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Che L, Stevenson CK, Plas DR, Wang J, Du C. BRUCE liver-deficiency potentiates MASLD/MASH in PTEN liver-deficient background by impairment of mitochondrial metabolism in hepatocytes and activation of STAT3 signaling in hepatic stellate cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.09.13.611500. [PMID: 39314445 PMCID: PMC11419131 DOI: 10.1101/2024.09.13.611500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is currently the most common liver disease, affecting up to 25% of people worldwide, featuring excessive fat accumulation in hepatocytes. Its advanced form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), is a serious disease with hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, increasing the need for liver transplants. However, the pathogenic mechanism of MASLD and MASH is not fully understood. We reported that BRUCE ( BIRC6) is a liver cancer suppressor and is downregulated in MASLD/MASH patient liver specimens, though the functional role of BRUCE in MASLD/MASH remains to be elucidated. To this end, we generated liver-specific double KO (DKO) mice of BRUCE and PTEN, a major tumor suppressor and MASLD/MASH suppressor. By comparing liver histopathology among 2-3-month-old mice, there were no signs of MASLD or MASH in BRUCE liver-KO mice and only onset of steatosis in PTEN liver-KO mice. Interestingly, DKO mice had developed robust hepatic steatosis with inflammation and fibrosis. Further analysis of mitochondrial function with primary hepatocytes found moderate reduction of mitochondrial respiration, ATP production and fatty acid oxidation in BRUCE KO and the greatest reduction in DKO hepatocytes. Moreover, aberrant activation of pro-fibrotic STAT3 signaling was found in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in DKO mice which was prevented by administered STAT3-specific inhibitor (TTI-101). Collectively, the data demonstrates by maintaining mitochondrial metabolism BRUCE works in concert with PTEN to suppress the pro-fibrogenic STAT3 activation in HSCs and consequentially prevent MASLD/MASH. The findings highlight BRUCE being a new co-suppressor of MASLD/MASH.
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Eeda V, Patil NY, Joshi AD, Awasthi V. Advancements in metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease research: Diagnostics, small molecule developments, and future directions. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:222-234. [PMID: 38149861 PMCID: PMC10923026 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic (dysfunction)-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is a growing global health concern with no approved pharmacological treatments. At the same time, there are no standard methods to definitively screen for the presence of MASLD because of its progressive nature and symptomatic commonality with other disorders. Recent advances in molecular understanding of MASLD pathophysiology have intensified research on development of new drug molecules, repurposing of existing drugs approved for other indications, and an educated use of dietary supplements for its treatment and prophylaxis. This review focused on depicting the latest advancements in MASLD research related to small molecule development for prophylaxis or treatment and diagnosis, with emphasis on mechanistic basis at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkateswararao Eeda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Nikhil Yuvaraj Patil
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Aditya Dilip Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Vibhudutta Awasthi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
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Pavlova O, Shevchenko N, Pavlov S, Holovko T, Bogmat L. Predictors of fibrogenesis in children with JIA: a single-center pilot study. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2024; 22:3. [PMID: 38166934 PMCID: PMC10759375 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-023-00937-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with rheumatological diseases are at high risk of developing irreversible fibrotic changes, both articular and extra-articular, as a result of tissue damage caused by the chronic phase of persistent inflammation. Thus, our purpose was to study early markers of fibrosis formation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS Seventy patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, namely, polyarthritis (64.29%) and oligoarthritis (35.71%) variant JIA (mean age 13.3 years, 64.29% girls, 35.71% boys), were included in this 4-year prospective study. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were determined by ELISA kits. RESULTS We evaluated bFGF (mean: 7478.21 pg/ml; min: 4171.56 pg/ml; max: 18,011.25 pg/ml) and VEGF (mean: 342.47 pg/ml; min: 23.68 pg/ml; max: 2158.91 pg/ml) levels in children with JIA. Children with JIA had a higher VEGF level when JIA onset occurred after 15 years of age and they had a high disease activity; additionally, a higher bFGF level was observed in children older than 14 years and in those with a JIA onset after 15 years of age, the oligoarticular variant, a moderate disease activity and regardless of MTX administration but more often when MTX was administered at a dosage from 10 to 12.5 mg/m2/week. CONCLUSIONS Laboratory screening of fibrosis formation predictors could help identify patients who may be at greater risk of adverse outcomes. Children with JIA had higher bFGF and VEGF levels when JIA onset occurred after 15 years of age, depending on disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Pavlova
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Yuvileinyi Avenue, 52-A, Kharkiv, 61153, Ukraine.
