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Chen W, Peng W, Wang R, Bai S, Cao M, Xiong S, Li Y, Yang Y, Liang J, Liu L, Yazdani HO, Zhao Y, Cheng B. Exosome-derived tRNA fragments tRF-GluCTC-0005 promotes pancreatic cancer liver metastasis by activating hepatic stellate cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:102. [PMID: 38291031 PMCID: PMC10827722 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06482-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Early metastasis is the primary factor in the very poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), with liver metastasis being the most common form of distant metastasis in PDAC. To investigate the mechanism of PDAC liver metastasis, we found that PDAC cells can promote the formation of pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) through exosomes to facilitate liver metastasis in the early stage. In our study, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with PDAC-derived exosomes (PDAC-exo), and the activation of HSCs was detected. A novel transfer RNA-derived fragment, the tRF-GluCTC-0005 was obtained by small RNA sequencing from serum exosomes of PDAC patients. Bioinformatics analysis and RNA pull-down assays revealed the interaction between WDR1 and tRF-GluCTC-0005. A KPC transgenic mouse model and an AAV-mediated sh-WDR1 mouse model were used to detect the mechanism of liver metastasis in vivo. Finally, the dual luciferase reporter assay, protein mutation truncation assay, Co-IP assay, and flow cytometry assay were used to explore the molecular mechanism in HSCs activation and PMNs formation. We found that the tRF-GluCTC-0005 in exosomes binds to the 3' untranslated region of the mRNA of the WDRl in HSCs and increases mRNA stability. The N-terminals of WDR1 bind to the YAP protein directly, inhibit YAP phosphorylation, and promote the expression of YAP transcription factors. The tRF-GluCTC-0005 in PDAC-exo significantly recruits myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the liver, creating a PMNs immunosuppressive microenvironment and further advancing liver metastasis from PDAC. Our results suggest that the key of PDAC liver metastasis is the activation of HSCs through upregulation of WDR1 by tRF-GluCTC-0005 in exosomes, which mediates the infiltration of MDSCs to form PMNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wang Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ronghua Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Shuya Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Mengdie Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si Xiong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yilei Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jingwen Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Luyao Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hamza O Yazdani
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Yuchong Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Bin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Mik P, Barannikava K, Surkova P. Biased Quantification of Rat Liver Fibrosis-Meta-Analysis with Practical Recommendations and Clinical Implications. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5072. [PMID: 37568474 PMCID: PMC10420125 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155072] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
For liver fibrosis assessment, the liver biopsy is usually stained with Masson's trichrome (MT) or picrosirius red (PSR) to quantify liver connective tissue (LCT) for fibrosis scoring. However, several concerns of such semiquantitative assessments have been raised, and when searching for data on the amount of LCT in healthy rats, the results vastly differ. Regarding the ongoing reproducibility crisis in science, it is necessary to inspect the results and methods, and to design an unbiased and reproducible method of LCT assessment. We searched the Medline database using search terms related to liver fibrosis, LCT and collagen, rat strains, and staining methods. Our search identified 74 eligible rat groups in 57 studies. We found up to 170-fold differences in the amount of LCT among healthy Wistar and Sprague-Dawley rats, with significant differences even within individual studies. Biased sampling and quantification probably caused the observed differences. In addition, we also found incorrect handling of liver fibrosis scoring. Assessment of LCT using stereological sampling methods (such as systematic uniform sampling) would provide us with unbiased data. Such data could eventually be used not only for the objective assessment of liver fibrosis but also for validation of noninvasive methods of the assessment of early stages of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Mik
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Biomedical Center and Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Katsiaryna Barannikava
