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Trinh-Minh T, Chen CW, Tran Manh C, Li YN, Zhu H, Zhou X, Chakraborty D, Zhang Y, Rauber S, Dees C, Lin NY, Kah D, Gerum R, Bergmann C, Kreuter A, Reuter C, Groeber-Becker F, Eckes B, Distler O, Fabry B, Ramming A, Schambony A, Schett G, Distler JH. Noncanonical WNT5A controls the activation of latent TGF-β to drive fibroblast activation and tissue fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e159884. [PMID: 38747285 PMCID: PMC11093613 DOI: 10.1172/jci159884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) signaling is a core pathway of fibrosis, but the molecular regulation of the activation of latent TGF-β remains incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate a crucial role of WNT5A/JNK/ROCK signaling that rapidly coordinates the activation of latent TGF-β in fibrotic diseases. WNT5A was identified as a predominant noncanonical WNT ligand in fibrotic diseases such as systemic sclerosis, sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, stimulating fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition and tissue fibrosis by activation of latent TGF-β. The activation of latent TGF-β requires rapid JNK- and ROCK-dependent cytoskeletal rearrangements and integrin αV (ITGAV). Conditional ablation of WNT5A or its downstream targets prevented activation of latent TGF-β, rebalanced TGF-β signaling, and ameliorated experimental fibrosis. We thus uncovered what we believe to be a novel mechanism for the aberrant activation of latent TGF-β in fibrotic diseases and provided evidence for targeting WNT5A/JNK/ROCK signaling in fibrotic diseases as a new therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuong Trinh-Minh
- Department of Rheumatology and
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Chih-Wei Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- German Center for Immunotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Cuong Tran Manh
- Department of Rheumatology and
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Yi-Nan Li
- Department of Rheumatology and
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Honglin Zhu
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- German Center for Immunotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology and
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Debomita Chakraborty
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- German Center for Immunotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Simon Rauber
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- German Center for Immunotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Clara Dees
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- German Center for Immunotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Neng-Yu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- German Center for Immunotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- Graduate Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Delf Kah
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Richard Gerum
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Christina Bergmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- German Center for Immunotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Alexander Kreuter
- Clinic for Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, HELIOS St. Elisabeth Clinic Oberhausen, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Christiane Reuter
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC) Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Florian Groeber-Becker
- Translational Center for Regenerative Therapies, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research (ISC) Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Beate Eckes
- Translational Matrix Biology, University of Cologne, Cologne, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Oliver Distler
- Rheumaklinik, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ben Fabry
- Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Andreas Ramming
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- German Center for Immunotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Alexandra Schambony
- Division of Developmental Biology, Biology Department, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 – Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
- German Center for Immunotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and University of Erlangen, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Jörg H.W. Distler
- Department of Rheumatology and
- Hiller Research Center, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty of Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, North-Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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2
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Azizsoltani A, Hatami B, Zali MR, Mahdavi V, Baghaei K, Alizadeh E. Obeticholic acid-loaded exosomes attenuate liver fibrosis through dual targeting of the FXR signaling pathway and ECM remodeling. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115777. [PMID: 37913732 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
End-stage of liver fibrosis as a precancerous state could lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma which liver transplantation is the only effective treatment. Previous studies have indicated that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, such as obeticholic acid (OCA) protect against hepatic injuries. However, free OCA administration results in side effects in clinical trials that could be alleviated by applying bio carriers such as MSC-derived exosomes (Exo) with the potential to mimic the biological regenerative effect of their parent cells, as proposed in this study. Loading OCA into the Exo was conducted via water bath sonication. Ex vivo bio distribution studies validated the Exo-loaded OCA more permanently accumulated in the liver. Using CCL4-induced liver fibrosis, we proposed whether Exo isolated from human Warton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells loaded with a minimal dosage of OCA can facilitate liver recovery. Notably, Exo-loaded OCA exerted additive anti-fibrotic efficacy on histopathological features in CCL4-induced fibrotic mice. Compared to baseline, Exo-mediated delivery OCA results in marked improvements in the fibrotic-related indicators as well as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations. Accordingly, the synergistic impact of Exo-loaded OCA as a promising approach is associated with the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and Fxr-Cyp7a1 cascade on CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mice. In conclusion, our data confirmed the additive protective effects of Exo-loaded OCA in fibrotic mice, which suggests a valuable therapeutic strategy to combat liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the use of Exo for accurate drug delivery to the liver tissue can be inspiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezou Azizsoltani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Mahdavi
- Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Wang Z, Yao L, Hu X, Yuan M, Chen P, Liu P, Zhang Q, Xiong Z, Dai K, Jiang Y. Advancements in mesenchymal stem cell therapy for liver cirrhosis: Unveiling origins, treatment mechanisms, and current research frontiers. Tissue Cell 2023; 84:102198. [PMID: 37604091 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease inevitably progresses to liver cirrhosis, significantly compromising patients' overall survival and quality of life. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with the emergence of mesenchymal stem cells, possessing remarkable abilities for self-renewal, differentiation, and immunomodulation. Leveraging their potential, MSCs have become a focal point in both basic and clinical trials, offering a promising therapeutic avenue to impede fibrosis progression and enhance the life expectancy of individuals battling hepatic cirrhosis. This comprehensive review serves to shed light on the origin of MSCs, the intricate mechanisms underlying cirrhosis treatment, and the cutting-edge advancements in basic and clinical research surrounding MSC-based therapies for liver cirrhosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Lichao Yao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengqin Yuan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingji Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuling Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyu Xiong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, People's Republic of 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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5