| | - Natalia Shevchenko
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Yuvileinyi Avenue, 52-A, Kharkiv, 61153, Ukraine
- Cardiorheumatology Department, State Institution "Institute of Health Protection of Children and Adolescents of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Sergey Pavlov
- Central Scientific Research Laboratory, Kharkiv Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Tetiana Holovko
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Yuvileinyi Avenue, 52-A, Kharkiv, 61153, Ukraine
- Cardiorheumatology Department, State Institution "Institute of Health Protection of Children and Adolescents of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Liudmyla Bogmat
- Cardiorheumatology Department, State Institution "Institute of Health Protection of Children and Adolescents of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine", Kharkiv, Ukraine
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Pal SC, Castillo-Castañeda SM, Díaz-Orozco LE, Ramírez-Mejía MM, Dorantes-Heredia R, Alonso-Morales R, Eslam M, Lammert F, Méndez-Sánchez N. Molecular Mechanisms Involved in MAFLD in Cholecystectomized Patients: A Cohort Study. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1935. [PMID: 37895284 PMCID: PMC10606482 DOI: 10.3390/genes14101935] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Gallstone disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) share numerous common risk factors and progression determinants in that they both manifest as organ-specific consequences of metabolic dysfunction. Nevertheless, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying fibrosis development in cholecystectomized MAFLD patients remain inadequately defined. This study aimed to investigate the involvement of farnesoid X receptor 1 (FXR1) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) in the progression of fibrosis in cholecystectomized MAFLD patients. A meticulously characterized cohort of 12 patients diagnosed with MAFLD, who had undergone liver biopsies during programmed cholecystectomies, participated in this study. All enrolled patients underwent a follow-up regimen at 1, 3, and 6 months post-cholecystectomy, during which metabolic biochemical markers were assessed, along with elastography, which served as indirect indicators of fibrosis. Additionally, the hepatic expression levels of FGFR4 and FXR1 were quantified using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Our findings revealed a robust correlation between hepatic FGFR4 expression and various histological features, including the steatosis degree (r = 0.779, p = 0.023), ballooning degeneration (r = 0.764, p = 0.027), interphase inflammation (r = 0.756, p = 0.030), and steatosis activity score (SAS) (r = 0.779, p = 0.023). Conversely, hepatic FXR1 expression did not exhibit any significant correlations with these histological features. In conclusion, our study highlights a substantial correlation between FGFR4 expression and histological liver damage, emphasizing its potential role in lipid and glucose metabolism. These findings suggest that FGFR4 may play a crucial role in the progression of fibrosis in cholecystectomized MAFLD patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate the exact mechanisms through which FGFR4 influences metabolic dysfunction and fibrosis in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya C. Pal
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (S.C.P.); (L.E.D.-O.)
| | - Stephany M. Castillo-Castañeda
- Medical, Dental and Health Sciences Master and Doctorate Program, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico; (M.M.R.-M.); (R.D.-H.)
| | - Luis E. Díaz-Orozco
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (S.C.P.); (L.E.D.-O.)
| | - Mariana M. Ramírez-Mejía
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico; (M.M.R.-M.); (R.D.-H.)