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Polina Surkova
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 76, 323 00 Pilsen, Czech Republic
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Liu HD, Wang SW. Role of noncoding RNA in the pathophysiology and treatment of intrauterine adhesion. Front Genet 2022; 13:948628. [PMID: 36386826 PMCID: PMC9650223 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.948628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is one of the most common diseases of the reproductive system in women. It is often accompanied by serious clinical problems that damage reproductive function, such as menstrual disorder, infertility, or recurrent abortion. The clinical effect of routine treatment is not ideal, and the postoperative recurrence rate is still very high. Therefore, exploring the pathological mechanism of IUA and finding new strategies for the effective prevention and treatment of IUA are needed. The main pathological mechanism of IUA is endometrial fibrosis and scar formation. Noncoding RNA (ncRNA) plays an important role in the fibrosis process, which is one of the latest research advances in the pathophysiology of IUA. Moreover, the exosomal miRNAs derived from mesenchymal stem cells can be used to improve IUA. This paper reviewed the role of ncRNAs in IUA pathogenesis, summarized the core pathways of endometrial fibrosis regulated by ncRNAs, and finally introduced the potential of ncRNAs as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Dong Liu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shao-Wei Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Shao-Wei Wang,
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Wang Y, Wu C, Zhou J, Fang H, Wang J. Overexpression of estrogen receptor β inhibits cellular functions of human hepatic stellate cells and promotes the anti-fibrosis effect of calycosin via inhibiting STAT3 phosphorylation. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 23:77. [PMID: 36207725 PMCID: PMC9541055 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-022-00617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is the major ER subtype in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Previously we reported phytoestrogen calycosin suppressed liver fibrosis progression and inhibited HSC-T6 cell functions, suggesting the effects may be related to ERβ. Here, we explore the effect of overexpressed ERβ on human HSCs and the role of ERβ in pharmacological action of calycosin. METHODS LX-2 cells were transfected with lentivirus to overexpress ERβ. In the presence or absence of overexpressed ERβ, the effects of ERβ and calycosin on proliferation, migration, activation, collagen production and degradation of TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cells and the role of ERβ in the inhibition effect of calycosin were investigated. LX-2 cells overexpressed with ERβ or treated with ER non-selective antagonist ICI182,780 were used to investigate the regulation of ERβ on JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. CCK-8 method was used to screen effective doses of calycosin and investigate cell proliferation. The cell migration was detected by transwell chamber assay. The expression of α-SMA was detected by immunofluorescence and western blot. The protein expressions of Col-I, MMP1, TIMP1, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3 and p-STAT3 were detected by western blot. RESULTS ERβ overexpressed lentivirus was successfully transfected into LX-2 cells with high efficiency. Overexpressed ERβ or calycosin alone inhibited the TGF-β1-induced LX-2 cell proliferation and migration, downregulated the protein expressions of α-SMA, Col-I, TIMP-1, p-STAT3 and upregulated MMP-1. Both overexpressed ERβ and calycosin had no significant effect on JAK2, p-JAK2 and STAT3 expressions. ERβ overexpression further enhanced the above effects of calycosin. However, after the cells were treated with ICI182,780, downregulation of STAT3 phosphorylation induced by calycosin was reversed. CONCLUSIONS ERβ mediated the inhibition of major functions of LX-2 cell possibly by inhibiting the phosphorylation of STAT3, and was an important pathway through which calycosin exerted anti-liver fibrosis effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, NO.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Canyan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, NO.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jiahui Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, NO.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China
| | - Haiming Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, NO.678 Furong Road, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, China.
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences of Anhui Medical University, NO.81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui Province, China.
