1
|
Guo Q, Yang A, Zhao R, Zhao H, Mu Y, Zhang J, Han Q, Su Y. Nimodipine ameliorates liver fibrosis via reshaping liver immune microenvironment in TAA-induced in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 138:112586. [PMID: 38955030 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112586] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Nimodipine, a calcium antagonist, exert beneficial neurovascular protective effects in clinic. Recently, Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) was reported to protect against liver fibrosis in mice, while the exact effects of Nimodipine on liver injury and hepatic fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we assessed the effect of nimodipine in Thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Then, the collagen deposition and liver inflammation were assessed by HE straining. Also, the frequency and phenotype of NK cells, CD4+T and CD8+T cells and MDSC in liver and spleen were analyzed using flow cytometry. Furthermore, activation and apoptosis of primary Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and HSC line LX2 were detected using α-SMA staining and TUNEL assay, respectively. We found that nimodipine administration significantly attenuated liver inflammation and fibrosis. And the increase of the numbers of hepatic NK and NKT cells, a reversed CD4+/CD8+T ratio, and reduced the numbers of MDSC were observed after nimodipine treatment. Furthermore, nimodipine administration significantly decreased α-SMA expression in liver tissues, and increased TUNEL staining adjacent to hepatic stellate cells. Nimodipine also reduced the proliferation of LX2, and significantly promoted high level of apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, nimodipine downregulated Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl, simultaneously increased expression of JNK, p-JNK, and Caspase-3. Together, nimodipine mediated suppression of growth and fibrogenesis of HSCs may warrant its potential use in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quanjuan Guo
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Ailu Yang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Rongrong Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yongliang Mu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Yuhang Su
- Department of Emergency Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dan L, Hao Y, Song H, Wang T, Li J, He X, Su Y. Efficacy and potential mechanisms of the main active ingredients of astragalus mongholicus in animal models of liver fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117198. [PMID: 37722514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus mongholicus (AM) is a Qi-tonifying and immune-regulating herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is increasingly regarded as a profound complementary medication in the treatment of fibrosis disease. Astragaloside (AS), astragaloside flavonoids (AF) and astragaloside polysaccharides (APS) are the main active ingredients of Astragalus Mongholicus (AM) that have a significant therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis. AIM OF THE STUDY This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of the main active ingredients of AM including astragaloside (AS), astragalus flavone (AF) and astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in animal models of liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We systematically searched ten databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest database, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), VIP Information Chinese Periodical Service Platform (VIP), WangFang database and China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM) to identify relevant animal studies from inception to November 2022. The SYRCLE's risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality. The statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS Twenty-three studies involving 482 animals were included. Studies quality scores ranged from 4 to 5. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD, -3.87; 95% CI, -5.09 to -2.65; P < 0.00001) aminotransferase (AST) (SMD, -4.43; 95% CI, -5.77 to -3.08; P < 0.00001), hydroxyproline (HYP) (SMD, -2.94; 95% CI, -3.83 to -2.05; P < 0.00001) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (SMD, -2.82; 95% CI, -3.57 to -2.06; P < 0.00001) were the main outcome measures to be analyzed. The meta-analysis revealed that the main active ingredients of AM lowered the levels of known risk factors including liver index (SMD, -1.25; 95% CI, -1.63 to -0.87; P < 0.00001), degree of liver fibrosis (SMD, -1.93; 95% CI, -2.57 to -1.28; P < 0.00001), collagen α type I (Col)-1 (SMD, -3.71; 95% CI, -5.63 to -1.79; P = 0.0001), hyaluronic acid (HA) (SMD, -2.65; 95% CI, -3.69 to -1.61; P < 0.00001), laminin (LN) (SMD, -2.06; 95% CI, -2.51 to -1.61; P < 0.00001), type IV collagen (CIV) (SMD, -3.04; 95% CI, -4.34 to -1.74; P < 0.00001), procollagen typeIII (PCIII) (SMD, -2.60; 95% CI, -3.15 to -2.05; P < 0.00001), albumin (ALB) (SMD, -1.19; 95% CI, -1.63 to -0.75; P < 0.00001), total bilirubin (TBiL) (SMD, -3.63; 95% CI, -5.39 to -1.88; P < 0.0001), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (SMD, -5.27; 95% CI, -6.94 to -3.61; P < 0.00001) and Smad3 (SMD, -4.11; 95% CI, -7.17 to -1.05; P = 0.009) level. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis demonstrates the effective role of the main active ingredients of AM in preclinical studies of liver fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms may be related to attenuation of oxidative stress, modulation of inflammatory response and inhibition of collagen production. However, due to the significant heterogeneity and poor quality of included studies, positive findings should be treated cautiously. REGISTRATION PROSPERO ID CRD42023382282.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Dan
