1
|
Perocheau D, Gurung S, Touramanidou L, Duff C, Sharma G, Sebire N, Finn PF, Cavedon A, Siddiqui S, Rice L, Martini PG, Frassetto A, Baruteau J. Ex vivo precision-cut liver slices model disease phenotype and monitor therapeutic response for liver monogenic diseases. F1000Res 2024; 12:1580. [PMID: 38618017 PMCID: PMC11016166 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.142014.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In academic research and the pharmaceutical industry, in vitro cell lines and in vivo animal models are considered as gold standards in modelling diseases and assessing therapeutic efficacy. However, both models have intrinsic limitations, whilst the use of precision-cut tissue slices can bridge the gap between these mainstream models. Precision-cut tissue slices combine the advantage of high reproducibility, studying all cell sub-types whilst preserving the tissue matrix and extracellular architecture, thereby closely mimicking a mini-organ. This approach can be used to replicate the biological phenotype of liver monogenic diseases using mouse models. Methods Here, we describe an optimised and easy-to-implement protocol for the culture of sections from mouse livers, enabling its use as a reliable ex-vivo model to assess the therapeutic screening of inherited metabolic diseases. Results We show that precision-cut liver sections can be a reliable model for recapitulating the biological phenotype of inherited metabolic diseases, exemplified by common urea cycle defects such as citrullinemia type 1 and argininosuccinic aciduria, caused by argininosuccinic synthase (ASS1) and argininosuccinic lyase (ASL) deficiencies respectively. Conclusions Therapeutic response to gene therapy such as messenger RNA replacement delivered via lipid nanoparticles can be monitored, demonstrating that precision-cut liver sections can be used as a preclinical screening tool to assess therapeutic response and toxicity in monogenic liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dany Perocheau
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sonam Gurung
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Loukia Touramanidou
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Claire Duff
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Garima Sharma
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Neil Sebire
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | | | | | | | - Lisa Rice
- Moderna Inc., Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | | | - Julien Baruteau
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, England, WC1N 1EH, UK
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, WC1N 3JH, UK
- National Institute of Health Research, Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, WC1N 1EH, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tsouka S, Kumar P, Seubnooch P, Freiburghaus K, St-Pierre M, Dufour JF, Masoodi M. Transcriptomics-driven metabolic pathway analysis reveals similar alterations in lipid metabolism in mouse MASH model and human. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:39. [PMID: 38443644 PMCID: PMC10914730 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-024-00465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide, and can rapidly progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Accurate preclinical models and methodologies are needed to understand underlying metabolic mechanisms and develop treatment strategies. Through meta-analysis of currently proposed mouse models, we hypothesized that a diet- and chemical-induced MASH model closely resembles the observed lipid metabolism alterations in humans. METHODS We developed transcriptomics-driven metabolic pathway analysis (TDMPA), a method to aid in the evaluation of metabolic resemblance. TDMPA uses genome-scale metabolic models to calculate enzymatic reaction perturbations from gene expression data. We performed TDMPA to score and compare metabolic pathway alterations in MASH mouse models to human MASH signatures. We used an already-established WD+CCl4-induced MASH model and performed functional assays and lipidomics to confirm TDMPA findings. RESULTS Both human MASH and mouse models exhibit numerous altered metabolic pathways, including triglyceride biosynthesis, fatty acid beta-oxidation, bile acid biosynthesis, cholesterol metabolism, and oxidative phosphorylation. We confirm a significant reduction in mitochondrial functions and bioenergetics, as well as in acylcarnitines for the mouse model. We identify a wide range of lipid species within the most perturbed pathways predicted by TDMPA. Triglycerides, phospholipids, and bile acids are increased significantly in mouse MASH liver, confirming our initial observations. CONCLUSIONS We introduce TDMPA, a methodology for evaluating metabolic pathway alterations in metabolic disorders. By comparing metabolic signatures that typify human MASH, we show a good metabolic resemblance of the WD+CCl4 mouse model. Our presented approach provides a valuable tool for defining metabolic space to aid experimental design for assessing metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Tsouka
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pavitra Kumar
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patcharamon Seubnooch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Freiburghaus
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie St-Pierre
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jean-François Dufour
- Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centre des Maladie Digestives, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mojgan Masoodi
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Smiriglia A, Lorito N, Serra M, Perra A, Morandi A, Kowalik MA. Sex difference in liver diseases: How preclinical models help to dissect the sex-related mechanisms sustaining NAFLD and hepatocellular carcinoma. iScience 2023; 26:108363. [PMID: 38034347 PMCID: PMC10682354 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Only a few preclinical findings are confirmed in the clinic, posing a critical issue for clinical development. Therefore, identifying the best preclinical models can help to dissect molecular and mechanistic insights into liver disease pathogenesis while being clinically relevant. In this context, the sex relevance of most preclinical models has been only partially considered. This is particularly significant in NAFLD and HCC, which have a higher prevalence in men when compared to pre-menopause women but not to those in post-menopausal status, suggesting a role for sex hormones in the pathogenesis of the diseases. This review gathers the sex-relevant findings and the available preclinical models focusing on both in vitro and in vivo studies and discusses the potential implications and perspectives of introducing the sex effect in the selection of the best preclinical model. This is a critical aspect that would help to tailor personalized therapies based on sex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Smiriglia
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Nicla Lorito
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marina Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Perra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| | - Andrea Morandi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Marta Anna Kowalik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Martinez-Lopez S, Angel-Gomis E, Sanchez-Ardid E, Pastor-Campos A, Picó J, Gomez-Hurtado I. The 3Rs in Experimental Liver Disease. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2357. [PMID: 37508134 PMCID: PMC10376896 DOI: 10.3390/ani13142357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis present multiple physiological and immunological alterations that play a very important role in the development of clinically relevant secondary complications to the disease. Experimentation in animal models is essential to understand the pathogenesis of human diseases and, considering the high prevalence of liver disease worldwide, to understand the pathophysiology of disease progression and the molecular pathways involved, due to the complexity of the liver as an organ and its relationship with the rest of the organism. However, today there is a growing awareness about the sensitivity and suffering of animals, causing opposition to animal research among a minority in society and some scientists, but also about the attention to the welfare of laboratory animals since this has been built into regulations in most nations that conduct animal research. In 1959, Russell and Burch published the book "The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique", proposing that in those experiments where animals were necessary, everything possible should be done to try to replace them with non-sentient alternatives, to reduce to a minimum their number, and to refine experiments that are essential so that they caused the least amount of pain and distress. In this review, a comprehensive summary of the most widely used techniques to replace, reduce, and refine in experimental liver research is offered, to assess the advantages and weaknesses of available experimental liver disease models for researchers who are planning to perform animal studies in the near future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Martinez-Lopez
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan, Spain
| | - Enrique Angel-Gomis
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan, Spain
| | - Elisabet Sanchez-Ardid
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Patología Digestiva, Institut de Recerca IIB-Sant Pau, Hospital de Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Pastor-Campos
- Oficina de Investigación Responsable, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Joanna Picó
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Gomez-Hurtado
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, 03550 Sant Joan, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pon'kina DA, Kuranov SO, Marenina MK, Meshkova YV, Zhukova NA, Khvostov MV, Luzina OA, Tolstikova TG, Salakhutdinov NF. Bornyl-Containing Derivatives of Benzyloxyphenylpropanoic Acid as FFAR1 Agonists: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1670. [PMID: 37376118 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15061670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Several classes of hypoglycemic drugs are used to treat it, but various side effects limit their clinical use. Consequently, the search for new anti-diabetic agents remains an urgent task for modern pharmacology. In this investigation, we examined the hypoglycemic effects of bornyl-containing benzyloxyphenylpropanoic acid derivatives (QS-528 and QS-619) in a diet-induced model of T2DM. Animals were given the tested compounds per os at a dose of 30 mg/kg for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, compound QS-619 demonstrated a hypoglycemic effect, while QS-528 showed hepatoprotection. In addition, we performed a number of in vitro and in vivo experiments to study the presumed mechanism of action of the tested agents. Compound QS-619 was determined to activate the free fatty acid receptor-1 (FFAR1) similarly to the reference agonist GW9508 and its structural analogue QS-528. Both agents also increased insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide concentrations in CD-1 mice. Our results indicate that QS-619 and QS-528 are probably full FFAR1 agonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darya A Pon'kina
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9, Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey O Kuranov
