transition characteristics of the vascular niche and review potential cell therapies for liver disease.
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32
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Choudhari SS, Kulkarni DG, Patankar S, Kheur SM, Sarode SC, Sarode GS, Patil S. Angiogenesis and Fibrogenesis in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Viewpoint. J Contemp Dent Pract 2018; 19:242-245. [PMID: 29422478 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10024-2244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is characterized by excessive fibrosis of submucosa. The degree of vascularity in OSF has always been a matter of debate. Angiogenesis is the key mechanism involved in regeneration and repair. It also plays an important role in various pathologic conditions. Angiogenesis may contribute to the progression of fibrosis in fibrotic disorders. Inhibition of pathological angiogenesis is considered to be a new strategy for the treatment of various fibrotic disorders. In OSF, angiogenesis can be related to progression fibrosis. This article briefly describes the role of angiogenesis in pathogenesis of fibrosis in OSF and the importance of inhibition of pathologic angiogenesis in its prevention and treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Understanding the association between angiogenesis and fibrogenesis can help in developing new therapeutic strategies for treatment of OSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal S Choudhari
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune Maharashtra, India, Phone: +919819331220, e-mail:
| | - Deepak G Kulkarni
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune Maharashtra, India
| | - Sangeeta Patankar
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Yerala Medical Trust Dental College & Research Institute, Navi Mumbai Maharashtra, India
| | - Supriya M Kheur
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune Maharashtra, India
| | - Sachin C Sarode
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune Maharashtra, India
| | - Gargi S Sarode
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College & Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune Maharashtra, India
| | - Shankargouda Patil
- Division of Oral Pathology, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jazan University Jazan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Akcora BÖ, Storm G, Bansal R. Inhibition of canonical WNT signaling pathway by β-catenin/CBP inhibitor ICG-001 ameliorates liver fibrosis in vivo through suppression of stromal CXCL12. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:804-818. [PMID: 29217140 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), in response to liver injury, undergo characteristic morphological transformation into proliferative, contractile and ECM-producing myofibroblasts. In this study, we investigated the implication of canonical Wnt signaling pathway in HSCs and liver fibrogenesis. Canonical Wnt signaling pathway activation and inhibition using β-catenin/CBP inhibitor ICG001 was examined in-vitro in TGFβ-activated 3T3, LX2, primary human HSCs, and in-vivo in CCl4-induced acute liver injury mouse model. Fibroblasts-conditioned medium studies were performed to assess the Wnt-regulated paracrine factors involved in crosstalk between HSCs-macrophages and HSCs-endothelial cells. Canonical Wnt signaling pathway components were significantly up-regulated in-vitro and in-vivo. In-vitro, ICG-001 significantly inhibited fibrotic parameters, 3D-collagen contractility and wound healing. Conditioned medium induced fibroblasts-mediated macrophage and endothelial cells activation was significantly inhibited by ICG-001. In-vivo, ICG-001 significantly attenuated collagen accumulation and HSC activation. Interestingly, ICG-001 drastically inhibited macrophage infiltration, intrahepatic inflammation and angiogenesis. We further analyzed the paracrine factors involved in Wnt-mediated effects and found CXCL12 was significantly suppressed both in-vitro and in-vivo following Wnt inhibition. Wnt-regulated CXCL12 secretion from activated HSCs potentiated macrophage infiltration and activation, and angiogenesis. Pharmacological inhibition of canonical Wnt signaling pathway via suppression of stromal CXCL12 suggests a potential therapeutic approach targeting activated HSCs in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Büsra Öztürk Akcora
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Storm
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.
