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Xu M, Warner C, Duan X, Cheng Z, Jeyarajan AJ, Li W, Wang Y, Shao T, Salloum S, Chen PJ, Yu X, Chung RT, Lin W. HIV coinfection exacerbates HBV-induced liver fibrogenesis through a HIF-1α- and TGF-β1-dependent pathway. J Hepatol 2024; 80:868-881. [PMID: 38311121 PMCID: PMC11102332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Persons with chronic HBV infection coinfected with HIV experience accelerated progression of liver fibrosis compared to those with HBV monoinfection. We aimed to determine whether HIV and its proteins promote HBV-induced liver fibrosis in HIV/HBV-coinfected cell culture models through HIF-1α and TGF-β1 signaling. METHODS The HBV-positive supernatant, purified HBV viral particles, HIV-positive supernatant, or HIV viral particles were directly incubated with cell lines or primary hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and macrophages in mono or 3D spheroid coculture models. Cells were incubated with recombinant cytokines and HIV proteins including gp120. HBV sub-genomic constructs were transfected into NTCP-HepG2 cells. We also evaluated the effects of inhibitor of HIF-1α and HIV gp120 in a HBV carrier mouse model that was generated via hydrodynamic injection of the pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid into the tail vein of wild-type C57BL/6 mice. RESULTS We found that HIV and HIV gp120, through engagement with CCR5 and CXCR4 coreceptors, activate AKT and ERK signaling and subsequently upregulate hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) to increase HBV-induced transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and profibrogenic gene expression in hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells. HIV gp120 exacerbates HBV X protein-mediated HIF-1α expression and liver fibrogenesis, which can be alleviated by inhibiting HIF-1α. Conversely, TGF-β1 upregulates HIF-1α expression and HBV-induced liver fibrogenesis through the SMAD signaling pathway. HIF-1α small-interfering RNA transfection or the HIF-1α inhibitor (acriflavine) blocked HIV-, HBV-, and TGF-β1-induced fibrogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that HIV coinfection exacerbates HBV-induced liver fibrogenesis through enhancement of the positive feedback between HIF-1α and TGF-β1 via CCR5/CXCR4. HIF-1α represents a novel target for antifibrotic therapeutic development in HBV/HIV coinfection. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS HIV coinfection accelerates the progression of liver fibrosis compared to HBV monoinfection, even among patients with successful suppression of viral load, and there is no sufficient treatment for this disease process. In this study, we found that HIV viral particles and specifically HIV gp120 promote HBV-induced hepatic fibrogenesis via enhancement of the positive feedback between HIF-1α and TGF-β1, which can be ameliorated by inhibition of HIF-1α. These findings suggest that targeting the HIF-1α pathway can reduce liver fibrogenesis in patients with HIV and HBV coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Charlotte Warner
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Xiaoqiong Duan
- Institute of Blood Transfusion, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan 610052, China; Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Zhimeng Cheng
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andre J Jeyarajan
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Wenting Li
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Tropical Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
| | - Yongtao Wang
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tuo Shao
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shadi Salloum
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Xu Yu
- The Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Boston, MA 02129, USA
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Wenyu Lin
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Yang K, Sun B, Zhang S, Pan Y, Fang J. RDW-SD is Superior to RDW-CV in Reflecting Liver Fibrosis Stage in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:6881-6891. [PMID: 37920477 PMCID: PMC10619233 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s427047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The clinical significance of the red blood cell distribution width (RDW)-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV) has been recognized in numerous diseases, but few studies have investigated the usefulness of RDW-standard deviation (RDW-SD). This study aimed to compare the utility of RDW-SD and RDW-CV in evaluating liver fibrosis stage in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Patients and Methods In this retrospective study, we enrolled 720 treatment-naïve CHB patients and 578 healthy controls, and evaluated their clinical parameters. In CHB patients, the associations between RDW-CV and liver fibrosis stage were analyzed as compared to RDW-SD using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman's rank correlation, student's t-test, binary logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results RDW-SD, rather than RDW-CV was significantly elevated in CHB patients compared with healthy controls. Correlation analysis showed a stronger association between RDW-SD and liver fibrosis stage than RDW-CV in CHB patients. RDW-CV and RDW-SD are both independent predictors of significant fibrosis. For the diagnosis of significant fibrosis, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for RDW-CV was 0.599, while for RDW-SD, it was 0.706. RDW-to-platelet ratio (RPR), a novel index for liver fibrosis calculated as RDW-CV/platelet, exhibited an AUC of 0.730. This AUC increased to 0.752 when RDW-CV in the RPR formula was replaced with RDW-SD. Additionally, subgroup analyses based on age, gender, and HBeAg status showed that the AUC for RDW-SD in diagnosing significant fibrosis was significantly greater than that for RDW-CV, with statistically significant differences. Conclusion RDW-SD showed superiority in reflecting liver fibrosis stage and diagnosing liver significant fibrosis than RDW-CV in treatment-naïve CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Yang