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Xu L, Yuan Y, Che Z, Tan X, Wu B, Wang C, Xu C, Xiao J. The Hepatoprotective and Hepatotoxic Roles of Sex and Sex-Related Hormones. Front Immunol 2022; 13:939631. [PMID: 35860276 PMCID: PMC9289199 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.939631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Most liver diseases, including acute liver injury, drug-induced liver injury, viral hepatitis, metabolic liver diseases, and end-stage liver diseases, are strongly linked with hormonal influences. Thus, delineating the clinical manifestation and underlying mechanisms of the “sexual dimorphism” is critical for providing hints for the prevention, management, and treatment of those diseases. Whether the sex hormones (androgen, estrogen, and progesterone) and sex-related hormones (gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin) play protective or toxic roles in the liver depends on the biological sex, disease stage, precipitating factor, and even the psychiatric status. Lifestyle factors, such as obesity, alcohol drinking, and smoking, also drastically affect the involving mechanisms of those hormones in liver diseases. Hormones deliver their hepatic regulatory signals primarily via classical and non-classical receptors in different liver cell types. Exogenous sex/sex-related hormone therapy may serve as a novel strategy for metabolic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. However, the undesired hormone-induced liver injury should be carefully studied in pre-clinical models and monitored in clinical applications. This issue is particularly important for menopause females with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and transgender populations who want to receive gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). In conclusion, basic and clinical studies are warranted to depict the detailed hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic mechanisms of sex/sex-related hormones in liver disease. Prolactin holds a promising perspective in treating metabolic and advanced liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaodi Che
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhi Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cunchuan Wang
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengfang Xu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chengfang Xu, ; Jia Xiao,
| | - Jia Xiao
- Clinical Medicine Research Institute, Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Chengfang Xu, ; Jia Xiao,
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Montefusco D, Jamil M, Maczis MA, Schroeder W, Levi M, Ranjit S, Allegood J, Bandyopadhyay D, Retnam R, Spiegel S, Cowart LA. Sphingosine Kinase 1 Mediates Sexual Dimorphism in Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of NASH. Mol Metab 2022; 62:101523. [PMID: 35671973 PMCID: PMC9194589 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are more likely to progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis than women. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this dimorphism is unclear. We have previously shown that mice with global deletion of SphK1, the enzyme that produces the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), were protected from development of NASH. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of hepatocyte-specific SphK1 in development of NASH and to compare its contribution to hepatosteatosis in male and female mice. RESULTS We generated hepatocyte-specific SphK1 knockout mice (SphK1-hKO). Unlike the global knockout, SphK1-hKO male mice were not protected from diet-induced steatosis, inflammation, or fibrogenesis. In contrast, female SphK1-hKO mice were protected from inflammation. Surprisingly, however, in these female mice, there was a ∼10-fold increase in the fibrosis markers Col1α1 and 2-3 fold induction of alpha smooth muscle actin and the pro-fibrotic chemokine CCL5. Because increased fibrosis in female SphK1-hKO mice occurred despite an attenuated inflammatory response, we investigated the crosstalk between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells, central players in fibrosis. We found that estrogen stimulated release of S1P from female hepatocytes preventing TGFβ-induced expression of Col1α1 in HSCs via S1PR3. CONCLUSIONS The results revealed a novel pathway of estrogen-mediated cross-talk between hepatocytes and HSCs that may contribute to sex differences in NAFLD through an anti-fibrogenic function of the S1P/S1PR3 axis. This pathway is susceptible to pharmacologic manipulation, which may lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Montefusco
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA.
| | - Maryam Jamil
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | - Melissa A Maczis
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | - William Schroeder
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | - Moshe Levi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, USA
| | - Suman Ranjit
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University, USA
| | - Jeremy Allegood
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | | | - Reuben Retnam
- Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Biostatistics, VA, USA
| | - Sarah Spiegel
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA
| | - L Ashley Cowart
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VA, USA; Hunter Holmes McGuire VAMC, Richmond, VA, USA