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9, Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Mariya K Marenina
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9, Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Yulia V Meshkova
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9, Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nataliya A Zhukova
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9, Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Mikhail V Khvostov
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9, Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Olga A Luzina
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9, Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Tatiana G Tolstikova
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9, Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nariman F Salakhutdinov
- N. N. Vorozhtsov Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 9, Akademika Lavrentieva Ave., Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Golfetto Miskiewicz IC, Cho HC, Lee JI, Lee J, Lee Y, Lee YK, Choi SH. Effect of atorvastatin on lipoxygenase pathway-related gene expression in an in vitro model of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. FEBS Open Bio 2023; 13:606-616. [PMID: 36637998 PMCID: PMC10068306 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid accumulation in hepatocytes can result from an imbalance between lipid acquisition and lipid catabolism. In recent years, it has been discovered that eicosanoids derived from arachidonic acid (AA) have the potential to create specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators to actively resolve inflammation, but it is not clear whether AA and lipoxygenases exert effects on hepatic inflammation. Here, the effects of atorvastatin on the expression of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and lipoxygenase pathway genes (ALOX5, ALOX12, ALOX15, and ALOX15B) were evaluated in an in vitro model of palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatocyte lipid accumulation in McA-RH7777 (McA) cells. Palmitic acid increased cPLA2 expression, intracellular AA levels, and ALOX12 expression (P < 0.05). Atorvastatin at various concentrations had no significant effects on AA levels or on cPLA2, ALOX15, and ALOX15B expressions. ALOX5 was not detected, despite multiple measurements. Pro-inflammatory IL-1β expression levels were upregulated by PA (P < 0.01) and attenuated by atorvastatin (P < 0.001). TNFα did not differ among groups. The expression levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 decreased in response to PA (P < 0.05), but were not affected by atorvastatin. In conclusion, in an in vitro model of lipid accumulation in McA cells, atorvastatin reduced IL-1β; however, its effect was not mediated by AA and the lipoxygenase pathway at the established doses and treatment duration. Further research is required to investigate time-response data, as well as other drugs and integrated cell systems that could influence the lipoxygenase pathway and modulate inflammation in liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivanna Carolina Golfetto Miskiewicz
- Translational Medicine Department, Seoul National University, South Korea.,Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - Hyen Chung Cho
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - Ji In Lee
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - Jihye Lee
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - Yenna Lee
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Lee
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea
| | - Sung Hee Choi
- Translational Medicine Department, Seoul National University, South Korea.,Laboratory of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, South Korea.,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Shedding light on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Pathogenesis, molecular mechanisms, models, and emerging therapeutics. Life Sci 2022; 312:121185. [PMID: 36375569 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder globally impacting an estimated 25% of the population associated with severe consequences such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and overall mortality. Fatty liver disease is triggered through multiple pathways, but the most prominent cause is either diabetes or obesity, or a combination of both. Therefore, hepatic glucose, insulin and fatty acid signaling becomes a dire need to understand which is well elaborated in this review. This review summarizes the popular two-hit pathogenesis of NAFLD, the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatic insulin resistance. As fatty liver disease gets advanced, it requires in-vitro as well as in-vivo models closer to disease progression in humans for better understanding the pathological state and identifying a novel therapeutic target. This review summarizes in-vitro (2D cell-culture/co-culture, 3D spheroid/organoid/liver-on-a-chip) models as well as in-vivo (genetically/dietary/chemically induced fatty liver disease) research models. Fatty liver disease research has gathered lots of attention recently since there is no FDA approved therapy available so far. However, there have been numerous promising targets to treat fatty liver disease including potential therapeutic targets under clinical trials are listed in this review.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bathish B, Robertson H, Dillon JF, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Hayes JD. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and mechanisms by which it is ameliorated by activation of the CNC-bZIP transcription factor Nrf2. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 188:221-261. [PMID: 35728768 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.06.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents a global health concern. It is characterised by fatty liver, hepatocyte cell death and inflammation, which are associated with lipotoxicity, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, iron overload and oxidative stress. NF-E2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that combats oxidative stress. Remarkably, Nrf2 is downregulated during the development of NASH, which probably accelerates disease, whereas in pre-clinical studies the upregulation of Nrf2 inhibits NASH. We now review the scientific literature that proposes Nrf2 downregulation during NASH involves its increased ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation, mediated by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and/or β-transducin repeat-containing protein (β-TrCP) and/or HMG-CoA reductase degradation protein 1 (Hrd1, also called synoviolin (SYVN1)). Additionally, downregulation of Nrf2-mediated transcription during NASH may involve diminished recruitment of coactivators by Nrf2, due to increased levels of activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65, or competition for promoter binding due to upregulation of BTB and CNC homology 1 (Bach1). Many processes that downregulate Nrf2 are triggered by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), with oxidative stress amplifying its signalling. Oxidative stress may also increase suppression of Nrf2 by β-TrCP through facilitating formation of the DSGIS-containing phosphodegron in Nrf2 by glycogen synthase kinase-3. In animal models, knockout of Nrf2 increases susceptibility to NASH, while pharmacological activation of Nrf2 by inducing agents that target Keap1 inhibits development of NASH. These inducing agents probably counter Nrf2 downregulation affected by β-TrCP, Hrd1/SYVN1, ATF3, NF-κB p65 and Bach1, by suppressing oxidative stress. Activation of Nrf2 is also likely to inhibit NASH by ameliorating lipotoxicity, inflammation, ER stress and iron overload. Crucially, pharmacological activation of Nrf2 in mice in which NASH has already been established supresses liver steatosis and inflammation. There is therefore compelling evidence that pharmacological activation of Nrf2 provides a comprehensive multipronged strategy to treat NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boushra Bathish
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
| | - Holly Robertson
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK
| | - John D Hayes
- Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Division of Cellular Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 9SY, Scotland, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kandhi R, Variya B, Ramanathan S, Ilangumaran S. An improved method for isolation and flow cytometric characterization of intrahepatic leukocytes from fatty and fibrotic liver tissues. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 306:1011-1030. [PMID: 35848859 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Flow cytometry is an imperative tool to characterize alterations in a wide range of immune cell populations during inflammatory conditions and disease states that affect the liver such as the obesity-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis. Identification and quantification of immune cell subsets from the liver is critically dependent on efficient isolation of intrahepatic leukocytes. The isolation of leukocytes from fatty and fibrotic livers and processing the cells for flow cytometry can be challenging with respect to cell yields, purity and most importantly, the level of autofluorescence resulting from fat deposition. Here, we describe an efficient method for isolating intrahepatic leukocytes from mice fed with high fat diet and propose a strategy to alleviate autofluorescence during phenotyping by multicolor flowcytometry. We also describe a gating strategy for robust identification of granulocytes, pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and transitional state monocyte subsets, dendritic cells, B cell, T lymphocyte subpopulations and NK cell subsets. Overall, the procedures described here will allow simultaneous processing of several samples while ensuring reproducible cell isolation and efficient noise reduction required for reliable characterization of intrahepatic leukocytes from the fatty liver tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Kandhi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Bhavesh Variya
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Faccioli LA, Dias ML, Paranhos BA, dos Santos Goldenberg RC. Liver cirrhosis: An overview of experimental models in rodents. Life Sci 2022; 301:120615. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
11
|
Best Practices and Progress in Precision-Cut Liver Slice Cultures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137137. [PMID: 34281187 PMCID: PMC8267882 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-five years ago, precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) were described as a promising tool and were expected to become the standard in vitro model to study liver disease as they tick off all characteristics of a good in vitro model. In contrast to most in vitro models, PCLS retain the complex 3D liver structures found in vivo, including cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, and therefore should constitute the most reliable tool to model and to investigate pathways underlying chronic liver disease in vitro. Nevertheless, the biggest disadvantage of the model is the initiation of a procedure-induced fibrotic response. In this review, we describe the parameters and potential of PCLS cultures and discuss whether the initially described limitations and pitfalls have been overcome. We summarize the latest advances in PCLS research and critically evaluate PCLS use and progress since its invention in 1985.