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Zou ML, Teng YY, Chen ZH, Liu SY, Jia Y, Zhang KW, Wu JJ, Yuan ZD, Tang XY, Yu S, Ye JX, Li X, Zhou XJ, Yuan FL. The uPA System Differentially Alters Fibroblast Fate and Profibrotic Ability in Skin Fibrosis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:845956. [PMID: 35371006 PMCID: PMC8966095 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.845956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin fibrosis is a common pathological feature of various diseases, and few treatment strategies are available because of the molecular pathogenesis is poorly understood. The urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) system is the major serine protease system, and its components uPA, urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1(PAI-1) are widely upregulated in fibrotic diseases, including hypertrophic scars, keloids, and scleroderma. Here, we found that the successful binding of uPA and uPAR activates the downstream peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signalling pathway to reduce the proliferation, migration, and contraction of disease-derived fibroblasts, contributing to the alleviation of skin fibrosis. However, increased or robust upregulation of the inhibitor PAI-1 inhibits these effects, suggesting of the involvement of PAI-1 in skin fibrosis. Subsequent in vivo studies showed that uPAR inhibitors increased skin fibrosis in mouse models, while uPA agonists and PAI-1 inhibitors reversed these effects. Our findings demonstrate a novel role for the uPA system and highlights its relationships with skin fibrosis, thereby suggesting new therapeutic approaches targeting the uPA system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Li Zou
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Wuxi Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Ying-Ying Teng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhong-Hua Chen
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Wuxi, China
| | - Si-Yu Liu
- Wuxi Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Yuan Jia
- Wuxi Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Kai-Wen Zhang
- Wuxi Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zheng-Dong Yuan
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Tang
- Wuxi Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Shun Yu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jun-Xing Ye
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xia Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiao-Jin Zhou
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Feng-Lai Yuan
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,Wuxi Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
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Liu Q, Lv C, Jiang Y, Luo K, Gao Y, Liu J, Zhang X, Mohammad Omar J, Jin S. From hair to liver: emerging application of hair follicle mesenchymal stem cell transplantation reverses liver cirrhosis by blocking the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway to inhibit pathological HSC activation. PeerJ 2022; 10:e12872. [PMID: 35186473 PMCID: PMC8855721 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis (LC) involves multiple systems throughout the body, and patients with LC often die of multiple organ failure. However, few drugs are useful to treat LC. Hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HF-MSCs) are derived from the dermal papilla and the bulge area of hair follicles and are pluripotent stem cells in the mesoderm with broad prospects in regenerative medicine. As an emerging seed cell type widely used in skin wound healing and plastic surgery, HF-MSCs show considerable prospects in the treatment of LC due to their proliferation and multidirectional differentiation capabilities. We established an LC model in C57BL/6J mice by administering carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and injected HF-MSCs through the tail vein to explore the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of HF-MSCs on LC. Here, we found that HF-MSCs improved liver function and ameliorated the liver pathology of LC. Notably, PKH67-labeled HF-MSCs were detected in the injured liver and expressed the hepatocyte-specific markers cytokeratin 18 (CK18) and albumin (ALB). In addition, in contrast to that in the LC group, the α-SMA expression showed a decreasing trend in the treatment group in vitro and in vivo, indicating that the pathological activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was inhibited by HF-MSC treatment. Moreover, the levels of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β1) and p-Smad3, a signaling molecule downstream of TGF-β1, were increased in mice with LC, while HF-MSC treatment reversed these changes in vivo and in vitro. Based on these findings, HF-MSCs may reverse LC by blocking the TGF-β/Smad pathway and inhibiting the pathological activation of HSCs, which may provide evidence for the application of HF-MSCs to treat LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengqian Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yanan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China,Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Kunpeng Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jingyang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jan Mohammad Omar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shizhu Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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7
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Zhang E, Geng X, Shan S, Li P, Li S, Li W, Yu M, Peng C, Wang S, Shao H, Du Z. Exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells reverse epithelial-mesenchymal transition potentially via attenuating Wnt/β-catenin signaling to alleviate silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Toxicol Mech Methods 2021; 31:655-666. [PMID: 34225584 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2021.1950250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis induced by silica dust is an irreversible, chronic, and fibroproliferative lung disease with no effective treatment at present. BMSCs-derived exosomes (BMSCs-Exo) possess similar functions to their parent cells. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanism for BMSCs-Exo in the treatment of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The rat model of experimental silicosis pulmonary fibrosis was induced with 1.0 mL of one-off infusing silica suspension using the non-exposed intratracheal instillation (50 mg/mL/rat). In vivo transplantation of BMSCs-Exo effectively alleviated silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis, including a reduction in collagen accumulation, inhibition of TGF-β1, and decreased HYP content. Treatment of BMSCs-Exo increased the expression of epithelial marker proteins including E-cadherin (E-cad) and cytokeratin19 (CK19) and reduced the expression of fibrosis marker proteins including α-Smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) after exposure to silica suspension. Furthermore, we found that BMSCs-Exo inhibited the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway components (P-GSK3β, β-catenin, Cyclin D1) in pulmonary fibrosis tissue. BMSCs-Exo is involved in the alleviation of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by reducing the level of profibrotic factor TGF-β1 and inhibiting the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, attenuation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway closely related to EMT may be one of the mechanisms involved in anti-fibrotic effects of exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enguo Zhang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Toxicology, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Geng
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shan Shan
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shumin Li
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wentao Li
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Meili Yu
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Peng
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China.,Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Shijun Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Shao
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongjun Du
- Department of Toxicology, Shandong Academy of Occupational Health and Occupational Medicine, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, People's Republic of China
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8
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Wu H, Chen C, Ziani S, Nelson LJ, Ávila MA, Nevzorova YA, Cubero FJ. Fibrotic Events in the Progression of Cholestatic Liver Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051107. [PMID: 34062960 PMCID: PMC8147992 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic liver diseases including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are associated with active hepatic fibrogenesis, which can ultimately lead to the development of cirrhosis. However, the exact relationship between the development of liver fibrosis and the progression of cholestatic liver disease remains elusive. Periductular fibroblasts located around the bile ducts seem biologically different from hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The fibrotic events in these clinical conditions appear to be related to complex crosstalk between immune/inflammatory mechanisms, cytokine signalling, and perturbed homeostasis between cholangiocytes and mesenchymal cells. Several animal models including bile duct ligation (BDL) and the Mdr2-knockout mice have improved our understanding of mechanisms underlying chronic cholestasis. In the present review, we aim to elucidate the mechanisms of fibrosis in order to help to identify potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanghang Wu
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (H.W.); (C.C.); (S.Z.); (Y.A.N.)