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanwei Hao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongfei Song
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- The Affiliated Chengdu 363 Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Su
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Luo H, Lou KC, Xie LY, Zeng F, Zou JR. Pharmacotherapy of urethral stricture. Asian J Androl 2024; 26:1-9. [PMID: 37738151 PMCID: PMC10846832 DOI: 10.4103/aja202341] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Urethral stricture is characterized by the chronic formation of fibrous tissue, leading to the narrowing of the urethral lumen. Despite the availability of various endoscopic treatments, the recurrence of urethral strictures remains a common challenge. Postsurgery pharmacotherapy targeting tissue fibrosis is a promising option for reducing recurrence rates. Although drugs cannot replace surgery, they can be used as adjuvant therapies to improve outcomes. In this regard, many drugs have been proposed based on the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of urethral stricture. Ongoing studies have obtained substantial progress in treating urethral strictures, highlighting the potential for improved drug effectiveness through appropriate clinical delivery methods. Therefore, this review summarizes the latest researches on the mechanisms related to the pathophysiology of urethral stricture and the drugs to provide a theoretical basis and new insights for the effective use and future advancements in drug therapy for urethral stricture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Luo
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Ke-Cheng Lou
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Ling-Yu Xie
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Fei Zeng
- The First Clinical College, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jun-Rong Zou
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Institute of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Jiangxi Engineering Technology Research Center of Calculi Prevention, Ganzhou 341000, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu P, Xiao Z, Lu X, Zhang X, Huang J, Li C. Fasudil and SR1001 synergistically protect against sepsis-associated pancreatic injury by inhibiting RhoA/ROCK pathway and Th17/IL-17 response. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20118. [PMID: 37809525 PMCID: PMC10559842 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is defined as a dysregulated host response to infection that can result in organ dysfunction and high mortality, which needs more effective treatment urgently. Pancreas is one of the most vulnerable organs in sepsis, resulting in sepsis-associated pancreatic injury, which is a fatal complication of sepsis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combination of fasudil and SR1001 on sepsis-associated pancreatic injury and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The model of sepsis-associated pancreatic injury was induced by cecal ligation and puncture. Pancreatic injury was evaluated by HE staining, histopathological scores and amylase activity. The frequency of Th17 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Serum IL-17 level was determined by ELISA. Protein levels of RORγt, p-STAT3, GEF-H1, RhoA and ROCK1 were determined by Western blot. The apoptosis of pancreatic cells was examined by TUNEL analysis and Hoechst33342/PI staining. Compared to the sham group, the model group showed significant pathological injury including edema, hyperemia, vacuolization and necrosis. After treatment with fasudil, model mice showed an obvious reduction of Th17 cells and IL-17. SR1001 significantly reduced the expressions of GEF-H1, RhoA and ROCK1 in the model mice. The combination treatment with fasudil and SR1001 significantly inhibited the differentiation of Th17 cells, expressions of IL-17, GEF-H1, RhoA and ROCK1, which were more effective than each mono-treatment. In addition, our data revealed a remarkable decrease of apoptosis in pancreatic acinar cells culturing with fasudil or SR1001, which was further inhibited by their combination culture. Lipopolysaccharide remarkably upregulated the differentiation of Th17 cells in vitro, which could be significantly downregulated by fasudil or SR1001, and further downregulated by their combination treatment. Taken together, the combination of fasudil with SR1001 has a synergistic effect on protecting against sepsis-associated pancreatic injury in C57BL/6 mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Liu
- Department of Emergency, Key Laboratory of Pediatric Emergency Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, PR China