Collapse
|
12
|
Cariello M, Piccinin E, Moschetta A. Transcriptional Regulation of Metabolic Pathways via Lipid-Sensing Nuclear Receptors PPARs, FXR, and LXR in NASH. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 11:1519-1539. [PMID: 33545430 PMCID: PMC8042405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease comprises a wide spectrum of liver injuries from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is defined when liver steatosis is associated with inflammation, hepatocyte damage, and fibrosis. A genetic predisposition and environmental insults (ie, dietary habits, obesity) are putatively responsible for NASH progression. Here, we present the impact of the lipid-sensing nuclear receptors in the pathogenesis and treatment of NASH. In detail, we discuss the pros and cons of the putative transcriptional action of the fatty acid sensors (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), the bile acid sensor (farnesoid X receptor), and the oxysterol sensor (liver X receptors) in the pathogenesis and bona fide treatment of NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marica Cariello
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Piccinin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Moschetta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro," Bari, Italy; National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy; Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Nakamoto K, Tokuyama S. [Involvement of the Free Fatty Acid Receptor GPR120/FFAR4 in the Development of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2020; 139:1169-1175. [PMID: 31474633 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.19-00011-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the pathological accumulation of fat in the liver in the absence of any other disease related to liver steatosis, which includes a wide spectrum ranging from mild asymptomatic fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. However, the pathogenesis of NASH has not been established. In this study, we investigated the involvement of the G-protein-coupled receptor 120/free fatty acid receptor 4 (GPR120/FFAR4) in the pathogenesis of NASH. Mice fed a 0.1% methionine- and choline-deficient l-amino acid-defined, high-fat (CDAHF) diet showed a significant increase in plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, fatty deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and slight fibrosis. Docosahexanoic acid (DHA, a GPR120/FFAR4 agonist) suppressed the inflammatory cytokines in hepatic tissues and prevented liver fibrosis. On the other hand, GPR120/FFAR4-deficient CDAHF-fed mice showed increments in the number of hepatic crown-like structures and immunoreactivity to F4/80-positive cells compared with wild-type mice. Furthermore, the levels of hepatic TNF-α mRNA expression increased in GPR120-deficient mice. These findings suggest that the GPR120/FFAR4-mediating system could be a key signaling pathway to prevent the development of NASH. In this review, we describe our recent data showing that GPR120/FFAR4 could be a therapeutic target in NASH/NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Nakamoto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutucal Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University
| | - Shogo Tokuyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutucal Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Luo Y, Yang P, Li Z, Luo Y, Shen J, Li R, Zheng H, Liang Y, Xia N. Liraglutide Improves Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease In Diabetic Mice By Modulating Inflammatory Signaling Pathways. Drug Des Devel Ther 2019; 13:4065-4074. [PMID: 31819375 PMCID: PMC6896910 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s224688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many chronic metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), are closely related to a chronic low-grade inflammatory state in tissues. The high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with T2DM is related to the role of inflammation in the disease. In this study, we investigated the role of liraglutide in improving lipid metabolism disorders and preventing their progression to NAFLD by modulating inflammatory signaling pathways, thereby providing new treatment options for NAFLD. METHODS We designed a 2×2 factorial analysis experiment. A mouse model of NAFLD with T2DM was established by feeding the animals a high-fat diet (HFD). The NAFLD mice with HFD-induced diabetes were treated with liraglutide for 10 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Oil Red O staining and electron microscopy were used to observe the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to analyze the expression of α-SMA, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB and the NF-κB inhibitory protein IκB in the liver at the gene and protein levels, respectively. RESULTS Liraglutide reduced the body weight and fasting blood glucose levels of HFD-fed mice. The expression of α-SMA, IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB in the liver of HFD-fed mice was increased at the mRNA and protein levels, but liraglutide treatment decreased the expression of these molecules. The expression of IκB in the liver decreased at the mRNA and protein levels but was upregulated after liraglutide treatment. CONCLUSION Based on the current findings, liraglutide can significantly improve hepatic steatosis, primarily by downregulating the expression of inflammatory signaling mediators in the TNF-α pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Luo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pijian Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengming Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunchen Luo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Shen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruwen Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Zheng
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuzhen Liang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning Xia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhao Y, Yu Y, Li H, Li M, Zhang D, Guo D, Yu X, Lu C, Wang H. The Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Biochemical Markers in Beijing Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16224557. [PMID: 31752150 PMCID: PMC6887991 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To describe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescents and its association with several MetS-related biochemical markers. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was carried out and data were extracted from the Nutrition and Health Surveillance in Primary and Secondary school students of Beijing (NHSPSB) 2017. Participants were aged 10-15 years old. MetS was diagnosed using the recommended criteria for Chinese adolescents. The associations among MetS, biochemical biomarkers, and socioeconomic status were estimated by multivariable linear regression. Results: The prevalence of MetS in adolescents in Beijing was 3% in the total sample, 4% in boys, and 2% in girls. Moreover, the prevalence of MetS in the overweight and obesity populations were 5% and 12% respectively. The prevalence of MetS remained higher in boys than in girls. The concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum uric acid (SUA), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were higher in the MetS children in comparison with non-MetS children (All p < 0.05), while the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration was lower in MetS children. After adjusting for socioeconomic parameters in the multivariable regression model, MetS was strongly associated with ALT, SUA, HDL, and LDL. The five components of MetS indicated that abdominal obesity and a high serum triglyceride (TG) concentration were tightly linked with ALT, SUA, LDL, and CRP; while a low HDL concentration and elevated blood pressure were related to enhanced ALT, UA, and CRP. Additionally, impaired fasting glucose was only related to increased ALT. Conclusion: The epidemiological issues of MetS in Beijing adolescents should be known across socioeconomic classes. Early intervention strategies, such as dietary pattern interventions and physical excise, should be designed for that population to reduce the disease burdens of cardiovascular disease (CVD), Type 2 diabetes (T2D), and steatohepatitis in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing100013, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (H.L.); (D.G.); (X.Y.)
- Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Yingjie Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing100013, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (H.L.); (D.G.); (X.Y.)
- Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing100013, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (H.L.); (D.G.); (X.Y.)
- Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Mingying Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Xicheng District, Beijing 100013, China;
| | - Dongran Zhang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Fangshan District, Beijing 100013, China;
| | - Dandan Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing100013, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (H.L.); (D.G.); (X.Y.)
- Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Xiaohui Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Beijing100013, China; (Y.Z.); (Y.Y.); (H.L.); (D.G.); (X.Y.)
- Beijing Research Center for Preventive Medicine, Beijing 100013, China
| | - Ce Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No.101 Longmian Ave, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, China;
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No.101 Longmian Ave, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, China;
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +86-025-86868291; Fax: +86-025-86868499
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Yang P, Liang Y, Luo Y, Li Z, Wen Y, Shen J, Li R, Zheng H, Gu HF, Xia N. Liraglutide ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in diabetic mice via the IRS2/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2019; 12:1013-1021. [PMID: 31308717 PMCID: PMC6614831 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s206867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: High prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among patients with type 2 diabetes has implicated the role of hepatic insulin resistance (IR) in the diseases. To better understand the underlying mechanism, we have evaluated the pathophysiological effects of Liraglutide on NAFLD via the insulin signaling pathway. Patients and methods: A 2×2 factorial experiment was designed. High-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD mice with diabetes were treated with Liraglutide for 10 weeks, while the control mice were saline-treated. Hepatic expressions of InsR, IGF-1R, IRS2, PI3K and Akt at mRNA and protein levels were analyzed with RT-PCR and Western blotting. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Oil Red O staining and electron microscopy were used to visualize triglyceride accumulation in liver. Results: Liraglutide significantly decreased body weight, fasting blood glucose levels and HOMA-IR scores in HFD mice. Compared with the control mice fed with chow diet, hepatic expressions of InsR, IRS2, PI3K and Akt at both mRNA and protein levels in HFD mice were significantly reduced, but upregulated after Liraglutide treatment. Furthermore, Liraglutide treatment was found to improve hepatic steatosis. Conclusion: The current study thereby provides evidence that Liraglutide ameliorates NAFLD and improves hepatic steatosis mainly by upregulation of the IRS2/PI3K/Akt signaling mediators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pijian Yang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuzhen Liang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yunchen Luo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhengming Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yumei Wen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Shen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruwen Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hua Zheng
- Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Harvest F Gu
- Center for Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing210009People’s Republic of China
| | - Ning Xia
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Ning XiaDepartment of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning530021, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 771 280 2380Email
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Marunaka Y. The Proposal of Molecular Mechanisms of Weak Organic Acids Intake-Induced Improvement of Insulin Resistance in Diabetes Mellitus via Elevation of Interstitial Fluid pH. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19103244. [PMID: 30347717 PMCID: PMC6214001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood contains powerful pH-buffering molecules such as hemoglobin (Hb) and albumin, while interstitial fluids have little pH-buffering molecules. Thus, even under metabolic disorder conditions except severe cases, arterial blood pH is kept constant within the normal range (7.35~7.45), but the interstitial fluid pH under metabolic disorder conditions becomes lower than the normal level. Insulin resistance is one of the most important key factors in pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus, nevertheless the molecular mechanism of insulin resistance occurrence is still unclear. Our studies indicate that lowered interstitial fluid pH occurs in diabetes mellitus, causing insulin resistance via reduction of the binding affinity of insulin to its receptor. Therefore, the key point for improvement of insulin resistance occurring in diabetes mellitus is development of methods or techniques elevating the lowered interstitial fluid pH. Intake of weak organic acids is found to improve the insulin resistance by elevating the lowered interstitial fluid pH in diabetes mellitus. One of the molecular mechanisms of the pH elevation is that: (1) the carboxyl group (R-COO−) but not H+ composing weak organic acids in foods is absorbed into the body, and (2) the absorbed the carboxyl group (R-COO−) behaves as a pH buffer material, elevating the interstitial fluid pH. On the other hand, high salt intake has been suggested to cause diabetes mellitus; however, the molecular mechanism is unclear. A possible mechanism of high salt intake-caused diabetes mellitus is proposed from a viewpoint of regulation of the interstitial fluid pH: high salt intake lowers the interstitial fluid pH via high production of H+ associated with ATP synthesis required for the Na+,K+-ATPase to extrude the high leveled intracellular Na+ caused by high salt intake. This review article introduces the molecular mechanism causing the lowered interstitial fluid pH and insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus, the improvement of insulin resistance via intake of weak organic acid-containing foods, and a proposal mechanism of high salt intake-caused diabetes mellitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Marunaka
- Research Institute for Clinical Physiology, Kyoto Industrial Health Association, Kyoto 604-8472, Japan.
- Research Center for Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Development Science, Research Organization of Science and Technology, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu 525-8577, Japan.
- Department of Molecular Cell Physiology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan.