- Department of Medical Technology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People’s Republic of China
| | - Beibei Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shicheng Zhang
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Pan
- Department of Medical Technology, Anhui Medical College, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Fang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Sojo University, Kumamoto, 860-0082, Japan
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Akbar SMF, Al Mahtab M, Yoshida O, Aguilar J, Gerardo GN, Hiasa Y. Development of Therapy Based on the Exploration of Biological Events Underlying the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1944. [PMID: 37509583 PMCID: PMC10376977 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 296 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Approximately 15-25% of these people develop complications such as advanced chronic liver diseases (ACLDs). Mortality due to HBV-related complications accounted for an estimated 882,000 deaths in 2019. Potent preventive vaccines have already restricted new HBV infections, and several drugs are available to treat chronic HBV infections. However, the positive impacts of these drugs have been recorded in only a few patients with chronic HBV infection. These drugs do not show long-term efficacy and cannot halt the progression to complications. Thus, more effective and evidence-based therapeutic strategies need to be urgently developed for patients with chronic HBV infection. CHB is a pathological entity induced by HBV that progresses due to impaired host immunity. This indicates the inherent limitations of antiviral-drug-based monotherapy for treating patients with chronic HBV infection. Additionally, commercially available antiviral drugs are not available to patients in developing and resource-constrained countries, posing a challenge to achieving the following WHO goal: "Elimination of Hepatitis by 2030". As such, this review aimed to provide insights regarding evidence-based and effective management strategies for chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Miyakawa Memorial Research Foundation, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Interventional Hepatology Division, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Julio Aguilar
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | | | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
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Xu R, Wu M, Wang Y, Li C, Zeng L, Wang Y, Xiao M, Chen X, Geng S, Lai P, Du X, Weng J. Mesenchymal stem cells reversibly de-differentiate myofibroblasts to fibroblast-like cells by inhibiting the TGF-β-SMAD2/3 pathway. Mol Med 2023; 29:59. [PMID: 37098464 PMCID: PMC10131436 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00630-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofibroblasts (MFB), one of the major effectors of pathologic fibrosis, mainly derived from the activation of fibroblast to myofibroblast transition (FMT). Although MFBs were historically considered terminally differentiated cells, their potential for de-differentiation was recently recognized and implied with therapeutic value in treating fibrotic diseases, for instance, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation bronchiolitis obliterans (BO). During the past decade, several methods were reported to block or reverse MFB differentiation, among which mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have demonstrated potential but undetermined therapeutic values. However, the MSC-mediated regulation of FMT and underlying mechanisms remained largely undefined. METHOD By identifying TGF-β1 hypertension as the pivotal landmark during the pro-fibrotic FMT, TGF-β1-induced MFB and MSC co-culture models were established and utilized to investigate regulations by MSC on FMT in vitro. Methods including RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), Western blot, qPCR and flow cytometry were used. RESULT Our data revealed that TGF-β1 readily induced invasive signatures identified in fibrotic tissues and initiated MFB differentiation in normal FB. MSC reversibly de-differentiated MFB into a group of FB-like cells by selectively inhibiting the TGF-β-SMAD2/3 signaling. Importantly, these proliferation-boosted FB-like cells remained sensitive to TGF-β1 and could be re-induced into MFB. CONCLUSION Our findings highlighted the reversibility of MSC-mediated de-differentiation of MFB through TGF-β-SMAD2/3 signaling, which may explain MSC's inconsistent clinical efficacies in treating BO and other fibrotic diseases. These de-differentiated FB-like cells are still sensitive to TGF-β1 and may further deteriorate MFB phenotypes unless the pro-fibrotic microenvironment is corrected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruohao Xu
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Miao Wu
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yawen Wang
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingji Zeng
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yulian Wang
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Maozhi Xiao
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Chen
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Suxia Geng
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Peilong Lai
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jianyu Weng
- Department of Hematology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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You H, Wang X, Ma L, Zhang F, Zhang H, Wang Y, Pan X, Zheng K, Kong F, Tang R. Insights into the impact of hepatitis B virus on hepatic stellate cell activation. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:70. [PMID: 37041599 PMCID: PMC10088164 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
During chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatic fibrosis is a serious pathological condition caused by virus-induced liver damage. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central event in the occurrence and progression of liver fibrosis. Although accumulating evidence has shown that HBV directly stimulates HSC activation, whether the virus infects and replicates in HSCs remains controversial. Inflammation is one of the obvious characteristics of chronic HBV infection, and it has been demonstrated that persistent inflammation has a predominant role in triggering and maintaining liver fibrosis. In particular, the regulation of HSC activation by HBV-related hepatocytes via various inflammatory modulators, including TGF-β and CTGF, in a paracrine manner has been reported. In addition to these inflammation-related molecules, several inflammatory cells are essential for the progression of HBV-associated liver fibrosis. Monocytes, macrophages, Th17 cells, NK cells, as well as NKT cells, participate in the modulation of HBV-related liver fibrosis by interacting with HSCs. This review summarizes current findings on the effects of HBV and the relevant molecular mechanisms involved in HSC activation. Because HSC activation is essential for liver fibrosis, targeting HSCs is an attractive therapeutic strategy to prevent and reverse hepatic fibrosis induced by HBV infection. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan You
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lihong Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fulong Zhang
- Imaging Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Taian, China
| | - Huanyang Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiucheng Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Kuiyang Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fanyun Kong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Renxian Tang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Jiangsu International Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Basic Medical Sciences Education, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Qin L, Liu N, Bao CLM, Yang DZ, Ma GX, Yi WH, Xiao GZ, Cao HL. Mesenchymal stem cells in fibrotic diseases-the two sides of the same coin. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:268-287. [PMID: 35896695 PMCID: PMC9326421 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00952-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is caused by extensive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which play a crucial role in injury repair. Fibrosis attributes to ~45% of all deaths worldwide. The molecular pathology of different fibrotic diseases varies, and a number of bioactive factors are involved in the pathogenic process. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a type of multipotent stem cells that have promising therapeutic effects in the treatment of different diseases. Current updates of fibrotic pathogenesis reveal that residential MSCs may differentiate into myofibroblasts which lead to the fibrosis development. However, preclinical and clinical trials with autologous or allogeneic MSCs infusion demonstrate that MSCs can relieve the fibrotic diseases by modulating inflammation, regenerating damaged tissues, remodeling the ECMs, and modulating the death of stressed cells after implantation. A variety of animal models were developed to study the mechanisms behind different fibrotic tissues and test the preclinical efficacy of MSC therapy in these diseases. Furthermore, MSCs have been used for treating liver cirrhosis and pulmonary fibrosis patients in several clinical trials, leading to satisfactory clinical efficacy without severe adverse events. This review discusses the two opposite roles of residential MSCs and external MSCs in fibrotic diseases, and summarizes the current perspective of therapeutic mechanism of MSCs in fibrosis, through both laboratory study and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qin
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Nian Liu
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Chao-le-meng Bao
- CASTD Regengeek (Shenzhen) Medical Technology Co. Ltd, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Da-zhi Yang
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Gui-xing Ma
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Wei-hong Yi
- grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000 China
| | - Guo-zhi Xiao
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Hui-ling Cao
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055 China
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Yao H, Yang X, Yan M, Fang X, Wang Y, Qi H, Sun L. Correlation of Serum M-CSF, CER, and TIMP-1 Levels with Liver Fibrosis in Viral Hepatitis. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6736225. [PMID: 36238481 PMCID: PMC9553341 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6736225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective This research is aimed at investigating the relationship between liver fibrosis in viral hepatitis and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP-1), and ceruloplasmin (CER) in serum level. Methods Patients were randomly selected among those admitted to our hospital, and 60 healthy volunteers were chosen to serve as control participants. The levels of serum M-CSF, CER, and TIMP-1 were compared. According to the severity of their liver fibrosis, patients with CHB were separated into four groups: S1, S2, S3, and S4. Serum levels of M-CSF, CER, and TIMP-1 were correlated with liver fibrosis and hepatitis markers, and the diagnostic usefulness of the three indices was assessed with liver cirrhosis patients. Results Increases in M-CSF and TIMP-1 in the CHB group but decreases in CER were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Serum levels of M-CSF, CER, TIMP-1, HA, PC-III, C-IV, and LN differed significantly across the four study groups (P < 0.05). Over time, as liver fibrosis worsened, we observed a progressive uptick in M-CSF, TIMP-1, LN, HA, C-IV, and PC-III levels and a progressive downtick in CER levels, with significant (P < 0.05) differences between the groups. There was a significant positive correlation between liver fibrosis and serum M-CSF, PC-III, TIMP-1, HA, LN, and C-IV levels in the CHB group (P < 0.05) and a significant negative correlation between serum CER and these same factors (P < 0.05). The AUC of 0.956 for diagnosing the S4 stage was greater than that of 0.857, 0.851, and 0.817 for M-CSF, CER, and TIMP-1, respectively. Conclusions In CHB patients, the liver fibrosis degree is associated with the M-CSF, CER, and TIMP-1 levels, and the combined clinical detection of these three markers has better diagnostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hairong Yao