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34
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Hernández-Bartolomé Á, López-Rodríguez R, García-Buey L, Martín-Vílchez S, Rodríguez-Muñoz Y, Borque MJ, González-Moreno L, Real-Martínez Y, Mendoza-Ridruejo J, Martín-Pérez E, Moreno-Otero R, Sanz-Cameno P. Intrahepatic angiopoietin-2 correlates with chronic hepatitis C progression and is induced in hepatitis C virus replicon systems. Liver Int 2017; 37:1148-1156. [PMID: 28027429 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and angiogenesis is closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of different chronic liver diseases (CLD). Thus, the intrahepatic expression of angiopoietins 1 and 2 (Ang1 and Ang2), as relevant mediators of pathological angiogenesis in several CLD, was investigated. In addition, the differential influence of structural and non-structural genomic regions of HCV on the expression of angiopoietins and the possible signalling involved were studied. METHODS Ang1 and Ang2 expression was evaluated by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in liver homogenates of CHC patients (n=47) and uninfected subjects (n=8). Their association with disease progression (according to METAVIR classification) was assessed by Spearman's correlation. Statistical differences among the expression of angiopoietins at different CHC stages were calculated by Mann-Whitney U-test. Finally, the in vitro expression of Angiopoietins in HCV replicons (complete or non-structural subgenomic) and the main signalling pathways involved were also examined. RESULTS Ang2 levels were significantly higher in the liver of CHC patients compared to controls and significantly correlated with inflammation and fibrosis. Accordingly, an increased expression of Ang2 was found in all HCV replicons tested. Interestingly, the inhibition of MEK and PI3K signalling pathways exerted differential effects on Ang2 expression concerning to the genomic region of HCV. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis C virus induces Ang2 expression in hepatocytes through different signalling routes which may lead to the disregulation of vascular homeostasis in the liver. Thus, pharmacologic intervention on Ang2 signalling might constitute an important therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Luisa García-Buey
- Liver Unit, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - María Jesús Borque
- Molecular Biology Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Elena Martín-Pérez
- Digestive Surgery Service, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Moreno-Otero
- Liver Unit, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Sanz-Cameno
- Liver Unit, Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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35
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Salum GM, Bader El Din NG, Ibrahim MK, Anany MA, Dawood RM, Khairy A, El Awady MK. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Liver Fibrosis: A Potential Biomarker. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2017; 37:310-316. [PMID: 28472595 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2016.0127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The major complication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the induction of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the correlation between the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) at mRNA and protein levels and the progression of HCV-related liver fibrosis. One hundred twenty subjects were selected for this study: 15 controls and 105 chronic HCV patients with different fibrosis grades (44 F0-F1 and 61 F2-F4). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to measure VEGFA mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the secreted VEGFA protein in serum. Both qRT-PCR and ELISA results showed that HCV patients have significantly higher VEGFA expression than that of controls (P = 0.036 and 0.043, respectively). Moreover, patients with late fibrotic stages (F2-F4) exhibited the highest levels of VEGFA mRNA and protein (P = 0.008 and 0.041, respectively) when compared with controls. An area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC of the ROC) for the circulatory VEGFA protein between HCV patients with fibrosis and healthy controls was 0.92 (P = 0.043). Our data suggest that VEGFA protein is a promising noninvasively diagnostic biomarker for HCV-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada M Salum
- 1 Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Noha G Bader El Din
- 1 Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Marwa K Ibrahim
- 1 Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Anany
- 1 Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Reham M Dawood
- 1 Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Khairy
- 2 Department of Endemic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University , Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mostafa K El Awady
- 1 Department of Microbial Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering Division, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
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Öztürk Akcora B, Storm G, Prakash J, Bansal R. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor BIBF1120 ameliorates inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis in CCl 4-induced liver fibrogenesis mouse model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44545. [PMID: 28291245 PMCID: PMC5349608 DOI: 10.1038/srep44545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, a progressive chronic disease mainly caused by hepatitis viral infections, alcohol abuse or metabolic syndrome leading to liver dysfunction and is the growing cause of mortality worldwide. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor BIBF1120 (Nintedanib) has been evaluated in clinical trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and advanced Hepatocellular carcinoma, but has not been explored for liver fibrosis yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of BIBF1120 in liver fibrogenesis. The effects of BIBF1120 were evaluated in TGFβ-activated mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, LX2 cells, primary human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and CCl4-induced liver fibrogenesis mouse model. Fibroblasts-conditioned medium studies were performed to assess the paracrine effects on macrophages and endothelial cells. In-vitro in TGFβ-activated fibroblasts, BIBF1120 significantly inhibited expression of major fibrotic parameters, wound-healing and contractility. In vivo in CCl4-induced acute liver injury model, post-disease BIBF1120 administration significantly attenuated collagen accumulation and HSC activation. Interestingly, BIBF1120 drastically inhibited intrahepatic inflammation and angiogenesis. To further elucidate the mechanism of action, 3T3-conditioned medium studies demonstrated increased 3T3-mediated macrophage chemotaxis and endothelial cells tube formation and activation, which was significantly decreased by BIBF1120. These results suggests that BIBF1120 can be a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Büsra Öztürk Akcora
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Storm
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jai Prakash
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Targeted Therapeutics, Department of Biomaterials Science and Technology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Nasr P, Hilliges A, Thorelius L, Kechagias S, Ekstedt M. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography could be a non-invasive method for differentiating none or mild from severe fibrosis in patients with biopsy proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Scand J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:1126-32. [PMID: 27161854 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2016.1172336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The gold standard for diagnosing fibrosis stage in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is liver biopsy. The aim of this study was to determine whether contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) with transit time measurements could be a non-invasive alternative for differentiating none or mild from severe fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Various serum markers and clinical variables were also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifty-eight patients with NAFLD underwent CEUS prior to liver biopsy. All patients were also evaluated according to the Göteborg University Cirrhosis Index (GUCI), the AST-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), the NAFLD fibrosis score, and the FIB-4 and BARD score. RESULTS The hepatic vein arrival time (HV) was shorter in patients with severe fibrosis (25.9 ± 4.8 vs 29.5 ± 4.7 s, p = 0.023), and the difference between the hepatic and portal vein (ΔHV-PV) was shorter (2.3 ± 2.8 vs 6.4 ± 2.8 s, p < 0.0001) while the difference in arrival time between the portal vein and hepatic artery (ΔPV-HA) arrival time was significantly longer (6.0 ± 2.2 vs 3.6 ± 1.6 s, p < 0.0001). The area under receiver operating characteristics curve values for HV, ΔHV-PV and ΔPV-HA to separate none or mild from severe fibrosis was 0.71, 0.83 and 0.84, respectively. The corresponding figures for GUCI, APRI, NAFLD fibrosis score, FIB-4 and BARD score were 0.93, 0.92, 0.86, 0.90 and 0.77, respectively. CONCLUSIONS CEUS and non-invasive scoring systems could exclude severe fibrosis in NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Nasr
- a The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical and Health Sciences (IMH) , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Annette Hilliges
- a The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical and Health Sciences (IMH) , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Lars Thorelius
- a The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical and Health Sciences (IMH) , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Stergios Kechagias
- a The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical and Health Sciences (IMH) , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Mattias Ekstedt
- a The Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medical and Health Sciences (IMH) , Linköping University , Linköping , Sweden
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Tan H, Wang D, Li R, Sun C, Lagerstrom R, He Y, Xue Y, Xiao T. A robust method for high-precision quantification of the complex three-dimensional vasculatures acquired by X-ray microtomography. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2016; 23:1216-1226. [PMID: 27577778 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577516011498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The quantification of micro-vasculatures is important for the analysis of angiogenesis on which the detection of tumor growth or hepatic fibrosis depends. Synchrotron-based X-ray computed micro-tomography (SR-µCT) allows rapid acquisition of micro-vasculature images at micrometer-scale spatial resolution. Through skeletonization, the statistical features of the micro-vasculature can be extracted from the skeleton of the micro-vasculatures. Thinning is a widely used algorithm to produce the vascular skeleton in medical research. Existing three-dimensional thinning methods normally emphasize the preservation of topological structure rather than geometrical features in generating the skeleton of a volumetric object. This results in three problems and limits the accuracy of the quantitative results related to the geometrical structure of the vasculature. The problems include the excessively shortened length of elongated objects, eliminated branches of blood vessel tree structure, and numerous noisy spurious branches. The inaccuracy of the skeleton directly introduces errors in the quantitative analysis, especially on the parameters concerning the vascular length and the counts of vessel segments and branching points. In this paper, a robust method using a consolidated end-point constraint for thinning, which generates geometry-preserving skeletons in addition to maintaining the topology of the vasculature, is presented. The improved skeleton can be used to produce more accurate quantitative results. Experimental results from high-resolution SR-µCT images show that the end-point constraint produced by the proposed method can significantly improve the accuracy of the skeleton obtained using the existing ITK three-dimensional thinning filter. The produced skeleton has laid the groundwork for accurate quantification of the angiogenesis. This is critical for the early detection of tumors and assessing anti-angiogenesis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Tan