- Japan Institute for Food Education and Health, St. Agnes' University, Kyoto 602-8013, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Karatzas T, Sikalias N, Mantas D, Papalois A, Alexiou K, Mountzalia L, Kouraklis G. Histopathological changes and onset of severe hepatic steatosis in rats fed a choline-free diet. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:1735-1742. [PMID: 30186395 PMCID: PMC6122429 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic steatosis significantly increases morbidity and mortality associated with major liver surgery. Several rodent models of hepatic steatosis have been previously reported, which aimed to investigate the effect of various pharmaceutical agents and interventional procedures on the pathophysiology of steatotic liver. The aim of the present study was to investigate the time frame of severe hepatic steatosis in rats after they were fed a choline-free diet and any associated histopathological changes. The duration of feeding with a choline-free diet required to develop severe hepatic steatosis was investigated in Wistar rats. The severity of hepatic steatosis in liver specimens was evaluated at 8, 10, 12 and 14 weeks following the onset of the choline-free diet. Comparisons were made with rats receiving standardized laboratory food. Feeding rats for 12–13 weeks with a choline-free diet led to 66% fatty liver infiltration, which exceeded 68% after 14 weeks. Prior to 8 weeks, the fatty infiltration reached 43%, with a gradual increase revealing a stronger rate from 8–12 weeks and a gradual decline after 14 weeks. At 12–13 weeks the fatty infiltration was considered representative of severe hepatic steatosis. Macrovesicular fatty infiltration revealed a significant increase at a steady rate between 8 and 14 weeks, with evidence of the onset of lobular inflammation and steatohepatitis after 14 weeks of feeding with the choline-free diet. Microvesicular fatty infiltration demonstrated a lower growth rate between 8 and 12 weeks while maintaining a steady rate between 12 and 14 weeks. Mixed fatty infiltration maintained its steady rate of hepatic parenchyma from 8.8–9.5%. Rats fed with the standard laboratory diet did not demonstrate fatty infiltration >4.5%, so they did not develop hepatic steatosis. Developing an ideal model of hepatic steatosis is a particular challenge. The findings of the present study indicate that severe hepatic steatosis in rodents may lead to the development of steatohepatitis after feeding with a choline-free diet for at least 14 weeks. This model is of particular interest in experimental liver surgery and associated surgical maneuvers, and is easily reproducible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theodore Karatzas
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Laikon' General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Sikalias
- Department of Surgery, Sismanogleion General Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Mantas
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Laikon' General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Gregory Kouraklis
- Second Department of Propaedeutic Surgery, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Laikon' General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kondo Y, Ishigami A. Involvement of senescence marker protein-30 in glucose metabolism disorder and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 16 Suppl 1:4-16. [PMID: 27018279 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30) was found to decrease in the liver, kidneys and lungs of mice during aging. SMP30 is a pleiotropic protein that acts to protect cells from apoptosis by enhancing plasma membrane Ca(2+) -pump activity and is bona fide gluconolactonase (EC 3.1.1.17) that participates in the penultimate step of the vitamin C biosynthetic pathway. For the past several years, we have obtained strong evidence showing the close relationship between SMP30, glucose metabolism disorder and non-alchoholic fatty liver disease in experiments with SMP30 knockout mice. Emerging proof links the following abnormalities: (i) the reduction of SMP30 by aging and/or excessive dietary fat or genetic deficiency causes a loss of Ca(2+) pumping activity, which impairs acute insulin release in pancreatic β-cells, initiates inflammatory responses with oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in non-alchoholic steatohepatitis, exacerbates renal tubule damage, and introduces tubulointerstitial inflammation and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy; (ii) vitamin C insufficiency also impairs acute insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells by a mechanism distinct from that of the SMP30 deficiency; and (iii) the increased oxidative stress by concomitant deficiencies of SMP30, superoxide dismutase 1 and vitamin C similarly causes hepatic steatosis. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of SMP30 in glucose metabolism disorder and non-alchoholic fatty liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Kondo
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihito Ishigami
- Molecular Regulation of Aging, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gogiashvili M, Edlund K, Gianmoena K, Marchan R, Brik A, Andersson JT, Lambert J, Madjar K, Hellwig B, Rahnenführer J, Hengstler JG, Hergenröder R, Cadenas C. Metabolic profiling of ob/ob mouse fatty liver using HR-MAS 1H-NMR combined with gene expression analysis reveals alterations in betaine metabolism and the transsulfuration pathway. Anal Bioanal Chem 2016; 409:1591-1606. [PMID: 27896396 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-016-0100-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic perturbations resulting from excessive hepatic fat accumulation are poorly understood. Thus, in this study, leptin-deficient ob/ob mice, a mouse model of fatty liver disease, were used to investigate metabolic alterations in more detail. Metabolites were quantified in intact liver tissues of ob/ob (n = 8) and control (n = 8) mice using high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) 1H-NMR. In addition, after demonstrating that HR-MAS 1H-NMR does not affect RNA integrity, transcriptional changes were measured by quantitative real-time PCR on RNA extracted from the same specimens after HR-MAS 1H-NMR measurements. Importantly, the gene expression changes obtained agreed with those observed by Affymetrix microarray analysis performed on RNA isolated directly from fresh-frozen tissue. In total, 40 metabolites could be assigned in the spectra and subsequently quantified. Quantification of lactate was also possible after applying a lactate-editing pulse sequence that suppresses the lipid signal, which superimposes the lactate methyl resonance at 1.3 ppm. Significant differences were detected for creatinine, glutamate, glycine, glycolate, trimethylamine-N-oxide, dimethylglycine, ADP, AMP, betaine, phenylalanine, and uridine. Furthermore, alterations in one-carbon metabolism, supported by both metabolic and transcriptional changes, were observed. These included reduced demethylation of betaine to dimethylglycine and the reduced expression of genes coding for transsulfuration pathway enzymes, which appears to preserve methionine levels, but may limit glutathione synthesis. Overall, the combined approach is advantageous as it identifies changes not only at the single gene or metabolite level but also deregulated pathways, thus providing critical insight into changes accompanying fatty liver disease. Graphical abstract A Evaluation of RNA integrity before and after HR-MAS 1H-NMR of intact mouse liver tissue. B Metabolite concentrations and gene expression levels assessed in ob/ob (steatotic) and ob/+ (control) mice using HR-MAS 1H-NMR and qRT-PCR, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mikheil Gogiashvili
- Leibniz Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Strasse 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany.
| | - Karolina Edlund
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Kathrin Gianmoena
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rosemarie Marchan
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Alexander Brik
- Institute for Prevention and Occupational Medicine of the German Social Accident Insurance (IPA), Institute of the Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, 44789, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan T Andersson
- Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, University of Münster, Corrensstrasse 30, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jörg Lambert
- Leibniz Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Strasse 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Katrin Madjar
- Faculty of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Mathematics Building, 44221, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Birte Hellwig
- Faculty of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Mathematics Building, 44221, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jörg Rahnenführer
- Faculty of Statistics, TU Dortmund University, Mathematics Building, 44221, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Roland Hergenröder
- Leibniz Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS e.V., Bunsen-Kirchhoff-Strasse 11, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Cristina Cadenas
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), Ardeystrasse 67, 44139, Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Adi N, Adi J, Lassance-Soares RM, Kurlansky P, Yu H, Webster KA. High protein/fish oil diet prevents hepatic steatosis in NONcNZO10 mice; association with diet/genetics-regulated micro-RNAs. JOURNAL OF DIABETES & METABOLISM 2016; 7:676. [PMID: 28529818 PMCID: PMC5436721 DOI: 10.4172/2155-6156.1000676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE NONcNZO10 (NZ10) mice are predisposed to obesity and develop type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hepatic steatosis even when maintained on a control diet (CD) of 6% fat. Studies were designed to determine whether this extreme susceptibility phenotype could be alleviated by diet and if so the molecular targets of diet. METHODS NZ10 and SWR/J (SWR) control mice were fed a CD or a test diet of high protein and fish oil (HPO) for 19 weeks and then analyzed for steatosis, blood chemistry, hepatic gene and micro-RNA expression. RESULTS HPO diet prevented steatosis, significantly increased serum adiponectin and reduced serum cholesterol and triglycerides only in NZ10 mice. The HPO diet repressed hepatic expression of fatty acid metabolic regulators including PPAR-γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-c1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1, fatty acid synthase, fatty acid binding protein-4, and apolipoprotein A4 genes only in NZ10 mice. Also repressed by a HPO diet were adiponectinR2 receptor, leptin-R, PPAR-α, pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isoforms 2 and 4, AKT2 and GSK3β. Micro-RNA (miR) arrays identified miRs that were diet and/or genetics regulated. QRTPCR confirmed increased expression of miR-205 and suppression of a series of miRs including miRs-411, 155, 335 and 21 in the NZ10-HPO group, each of which are implicated in the progression of diabetes and/or steatosis. Evidence is presented that miR-205 co-regulates with PPARγ and may regulate fibrosis and EMT during the progression of steatosis in the livers of NZ10-CD mice. The dietary responses of miR-205 are tissue-specific with opposite effects in adipose and liver. CONCLUSION The results confirm that a HPO diet overrides the genetic susceptibility of NZ10 mice and this correlates with the suppression of key genes and perhaps micro-RNAs involved in hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and inflammation including master PPAR regulators, adiponectin and leptin receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Adi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
- Vascular Biology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Jennipher Adi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
- Vascular Biology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - Roberta Marques Lassance-Soares
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
- Vascular Biology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | | | - Hong Yu
- Vascular Biology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
- Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, College of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Keith A. Webster
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