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Zhang K, Lin L, Zhu Y, Zhang N, Zhou M, Li Y. Saikosaponin d Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Negatively Regulating the ROS/NLRP3 Inflammasome Through Activating the ERβ Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:894981. [PMID: 35694250 PMCID: PMC9174603 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.894981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Saikosaponin d (SSd) has a steroidal structure and significant anti-inflammatory effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying SSd’s inhibitory effects on liver fibrosis. Methods: Wild-type and estrogen receptor knockout (ERKO) mice were treated with CCl4 to establish liver fibrosis mouse models. The effects of SSd on hepatic fibrogenesis were studied in these mouse models. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were activated by H2O2 to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms. The establishment of the models and the degrees of inflammation and liver tissue fibrosis were evaluated by detecting changes in serum liver enzymes and liver histopathology. The expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 was determined by immunohistochemistry. The expression and significance of NLRP3 inflammasome proteins were explored by RT-PCR and Western blotting analyses. The mitochondrial ROS-related indexes were evaluated by MitoSOX Red. Results: In wild-type and ERKO mice treated with CCl4, the fluorescence expression of mitochondrial ROS was up-regulated, while the mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content were decreased, suggesting that the mitochondria were damaged. In addition, the expression of NLRP3 inflammatory bodies and fibrosis markers (α-SMA, TGF-β, TIMP-1, MMP-2, and Vimentin) in liver tissue increased. Furthermore, the above indexes showed the same expression trend in activated HSCs. In addition, the peripheral serum ALT and AST levels increased in CCl4-induced liver injury model mice. And HE staining showed a large number of inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver of model mice. Picric acid-Sirius staining and Masson staining showed that there was significant collagen fibrous tissue deposition in mice liver sections. IHC and WB detection confirmed that the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 increased. Liver fibrosis scores were also elevated. Then, after SSd intervention, the expression of ROS in wild-type mice and αERKO mice decreased, mitochondrial membrane potential recovered, ATP level increased, NLRP3 inflammasome and fibrosis indexes decreased, liver enzyme levels decreased, and liver pathology showed liver inflammation. The damage and collagen deposition were significantly relieved, the expression of α-SMA and TGF-β1 was decreased, and the fibrosis score was also decreased. More importantly, the effect of SSd in alleviating liver injury and liver fibrosis had no effect on βERKO mice. Conclusion: SSd alleviated liver fibrosis by negatively regulating the ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome through activating the ERβ pathway. By establishing liver fibrosis models using wild-type and ERKO mice, we demonstrated that SSd could alleviate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome axis through activating the ERβ pathway.
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Ma JQ, Zhang YJ, Tian ZK. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects of ganoderic acid A on carbon tetrachloride induced nephrotoxicity by regulating the Trx/TrxR and JAK/ROCK pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 344:109529. [PMID: 34029542 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ganoderic acid A (GAA), one of the major triterpenoid components extracted from Ganoderma mushroom has been shown to possess numerous important pharmacological activities. The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms of GAA on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced kidney inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress in mice. The male mice were treated with 25 and 50 mg/mg GAA after stimulated with CCl4. Our results showed that GAA improved renal damage by decreasing the serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and alleviating kidney fibrosis. GAA ameliorated CCl4-induced indices of inflammation. GAA suppressed oxidative stress by regulating the glutathione antioxidant system and the thioredoxin antioxidant system. GAA increased the activations of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), Trx, GSH, SOD, GPx. Furthermore, GAA supplementation inhibited the JAK and STAT3 pathway. GAA inhibited the activations of RhoA, ROCK, NF-κB, TGF-β and Smad3. Thus, this study demonstrated that GAA possesses immune-protective properties through regulating the Trx/TrxR, JAK2/STAT3 and RhoA/ROCK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Qiong Ma
- School of Chemistry Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, No. 180, Huixing Road, 643000, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Yu-Jia Zhang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, No.101, Shanghai Road, Tongshan New Area, 221116, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Zhi-Kai Tian
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, No.101, Shanghai Road, Tongshan New Area, 221116, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR China
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9
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Novel therapeutics for portal hypertension and fibrosis in chronic liver disease. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 215:107626. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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10