| | - Chaobo Chen
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (H.W.); (C.C.); (S.Z.); (Y.A.N.)
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Department of General Surgery, Wuxi Xishan People’s Hospital, Wuxi 214000, China
| | - Siham Ziani
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (H.W.); (C.C.); (S.Z.); (Y.A.N.)
| | - Leonard J. Nelson
- Institute for Bioengineering (IBioE), School of Engineering, Faraday Building, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3 JL, Scotland, UK;
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering (IB3), School of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS), Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, Scotland, UK
| | - Matías A. Ávila
- Hepatology Program, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red, Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias de Navarra IdiSNA, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Yulia A. Nevzorova
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (H.W.); (C.C.); (S.Z.); (Y.A.N.)
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red, Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Francisco Javier Cubero
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology & ENT, Complutense University School of Medicine, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (H.W.); (C.C.); (S.Z.); (Y.A.N.)
- Health Research Institute Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), 28007 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red, Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-91-394-1385; Fax: +34-91-394-1641
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Zhu M, Hua T, Ouyang T, Qian H, Yu B. Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Liver Fibrosis: Novel Strategies, Mechanisms, and Clinical Practice. Stem Cells Int 2021; 2021:6546780. [PMID: 34434239 PMCID: PMC8380491 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6546780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common result of most chronic liver diseases, and advanced fibrosis often leads to cirrhosis. Currently, there is no effective treatment for liver cirrhosis except liver transplantation. Therefore, it is important to carry out antifibrosis treatment to reverse liver damage in the early stage of liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most widely used stem cells in the field of regenerative medicine. The preclinical and clinical research results of MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis show that MSC administration is a promising treatment for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. MSCs reverse liver fibrosis and increase liver function mainly through differentiation into hepatocytes, immune regulation, secretion of cytokines and other nutritional factors, reduction of hepatocyte apoptosis, and promotion of hepatocyte regeneration. Recently, many studies provided a variety of new methods and strategies to improve the effect of MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarized the current effective methods and strategies and their potential mechanisms of MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis, as well as the current research progress in clinical practice. We expect to achieve complete reversal of liver injury with MSC-based therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmei Zhu
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tianzhen Hua
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tao Ouyang
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Huofu Qian
- 2Department of Gastroenterology, The Second People's Hospital of Taizhou, China
| | - Bing Yu
- 1Department of Cell Biology, Center for Stem Cell and Medicine, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai 200433, China
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10
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Al-Dhamin Z, Liu LD, Li DD, Zhang SY, Dong SM, Nan YM. Therapeutic efficiency of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells for liver fibrosis: A systematic review of in vivo studies. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:7444-7469. [PMID: 33384547 PMCID: PMC7754546 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i47.7444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although multiple drugs are accessible for recovering liver function in patients, none are considered efficient. Liver transplantation is the mainstay therapy for end-stage liver fibrosis. However, the worldwide shortage of healthy liver donors, organ rejection, complex surgery, and high costs are prompting researchers to develop novel approaches to deal with the overwhelming liver fibrosis cases. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is an emerging alternative method for treating patients with liver fibrosis. However, many aspects of this therapy remain unclear, such as the efficiency compared to conventional treatment, the ideal MSC sources, and the most effective way to use it. Because bone marrow (BM) is the largest source for MSCs, this paper used a systematic review approach to study the therapeutic efficiency of MSCs against liver fibrosis and related factors. We systematically searched multiple published articles to identify studies involving liver fibrosis and BM-MSC-based therapy. Analyzing the selected studies showed that compared with conventional treatment BM-MSC therapy may be more efficient for liver fibrosis in some cases. In contrast, the cotreatment presented a more efficient way. Nevertheless, BM-MSCs are lacking as a therapy for liver fibrosis; thus, this paper also reviews factors that affect BM-MSC efficiency, such as the implementation routes and strategies employed to enhance the potential in alleviating liver fibrosis. Ultimately, our review summarizes the recent advances in the BM-MSC therapy for liver fibrosis. It is grounded in recent developments underlying the efficiency of BM-MSCs as therapy, focusing on the preclinical in vivo experiments, and comparing to other treatments or sources and the strategies used to enhance its potential while mentioning the research gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid Al-Dhamin
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University & Hebei Key Laboratory of Mechanism of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Ling-Di Liu
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University & Hebei Key Laboratory of Mechanism of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Dong-Dong Li
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University & Hebei Key Laboratory of Mechanism of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Si-Yu Zhang
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University & Hebei Key Laboratory of Mechanism of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shi-Ming Dong
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University & Hebei Key Laboratory of Mechanism of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yue-Min Nan
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University & Hebei Key Laboratory of Mechanism of Liver Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease, Shijiazhuang 050051, Hebei Province, China
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11
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Hu HH, Cao G, Wu XQ, Vaziri ND, Zhao YY. Wnt signaling pathway in aging-related tissue fibrosis and therapies. Ageing Res Rev 2020; 60:101063. [PMID: 32272170 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2020.101063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is the final hallmark of pathological remodeling, which is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of various chronic diseases and aging-related organ failure to fully control chronic wound-healing and restoring tissue function. The process of fibrosis is involved in the pathogenesis of the kidney, lung, liver, heart and other tissue disorders. Wnt is a highly conserved signaling in the aberrant wound repair and fibrogenesis, and sustained Wnt activation is correlated with the pathogenesis of fibrosis. In particular, mounting evidence has revealed that Wnt signaling played important roles in cell fate determination, proliferation and cell polarity establishment. The expression and distribution of Wnt signaling in different tissues vary with age, and these changes have key effects on maintaining tissue homeostasis. In this review, we first describe the major constituents of the Wnt signaling and their regulation functions. Subsequently, we summarize the dysregulation of Wnt signaling in aging-related fibrotic tissues such as kidney, liver, lung and cardiac fibrosis, followed by a detailed discussion of its involvement in organ fibrosis. In addition, the crosstalk between Wnt signaling and other pathways has the potential to profoundly add to the complexity of organ fibrosis. Increasing studies have demonstrated that a number of Wnt inhibitors had the potential role against tissue fibrosis, specifically in kidney fibrosis and the implications of Wnt signaling in aging-related diseases. Therefore, targeting Wnt signaling might be a novel and promising therapeutic strategy against aging-related tissue fibrosis.