- Vascular Biology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xu H, Zhou Y, Liu Y, Ping J, Shou Q, Chen F, Ruo R. Metformin improves hepatic IRS2/PI3K/Akt signaling in insulin-resistant rats of NASH and cirrhosis. J Endocrinol 2016; 229:133-44. [PMID: 26941037 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis are strongly associated with insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. To date, the influence of metformin on glycogen synthesis in the liver is controversial. Limited studies have evaluated the effect of metformin on hepatic insulin signaling pathway in vivo In this study, an insulin-resistant rat model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis was developed by high-fat and high-sucrose diet feeding in combination with subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride. Liver tissues of the model rats were featured with severe steatosis and cirrhosis, accompanied by impaired liver function and antioxidant capacity. The glucose tolerance was impaired, and the index of insulin resistance was increased significantly compared with the control. The content of hepatic glycogen was dramatically decreased. The expression of insulin receptor β (IRβ); phosphorylations of IRβ, insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2), and Akt; and activities of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and glycogen synthase (GS) in the liver were significantly decreased, whereas the activities of glycogen synthase kinase 3α (GSK3α) and glycogen phosphorylase a (GPa) were increased. Metformin treatment remarkably improved liver function, alleviated lipid peroxidation and histological damages of the liver, and ameliorated glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Metfromin also significantly upregulated the expression of IRβ; increased the phosphorylations of IRβ, IRS2, and Akt; increased the activities of PI3K and GS; and decreased GSK3α and GPa activities. In conclusion, our study suggests that metformin upregulates IRβ expression and the downstream IRS2/PI3K/Akt signaling transduction, therefore, to increase hepatic glycogen storage and improve insulin resistance. These actions may be attributed to the improved liver histological alterations by metformin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyHangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Liver Cirrhosis SectionDepartment of Hepatology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China Institute of Liver DiseasesShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongxia Liu
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryHangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Ping
- Liver Cirrhosis SectionDepartment of Hepatology, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China Institute of Liver DiseasesShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiyang Shou
- Experimental Animal Research CenterZhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fangming Chen
- Experimental Animal Research CenterZhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ru Ruo
- Department of PathologyHangzhou Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dietrich CG, Götze O, Geier A. Molecular changes in hepatic metabolism and transport in cirrhosis and their functional importance. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:72-88. [PMID: 26755861 PMCID: PMC4698509 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is the common endpoint of many hepatic diseases and represents a relevant risk for liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. The progress of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis is accompanied by deteriorating liver function. This review summarizes the regulatory and functional changes in phase I and phase II metabolic enzymes as well as transport proteins and provides an overview regarding lipid and glucose metabolism in cirrhotic patients. Interestingly, phase I enzymes are generally downregulated transcriptionally, while phase II enzymes are mostly preserved transcriptionally but are reduced in their function. Transport proteins are regulated in a specific way that resembles the molecular changes observed in obstructive cholestasis. Lipid and glucose metabolism are characterized by insulin resistance and catabolism, leading to the disturbance of energy expenditure and wasting. Possible non-invasive tests, especially breath tests, for components of liver metabolism are discussed. The heterogeneity and complexity of changes in hepatic metabolism complicate the assessment of liver function in individual patients. Additionally, studies in humans are rare, and species differences preclude the transferability of data from rodents to humans. In clinical practice, some established global scores or criteria form the basis for the functional evaluation of patients with liver cirrhosis, but difficult treatment decisions such as selection for transplantation or resection require further research regarding the application of existing non-invasive tests and the development of more specific tests.
Collapse
|
24
|
Mann JP, Semple RK, Armstrong MJ. How Useful Are Monogenic Rodent Models for the Study of Human Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:145. [PMID: 27899914 PMCID: PMC5110950 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Improving understanding of the genetic basis of human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has the potential to facilitate risk stratification of affected patients, permit personalized treatment, and inform development of new therapeutic strategies. Animal models have been widely used to interrogate the pathophysiology of, and genetic predisposition to, NAFLD. Nevertheless, considerable interspecies differences in intermediary metabolism potentially limit the extent to which results can be extrapolated to humans. For example, human genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms in PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 as the two most prevalent determinants of susceptibility to NAFLD and its inflammatory component (NASH), but animal models of these mutations have had only variable success in recapitulating this link. In this review, we critically appraise selected murine monogenic models of NAFLD, NASH, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with a focus on how closely they mirror human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jake P. Mann
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Robert K. Semple
- The University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Cambridge, UK
- The National Institute for Health Research Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- *Correspondence: Robert K. Semple,
| | - Matthew J. Armstrong
- Centre for Liver Research, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Unit, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhang TS, Qin HL, Wang T, Li HT, Li H, Xia SH, Xiang XH. Global publication trends and research hotspots of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a bibliometric analysis and systematic review. SPRINGERPLUS 2015; 4:776. [PMID: 26697286 PMCID: PMC4678134 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-015-1542-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
With the globally increasing prevalence, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) becomes the predominant cause of chronic liver disease. A global look at the publication trends and the research hotspots of NAFLD are urgently needed to assess the situation of NAFLD research. The global scientific research in the Science Citation Index-Expanded covered articles relevant to NAFLD was retrieved and its bibliometric parameters and research hotspots of NAFLD were systematically evaluated. To sum up, 6356 articles were published in 994 different journals covering 93 SCI subject categories during 1986–2013, in which English was the most predominant language used. Starting from the late 1980s, the publication on NAFLD grew slowly and entered into a highly developing period in the 21st century, especially in the last decade. Besides hepatic steatosis, metabolic syndrome and its combination of symptoms such as obesity, insulin resistance are listed as the top frequent keywords. Bibliometric results suggest that the obviously rapid growth of the articles in recent years appears to be associated with the accelerating incidence of NAFLD and its cofactors such as metabolic syndrome. In addition, epidemiology focusing on comparing different regions and population is attracting ever-growing attention. Meantime, pathology plays an important role in NAFLD research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tong-Shuo Zhang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, 220 Chenglin Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300162 China
| | - Hua-Lei Qin
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, 220 Chenglin Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300162 China
| | - Tong Wang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, 220 Chenglin Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300162 China
| | - Hai-Tao Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, 220 Chenglin Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300162 China
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, 220 Chenglin Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300162 China
| | - Shi-Hai Xia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, 220 Chenglin Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300162 China
| | - Xiao-Hui Xiang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Splenic Medicine, Affiliated Hospital, Logistics University of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, 220 Chenglin Road, Hedong District, Tianjin, 300162 China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Associated with the obesity epidemic, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the leading liver disease in North America. Approximately 30 % of patients with NAFLD may develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Frequently animal models are used to help identify underlying factors contributing to NAFLD including insulin resistance, dysregulated lipid metabolism and mitochondrial stress. However, studying the inflammatory, progressive nature of NASH in the context of obesity has proven to be a challenge in mice. Although the development of effective treatment strategies for NAFLD and NASH is gaining momentum, the field is hindered by a lack of a concise animal model that reflects the development of liver disease during obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Therefore, selecting an animal model to study NAFLD or NASH must be done carefully to ensure the optimal application. The most widely used animal models have been reviewed highlighting their advantages and disadvantages to studying NAFLD and NASH specifically in the context of obesity.
Collapse
|
27
|
Novel role of TLR4 in NAFLD development: Modulation of metabolic enzymes expression. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2015; 1851:1353-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
28
|
Nakagawa H. Recent advances in mouse models of obesity- and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:2110-2118. [PMID: 26301053 PMCID: PMC4539404 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i17.2110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer, and obesity has been established as a risk factor for HCC development. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is apparently the key link between obesity and hepatocarcinogenesis, and obesity also accelerates HCC development synergistically with other risk factors, such as hepatitis virus infection and alcohol consumption. As an explanation for the pathogenesis of NASH, the so-called “two-hit” theory has been widely accepted, but recently, a better model, the so-called “multiple-hits hypothesis” was proposed, which states that many disease-promoting factors may occur in parallel, rather than consecutively. However, the overall mechanism remains largely unknown. Various cell-cell and organ-organ interactions are involved in the pathogenesis of NASH, and thus appropriate in vivo disease models are essential for a deeper understanding. However, replicating the full spectrum of human NASH has been difficult, as NASH involves obesity, insulin resistance, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and ultimately HCC, and the lack of an appropriate mouse model has been a considerable barrier to determining the missing links among obesity, NASH, and HCC. In recent years, several innovative mouse models presenting obesity- and NASH-associated HCC have been established by modified diets, chemotoxic agents, genetic manipulation, or a combination of these factors, shedding some light on this complex network and providing new therapeutic strategies. Thus, in this paper, I review the mouse models of obesity- and NASH-associated HCC, especially focusing on recent advances and their clinical relevance.