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, People's Republic of China
| | - Dadong Wang
- Quantitative Imaging, CSIRO Data61, Marsfield, NSW 2122, Australia
| | - Rongxin Li
- Quantitative Imaging, CSIRO Data61, Marsfield, NSW 2122, Australia
| | - Changming Sun
- Quantitative Imaging, CSIRO Data61, Marsfield, NSW 2122, Australia
| | - Ryan Lagerstrom
- Quantitative Imaging, CSIRO Data61, Marsfield, NSW 2122, Australia
| | - You He
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanling Xue
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiqiao Xiao
- Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201204, People's Republic of China
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Darby IA, Hewitson TD. Hypoxia in tissue repair and fibrosis. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 365:553-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2461-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Hyperammonemia Is Associated with Increasing Severity of Both Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatic Encephalopathy. Int J Hepatol 2016; 2016:6741754. [PMID: 27847646 PMCID: PMC5099455 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6741754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2016] [Revised: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Hyperammonemia resulting from chronic liver disease (CLD) can potentially challenge and damage any organ system of the body, particularly the brain. However, there is still some controversy regarding the diagnostic or prognostic values of serum ammonia in patients with over hepatic encephalopathy, especially in the setting of acute-on-chronic or chronic liver failure. Moreover, the association of serum ammonia with worsening Child-Pugh grade of liver cirrhosis has not been studied. Objective. This study was conducted to solve the controversy regarding the association between hyperammonemia and cirrhosis, especially hepatic encephalopathy in chronically failed liver. Material and Methods. In this study, 171 cirrhotic patients had their serum ammonia measured and analyzed by SPSS version 16. Chi-squared test and one-way ANOVA were applied. Results. The study had 110 male and 61 female participants. The mean age of all the participants in years was 42.33 ± 7.60. The mean duration (years) of CLD was 10.15 ± 3.53 while the mean Child-Pugh (CP) score was 8.84 ± 3.30. Chronic viral hepatitis alone was responsible for 71.3% of the cases. Moreover, 86.5% of participants had hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The frequency of hyperammonemia was 67.3%, more frequent in males (N = 81, z-score = 2.4, and P < 0.05) than in females (N = 34, z-score = 2.4, and P < 0.05), and had a statistically significant relationship with increasing CP grade of cirrhosis (χ2(2) = 27.46, P < 0.001, Phi = 0.40, and P < 0.001). Furthermore, serum ammonia level was higher in patients with hepatic encephalopathy than in those without it; P < 0.001. Conclusion. Hyperammonemia is associated with both increasing Child-Pugh grade of liver cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy.
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Suominen JS, Lampela H, Heikkilä P, Lohi J, Jalanko H, Pakarinen MP. APRi predicts native liver survival by reflecting portal fibrogenesis and hepatic neovascularization at the time of portoenterostomy in biliary atresia. J Pediatr Surg 2015; 50:1528-31. [PMID: 25783319 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2014.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRi) may be useful noninvasive prognostic tool in biliary atresia (BA). We studied whether APRi predicts native liver survival and parallels biochemical and immunohistological signs of liver injury and fibrogenesis at the time of Kasai portoenterostomy (PE). METHODS Serum and liver specimens were obtained at PE from 29 BA patients for liver biochemistry including APRi, histology and immunohistochemical analysis of collagen 1, α-SMA and CD34. APRi values were related to native liver survival and other clinical data as well as serum liver biochemistry, liver histology and immunohistochemistry at PE. RESULTS Median age at PE was 63 (range 7-141) days and median APRi was 0.92 (0.13-6.39). APRi had strong positive correlations with patient age (r=0.684, p<0.001) and biochemical signs of hepatocyte injury and cholestasis. APRi showed no significant correlations with Metavir (r=0.336, p=0.223) or Ishak (r=0.289, p=0.262) global fibrosis scores nor with liver collagen 1 expression (r=0.260, p=0.222). In contrast, portal fibrosis score (r=0.515, p=0.013), predominantly portal α-SMA expression (r=0.519, p=0.015) and amount CD34-positive microvessels in the centrizonal region (r=0.604, p=0.004) correlated positively with APRi. Patients (n=10) who underwent liver transplantation had significantly higher APRi at presentation (1.34 vs. 0.77, p=0.017) compared to those who survived with native liver (n=19). CONCLUSIONS APRi correlates with portal fibrosis, expression of α-SMA and the amount of CD34-positive microvessels, suggesting that APRi predicts native liver survival by reflecting portal myofibroblastic cell activation, fibrogenesis and associated neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janne S Suominen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Hanna Lampela
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi Heikkilä
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jouko Lohi
- Department of Pathology, HUSLAB, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Jalanko
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko P Pakarinen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Pediatric Liver and Gut Research Group, Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