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12
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Heme Oxygenase-1 Suppresses Wnt Signaling Pathway in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis-Related Liver Fibrosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:4910601. [PMID: 32461992 PMCID: PMC7212281 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4910601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Methods Mice were fed with a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 8 weeks to induce steatohepatitis-related liver fibrosis and were treated with HO-1 inducer Hemin and inhibitor ZnPP. Mouse sera were collected for the biochemical analysis, and livers were obtained for further histological observation and gene expression analysis. HSC-T6 cells were cultured for the in vitro study and were administrated with Hemin and si-HO-1 to induce or inhibit the expression of HO-1. qPCR and Western blot were used to assess the mRNA and protein levels of genes. Results MCD-fed mice developed marked macrovesicular steatosis, focal necrosis, and inflammatory infiltration and pericellular fibrosis in liver sections. Administration of Hemin could significantly ameliorate the severity of steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis and also could decrease the serum ALT and AST. We demonstrated that HO-1 induction was able to downregulate the key regulator of the canonical Wnt pathway Wnt1 and the noncanonical Wnt pathway Wnt5a. The downstream factors of the Wnt pathway β-catenin and NFAT5 were inhibited by Hemin, but GSK-3β was upregulated compared to the MCD group, which were consistent with the in vitro study. Hemin markedly inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in both in vivo and in vitro studies. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that HO-1 inhibited the activation of canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling pathways in NASH-related liver fibrosis. Thus, these results may suggest a new therapeutic strategy for NASH-related liver fibrosis.
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Tang J, Qing MF, Li M, Gao Z. Dexamethasone inhibits BMP7-induced osteogenic differentiation in rat dental follicle cells via the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:2663-2672. [PMID: 33162794 PMCID: PMC7645344 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.44231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Impacted third molars are commonly seen in teenagers and young adults and can cause considerable suffering. Preventing eruption of the third molars can reduce pain at the source. Our previous study has shown that dexamethasone (DEX) at a certain concentration can prevent the eruption of third molars without damaging alveolar bone in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, but the relevant molecular mechanisms need to be explored. This study aimed to explore the effects of high concentrations of DEX on osteogenic signaling pathways, including BMP/Smad and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, in rat dental follicle cells (rDFCs) and to elucidate the possible mechanisms. The results showed that BMP7 induced osteogenic differentiation by increasing the activity of ALP and the protein levels of OPN in rDFCs. DEX decreased endogenous BMP7 and phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 expression as well as BMP7-induced osteogenic differentiation. DEX also reduced the mRNA and protein levels of β-catenin by enhancing the expression of GSK-3β. In addition, regardless of DEX intervention, overexpression of BMP7 promoted the expression of β-catenin, while knockdown of BMP7 attenuated it. Further investigation revealed that overexpression of BMP7 attenuated the DEX-mediated inhibition of AKT and GSK-3β phosphorylation, but knockdown of BMP7 exerted the opposite effects. This study suggests that high concentrations of DEX may inhibit the expression of β-catenin via the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway in a manner mediated by BMP7. The findings further illustrate the possible molecular mechanisms by which DEX prevents tooth development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Tang
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Disease and Biomedical Sciences, 426 North Songshi Road, Yubei District, Chongqing 401147, P.R. China
| | - Mao-Feng Qing
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Sec. 3, Renminnan Road, 610041 Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Oral Disease and Biomedical Sciences, 426 North Songshi Road, Yubei District, Chongqing 401147, P.R. China
| | - Zhi Gao
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 76 Linjiang Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400010, P.R. China
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14
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Rong X, Liu J, Yao X, Jiang T, Wang Y, Xie F. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes alleviate liver fibrosis through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:98. [PMID: 30885249 PMCID: PMC6421647 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1204-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly being applied as a therapy for liver fibrosis. Exosomes possess similar functions to their parent cells; however, they are safe and effective cell-free reagents with controllable and predictable outcomes. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic potential and underlying molecular mechanism for human bone mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes (hBM-MSCs-Ex) in the treatment of liver fibrosis. METHODS We established an 8-week CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis model, after which, we administered hBM-MSCs-Ex in vivo for 4 weeks. The resulting histopathology, liver function, and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. In addition, we investigated the anti-fibrotic mechanism of hBM-MSCs-Ex in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver fibrosis tissue, by western blotting for the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related genes. RESULTS In vivo administration of hBM-MSCs-Ex effectively alleviated liver fibrosis, including a reduction in collagen accumulation, enhanced liver functionality, inhibition of inflammation, and increased hepatocyte regeneration. Moreover, based on measurement of the collagen area, Ishak fibrosis score, MDA levels, IL-1, and IL-6, the therapeutic effect of hBM-MSCs-Ex against liver fibrosis was significantly greater than that of hBM-MSCs. In addition, we found that hBM-MSCs-Ex inhibited the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway components (PPARγ, Wnt3a, Wnt10b, β-catenin, WISP1, Cyclin D1), α-SMA, and Collagen I, in both HSCs and liver fibrosis tissue. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that hBM-MSCs-Ex treatment could ameliorate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via inhibition of HSC activation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Rong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai St., Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China.,The Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai St., Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Junzhi Liu
- Department of Quality Control, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai St., Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Xia Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1478 Gongnong Road, Changchun, 130117, Jilin, China
| | - Tiechao Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai St., Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China
| | - Yimin Wang
- The Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai St., Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China.