- Plan of Combined Studies in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Rita Dorantes-Heredia
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico; (M.M.R.-M.); (R.D.-H.)
| | - Rogelio Alonso-Morales
- Genetic and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico;
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia;
| | - Frank Lammert
- Health Sciences, Hannover Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Nahum Méndez-Sánchez
- Faculty of Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalpan, Mexico City 04510, Mexico; (S.C.P.); (L.E.D.-O.)
- Liver Research Unit, Medica Sur Clinic & Foundation, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14050, Mexico; (M.M.R.-M.); (R.D.-H.)
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Yang Z, Wang L. Current, emerging, and potential therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1152042. [PMID: 37063264 PMCID: PMC10097909 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1152042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been identified as the most common chronic liver disease worldwide, with a growing incidence. NAFLD is considered the hepatic manifestation of a metabolic syndrome that emerges from multiple factors (e.g., oxidative stress, metabolic disorders, endoplasmic reticulum stress, cell death, and inflammation). Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD, has been reported to be a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma, and it is progressing rapidly. Since there is no approved pharmacotherapy for NASH, a considerable number of therapeutic targets have emerged with the deepening of the research on NASH pathogenesis. In this study, the therapeutic potential and properties of regulating metabolism, the gut microbiome, antioxidant, microRNA, inhibiting apoptosis, targeting ferroptosis, and stem cell-based therapy in NASH are reviewed and evaluated. Since the single-drug treatment of NASH is affected by individual heterogeneous responses and side effects, it is imperative to precisely carry out targeted therapy with low toxicity. Lastly, targeted therapeutic agent delivery based on exosomes is proposed in this study, such that drugs with different mechanisms can be incorporated to generate high-efficiency and low-toxicity individualized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xi-Jing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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Patient Selection Approaches in FGFR Inhibitor Trials-Many Paths to the Same End? Cells 2022; 11:cells11193180. [PMID: 36231142 PMCID: PMC9563413 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) signaling have been investigated in various human cancer diseases. Recently, the first compounds received FDA approval in biomarker-selected patient populations. Different approaches and technologies have been applied in clinical trials, ranging from protein (immunohistochemistry) to mRNA expression (e.g., RNA in situ hybridization) and to detection of various DNA alterations (e.g., copy number variations, mutations, gene fusions). We review, here, the advantages and limitations of the different technologies and discuss the importance of tissue and disease context in identifying the best predictive biomarker for FGFR targeting therapies.
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Nandakumar M, Moin ASM, Ramanjaneya M, Qaissi AA, Sathyapalan T, Atkin SL, Butler AE. Severe iatrogenic hypoglycaemia modulates the fibroblast growth factor protein response. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022; 24:1483-1497. [PMID: 35415885 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is evidence that fibroblast growth factor (FGF) levels may be implicated in hypoglycaemia, with FGF19 being a potential contributor to insulin-independent pathways driving postprandial hypoglycaemia following bariatric surgery and basic FGF (FGF2) being elevated following mild hypoglycaemia occurring after the glucose tolerance test. However, their response following severe iatrogenic hypoglycaemia is unknown and therefore this pilot exploratory study was undertaken. METHODS A case-control study of aged-matched type 2 diabetes (T2D; n = 23) and control (n = 23) subjects who underwent a hyperinsulinaemic clamp, initially to euglycaemia in T2D (5 mmol/L; 90 mg/dl), and then to hypoglycaemia (<2 mmol/L; <36 mg/dl) with subsequent follow-up time course to 24 h. FGF and FGF receptor proteins were determined by Slow Off-rate Modified Aptamer (SOMA)-scan plasma protein measurement. RESULTS At baseline, FGF12 (p = .006) was higher and FGF20 (p = .004) was lower in T2D versus controls. At hypoglycaemia, FGF7 was lower in T2D. Post-hypoglycaemic levels of FGF18, FGF19, FGF20 and FGF23 were lower while FGF12 and FGF16 were higher in T2D versus control at different time points. No differences between T2D and controls were seen for FGF1, FGF2, FGF4, FGF6, FGF8, FGF9, FGF10, FGF21 or any of the FGF receptors. At 24 h post-hypoglycaemia, FGF20 (p = .01) differed between controls and T2D, while the levels for the other proteins measured returned to baseline. None of the FGF proteins altered from baseline to euglycaemia when clamped in T2D subjects. FGF23 negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose, but no FGFs correlated with body mass index in T2D. CONCLUSION Severe transient hypoglycaemia modulated FGF7, 16, 19, 20 and 23 (known to be associated with diabetes), together with FGF18 and 12, not previously reported to be associated with diabetes but that may be important in the pathophysiology of hypoglycaemia; FGF20 remained low at 24 h. Taken together, these data suggest that recurrent hypoglycaemia may contribute to the development of complications through changes in FGF proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjula Nandakumar