| | - Zhenghui Xiao
- Department of Emergency, Key Laboratory of Pediatric Emergency Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, PR China
| | - Xiulan Lu
- Department of Emergency, Key Laboratory of Pediatric Emergency Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, PR China
| | - Xinping Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Key Laboratory of Pediatric Emergency Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, PR China
| | - Jiaotian Huang
- Department of Emergency, Key Laboratory of Pediatric Emergency Medicine of Hunan Province, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, 410007, Hunan, PR China
| | - Cheng Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital/The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410005, Hunan, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yang M, Vanderwert E, Kimchi ET, Staveley-O'Carroll KF, Li G. The Important Roles of Natural Killer Cells in Liver Fibrosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051391. [PMID: 37239062 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis accompanies the development of various chronic liver diseases and promotes their progression. It is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) and impaired ECM degradation. Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major cellular source of ECM-producing myofibroblasts. If liver fibrosis is uncontrolled, it may lead to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, primarily hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of innate immunity and have miscellaneous roles in liver health and disease. Accumulating evidence shows that NK cells play dual roles in the development and progression of liver fibrosis, including profibrotic and anti-fibrotic functions. Regulating NK cells can suppress the activation of HSCs and improve their cytotoxicity against activated HSCs or myofibroblasts to reverse liver fibrosis. Cells such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) and molecules such as prostaglandin E receptor 3 (EP3) can regulate the cytotoxic function of NK cells. In addition, treatments such as alcohol dehydrogenase 3 (ADH3) inhibitors, microRNAs, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) activators, and natural products can enhance NK cell function to inhibit liver fibrosis. In this review, we summarized the cellular and molecular factors that affect the interaction of NK cells with HSCs, as well as the treatments that regulate NK cell function against liver fibrosis. Despite a lot of information about NK cells and their interaction with HSCs, our current knowledge is still insufficient to explain the complex crosstalk between these cells and hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells, B cells, and T cells, as well as thrombocytes, regarding the development and progression of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Ethan Vanderwert
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Eric T Kimchi
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Kevin F Staveley-O'Carroll
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
| | - Guangfu Li
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- NextGen Precision Health Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fasudil Ameliorates Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Modulation of Redox-Sensitive Signals. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15111436. [PMID: 36422565 PMCID: PMC9693476 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most widely used cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, and it is used in the treatment of different autoimmune disorders. However, the clinical applications of MTX are limited by its hepatic toxicity. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of fasudil (Rho-Kinase inhibitor) in the amelioration of MTX hepatotoxicity and the possible underlying mechanisms. Experimentally, 32 male Sprague Dawley rats were used and divided into four groups: control, MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p., single dose), fasudil (10 mg/kg/day i.p.) for one week, and fasudil plus MTX. It was found that MTX significantly induced hepatitis and hepatocellular damage, as shown by abnormal histological findings and liver dysfunction (ALT and AST), with up-regulation of the inflammatory mediators NF-κB-p65 and IL-1β. Moreover, MTX remarkably disrupted oxidant/antioxidant status, as evidenced by malondialdehyde (MDA) up-regulation associated with the depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, MTX reduced the hepatic expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). On the contrary, the i.p. administration of fasudil significantly ameliorated MTX hepatotoxicity by histopathological improvement, restoring oxidant/antioxidant balance, preventing hepatic inflammation, and improving the hepatic anti-apoptotic capability. Furthermore, fasudil hepatic concentration was determined for the first time using the validated RP-HPLC method. In conclusion, the present study revealed that fasudil has a reliable hepatoprotective effect against MTX hepatotoxicity with underlying antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. It also introduced a new method for the determination of fasudil hepatic tissue concentration using the RP-HPLC technique.