| | - Feng Xie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, 126 Xiantai St., Changchun, 130033, Jilin, China.
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15
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Yang M, Chen G, Zhang X, Guo Y, Yu Y, Tian L, Chang S, Chen ZK. Inhibition of class I HDACs attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis in a murine model. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:192-204. [PMID: 30807866 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Renal interstitial fibrosis is the most common of all the forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Research has shown that histone deacetylases (HDACs) participate in the process leading to renal fibrosis. However, the effects of class I HDAC inhibitors on the mechanisms of onset and progression of renal interstitial fibrosis are still unclear. Here, we present the effects and mechanisms of action of FK228 (a selective inhibitor of class I HDACs) in the murine model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) and in vitro models. We investigated the antifibrotic role of FK228 in a murine model of UUO. We used two key effector cell populations, rat renal interstitial fibroblasts and renal tubular epithelial cells exposed to recombinant transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), to explore the mechanistic pathways among in vitro models. The results indicated that FK228 significantly suppressed the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) in both in vivo and in vitro models. FK228 inhibited renal fibroblast activation and proliferation and increased the acetylation of histone H3. We found that FK228 also inhibited the small mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad) and non-Smad signaling pathways. So FK228 could significantly suppress renal interstitial fibrosis via Smad and non-Smad pathways. FK228 may be the basis for a new and effective medicine for alleviating renal fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Yang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Gen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuliang Guo
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Tian
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Sheng Chang
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| | - Zhonghua Klaus Chen
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
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Yang N, Zhou J, Li Q, Han F, Yu Z. miR-96 exerts carcinogenic effect by activating AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway through targeting inhibition of FOXO1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:38. [PMID: 30828264 PMCID: PMC6381685 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0756-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this research was to investigate the mechanism of miR-96 affecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods mRNA and protein expression was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. HepG2 cells were transfected and grouped as follows: miR-NC group, miR-mimics group, NC + Vector group, mimics + Vector group, mimics + FOXO1 group. Luciferase reporter assay was performed. MTT and Transwell assay was conducted. In vivo studies by nude mice were performed. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence was executed. Results Up-regulated miR-96 and down-regulated FOXO1 was found in tumor tissues and HepG2 cells (P < 0.01). FOXO1 was directly suppressed by miR-96. Compared with NC + Vector group, mimics + Vector group has higher OD495 value (P < 0.05), higher migration and invasion cells (P < 0.01), larger transplanted tumor volume (P < 0.01), lower FOXO1 positive cell numbers (P < 0.01), higher p-AKT and p-GSK-3β expression (P < 0.01), lower p-β-catenin expression (P < 0.01), more β-catenin expression in the nucleus (P < 0.01). Compared with mimics + Vector group, mimics + FOXO1 group has lower OD495 value (P < 0.05), lower migration and invasion cells (P < 0.01), smaller transplanted tumor volume (P < 0.01), higher FOXO1 positive cells (P < 0.01), lower p-AKT and p-GSK-3β expression (P < 0.01), higher p-β-catenin expression (P < 0.01), less β-catenin expression in the nucleus (P < 0.01). Conclusion miR-96 exerts carcinogenic effect by activating AKT/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathway through targeting inhibition of FOXO1 in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanmu Yang
- 1Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China.,2Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Henan Cancer Hospital, No. 127, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China.,3Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 127, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Jinxue Zhou
- 2Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Henan Cancer Hospital, No. 127, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China.,3Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 127, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Qingjun Li
- 2Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Henan Cancer Hospital, No. 127, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China.,3Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 127, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Feng Han
- 2Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Henan Cancer Hospital, No. 127, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China.,3Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 127, Dongming Road, Zhengzhou, 450008 Henan China
| | - Zujiang Yu
- 1Department of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No. 1, Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou, 450052 Henan China
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Hu C, Zhao L, Duan J, Li L. Strategies to improve the efficiency of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for reversal of liver fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:1657-1670. [PMID: 30635966 PMCID: PMC6378173 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
End‐stage liver fibrosis frequently progresses to portal vein thrombosis, formation of oesophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy, ascites, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), when transplanted in vivo, migrate into fibrogenic livers and then differentiate into hepatocyte‐like cells or fuse with hepatocytes to protect liver function. Moreover, they can produce various growth factors and cytokines with anti‐inflammatory effects to reverse the fibrotic state of the liver. In addition, only a small number of MSCs migrate to the injured tissue after cell transplantation; consequently, multiple studies have investigated effective strategies to improve the survival rate and activity of MSCs for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this review, we intend to arrange and analyse the current evidence related to MSC transplantation in liver fibrosis, to summarize the detailed mechanisms of MSC transplantation for the reversal of liver fibrosis and to discuss new strategies for this treatment. Finally, and most importantly, we will identify the current problems with MSC‐based therapies to repair liver fibrosis that must be addressed in order to develop safer and more effective routes for MSC transplantation. In this way, it will soon be possible to significantly improve the therapeutic effects of MSC transplantation for liver regeneration, as well as enhance the quality of life and prolong the survival time of patients with liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxia Hu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Lingfei Zhao