Collapse
|
29
|
CHO JINKYUNG, KIM SHINUK, LEE SHINHO, KANG HYUNSIK. Effect of Training Intensity on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2015; 47:1624-34. [DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000000595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
30
|
Van De Wier B, Koek GH, Bast A, Haenen GRMM. The potential of flavonoids in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2015; 57:834-855. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2014.952399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
31
|
Amrutkar M, Cansby E, Nuñez-Durán E, Pirazzi C, Ståhlman M, Stenfeldt E, Smith U, Borén J, Mahlapuu M. Protein kinase STK25 regulates hepatic lipid partitioning and progression of liver steatosis and NASH. FASEB J 2015; 29:1564-76. [PMID: 25609431 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-264937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease, and 10% to 20% of NAFLD patients progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The molecular pathways controlling progression to NAFLD/NASH remain poorly understood. We recently identified serine/threonine protein kinase 25 (STK25) as a regulator of whole-body insulin and glucose homeostasis. This study investigates the role of STK25 in liver lipid accumulation and NASH. Stk25 transgenic mice challenged with a high-fat diet displayed a dramatic increase in liver steatosis and hepatic insulin resistance compared to wild-type siblings. Focal fibrosis, hepatocellular damage, and inflammation were readily seen in transgenic but not wild-type livers. Transgenic livers displayed reduced β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion, while lipid uptake and synthesis remained unchanged. STK25 was associated with lipid droplets, colocalizing with the main hepatic lipid droplet-coating protein adipose differentiation-related protein, the level of which was increased 3.8 ± 0.7-fold in transgenic livers (P < 0.01), while a key hepatic lipase, adipose triacylglycerol lipase, was translocated from the lipid droplets surface to the cytoplasm, providing the likely mechanism underlying the effect of STK25. In summary, STK25 is a lipid droplet-associated protein that promotes NAFLD through control of lipid release from the droplets for β-oxidation and triacylglycerol secretion. STK25 also drives pathogenesis of NASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Amrutkar
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emmelie Cansby
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Esther Nuñez-Durán
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carlo Pirazzi
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elin Stenfeldt
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ulf Smith
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jan Borén
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Margit Mahlapuu
- *Lundberg Laboratory for Diabetes Research, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, and Wallenberg Laboratory, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Green CJ, Pramfalk C, Morten KJ, Hodson L. From whole body to cellular models of hepatic triglyceride metabolism: man has got to know his limitations. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2015; 308:E1-20. [PMID: 25352434 PMCID: PMC4281685 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00192.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The liver is a main metabolic organ in the human body and carries out a vital role in lipid metabolism. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases, encompassing a spectrum of conditions from simple fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) through to cirrhosis. Although obesity is a known risk factor for hepatic steatosis, it remains unclear what factor(s) is/are responsible for the primary event leading to retention of intrahepatocellular fat. Studying hepatic processes and the etiology and progression of disease in vivo in humans is challenging, not least as NAFLD may take years to develop. We present here a review of experimental models and approaches that have been used to assess liver triglyceride metabolism and discuss their usefulness in helping to understand the aetiology and development of NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte J Green
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford United Kingdom; and
| | - Camilla Pramfalk
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford United Kingdom; and
| | - Karl J Morten
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Leanne Hodson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford United Kingdom; and
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hölper S, Nolte H, Bober E, Braun T, Krüger M. Dissection of metabolic pathways in the Db/Db mouse model by integrative proteome and acetylome analysis. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2015; 11:908-22. [DOI: 10.1039/c4mb00490f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
An in vivo SILAC-based quantitative proteomics approach to analyse protein abundances and acetylation levels under diabetic conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Hölper
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
- 61231 Bad Nauheim
- Germany
| | - Hendrik Nolte
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
- 61231 Bad Nauheim
- Germany
| | - Eva Bober
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
- 61231 Bad Nauheim
- Germany
| | - Thomas Braun
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
- 61231 Bad Nauheim
- Germany
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research
- 61231 Bad Nauheim
- Germany
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Stojsavljević S, Gomerčić Palčić M, Virović Jukić L, Smirčić Duvnjak L, Duvnjak M. Adipokines and proinflammatory cytokines, the key mediators in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:18070-18091. [PMID: 25561778 PMCID: PMC4277948 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i48.18070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which excess fat accumulates in the liver of a patient with no history of alcohol abuse or other causes for secondary hepatic steatosis. The pathogenesis of NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has not been fully elucidated. The “two-hit“ hypothesis is probably a too simplified model to elaborate complex pathogenetic events occurring in patients with NASH. It should be better regarded as a multiple step process, with accumulation of liver fat being the first step, followed by the development of necroinflammation and fibrosis. Adipose tissue, which has emerged as an endocrine organ with a key role in energy homeostasis, is responsive to both central and peripheral metabolic signals and is itself capable of secreting a number of proteins. These adipocyte-specific or enriched proteins, termed adipokines, have been shown to have a variety of local, peripheral, and central effects. In the current review, we explore the role of adipocytokines and proinflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. We particularly focus on adiponectin, leptin and ghrelin, with a brief mention of resistin, visfatin and retinol-binding protein 4 among adipokines, and tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, and briefly IL-18 among proinflammatory cytokines. We update their role in NAFLD, as elucidated in experimental models and clinical practice.
Collapse
|
35
|
Soufi N, Hall AM, Chen Z, Yoshino J, Collier SL, Mathews JC, Brunt EM, Albert CJ, Graham MJ, Ford DA, Finck BN. Inhibiting monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 ameliorates hepatic metabolic abnormalities but not inflammation and injury in mice. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:30177-88. [PMID: 25213859 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.595850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in hepatic lipid metabolism and insulin action are believed to play a critical role in the etiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase (MGAT) enzymes convert monoacylglycerol to diacylglycerol, which is the penultimate step in one pathway for triacylglycerol synthesis. Hepatic expression of Mogat1, which encodes an MGAT enzyme, is increased in the livers of mice with hepatic steatosis, and knocking down Mogat1 improves glucose metabolism and hepatic insulin signaling, but whether increased MGAT activity plays a role in the etiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is unclear. To examine this issue, mice were placed on a diet containing high levels of trans fatty acids, fructose, and cholesterol (HTF-C diet) or a low fat control diet for 4 weeks. Mice were injected with antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to knockdown Mogat1 or a scrambled ASO control for 12 weeks while remaining on diet. The HTF-C diet caused glucose intolerance, hepatic steatosis, and induced hepatic gene expression markers of inflammation, macrophage infiltration, and stellate cell activation. Mogat1 ASO treatment, which suppressed Mogat1 expression in liver and adipose tissue, attenuated weight gain, improved glucose tolerance, improved hepatic insulin signaling, and decreased hepatic triacylglycerol content compared with control ASO-treated mice on HTF-C chow. However, Mogat1 ASO treatment did not reduce hepatic diacylglycerol, cholesterol, or free fatty acid content; improve histologic measures of liver injury; or reduce expression of markers of stellate cell activation, liver inflammation, and injury. In conclusion, inhibition of hepatic Mogat1 in HTF-C diet-fed mice improves hepatic metabolic abnormalities without attenuating liver inflammation and injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - James C Mathews
- Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Elizabeth M Brunt
- Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Carolyn J Albert
- the Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, and
| | - Mark J Graham
- ISIS Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, California 92008
| | - David A Ford
- the Edward A. Doisy Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63104, and
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Guo B, Li Z. Endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatic steatosis and inflammatory bowel diseases. Front Genet 2014; 5:242. [PMID: 25120559 PMCID: PMC4110625 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2014.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
As an adaptive response to the overloading with misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER stress plays critical roles in maintaining protein homeostasis in the secretory pathway to avoid damage to the host. Such a conserved mechanism is accomplished through three well-orchestrated pathways known collectively as unfolded protein response (UPR). Persistent and pathological ER stress has been implicated in a variety of diseases in metabolic, inflammatory, and malignant conditions. Furthermore, ER stress is directly linked with inflammation through UPR pathways, which modulate transcriptional programs to induce the expression of inflammatory genes. Importantly, the inflammation induced by ER stress is directly responsible for the pathogenesis of metabolic and inflammatory diseases. In this review, we will discuss the potential signaling pathways connecting ER stress with inflammation. We will also depict the interplay between ER stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis, inflammatory bowel diseases and colitis-associated colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beichu Guo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SCUSA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SCUSA
| | - Zihai Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SCUSA
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SCUSA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kucera O, Cervinkova Z. Experimental models of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:8364-8376. [PMID: 25024595 PMCID: PMC4093690 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i26.8364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the Western world, and it persists at a high prevalence. NAFLD is characterised by the accumulation of triglycerides in the liver and includes a spectrum of histopathological findings, ranging from simple fatty liver through non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis and ultimately cirrhosis, which may progress to hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is closely related to the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Understanding the pathophysiology and treatment of NAFLD in humans has currently been limited by the lack of satisfactory animal models. The ideal animal model for NAFLD should reflect all aspects of the intricate etiopathogenesis of human NAFLD and the typical histological findings of its different stages. Within the past several years, great emphasis has been placed on the development of an appropriate model for human NASH. This paper reviews the widely used experimental models of NAFLD in rats. We discuss nutritional, genetic and combined models of NAFLD and their pros and cons. The choice of a suitable animal model for this disease while respecting its limitations may help to improve the understanding of its complex pathogenesis and to discover appropriate therapeutic strategies. Considering the legislative, ethical, economical and health factors of NAFLD, animal models are essential tools for the research of this disease.