- Diabetes Research Center (DRC), Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Qatar Foundation (QF), Doha, Qatar
| | - Abu Saleh Md Moin
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Manjunath Ramanjaneya
- Qatar Metabolic Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Al Qaissi
- Academic Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Hull York Medical School, Hull, UK
| | | | - Stephen L Atkin
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain
| | - Alexandra E Butler
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland Bahrain, Adliya, Kingdom of Bahrain
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Chen Z, Zhang Z, Liu J, Qi H, Li J, Chen J, Huang Q, Liu Q, Mi J, Li X. Gut Microbiota: Therapeutic Targets of Ginseng Against Multiple Disorders and Ginsenoside Transformation. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:853981. [PMID: 35548468 PMCID: PMC9084182 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.853981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Panax ginseng, as the king of Chinese herb, has significant therapeutic effects on obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, colitis, diarrhea, and many other diseases. This review systematically summarized recent findings, which show that ginseng plays its role by regulating gut microbiota diversity, and gut microbiota could also regulate the transformation of ginsenosides. We conclude the characteristics of ginseng in regulating gut microbiota, as the potential targets to prevent and treat metabolic diseases, colitis, neurological diseases, cancer, and other diseases. Ginseng treatment can increase some probiotics such as Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, Verrucomicrobia, Akkermansia, and reduce pathogenic bacteria such as Deferribacters, Lactobacillus, Helicobacter against various diseases. Meanwhile, Bacteroides, Eubacterium, and Bifidobacterium were found to be the key bacteria for ginsenoside transformation in vivo. Overall, ginseng can regulate gut microbiome diversity, further affect the synthesis of secondary metabolites, as well as promote the transformation of ginsenosides for improving the absorptivity of ginsenosides. This review can provide better insight into the interaction of ginseng with gut microbiota in multiple disorders and ginsenoside transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoqiang Chen
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Zepeng Zhang
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Hongyu Qi
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Li
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jinjin Chen
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Qingxia Huang
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Jia Mi
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Jia Mi, ; Xiangyan Li,
| | - Xiangyan Li
- Jilin Ginseng Academy, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Jia Mi, ; Xiangyan Li,
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Sak JJ, Prystupa A, Kiciński P, Luchowska-Kocot D, Kurys-Denis E, Bis-Wencel H. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 and fibroblast growth factor 21 in alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:2071-2080. [PMID: 35070009 PMCID: PMC8727211 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i12.2071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The importance of early diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease underscores the need to seek better and especially non-invasive diagnostic procedures. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (LECT2) has been widely studied to determine its usefulness in monitoring the course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease but not for alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC).
AIM To determine the concentration of LECT2 in the blood serum of patients in relation to progressive stages of ALC, its relation to fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF-1) and FGF-21, and to examine the possible wider use of LECT2 in diagnosing ALC.
METHODS A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 69 ALC cases and 17 controls with no ALC. Subjects were recruited from the region of Lublin (eastern Poland). Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed based on clinical features, history of heavy alcohol consumption, laboratory tests, and abdominal ultrasonography. The degree of ALC was evaluated according to Pugh-Child criteria (the Pugh-Child score). Blood was drawn and, after centrifugation, serum was collected for analysis. LECT2, FGF-1, and FGF-21 were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits.