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Koyuncuoğlu T, Yıldırım A, Dertsiz EK, Yüksel M, Ercan F, Yeğen BÇ. Estrogen receptor agonists protect against acetaminophen-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Life Sci 2020; 263:118561. [PMID: 33045213 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Acetaminophen-induced hepatorenal toxicity varies among sexes with controversial results among species. The aim was to compare the impact of sex and ovarian hormones on hepatorenal toxicity and to elucidate protective effects of estrogen and estrogen receptor (ER) agonists. MAIN METHODS Under anesthesia, female rats underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or sham-OVX. Starting at postsurgical 40th day, OVX-rats received subcutaneously (each, 1 mg/kg/day) 17β-estradiol (E2), ERβ-agonist (DPN) or ERα-agonist (PPT) for 10 days, while male and sham-OVX rats received vehicle for 10 days. Then, rats received either acetaminophen (3 g/kg) or saline by orogastric gavage and were decapitated at 24th h. Blood samples were obtained to measure serum ALT, AST, BUN, creatinine levels. Liver and kidney samples were obtained for histopathologic examination and for analyzing levels of luminol- and lucigenin-chemiluminescence, glutathione and myeloperoxidase activity. KEY FINDINGS Compared to their control groups, levels of AST, ALT, BUN, creatinine, hepatic and renal myeloperoxidase activity and chemiluminescence levels were increased, and hepatic glutathione level was decreased in acetaminophen-administered male groups, while ALT and hepatic chemiluminescence levels were not elevated in sham-OVX-rats. Both ER-agonists and E2 reduced BUN, creatinine and reversed all oxidative parameters in renal tissues of OVX-rats. Additionally, ERα-agonist reversed all hepatic injury parameters, while ERβ-agonist elevated hepatic glutathione level. SIGNIFICANCE Acetaminophen toxicity in female rats presented with a more preserved hepatic function, while renal toxicity was not influenced by sex or by the lack of ovarian hormones. Pretreatment with estrogen or ER agonists, via their antioxidant actions, provided protective effects on acetaminophen-induced hepatorenal toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Türkan Koyuncuoğlu
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alper Yıldırım
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ekin K Dertsiz
- Department of Histology & Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Meral Yüksel
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Vocational School of Health-Related Professions, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Feriha Ercan
- Department of Histology & Embryology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Berrak Ç Yeğen
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Ren H, Li Y, Chen Y, Wang L. Endostatin attenuates PDGF-BB- or TGF-β1-induced HSCs activation via suppressing RhoA/ROCK1 signal pathways. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:285-290. [PMID: 30666090 PMCID: PMC6333321 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s191617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Aim To testify the hypothesis that endostatin exerts antifibrotic effects in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by modulating RhoA (ras homolog gene family, member A)/ROCK 1 (Rho-associated protein kinase 1) signal pathways. Materials and methods HSCs-T6 of passages 3–5 were cultured in DMEM and serum starved for 48 hours. HSCs were grouped as follows: control group, TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor β1) group, endostatin+TGF-β1 group, PDGF-BB (platelet-derived growth factor-BB) group, and endostatin+PDGF-BB group. In the PDGF-BB group, HSCs were treated with PDGF-BB (200 ng/mL) for 72 hours; in the TGF-β1 group, they were treated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) for 72 hours. In the Endostatin+TGF-β1 group or Endostatin+PDGF-BB group, HSCs were treated with TGF-β1 (10 ng/mL) or PDGF-BB (200 ng/mL) for 72 hours after pretreatment with endostatin (5 µg/mL) for 1 hour. In the control group, HSCs were only treated with serum-free DMEM for 72 hours. Collagen I was analyzed with ELISA. F-actin was detected with immunofluorescent staining. The mRNAs and proteins of α-smooth muscle actin, RhoA, and ROCK1 were analyzed by using real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB promote the proliferation of HSCs significantly at 48 and 72 hours. Endostatin inhibits the proliferation effect induced by TGF-β1 or PDGF-BB significantly (P<0.01). The expression of collagen I and F-actin was significantly upregulated in both TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB groups than in the control group (P<0.01). Both the collagen I and F-actin expression were downregulated significantly in the endostatin-treated groups (P<0.05). Endostatin significantly inhibited the upregulated expression of α-smooth muscle actin, RhoA, and ROCK1 induced by TGF-β1 or PDGF-BB (P<0.01). Conclusion These results suggested that endostatin inhibited TGF-β1- or PDGF-BB-induced fibrosis in HSCs by modulating RhoA/ROCK signal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Ren
- Department of Burns and Wound Care Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China,
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Ultrasound, Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
| | - Yan Chen
- Emergency Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China,
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310009, P.R. China