Collapse
|
38
|
Herbal medicines for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: current scenario and future prospects. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:648308. [PMID: 24987431 PMCID: PMC4060323 DOI: 10.1155/2014/648308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a multifactorial disease and has close correlations with other metabolic disorders. This makes its treatment difficult using a single pharmacological drug. Use of plant extract/decoction or polyherbal formulation to treat various liver diseases is very well mentioned in various traditional systems of medicine (Ayurveda, Japanese or traditional Chinese Medicine, and Kampo medicine). Medicinal herbs are known for their multifaceted implications and thus can form an effective treatment schedule against NASH. Till date, several plant extracts, polyherbal formulations, and phytochemicals have been evaluated for their possible therapeutic potential in preventing onset and progression of NASH in experimental models, but clinical studies using the same are sparse. Herbal extracts with antioxidants, antidiabetic, and antihyperlipidemic properties have been shown to ameliorate symptoms of NASH. This review article is a meticulous compilation of our current knowledge on the role of natural products in alleviating NASH and possible lacunae in research that needs to be addressed.
Collapse
|
39
|
Modeling progressive non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the laboratory mouse. Mamm Genome 2014; 25:473-86. [PMID: 24802098 PMCID: PMC4164843 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-014-9521-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the world and its prevalence is rising. In the absence of disease progression, fatty liver poses minimal risk of detrimental health outcomes. However, advancement to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) confers a markedly increased likelihood of developing severe liver pathologies, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, organ failure, and cancer. Although a substantial percentage of NAFLD patients develop NASH, the genetic and molecular mechanisms driving this progression are poorly understood, making it difficult to predict which patients will ultimately develop advanced liver disease. Deficiencies in mechanistic understanding preclude the identification of beneficial prognostic indicators and the development of effective therapies. Mouse models of progressive NAFLD serve as a complementary approach to the direct analysis of human patients. By providing an easily manipulated experimental system that can be rigorously controlled, they facilitate an improved understanding of disease development and progression. In this review, we discuss genetically- and chemically-induced models of NAFLD that progress to NASH, fibrosis, and liver cancer in the context of the major signaling pathways whose disruption has been implicated as a driving force for their development. Additionally, an overview of nutritional models of progressive NAFLD is provided.
Collapse
|
40
|
DeBosch BJ, Chen Z, Saben JL, Finck BN, Moley KH. Glucose transporter 8 (GLUT8) mediates fructose-induced de novo lipogenesis and macrosteatosis. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:10989-10998. [PMID: 24519932 PMCID: PMC4036240 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.527002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the world, and it is thought to be the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Excess dietary fructose causes both metabolic syndrome and NAFLD in rodents and humans, but the pathogenic mechanisms of fructose-induced metabolic syndrome and NAFLD are poorly understood. GLUT8 (Slc2A8) is a facilitative glucose and fructose transporter that is highly expressed in liver, heart, and other oxidative tissues. We previously demonstrated that female mice lacking GLUT8 exhibit impaired first-pass hepatic fructose metabolism, suggesting that fructose transport into the hepatocyte, the primary site of fructose metabolism, is in part mediated by GLUT8. Here, we tested the hypothesis that GLUT8 is required for hepatocyte fructose uptake and for the development of fructose-induced NAFLD. We demonstrate that GLUT8 is a cell surface-localized transporter and that GLUT8 overexpression or GLUT8 shRNA-mediated gene silencing significantly induces and blocks radiolabeled fructose uptake in cultured hepatocytes. We further show diminished fructose uptake and de novo lipogenesis in fructose-challenged GLUT8-deficient hepatocytes. Finally, livers from long term high-fructose diet-fed GLUT8-deficient mice exhibited attenuated fructose-induced hepatic triglyceride and cholesterol accumulation without changes in hepatocyte insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation. GLUT8 is thus essential for hepatocyte fructose transport and fructose-induced macrosteatosis. Fructose delivery across the hepatocyte membrane is thus a proximal, modifiable disease mechanism that may be exploited to prevent NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian J DeBosch
- From the Departments of Pediatrics, University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Zhouji Chen
- Departments of Medicine, and University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Jessica L Saben
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Brian N Finck
- Departments of Medicine, and University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Kelle H Moley
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wada T, Miyashita Y, Sasaki M, Aruga Y, Nakamura Y, Ishii Y, Sasahara M, Kanasaki K, Kitada M, Koya D, Shimano H, Tsuneki H, Sasaoka T. Eplerenone ameliorates the phenotypes of metabolic syndrome with NASH in liver-specific SREBP-1c Tg mice fed high-fat and high-fructose diet. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 305:E1415-25. [PMID: 24129399 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00419.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Because the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system has been implicated in the development of insulin resistance and promotion of fibrosis in some tissues, such as the vasculature, we examined the effect of eplerenone, a selective mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist, on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and metabolic phenotypes in a mouse model reflecting metabolic syndrome in humans. We adopted liver-specific transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing the active form of sterol response element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) fed a high-fat and fructose diet (HFFD) as the animal model in the present study. When wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 and liver-specific SREBP-1c Tg mice grew while being fed HFFD for 12 wk, body weight and epididymal fat weight increased in both groups with an elevation in blood pressure and dyslipidemia. Glucose intolerance and insulin resistance were also observed. Adipose tissue hypertrophy and macrophage infiltration with crown-like structure formation were also noted in mice fed HFFD. Interestingly, the changes noted in both genotypes fed HFFD were significantly ameliorated with eplerenone. HFFD-fed Tg mice exhibited the histological features of NASH in the liver, including macrovesicular steatosis and fibrosis, whereas HFFD-fed WT mice had hepatic steatosis without apparent fibrotic changes. Eplerenone effectively ameliorated these histological abnormalities. Moreover, the direct suppressive effects of eplerenone on lipopolysaccharide-induced TNFα production in the presence and absence of aldosterone were observed in primary-cultured Kupffer cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages. These results indicated that eplerenone prevented the development of NASH and metabolic abnormalities in mice by inhibiting inflammatory responses in both Kupffer cells and macrophages.
Collapse
|
42
|
Bhattacharjee J, Kumar JM, Arindkar S, Das B, Pramod U, Juyal RC, Majumdar SS, Nagarajan P. Role of immunodeficient animal models in the development of fructose induced NAFLD. J Nutr Biochem 2013; 25:219-26. [PMID: 24445047 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2013.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cellular and humoral immunity had been implicated in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was designed to assess if T, B and natural killer (NK) cells are involved in the progress of NAFLD in mouse models after chronic fructose treatment. Mouse models that are deficient in either T cells, B cells or NK cells or lacking both T and B cells were fed with 30% fructose solution for 12 weeks. Typical features of NAFLD, including the relative body weight, food and water intake, biochemical analytes, liver histology, NAFLD activity score, and glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance test were characterized. Further, the percentage of CD3, B220 and NK cells in peripheral-blood mononuclear cell, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay, immunodetection for hepatic apoptosis (p53) and for inflammation (TNFα) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for putative and inflammatory genes involved were determined. Our results conclude that mice deficient in T cells or NK cells fail to develop fructose induced NAFLD whereas the immunocompetent mice and mice with B-cell-specific defect developed NAFLD. Taken together, these data support that the onset of fructose-induced NAFLD is associated with involvement of T cells and NK cells in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jashdeep Bhattacharjee
- Experimental Animal Facility, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi - 100 067, India
| | | | - Shailendra Arindkar
- Experimental Animal Facility, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi - 100 067, India
| | - Barun Das
- Experimental Animal Facility, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi - 100 067, India
| | - Upadhyay Pramod
- Experimental Animal Facility, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi - 100 067, India
| | - Ramesh C Juyal
- Experimental Animal Facility, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi - 100 067, India
| | - Subeer S Majumdar
- Experimental Animal Facility, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi - 100 067, India
| | - Perumal Nagarajan
- Experimental Animal Facility, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi - 100 067, India.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Tarantino G, Finelli C. Pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis: The link between hypercortisolism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:6735-6743. [PMID: 24187449 PMCID: PMC3812473 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i40.6735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on the available literature, non alcoholic fatty liver disease or generally speaking, hepatic steatosis, is more frequent among people with diabetes and obesity, and is almost universally present amongst morbidly obese diabetic patients. Non alcoholic fatty liver disease is being increasingly recognized as a common liver condition in the developed world, with non alcoholic steatohepatitis projected to be the leading cause of liver transplantation. Previous data report that only 20% of patients with Cushing’s syndrome have hepatic steatosis. Aiming at clarifying the reasons whereby patients suffering from Cushing’s syndrome - a condition characterized by profound metabolic changes - present low prevalence of hepatic steatosis, the Authors reviewed the current concepts on the link between hypercortisolism and obesity/metabolic syndrome. They hypothesize that this low prevalence of fat accumulation in the liver of patients with Cushing’s syndrome could result from the inhibition of the so-called low-grade chronic-inflammation, mainly mediated by Interleukin 6, due to an excess of cortisol, a hormone characterized by an anti-inflammatory effect. The Cushing’s syndrome, speculatively considered as an in vivo model of the hepatic steatosis, could also help clarify the mechanisms of non alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Collapse