RESULTS The LECT2 Levels in the control group were 18.99 ± 5.36 ng/mL. In the study groups, they declined with the progression of cirrhosis to 11.06 ± 6.47 ng/mL in one group and to 8.06 ± 5.74 ng/mL in the other (P < 0.0001). Multiple comparison tests confirmed the statistically significant differences in LECT2 Levels between the control group and both test groups (P = 0.006 and P < 0.0001). FGF-21 Levels were 44.27 ± 64.19 pg/mL in the first test group, 45.4 ± 51.69 pg/mL in the second (P = 0.008), and 13.52 ± 7.51 pg/mL in the control group. The difference between the control group and the second test group was statistically significant (P = 0.007).
CONCLUSION We suggest that LECT2 may be a non-invasive diagnostic factor for alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis. The usefulness of LECT2 for non-invasive monitoring of alcohol-induced liver cirrhosis was indirectly confirmed by the multiple regression model developed on the basis of our statistical analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Jerzy Sak
- Chair and Department of Humanities and Social Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| | - Andrzej Prystupa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-081, Poland
| | - Paweł Kiciński
- Department of Experimental Hematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-080, Poland
| | | | - Ewa Kurys-Denis
- The Second Department of Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-081, Poland
| | - Hanna Bis-Wencel
- Department of Microbiology and Reproductive Biology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin 20-950, Poland
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Ranaweera SS, Natraj P, Rajan P, Dayarathne LA, Mihindukulasooriya SP, Dinh DTT, Jee Y, Han CH. Anti-obesity effect of sulforaphane in broccoli leaf extract on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and ob/ob mice. J Nutr Biochem 2021; 100:108885. [PMID: 34655754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2021.108885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the anti-obesity effect of sulforaphane (SFN) and glucoraphanin (GRN) in broccoli leaf extract (BLE) on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and ob/ob mice. Based on Oil Red O staining and triglyceride (TG) assay, SFN and BLE significantly reduced (P<.05) both lipid accumulation and TG content in the differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. SFN and BLE increased 2-NBDG uptake by 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis confirmed that SFN and BLE increased the phosphorylation levels of both AMPK (Thr172) and ACC (Ser79), and reduced the expression of HMGCR in liver and white adipose tissues of ob/ob mice. Histological analysis revealed that SFN and BLE ameliorated hepatic steatosis, and reduced the size of adipocyte in ob/ob mice. Treatment with SFN and BLE significantly reduced (P<.05) TG content, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol (TC), and glucose in the serum of ob/ob mice. RNA sequencing analysis showed that up- or down-regulation of 32 genes related to lipid metabolism was restored to control level in both SFN and BLE-treated ob/ob mice groups. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via STRING analysis, and Srebf2, Pla2g2c, Elovl5, Plb1, Ctp1a, Lipin1, Fgfr1, and Plcg1 were located in the functional hubs of the PPI network of lipid metabolism. Overall results suggest that the SFN content in BLE exerts a potential anti-obesity effect by normalizing the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, which are up- or down-regulated in ob/ob mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Premkumar Natraj
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Priyanka Rajan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Laksi A Dayarathne
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Duong Thi Thuy Dinh
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngheun Jee
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Advanced Convergence Technology & Science, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hoon Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea.