- Kidney Disease Center, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease Prevention and Control Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China.,Institute of Nephrology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Jinfeng Duan
- The Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management of Zhejiang Province, Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, PR China
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18
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ZHAO XIAOE, YANG ZHENSHAN, GAO ZHEN, GE JUNBANG, WEI QIANG, MA BAOHUA. 6-Bromoindirubin-3’-oxime promotes osteogenic differentiation of canine BMSCs through inhibition of GSK3β activity and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 91:e20180459. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201920180459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Hou J, Shi J, Chen L, Lv Z, Chen X, Cao H, Xiang Z, Han X. M2 macrophages promote myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs and are associated with pulmonary fibrogenesis. Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:89. [PMID: 30470231 PMCID: PMC6260991 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0300-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease characterized by the histopathological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia and is associated with a high mortality rate. Recently, lung resident mesenchymal stem cells (LR-MSCs) have been identified as an important contributor to myofibroblast activation in pulmonary fibrosis. Macrophages are also believed to play a critical role in pulmonary fibrosis. However, the underlying connections between LR-MSCs and macrophages in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis are still elusive. Methods In this study, we investigated the interaction between LR-MSCs and macrophages using a bleomycin-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model and a coculture system. Results Here, we show that blocking pulmonary macrophage infiltration attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, as determined by flow cytometry, we discovered that the recruited macrophages in fibrotic lungs of bleomycin-treated mice were mainly M2 macrophages. In particular, we found that M2, rather than M1 macrophages, promoted myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs. Moreover, we demonstrated that suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway could attenuate myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs induced by M2 macrophages and bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Tissue samples from IPF patients confirmed the infiltration of M2 macrophages and activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusion In summary, this study furthered our understanding of the pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis and highlighted M2 macrophages as a critical target for treating pulmonary fibrosis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12964-018-0300-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwei Hou
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Jingyan Shi
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zhongyang Lv
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Honghui Cao
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China
| | - Zou Xiang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaodong Han
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Hankou Road 22, Nanjing, 210093, China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China.
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Wang Y, Zhao L, Jiao FZ, Zhang WB, Chen Q, Gong ZJ. Histone deacetylase inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid alleviates liver fibrosis by suppressing the transforming growth factor-β1 signal pathway. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2018; 17:423-429. [PMID: 30249543 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Histone deacetylases (HDACs) inhibitors are new anti-fibrotic drugs that inhibit the activity of hepatic stellate cells. The present study focused on the anti-fibrotic function of HDAC inhibitor suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) by suppressing transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used to induce liver fibrosis with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and LX2 cell (human hepatic stellate cell line) was stimulated by TGF-β1. Both animals and cells were treated with SAHA. The Smad7 and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) mRNA levels were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Western blotting was used to examine the protein levels of CTGF, Histone H3 (H3), Smad7, Smad2/3, Acetyl-Histone H3 (AH3), HDAC2, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), HDAC6, p-Smad2/3 and HDAC8. In addition, the TGF-β1 and liver enzyme levels from rat serum were detected. Histopathological changes were examined by hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Sirius red and Masson trichrome staining. The α-SMA expression was detected by immumohistochemical staining. RESULTS Compared with control group, the TGF-β1 and liver enzyme levels from rat serum, together with the mRNA levels of CTGF and protein levels of CTGF, HDAC2, α-SMA, HDAC6, p-Smad2/3 and HDAC8 were elevated in fibrotic rats (P < 0.01). But the Smad7 mRNA and AH3 protein levels were notably suppressed in the fibrotic rats (P < 0.01). Pathological examination showed the typical changes of liver fibrosis in the fibrotic rats. After the treatment with SAHA, the levels of liver enzymes, TGF-β1, CTGF, HDAC2, α-SMA, HDAC6, p-Smad2/3 and HDAC8 were reduced (P < 0.01) and Smad7 and AH3 protein contents were elevated in liver fibrotic rats (P < 0.01). Moreover, immumohistochemistry showed that SAHA significantly suppressed the α-SMA protein content in fibrotic liver (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION The HDAC inhibitor SAHA alleviated liver fibrosis by suppressing the TGF-β1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Fang-Zhou Jiao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zuo-Jiong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
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21
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Huang GR, Wei SJ, Huang YQ, Xing W, Wang LY, Liang LL. Mechanism of combined use of vitamin D and puerarin in anti-hepatic fibrosis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4178-4185. [PMID: 30271082 PMCID: PMC6158481 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i36.4178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To reveal the protective mechanism of the combined use of vitamin D and puerarin in the progression of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).