- Department of Cardiology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
| | - Xuan Yang
- Department of Infection, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
| | - Man Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
| | - Xueqin Fang
- Department of Infection, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
| | - Yange Wang
- Department of Infection, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
| | - Hong Qi
- Department of Infection, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Infection, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710018, China
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Satilmis B, Sahin TT, Cicek E, Akbulut S, Yilmaz S. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Microenvironment and Its Implications in Terms of Anti-tumor Immunity: Future Perspectives for New Therapeutics. J Gastrointest Cancer 2021; 52:1198-1205. [PMID: 34625923 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-021-00725-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular cancer is an insidious tumor that is often diagnosed in a later stage of life. The tumor microenvironment is the key to tumorigenesis and progression. Many cellular and non-cellular components orchestrate the intricate process of hepatocarcinogenesis. The most important feature of hepatocellular cancer is the immune evasion process. The present review aims to summarize the key components of the tumor microenvironment in the immune evasion process. METHODS Google Scholar and PubMed databases have been searched for the mesh terms "Hepatocellular carcinoma" or "Liver Cancer" and "microenvironment." The articles were reviewed and the components of the tumor microenvironment were summarized. RESULTS The tumor microenvironment is composed of tumor cells and non-tumoral stromal and immune cells. HCC tumor microenvironment supports aggressive tumor behavior, provides immune evasion, and is an obstacle for current immunotherapeutic strategies. The components of the tumor microenvironment are intratumoral macrophages (tumor-associated macrophages (TAM)), bone marrow-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated neutrophils (TAN), fibroblasts in the tumor microenvironment, and the activated hepatic stellate cells. CONCLUSION There are intricate mechanisms that drive hepatocarcinogenesis. The tumor microenvironment is at the center of all the complex and diverse mechanisms. Effective and multistep immunotherapies should be developed to target different components of the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basri Satilmis
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Tevfik Tolga Sahin
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey.
| | - Egemen Cicek
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sami Akbulut
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey
| | - Sezai Yilmaz
- Liver Transplant Institute and Faculty of Medicine Department of Surgery, Inonu University, Battalgazi, 44000, Malatya, Turkey
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Guo Y, Wu G, Yi J, Yang Q, Jiang W, Lin S, Yang X, Cai X, Mao L. Anti-Hepatocellular Carcinoma Effect and Molecular Mechanism of the Estrogen Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:763539. [PMID: 35096574 PMCID: PMC8789654 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.763539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
There are significant gender differences in the incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Compared with men, the incidence and mortality of HCC in women are relatively low. The estrogen signaling pathway, composed of estrogen and estrogen receptors, has been postulated to have a protective effect on the occurrence and development of HCC. There have been multiple studies that have supported anti-HCC effects of the estrogen signaling pathways, including direct and indirect pathways such as genomic pathways, rapid transduction pathways, non-coding RNA, tumor microenvironment, estrogen metabolites, and inhibition of hepatitis infection and replication. Based on the evidence of an anti-HCC effect of the estrogen signaling pathway, a number of strategies have been investigated to determine the potential therapeutic effect. These have included estrogen replacement therapy, targeting the estrogen receptor, key molecules, inflammatory mediators, and regulatory pathways of the estrogen signaling pathway. In this review, we have systematically summarized the latest developments in the complex functions and molecular mechanisms of the estrogen signaling pathway in liver cancer. Furthermore, we have highlighted the potential targets of treatment strategies based on the estrogen signaling pathway in the treatment of liver cancer and the principal obstacles currently encountered for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusheng Guo
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guohui Wu
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junrong Yi
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qin Yang
- Nephrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wengong Jiang
- Nephrology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoqiang Lin
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaorong Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
| | - Xiangsheng Cai
- Center for Medical Experiments, University of Chinese Academy of Science-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
| | - Liufeng Mao
- Scientific Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Liufeng Mao, ; Xiangsheng Cai, ; Xiaorong Yang,
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