Collapse
|
7
|
Shao J, Ge T, Tang C, Wang G, Pang L, Chen Z. Synergistic anti-inflammatory effect of gut microbiota and lithocholic acid on liver fibrosis. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:1389-1401. [DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01629-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
|
8
|
Qian Y, Shang Z, Gao Y, Wu H, Kong X. Liver Regeneration in Chronic Liver Injuries: Basic and Clinical Applications Focusing on Macrophages and Natural Killer Cells. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:971-981. [PMID: 35738473 PMCID: PMC9489753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver regeneration is a necessary but complex process involving multiple cell types besides hepatocytes. Mechanisms underlying liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and acute liver injury have been well-described. However, in patients with chronic and severe liver injury, the remnant liver cannot completely restore the liver mass and function, thereby involving liver progenitor-like cells (LPLCs) and various immune cells. RESULTS Macrophages are beneficial to LPLCs proliferation and the differentiation of LPLCs to hepatocytes. Also, cells expressing natural killer (NK) cell markers have been studied in promoting both liver injury and liver regeneration. NK cells can promote LPLC-induced liver regeneration, but the excessive activation of hepatic NK cells may lead to high serum levels of interferon-γ, thus inhibiting liver regeneration. CONCLUSIONS This review summarizes the recent research on 2 important innate immune cells, macrophages and NK cells, in LPLC-induced liver regeneration and the mechanisms of liver regeneration during chronic liver injury, as well as the latest macrophage- and NK cell-based therapies for chronic liver injury. These novel findings can further help identify new treatments for chronic liver injury, saving patients from the pain of liver transplantations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Qian
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Shang
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailong Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang Y, Wu Y, Shen W, Wang B, Yuan X. Crosstalk between NK cells and hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis (Review). Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:208. [PMID: 35506449 PMCID: PMC9133963 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common pathological process of chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease, and ultimately progresses to irreversible cirrhosis and cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated to produce amounts of collagens in response to liver injury, thus triggering the initiation and progression of fibrogenesis. Natural killer (NK) cells serve as the essential component of hepatic innate immunity and are considered to alleviate fibrosis by killing activated HSCs. Current antifibrotic interventions have improved fibrosis, but fail to halt its progression in the advanced stage. Clarifying the interaction between NK cells and HSCs will provide clues to the pathogenesis and potential therapies for advanced liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Wu
- The Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Wenjuan Shen
- Department of Gynaecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Bingyu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Xingxing Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heilongjiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ferdek PE, Krzysztofik D, Stopa KB, Kusiak AA, Paw M, Wnuk D, Jakubowska MA. When healing turns into killing ‐ the pathophysiology of pancreatic and hepatic fibrosis. J Physiol 2022; 600:2579-2612. [DOI: 10.1113/jp281135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel E. Ferdek
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Daria Krzysztofik
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Kinga B. Stopa
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Agnieszka A. Kusiak
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- Department of Cell Biology Faculty of Biochemistry Biophysics and Biotechnology Jagiellonian University Krakow Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xi Y, Xu PF. Therapeutic potentials of fasudil in liver fibrosis. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:7859-7861. [PMID: 34963748 PMCID: PMC8661378 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i45.7859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fasudil has the potential to prevent liver fibrosis by activating natural killer cells and inhibiting the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells. Fasudil may be a promising clinical therapeutic drug for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Xi
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Peng-Fei Xu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cell-Type-Specific Profibrotic Scores across Multi-Organ Systems Predict Cancer Prognosis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236024. [PMID: 34885134 PMCID: PMC8656778 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Fibrosis is a major player and contributor in the tumor microenvironment. Profibrotic changes precede the early development and establishment of a variety of human diseases, such as fibrosis and cancer. Being able to measure such early signals at the single cell level is critically useful for identifying new mechanisms and potential drug targets for a wide range of diseases. This study was designed to computationally identify profibrotic cell populations using single-cell transcriptomic data and to identify gene signatures that could predict cancer prognosis. Abstract Fibrosis is a major cause of mortality. Key profibrotic mechanisms are common pathways involved in tumorigenesis. Characterizing the profibrotic phenotype will help reveal the underlying mechanisms of early development and progression of a variety of human diseases, such as fibrosis and cancer. Fibroblasts have been center stage in response to various stimuli, such as viral infections. However, a comprehensive catalog of cell types involved in this process is currently lacking. Here, we deployed single-cell transcriptomic data across multi-organ systems (i.e., heart, kidney, liver, and lung) to identify novel profibrotic cell populations based on ECM pathway activity at single-cell resolution. In addition to fibroblasts, we also reported that epithelial, endothelial, myeloid, natural killer T, and secretory cells, as well as proximal convoluted tubule cells of the nephron, were significantly actively involved. Cell-type-specific gene signatures were enriched in viral infection pathways, enhanced glycolysis, and carcinogenesis, among others; they were validated using independent datasets in this study. By projecting the signatures into bulk TCGA tumor samples, we could predict prognosis in the patients using profibrotic scores. Our profibrotic cellular phenotype is useful for identifying new mechanisms and potential drug targets at the cell-type level for a wide range of diseases involved in ECM pathway activation.
Collapse
|