METHODS Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control group (C group), a CCl4 group (CCl4 group), a vitamin D group (V group), a puerarin group (P group), and a combined group of vitamin D and puerarin (V + P group), each of which contained ten rats. In this way, we built a rat model of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis with intervention by vitamin D, puerarin, or a combination of the two. After eight weeks, the mice were sacrificed to collect serum and liver specimens. Blood was collected to detect the hyaluronic acid (HA). We also measured hydroxyproline (Hyp) and prepared paraffin sections of liver. After Sirius red staining, the liver specimens were observed under a microscope. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were adopted to detect the mRNA and the protein levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, Wnt1, and β-catenin in the liver tissues, respectively.
RESULTS Hepatic fibrosis was observed in the CCl4 group. In comparison, hepatic fibrosis was attenuated in the V, P, and V + P groups: the HA level in blood and the Hyp level in liver were reduced, and the mRNA levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, Wnt, and β-catenin in liver were also decreased, as well as the protein levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin. Among these groups, the V + P group demonstrated the greatest amelioration of hepatic fibrosis.
CONCLUSION The combined application of vitamin D and puerarin is capable of alleviating CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis of rats. As to the mechanism, it is probably because the combined use is able to silence the Wnt1/β-catenin pathway, suppress the activation of hepatic stellate cells, and reduce the secretion of collagen fibers, therefore improving the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan-Rong Huang
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Si-Jun Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan-Qiang Huang
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wei Xing
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lu-Yao Wang
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling-Ling Liang
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Wei W, Jiang F, Liu XC, Su Q. TMEM9 mediates IL-6 and IL-1β secretion and is modulated by the Wnt pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 63:253-260. [PMID: 30119033 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Novel studies have shown that the Transmembrane protein 9 (TMEM9) gene is localized at 1q41 and encodes a protein consisting of 183 amino acids with an N-terminus containing many important domains. As a novel human transmembrane protein, TMEM9 is highly conserved in species from Caenorhabditis elegans to humans and is widely expressed in many tissues and cells. Moreover, TMEM9 may play an important role in intracellular transport and the growth of hepatoma cells. However, evidence for the function of TMEM9 in inflammation is still limited. We studied the expression of TMEM9 and its effect on cytokine secretion in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced LX-2 cells. We proved that overexpression of TMEM9 by transfection with pEGFP-C2-TMEM9 may increase the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in LX-2 cells. At the same time, knockdown of TMEM9 expression by transfection with a TMEM9-siRNA decreased IL-6 and IL-1β secretion in LX-2 cells. Additionally, our results proved that overexpression of TMEM9 enhanced the protein expression levels of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin accompanied by an upregulation of wnt2b, wnt3a and β-catenin protein levels in LX-2 cells treated with TNF-α. These results indicate that TMEM9 plays a significant role in TNF-α-enhanced cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β) secretion in LX-2 cells and that the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in the induction of these cytokine expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Huainan, Huainan 232007, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Hefei institute for food and drug control, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xiao-Chang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliate Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road No 218, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China.
| | - Qian Su
- Department of infectious diseases, The First Affiliate Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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23
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Emerging role and therapeutic implication of Wnt signaling pathways in liver fibrosis. Gene 2018; 674:57-69. [PMID: 29944952 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a pivotal cellular event in liver fibrosis. Therefore, improving our understanding of the molecular pathways that are involved in these processes is essential to generate new therapies for liver fibrosis. Greater knowledge of the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in liver fibrosis could improve understanding of the liver fibrosis pathogenesis. The aim of this review is to describe the present knowledge about the Wnt signaling pathway, which significantly participates in liver fibrosis and HSC activation, and look ahead on new perspectives of Wnt signaling pathway research. Moreover, we will discuss the different interactions with Wnt signaling pathway-regulated liver fibrosis. The Wnt signaling pathway modulates several important aspects of function, including cell proliferation, activation and differentiation. Targeting the Wnt signaling pathway can be a promising direction in liver fibrosis treatment. We discuss new perspectives of Wnt signaling pathway activation in liver fibrosis. For example, antagonist to Wnt and Wnt ligands could inhibit liver fibrosis by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings identify the Wnt signaling pathway as a potentially important for therapeutic targets in liver fibrosis. Future studies are needed in order to find safer and more effective Wnt-based drugs.