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Elshal M, Abu-Elsaad N, El-Karef A, Ibrahim TM. The multi-kinase inhibitor pazopanib targets hepatic stellate cell activation and apoptosis alleviating progression of liver fibrosis. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2015; 388:1293-304. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-015-1157-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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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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Lambrecht J, Mannaerts I, van Grunsven LA. The role of miRNAs in stress-responsive hepatic stellate cells during liver fibrosis. Front Physiol 2015; 6:209. [PMID: 26283969 PMCID: PMC4516870 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The progression of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis is associated with the persistence of an injury causing agent, leading to changes in the extracellular environment and a disruption of the cellular homeostasis of liver resident cells. Recruitment of inflammatory cells, apoptosis of hepatocytes, and changes in liver microvasculature are some examples of changing cellular environment that lead to the induction of stress responses in nearby cells. During liver fibrosis, the major stresses include hypoxia, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. When hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are subjected to such stress, they modulate fibrosis progression by induction of their activation toward a myofibroblastic phenotype, or by undergoing apoptosis, and thus helping fibrosis resolution. It is widely accepted that microRNAs are import regulators of gene expression, both during normal cellular homeostasis, as well as in pathologic conditions. MicroRNAs are short RNA sequences that regulate the gene expression by mRNA destabilization and inhibition of mRNA translation. Specific microRNAs have been identified to play a role in the activation process of HSCs on the one hand and in stress-responsive pathways on the other hand in other cell types (Table 2). However, so far there are no reports for the involvement of miRNAs in the different stress responses linked to HSC activation. Here, we review briefly the major stress response pathways and propose several miRNAs to be regulated by these stress responsive pathways in activating HSCs, and discuss their potential specific pro-or anti-fibrotic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joeri Lambrecht
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels, Belgium
| | - Inge Mannaerts
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels, Belgium
| | - Leo A van Grunsven
- Liver Cell Biology Lab, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel Brussels, Belgium
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Kantari-Mimoun C, Castells M, Klose R, Meinecke AK, Lemberger UJ, Rautou PE, Pinot-Roussel H, Badoual C, Schrödter K, Österreicher CH, Fandrey J, Stockmann C. Resolution of liver fibrosis requires myeloid cell-driven sinusoidal angiogenesis. Hepatology 2015; 61:2042-55. [PMID: 25475053 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Angiogenesis is a key feature of liver fibrosis. Although sinusoidal remodeling is believed to contribute to fibrogenesis, the impact of sinusoidal angiogenesis on the resolution of liver fibrosis remains undefined. Myeloid cells, particularly macrophages, constantly infiltrate the fibrotic liver and can profoundly contribute to remodeling of liver sinusoids. We observe that the development of fibrosis is associated with decreased hepatic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression as well as sinusoidal rarefication of the fibrotic scar. In contrast, the resolution of fibrosis is characterized by a rise in hepatic VEGF levels and revascularization of the fibrotic tissue. Genetic ablation of VEGF in myeloid cells or pharmacological inhibition of VEGF receptor 2 signaling prevents this angiogenic response and the resolution of liver fibrosis. We observe increased expression of matrix metalloproteases as well as decreased expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases confined to sinusoidal endothelial cells in response to myeloid cell VEGF. Remarkably, reintroduction of myeloid cell-derived VEGF upon recovery restores collagenolytic acitivity and the resolution of fibrosis. CONCLUSION We identify myeloid cell-derived VEGF as a critical regulator of extracellular matrix degradation by liver endothelial cells, thereby unmasking an unanticipated link between angiogenesis and the resolution of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chahrazade Kantari-Mimoun
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Magali Castells
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Ralph Klose
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
| | - Anna-Katharina Meinecke
- Institut für Physiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Ursula J Lemberger
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France.,DHU Unity, Pôle des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif, Service d'Hépatologie, Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France
| | - Hélène Pinot-Roussel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France.,Service d'Anatomie et Pathologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Cécile Badoual
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France.,Service d'Anatomie et Pathologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Katrin Schrödter
- Institut für Physiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Christoph H Österreicher
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joachim Fandrey
- Institut für Physiologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Christian Stockmann
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unit 970, Paris Cardiovascular Research Center, Paris, France