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Vilaseca M, Guixé-Muntet S, Fernández-Iglesias A, Gracia-Sancho J. Advances in therapeutic options for portal hypertension. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2018; 11:1756284818811294. [PMID: 30505350 PMCID: PMC6256317 DOI: 10.1177/1756284818811294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension represents one of the major clinical consequences of chronic liver disease, having a deep impact on patients' prognosis and survival. Its pathophysiology defines a pathological increase in the intrahepatic vascular resistance as the primary factor in its development, being subsequently aggravated by a paradoxical increase in portal blood inflow. Although extensive preclinical and clinical research in the field has been developed in recent decades, no effective treatment targeting its primary mechanism has been defined. The present review critically summarizes the current knowledge in portal hypertension therapeutics, focusing on those strategies driven by the disease pathophysiology and underlying cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Vilaseca
- Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, IDIBAPS
Biomedical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Guixé-Muntet
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of
Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, Barcelona
Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, IDIBAPS Biomedical Research Institute,
CIBEREHD, Rosselló 149, 4th floor, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Xu W, Liu P, Mu YP. Research progress on signaling pathways in cirrhotic portal hypertension. World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:335-343. [PMID: 30283796 PMCID: PMC6163134 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i10.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PHT) is an important consequence of liver cirrhosis, which can lead to complications that adversely affect a patient’s quality of life and survival, such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, and portosystemic encephalopathy. In recent years, advances in molecular biology have led to major discoveries in the pathological processes of PHT, including the signaling pathways that may be involved: PI3K-AKT-mTOR, RhoA/Rho-kinase, JAK2/STAT3, and farnesoid X receptor. However, the pathogenesis of PHT is complex and there are numerous pathways involved. Therefore, the targeting of signaling pathways for medical management is lagging. This article summarizes the progress that has been made in understanding the signaling pathways in PHT, and provides ideas for treatment of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Xu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China
- Clinical key laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China
- Clinical key laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yong-Ping Mu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Disease of the Ministry of Education, Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai 201203, China
- Clinical key laboratory of TCM of Shanghai, Shanghai 201203, China
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Zhang B, Zhang CG, Ji LH, Zhao G, Wu ZY. Estrogen receptor β selective agonist ameliorates liver cirrhosis in rats by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 33:747-755. [PMID: 28884481 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The aim of this study is to explore the roles of estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes and corresponding agonists/antagonists on the development of cirrhosis and activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). METHODS Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced cirrhotic ovariectomized rats were administered non-selective ER agonist (β-estradiol, E2), ER selective agonists (ERα agonist, propylpyrazoletriol; ERβ agonist, diarylpropionitrile [DPN]; and G-protein-coupled ER [GPER] agonist, G1), or E2 + ER selective antagonists (ERα antagonist, MPP; ERβ antagonist, PHTPP; and GPER antagonist, G15) for 12 weeks. The expression of the three ER subtypes in livers and HSCs and the effects of the drugs on hepatic fibrosis, isolated HSCs, and uteri were evaluated. RESULTS Selective ER agonists/antagonists had various effects on CCl4 -induced cirrhosis. The cirrhotic rats in the CCl4 + E2, CCl4 + DPN, CCl4 + E2 + MPP, and CCl4 + E2 + G15 groups presented reduced fibrosis scores, compared with those in the CCl4 group. The cirrhotic rats in the E2 + PHTPP group presented increased fibrosis scores that similar to those in the CCl4 group. The ovariectomized rats had enlarged uteri with increased uterus indexes after E2 administration; however, the proliferative effects of E2 were partially blocked by MPP or G15, but not PHTPP. In the in vitro study, DPN attenuated the transformation of quiescent HSCs to activated phenotype, suppressed collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin expression. DPN also suppressed platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation in cultured HSCs, which was reversed by PHTPP. CONCLUSIONS The antifibrogenic effects of estrogen were mediated by ERβ but not ERα or GPER. The ERβ selective agonist exerted a fibrosuppressive effect by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs, but did not induce uterine hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng-Gang Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin-Hua Ji
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Zhao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Chang BY, Kim DS, Kim HS, Kim SY. Evaluation of estrogenic potential by herbal formula, HPC 03 for in vitro and in vivo. Reproduction 2018; 155:105-115. [PMID: 29326134 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