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24
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TMEM88 mediates inflammatory cytokines secretion by regulating JNK/P38 and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in LX-2 cells. Inflammopharmacology 2017; 26:1339-1348. [DOI: 10.1007/s10787-017-0419-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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25
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Hao T, Chen J, Zhi S, Zhang Q, Chen G, Yu F. Comparison of bone marrow-vs. adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells for attenuating liver fibrosis. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:5956-5964. [PMID: 29285145 PMCID: PMC5740792 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.5333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has emerged as a potential novel method of treating liver fibrosis. To date, bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) and adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs) have not been analyzed with respect to their ability to combat liver fibrosis. The present study aimed to compare the capabilities of BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis. BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs were taken from male Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were co-cultured with either BM-MSCs or AD-MSCs, and the effects of BM-MSCs or AD-MSCs on the proliferation, activation and apoptosis of HSCs were determined. The secretion of a selected group of cytokines by BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Using a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis animal model, the anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of BM-MSCs or AD-MSCs against liver fibrosis in vivo were evaluated. The morphological examination and analysis of specific surface markers confirmed the successful preparation of BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs. Furthermore, the proliferation, activation and apoptosis of HSCs were significantly inhibited by BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs, with statistically greater reductions achieved by AD-MSCs compared with BM-MSCs. Direct comparison of the secretion of selected cytokines by BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs revealed that significantly higher levels of nerve growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 were secreted in the AD-MSC culture medium, whereas levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-10 did not differ significantly between AD-MSCs and BM-MSCs. In vivo studies using a CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model demonstrated that inflammatory activity and fibrosis staging scores were significantly lower in the MSC-treated groups compared with controls. Although AD-MSCs improved anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects compared with BM-MSCs, these differences were not significant. Thus, the current study demonstrated that BM-MSCs and AD-MSCs are similarly effective at attenuating liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs, as well as promoting the apoptosis of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianpao Hao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Jingfeng Chen
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Shaoce Zhi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Qiyu Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Fuxiang Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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Zhang CY, Yuan WG, He P, Lei JH, Wang CX. Liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells: Etiology, pathological hallmarks and therapeutic targets. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:10512-10522. [PMID: 28082803 PMCID: PMC5192262 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i48.10512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 386] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/15/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing process aimed at maintaining organ integrity, and presents as the critical pre-stage of liver cirrhosis, which will eventually progress to hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of liver transplantation. Fibrosis generally results from chronic hepatic injury caused by various factors, mainly viral infection, schistosomiasis, and alcoholism; however, the exact pathological mechanisms are still unknown. Although numerous drugs have been shown to have antifibrotic activity in vitro and in animal models, none of these drugs have been shown to be efficacious in the clinic. Importantly, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in the initiation, progression, and regression of liver fibrosis by secreting fibrogenic factors that encourage portal fibrocytes, fibroblasts, and bone marrow-derived myofibroblasts to produce collagen and thereby propagate fibrosis. These cells are subject to intricate cross-talk with adjacent cells, resulting in scarring and subsequent liver damage. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and their relationships with HSCs is essential for the discovery of new therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review outlines the role of HSCs in liver fibrosis and details novel strategies to suppress HSC activity, thereby providing new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.
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27
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Zhang CY, Yuan WG, He P, Lei JH, Wang CX. Liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells: Etiology, pathological hallmarks and therapeutic targets. World J Gastroenterol 2016. [PMID: 28082803 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i48.10512.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing process aimed at maintaining organ integrity, and presents as the critical pre-stage of liver cirrhosis, which will eventually progress to hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of liver transplantation. Fibrosis generally results from chronic hepatic injury caused by various factors, mainly viral infection, schistosomiasis, and alcoholism; however, the exact pathological mechanisms are still unknown. Although numerous drugs have been shown to have antifibrotic activity in vitro and in animal models, none of these drugs have been shown to be efficacious in the clinic. Importantly, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a key role in the initiation, progression, and regression of liver fibrosis by secreting fibrogenic factors that encourage portal fibrocytes, fibroblasts, and bone marrow-derived myofibroblasts to produce collagen and thereby propagate fibrosis. These cells are subject to intricate cross-talk with adjacent cells, resulting in scarring and subsequent liver damage. Thus, an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and their relationships with HSCs is essential for the discovery of new therapeutic targets. This comprehensive review outlines the role of HSCs in liver fibrosis and details novel strategies to suppress HSC activity, thereby providing new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Yang Zhang
- Chong-Yang Zhang, Jia-Hui Lei, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wei-Gang Yuan
- Chong-Yang Zhang, Jia-Hui Lei, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Pei He
- Chong-Yang Zhang, Jia-Hui Lei, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jia-Hui Lei
- Chong-Yang Zhang, Jia-Hui Lei, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
| | - Chun-Xu Wang
- Chong-Yang Zhang, Jia-Hui Lei, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei Province, China
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Sayyed HG, Osama A, Idriss NK, Sabry D, Abdelrhim AS, Bakry R. Comparison of the therapeutic effectiveness of human CD34 + and rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on improvement of experimental liver fibrosis in Wistar rats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2016; 8:128-139. [PMID: 27785340 PMCID: PMC5078485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have numerous advantages as grafts for cell transplantation. We hypothesized differing impacts of human UCB cells and rat BM-MSCs on reversal of hepatic injury and revival of liver function in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. METHODS Forty rats were divided into 4 groups; control group, CCl4 group, CCl4/CD34+ group and CCl4/BM-MSCs group. Blood samples were driven from rats at 4, 8 and 12 weeks to measure serum concentration of albumin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Quantitative expression of collagen Iα, TGF-β, α-SMA, albumin, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TNF-α were assessed by polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological examination of the liver tissue was performed. GFP labeled cells were detected in groups injected with stem cells. RESULTS Regarding liver function, CD34+ were more efficient than BM-MSCs in elevating albumin (P<0.05) and reducing ALT (P<0.05) concentrations. Concerning gene expression, CD34+ were more effective than BM-MSCs in reducing gene expressions of collagen Iα (P<0.01), TGF-β1 (P<0.01) and α-SMA (P<0.01). Both CD34+ and BM-MSCs have the same efficacy in reducing TNF-α (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, CD34+ were more valuable than BM-MSCs in increasing gene expression of albumin (P<0.05) and MMP-9 (P<0.01). CONCLUSION Taken together; human UCB CD34+ stem cells were more efficient in improvement of experimental liver injury than BM-MSCs. This study highlighted an important role of human UCB CD34+ stem cells in liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayam G Sayyed
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut UniversityAssuit, Egypt
| | - Amany Osama
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut UniversityAssuit, Egypt
| | - Naglaa K Idriss
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut UniversityAssuit, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo UniversityCario, Egypt
| | - Azza S Abdelrhim
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag UniversitySohag, Egypt
| | - Rania Bakry
- Department of Oncological Clinical Pathology, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut UniversityAssuit, Egypt
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