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Furutani Y, Shiozaki-Sato Y, Hara M, Sato Y, Kojima S. Hepatic fibrosis and angiogenesis after bile duct ligation are endogenously expressed vasohibin-1 independent. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 463:384-8. [PMID: 26025651 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.05.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is linked to VEGF-induced angiogenesis. Overexpression of exogenous vasohibin-1, a feedback inhibitor of angiogenesis, has been reported to reduce liver fibrosis after bile duct ligation (BDL). To uncover the function of endogenous vasohibin-1, we performed BDL using vasohibin-1-deficient mice and analyzed liver fibrosis, injury, and angiogenesis. Liver fibrosis was induced by 14-days of BDL in both wild-type and vasohibin-1-deficient mice. The liver sections were stained with anti-CD31 to visualize endothelial cells and with Sirius red to observe fibrotic regions. Total RNAs were purified from the livers and expression of collagen I α1 mRNA was measured by quantitative PCR. Plasma ALT activity was determined to assess liver injury. Surprisingly, the same extents of increases were seen in anti-CD31 and Sirius red stainings, collagen I α1 mRNA expressions, hepatic hydroxyproline contents, and ALT activity after 14-days of BDL in both wild-type and vasohibin-1-deficient mice. There was unexpectedly no difference between these mice, suggesting that anti-fibrogenic and angiogenic activities of the endogenous vasohibin-1 might be masked in the normal liver at early stage of hepatic fibrosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Furutani
- Micro-Signaling Regulation Technology Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Saitama, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yumi Shiozaki-Sato
- Micro-Signaling Regulation Technology Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Saitama, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Hara
- Micro-Signaling Regulation Technology Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Saitama, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yasufumi Sato
- Department of Vascular Biology, Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, 4-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Soichi Kojima
- Micro-Signaling Regulation Technology Unit, RIKEN Center for Life Science Technologies, Saitama, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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Qu K, Yan Z, Wu Y, Chen Y, Qu P, Xu X, Yuan P, Huang X, Xing J, Zhang H, Liu C, Zhang J. Transarterial chemoembolization aggravated peritumoral fibrosis via hypoxia-inducible factor-1α dependent pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 30:925-32. [PMID: 25641377 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM It was commonly accepted that chemotherapeutic cytotoxicity was the main cause for hepatic failure in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). However, the effect of embolization-induced hypoxia on liver cirrhosis has rarely been concerned. METHODS Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and albumin were used to detect liver injury. Hepatic artery ligation was performed in carbon tetrachloride-induced rat hepatic fibrosis model to mimic the effect of hepatic hypoxia on liver fibrosis after TACE. Sirius Red staining and immunohistochemical analysis of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were used to detect the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Moreover, the expression of hypoxia and fibrosis-related molecules were analyzed at protein and/or mRNA level. RESULTS Patients showed a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.006), accompanied by a decrease in albumin (P = 0.005) after repeated TACE. Hepatic artery ligation significantly promoted carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver fibrosis progression as indicated by Sirius Red and α-SMA staining, as well as increased expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Conditioned media of hypoxia-treated L02 cells induced the expression of Collagen I and α-SMA in LX-2 cells, which was inhibited by HIF-1α small interfering RNA. Finally, HIF-1α inhibitor LW6 attenuated the hypoxia-induced fibrosis progression in vivo. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that TACE-induced hepatic hypoxia aggravates the fibrosis progression in peritumoral liver tissue, thus leads to the deterioration of liver function. Intervention of HIF-1α might be a valuable strategy to optimize the efficacy and reduce the complication of TACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Qu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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Aqueous Date Flesh or Pits Extract Attenuates Liver Fibrosis via Suppression of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Reduction of Inflammatory Cytokines, Transforming Growth Factor- β 1 and Angiogenic Markers in Carbon Tetrachloride-Intoxicated Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:247357. [PMID: 25945106 PMCID: PMC4402562 DOI: 10.1155/2015/247357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous data indicated the protective effect of date fruit extract on oxidative damage in rat liver. However, the hepatoprotective effects via other mechanisms have not been investigated. This study was performed to evaluate the antifibrotic effect of date flesh extract (DFE) or date pits extract (DPE) via inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), reducing the levels of inflammatory, fibrotic and angiogenic markers. Coffee was used as reference hepatoprotective agent. Liver fibrosis was induced by injection of CCl4 (0.4 mL/kg) three times weekly for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE (6 mL/kg), coffee (300 mg/kg), and combination of coffee + DFE and coffee + DPE were given to CCl4-intoxicated rats daily for 8 weeks. DFE, DPE, and their combination with coffee attenuated the elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. The increased levels of transforming growth factor-β1 and collagen deposition in injured liver were alleviated by both extracts. CCl4-induced expression of α-smooth muscle actin was suppressed indicating HSCs inactivation. Increased angiogenesis was ameliorated as revealed by reduced levels and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and CD31. We concluded that DFE or DPE could protect liver via different mechanisms. The combination of coffee with DFE or DPE may enhance its antifibrotic effects.