HPC 03 is herbal formula that consists of extracts from Angelica gigas, Cnidium officinale Makino and Cinnamomum cassia Presl. The present study evaluated the estrogenic potential of HPC 03 by using in vitro and in vivo models. The regulatory mechanisms of HPC 03 in estrogen-dependent MCF-7 cells were assessed. HPC 03 induced the proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive MCF-7 cells, and the proliferation was blocked by the addition of the estrogen antagonist tamoxifen. The estrogen receptorα/β luciferase activities were significantly increased by HPC 03 treatment, which also increased the mRNA expression of the estrogen-responsive genes Psen2, Pgr and Ctsd Also, we evaluated the ameliorative effects of HPC 03 on menopausal symptoms in ovariectomized rats. HPC 03 treatment in OVX rats significantly affected the uterine weight, increased the expression of estrogen-responsive genes Pgr and Psen2 in uterus, increased bone mineral density loss in the femur and inhibited body weight increase. Serum E2, collagen type 1 and osteocalcin were significantly increased, while serum LH, FSH and ALP were decreased compared with OVX rats. HPC 03 may be a promising candidate for the treatment of menopause, but further research is necessary to determine whether the observed effects also occur in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yoon Chang
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and DevelopmentCollege of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, South Korea
| | - Dae Sung Kim
- Hanpoong Pharm. Co. LtdJeonju-si, Jeonbuk, South Korea
| | - Hye Soo Kim
- Hanpoong Pharm. Co. LtdJeonju-si, Jeonbuk, South Korea
| | - Sung Yeon Kim
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and DevelopmentCollege of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeonbuk, South Korea
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Xu Q, Duan H, Gan L, Liu X, Chen F, Shen X, Tang YQ, Wang S. MicroRNA-1291 promotes endometrial fibrosis by regulating the ArhGAP29-RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway in a murine model. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:4501-4510. [PMID: 28849001 PMCID: PMC5647010 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are caused by endometrial damage and are associated with a poor pregnancy prognosis including infertility, oligomenorrhea and recurrent pregnancy loss. Understanding the pathogenesis of IUAs may help prevent and treat this condition more effectively. The aim of the current study was to investigate the function of microRNA-1291 (miR-1291) during the development of IUAs following endometrial damage and elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms involved. The expression of Rho GTPase activating protein 29 (ArhGAP29), a putative target mRNA of miR-1291, was determined by immunohistochemical staining of human endometrial tissue from patients with IUAs and compared with normal endometrial tissues. ArhGAP29 expression was significantly decreased in endometrial tissues with IUAs compared with normal endometrium. Additionally, a murine IUAs model was developed and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) demonstrated that miR-1291 levels were significantly increased in the uterine tissue and plasma of the IUAs group compared with the normal mice. Furthermore, an miR-1291 antagomir was injected into the uterine cavity of experimental IUAs mice to block miR-1291. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's stain revealed that blocking miR-1291 significantly ameliorated endometrial fibrosis. Furthermore, levels of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-associated proteins, and ArhGAP29-RhoA/Rho-associated coiled coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) were measured in uterine tissue by western blot, RT-qPCR analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Levels of the mesenchymal marker proteins, vimentin and N-cadherin, were increased in the IUAs group mice, accompanied by a relative decrease in the epithelial marker proteins, cytokeratin and E-cadherin compared with normal murine endometrium. miR-1291 inhibition decreased RhoA/ROCK1 expression in the EMT pathway, but increased ArhGAP29 expression. Taken together, the findings indicate that miR-1291 acts upstream of ArhGAP29 to negatively regulate the RhoA/ROCK1 EMT pathway, ultimately leading to endometrial fibrosis. These studies may provide new potential therapeutic options and pave the way to use circulating miR-1291 as a clinical biomarker of endometrial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Dong Cheng, Beijing 100006, P.R. China
| | - Hua Duan
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Dong Cheng, Beijing 100006, P.R. China
| | - Lu Gan
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Dong Cheng, Beijing 100006, P.R. China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Dong Cheng, Beijing 100006, P.R. China
| | - Fang Chen
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Dong Cheng, Beijing 100006, P.R. China
| | - Xue Shen
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Dong Cheng, Beijing 100006, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Qun Tang
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Dong Cheng, Beijing 100006, P.R. China
| | - Sha Wang
- Department of Gynecology Minimally Invasive Center, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Dong Cheng, Beijing 100006, P.R. China
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Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase lowers portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats by ameliorating endothelial dysfunction and liver fibrosis. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2017; 131:67-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2017.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2017] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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