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Yang C, Wan M, Xu D, Pan D, Xia H, Yang L, Sun G. Flaxseed Powder Attenuates Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis via Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism through Gut-Liver Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910858. [PMID: 34639207 PMCID: PMC8509295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is gradually becoming one of the most common and health-endangering diseases; therefore, it is very important to prevent the occurrence of NASH and prevent simple non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) from further developing into NASH. We fed mice a high-fat diet (HFD, 60% fat) for 14 weeks to induce NAFL and then fed different doses of flaxseed powder (low (10%), middle (20%), and high (30%)) to the mice for 28 weeks. After the animal experiment, we analyzed fecal bile acid (BA) profiles of the HFD mice, flaxseed-fed (FLA-fed) mice, and control mice with a normal diet (10% fat) using a targeted metabolomics approach, and we analyzed the gut microbiota at the same time. We also investigated the mechanistic role of BAs in NASH and identified whether the altered BAs strongly bind to colonic FXR or TGR5. In the present study, we found that 28-week FLA treatment notably alleviated NASH development in NAFL model mice fed with an HFD, and the beneficial effects may be attributed to the regulation of and improvement in the gut flora- and microbiota-related BAs, which then activate the intestinal FXR-FGF15 and TGR5-NF-κB pathways. Our data indicate that FLA might be a promising functional food for preventing NASH through regulating microbiomes and BAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Min Wan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Dengfeng Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Da Pan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Hui Xia
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ligang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (G.S.); Tel./Fax: +86-25-83272567 (G.S.)
| | - Guiju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (C.Y.); (M.W.); (D.X.); (D.P.); (H.X.)
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China
- Correspondence: (L.Y.); (G.S.); Tel./Fax: +86-25-83272567 (G.S.)
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Interplay of autophagy and cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:3695-3717. [PMID: 33893928 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06334-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. The most common type of liver cancers is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy is the cellular digestion of harmful components by sequestering the waste products into autophagosomes followed by lysosomal degradation for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The impairment of autophagy is highly associated with the development and progression of HCC although autophagy may be involved in tumour-suppressing cellular events. In regards to its protecting role, autophagy also shelters the cells from anoikis- a programmed cell death in anchorage-dependent cells detached from the surrounding extracellular matrix which facilitates metastasis in HCC. Liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs) have the ability for self-renewal and differentiation and are associated with the development and progression of HCC by regulating stemness, resistance and angiogenesis. Interestingly, autophagy is also known to regulate normal stem cells by promoting cellular survival and differentiation and maintaining cellular homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the basal autophagic mechanisms and double-faceted roles of autophagy as both tumour suppressor and tumour promoter in HCC, as well as its association with and contribution to self-renewal and differentiation of LCSCs.
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Tacke F, Weiskirchen R. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related liver fibrosis: mechanisms, treatment and prevention. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:729. [PMID: 33987427 PMCID: PMC8106094 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive expression and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the liver. Fibrotic scarring occurs as the consequence of chronic injury and inflammation. While the successful treatment of hepatitis B and C reduced the burden of liver disease related to viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are nowadays the leading causes of hepatic fibrosis worldwide. Although basic research activities have significantly advanced our understanding of the molecular disease pathogenesis, the present therapeutic options for fibrosis are still limited. In advanced disease stages, liver transplantation often remains the only curative treatment. This highlights the necessity of preventive strategies to avoid complications of fibrosis, particularly cirrhosis, portal hypertension and liver cancer. Lifestyle modifications (weight loss, exercise, healthy diet) are the basis for prevention and treatment of NAFLD-associated fibrosis. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in antifibrotic prevention and therapy. In particular, we review the current concepts for antifibrotic drug candidates in the treatment of NAFLD and NASH. While some compounds aim at reverting pathogenic liver metabolism, an alternative approach is to disconnect the injury (e.g., NAFLD) from inflammation and/or fibrosis. Investigational drugs typically target metabolic pathways, insulin resistance, hepatocyte death, inflammatory cell recruitment or activation, the gut-liver axis, matrix expression or matrix turnover. While several promising drug candidates failed in phase 2 or 3 clinical trials (including elafibranor, emricasan and selonsertib), promising results with the farnesoid X receptor agonist obeticholic acid, the pan-PPAR agonist lanifibranor and the chemokine receptor CCR2/CCR5 inhibitor cenicriviroc support the expectation of an effective pharmacological therapy for liver fibrosis in the near future. Tackling NAFLD-associated fibrosis from different directions by combinatorial drug treatment and effective lifestyle changes hold the greatest prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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