|
44
|
Bouzianas DG, Bouziana SD, Hatzitolios AI. Potential treatment of human nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nutr Rev 2013; 71:753-71. [PMID: 24148001 DOI: 10.1111/nure.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disorder in the Western world. Its prevalence has increased with the growing obesity epidemic, yet no definitive treatment has been developed, and optimal management remains a clinical challenge. Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have recently been proposed as a potential treatment for liver inflammation associated with fat accumulation. PubMed literature and the ClinicalTrials.gov database were reviewed for the effects of omega-3 PUFA treatment on NAFLD, from mechanisms to the results of preclinical studies, human studies, and unreported ongoing clinical trials, using terms such as NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, omega-3 fatty acids, and fish oil. Articles published over the last 3-4 years were emphasized, and relevancy was ensured by scanning their abstracts. Preliminary studies have confirmed an ameliorative effect, yet the translation of promising early data into therapeutic interventions will have to await the results of larger, properly conducted, ongoing clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios G Bouzianas
- First Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Greece
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
DeBoer MD, Wiener RC, Barnes BH, Gurka MJ. Ethnic differences in the link between insulin resistance and elevated ALT. Pediatrics 2013; 132:e718-26. [PMID: 23940240 PMCID: PMC3876752 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2012-3584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) exhibits tight links with insulin resistance (IR) and the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic black adolescents have more IR but a lower prevalence of NAFLD and MetS. Our hypothesis was that IR would be a better predictor of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations than is MetS among non-Hispanic blacks. METHODS We analyzed data from 4124 adolescents aged 12 to 19 years in the 1999 to 2010 NHANES, using unexplained elevations in ALT (>30 U/L) to characterize presumed NAFLD and using a pediatric adaptation of the Adult Treatment Panel III definition of MetS. RESULTS Prevalence of elevated ALT varied by race/ethnicity (Hispanics 13.7%, non-Hispanic white 8.6%, non-Hispanic blacks 5.4%, P < .0001). Among non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics, a classification of MetS performed well in identifying adolescents with elevated ALT (odds ratios [ORs] 9.53 and 5.56, respectively), as did MetS-related indices. However, among non-Hispanic blacks, the association between MetS and ALT elevations was smaller in magnitude and technically nonsignificant (OR = 3.24, P = .051). Furthermore, among non-Hispanic blacks, the presence of IR and elevated waist circumference performed more poorly at identifying ALT elevations (ORs 3.93 and 2.28, respectively: significantly smaller than ORs for non-Hispanic whites, P < .05), with triglyceride elevations being a better predictor (OR = 4.44). CONCLUSIONS Non-Hispanic black adolescents exhibit a lower relationship between IR and elevated ALT, supporting racial/ethnic differences in the link between MetS and NAFLD. These data may have implications regarding triggers for screening for NAFLD among non-Hispanic black adolescents, focusing particularly on those with triglyceride elevations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. DeBoer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | | | - Barrett H. Barnes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia; and
| | - Matthew J. Gurka
- Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Arindkar S, Bhattacharjee J, Kumar JM, Das B, Upadhyay P, Asif S, Juyal RC, Majumdar SS, Perumal N. Antigen peptide transporter 1 is involved in the development of fructose-induced hepatic steatosis in mice. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013; 28:1403-9. [PMID: 23488792 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The purpose of this study is to assess whether the decrease in CD8 cells has any role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we therefore used antigen peptide transporter 1 (TAP1(-/-)) mice that cannot transport major histocompatibility complex class I antigens onto the cell surface resulting in failure of the generation of CD8 cells. METHODS Wild-type C57Bl/6J and TAP1(-/-) mice were fed with 30% fructose solution for 8 weeks. The percentage of CD4, CD8 cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and liver were sorted by fluorescence-activated cell sorting in both control and fructose-treated mice. Bodyweight, histopathological changes, oil red O staining, glucose tolerance test, intraperitoneal insulin tolerance test, serum levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were also evaluated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the expression of specific genes involved in development of fatty changes in the liver. RESULTS Chronic consumption of fructose in TAP1(-/-) mice did not develop NAFLD, insulin resistance, or change in level of CD8 cells. Moreover, there was delay in relative expression levels of genes involved in development of NAFLD in fructose-treated TAP1(-/-) mice. CONCLUSION Taken together, the data suggest that TAP1(-/-) -deficient mice displayed reduced levels of CD8 cells that have a vital role in the initiation and propagation of liver inflammation and is a casual role in the beginning of fructose-induced liver damage as well as insulin resistance in mice.
Collapse
|
47
|
Gautam S, Agarwal C, Banerjee M. Study of CI962235 (Ins1361A), rs3212018 (16 bp del) and rs1049673 (G>C) CD36 Gene Polymorphisms in T2DM Patients of North India. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCES 2013. [DOI: 10.3923/jms.2013.439.445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
48
|
Zadeh ES, Lungu AO, Cochran EK, Brown RJ, Ghany MG, Heller T, Kleiner DE, Gorden P. The liver diseases of lipodystrophy: the long-term effect of leptin treatment. J Hepatol 2013; 59:131-7. [PMID: 23439261 PMCID: PMC3924897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Lipodystrophies are hypoleptinemic conditions characterized by fat loss, severe insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, and ectopic fat accumulation. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are also features of this condition. We studied the spectrum of liver disease in lipodystrophy and the effects of leptin replacement. METHODS This was an open-label, prospective study of leptin therapy in patients with inherited and acquired lipodystrophy at the National Institutes of Health. Liver biopsies were performed at baseline (N=50) and after leptin replacement (N=27). NASH activity was assessed using the NASH Clinical Research Network (CRN) scoring system. Fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, hemoglobin A1c and liver enzymes were measured at baseline and at the time of the final liver biopsy. RESULTS In leptin-treated patients, 86% met criteria for NASH at baseline, while only 33% had NASH after leptin replacement for 25.8 ± 3.7 months (mean ± SE, p=0.0003). There were significant improvements in steatosis grade (reduction of mean score from 1.8 to 0.9) and ballooning injury scores (from 1.2 to 0.4), with a 44.2% reduction in mean NAFLD activity score (p<0.0001). Patients who already had fibrosis remained stable on leptin replacement. We observed significant improvement in metabolic profile, ALT and AST. In addition to NASH, four patients with acquired generalized lipodystrophy (AGL) had autoimmune hepatitis. CONCLUSIONS The fundamental liver disease of lipodystrophy is NASH, although autoimmune hepatitis was observed in some patients with AGL. Leptin appears to be a highly effective therapy for NASH in hypoleptinemic lipodystrophic patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elika Safar Zadeh
- Diabetes Endocrinology and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Andreea O. Lungu
- Diabetes Endocrinology and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Elaine K. Cochran
- Diabetes Endocrinology and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Rebecca J. Brown
- Diabetes Endocrinology and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Marc G. Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Theo Heller
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - David E. Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Phillip Gorden
- Diabetes Endocrinology and Obesity Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Asaoka Y, Terai S, Sakaida I, Nishina H. The expanding role of fish models in understanding non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dis Model Mech 2013; 6:905-14. [PMID: 23720231 PMCID: PMC3701210 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.011981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which excessive fat accumulates in the liver of an individual who has not consumed excessive alcohol. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe form of NAFLD, can progress to hepatic cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD is considered to be a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, and its incidence has risen worldwide in lockstep with the increased global prevalence of obesity. Over the last decade, rodent studies have yielded an impressive list of molecules associated with NAFLD and NASH pathogenesis. However, the identification of currently unknown metabolic factors using mammalian model organisms is inefficient and expensive compared with studies using fish models such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) and medaka (Oryzias latipes). Substantial advances in unraveling the molecular pathogenesis of NAFLD have recently been achieved through unbiased forward genetic screens using small fish models. Furthermore, these easily manipulated organisms have been used to great advantage to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of various chemical compounds for the treatment of NAFLD. In this Review, we summarize aspects of NAFLD (specifically focusing on NASH) pathogenesis that have been previously revealed by rodent models, and discuss how small fish are increasingly being used to uncover factors that contribute to normal hepatic lipid metabolism. We describe the various types of fish models in use for this purpose, including those generated by mutation, transgenesis, or dietary or chemical treatment, and contrast them with rodent models. The use of small fish in identifying novel potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of NAFLD and NASH is also addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Asaoka
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Feng RN, Sun GD, Zhao Y, Guo FC, Sun CH. Alcohol consumption and fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2013; 19:2129-2130. [PMID: 23599638 PMCID: PMC3623996 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i13.2129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2012] [Accepted: 03/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hamaguchi et al recently reported some interesting observations on alcohol consumption and risk of fatty liver disease from a large population. However, we feel that it might be necessary to discuss some concerns in this study. As the alcohol consumption categorization was defined by the same criteria in both men and women, which might affect their results. As another factor is soft drinks consumption. It has been proved that soft drinks, especially fructose, contributes to the development of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, this confounding factor was not adjusted or discussed in this article. The third is the genetic background, for some genetic factors are related with the development of fatty liver disease, which was also not considered yet.
Collapse
|