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Elpek G&O. Angiogenesis and liver fibrosis. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:377-391. [PMID: 25848465 PMCID: PMC4381164 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i3.377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent data indicate that hepatic angiogenesis, regardless of the etiology, takes place in chronic liver diseases (CLDs) that are characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis. Because anti-angiogenic therapy has been found to be efficient in the prevention of fibrosis in experimental models of CLDs, it is suggested that blocking angiogenesis could be a promising therapeutic option in patients with advanced fibrosis. Consequently, efforts are being directed to revealing the mechanisms involved in angiogenesis during the progression of liver fibrosis. Literature evidences indicate that hepatic angiogenesis and fibrosis are closely related in both clinical and experimental conditions. Hypoxia is a major inducer of angiogenesis together with inflammation and hepatic stellate cells. These profibrogenic cells stand at the intersection between inflammation, angiogenesis and fibrosis and play also a pivotal role in angiogenesis. This review mainly focuses to give a clear view on the relevant features that communicate angiogenesis with progression of fibrosis in CLDs towards the-end point of cirrhosis that may be translated into future therapies. The pathogenesis of hepatic angiogenesis associated with portal hypertension, viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease are also discussed to emphasize the various mechanisms involved in angiogenesis during liver fibrogenesis.
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Yoshiji H, Noguchi R, Namisaki T, Moriya K, Kitade M, Aihara Y, Douhara A, Kawaratani H, Nishimura N, Fukui H. Combination of sorafenib and angiotensin-II receptor blocker attenuates preneoplastic lesion development in a non-diabetic rat model of steatohepatitis. J Gastroenterol 2014; 49:1421-9. [PMID: 24197250 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-013-0906-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 10/21/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the well-documented adverse side effects of sorafenib, many sorafenib-treated patients may need the reduced initial dose of the compound, and an alternative sorafenib-based therapy, which exerts similar clinical benefit, is anticipated. An angiostatic therapy with sorafenib is considered one of the promising approaches for chemoprevention of hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the combination effect of low dose of sorafenib and angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) on hepatocarcinogenesis, especially in conjunction with angiogenesis. METHODS The chemopreventive effect on the development of liver preneoplastic lesions, angiogenesis, and several indices was elucidated in rats. We also performed several sets of in vitro experiments to examine the mechanisms involved. RESULTS Using a non-diabetic rat model of steatohepatitis with choline deficient L-amino acid-defined diet, sorafenib demonstrated marked inhibition of preneoplastic lesions in a dose dependent manner. Combined treatment with ARB (losartan) at a clinically comparable dose and half dose of sorafenib resulted in the inhibitory effect equivalent to that of common dose of sorafenib along with suppression of hepatic neovascularization and potent angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, similar combined inhibitory outcomes were observed in several sets of in vitro studies. CONCLUSION Since the combinatorial treatment using low doses of sorafenib and ARB could sufficiently induce inhibitory effect on the development of preneoplastic lesions at the magnitude similar to the conventional dose of sorafenib, this regimen may provide new strategy for patients intolerant of the usual dose of sorafenib in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan,
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