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Miwa T, Hanai T, Imai K, Takai K, Shiraki M, Hayashi H, Shimizu S, Nishigaki Y, Tomita E, Shimizu M. Effects of Rifaximin on Circulating Albumin Structures and Serum Ammonia Levels in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Preliminary Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11247318. [PMID: 36555935 PMCID: PMC9784744 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11247318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating albumin structures, including their oxidized and reduced forms, are involved in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) development. However, the effects of rifaximin, a key drug in HE treatment, on the circulating albumin structure in patients with liver cirrhosis remain unclear. In this multicenter prospective study, eight patients with hyperammonemia (≥80 μg/dL) were enrolled. The circulating albumin structure was evaluated using the ratio of oxidized albumin (human nonmercaptalbumin, HNA). Patients were administered 400 mg rifaximin 3 times/day for 3 months, and laboratory data were assessed at baseline and during observation. Among the eight patients, three were men; the median age and body mass index were 70 years and 26.4 kg/m2, respectively. The median HNA and serum ammonia levels at baseline were 41% and 143 μg/dL, respectively. After rifaximin therapy, HNA showed a decreasing tendency (median; from 41% to 36%, p = 0.321), but serum albumin levels showed no significant change (from 3.5 g/dL to 3.5 g/dL, p = 1.00); serum ammonia levels significantly reduced (median: 143 μg/dL to 76 μg/dL, p = 0.015). Thus, rifaximin reduces serum ammonia levels and may improve circulating albumin structure in patients with cirrhosis. Further large-scale studies are required to confirm these preliminary results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Miwa
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Health Administration Center, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-(58)-230-6308
| | - Tatsunori Hanai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Center for Nutrition Support & Infection Control, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Koji Takai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
- Division for Regional Cancer Control, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Makoto Shiraki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chuno Kosei Hospital, Gifu 501-3802, Japan
| | - Hideki Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu 500-8513, Japan
| | - Shogo Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gifu Prefectural General Medical Center, Gifu 500-8717, Japan
| | - Yoichi Nishigaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu 500-8513, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tomita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Gifu Municipal Hospital, Gifu 500-8513, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
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Claeys W, Van Hoecke L, Lefere S, Geerts A, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Degroote H, Devisscher L, Vandenbroucke RE, Van Steenkiste C. The neurogliovascular unit in hepatic encephalopathy. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100352. [PMID: 34611619 PMCID: PMC8476774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication of hepatic dysfunction and portosystemic shunting. It is highly prevalent in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with poor outcomes. New insights into the role of peripheral origins in HE have led to the development of innovative treatment strategies like faecal microbiota transplantation. However, this broadening of view has not been applied fully to perturbations in the central nervous system. The old paradigm that HE is the clinical manifestation of ammonia-induced astrocyte dysfunction and its secondary neuronal consequences requires updating. In this review, we will use the holistic concept of the neurogliovascular unit to describe central nervous system disturbances in HE, an approach that has proven instrumental in other neurological disorders. We will describe HE as a global dysfunction of the neurogliovascular unit, where blood flow and nutrient supply to the brain, as well as the function of the blood-brain barrier, are impaired. This leads to an accumulation of neurotoxic substances, chief among them ammonia and inflammatory mediators, causing dysfunction of astrocytes and microglia. Finally, glymphatic dysfunction impairs the clearance of these neurotoxins, further aggravating their effect on the brain. Taking a broader view of central nervous system alterations in liver disease could serve as the basis for further research into the specific brain pathophysiology of HE, as well as the development of therapeutic strategies specifically aimed at counteracting the often irreversible central nervous system damage seen in these patients.
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Key Words
- ABC, ATP-binding cassette
- ACLF, acute-on-chronic liver failure
- AD, acute decompensation
- ALF, acute liver failure
- AOM, azoxymethane
- AQP4, aquaporin 4
- Acute Liver Failure
- Ammonia
- BBB, blood-brain barrier
- BCRP, breast cancer resistance protein
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- Blood-brain barrier
- Brain edema
- CCL, chemokine ligand
- CCR, C-C chemokine receptor
- CE, cerebral oedema
- CLD, chronic liver disease
- CLDN, claudin
- CNS, central nervous system
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- Cirrhosis
- Energy metabolism
- GS, glutamine synthetase
- Glymphatic system
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- HO-1, heme oxygenase 1
- IL-, interleukin
- MMP-9, matrix metalloproteinase 9
- MRP, multidrug resistance associated protein
- NGVU
- NGVU, neurogliovascular unit
- NKCC1, Na-K-2Cl cotransporter 1
- Neuroinflammation
- OCLN, occludin
- ONS, oxidative and nitrosative stress
- Oxidative stress
- P-gp, P-glycoprotein
- PCA, portacaval anastomosis
- PSS, portosystemic shunt
- S1PR2, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2
- SUR1, sulfonylurea receptor 1
- Systemic inflammation
- TAA, thioacetamide
- TGFβ, transforming growth factor beta
- TJ, tight junction
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- TNFR1, tumour necrosis factor receptor 1
- ZO, zonula occludens
- mPT, mitochondrial pore transition
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Claeys
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Van Hoecke
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena Degroote
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E. Vandenbroucke
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Antwerp University, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Häussinger D, Butz M, Schnitzler A, Görg B. Pathomechanisms in hepatic encephalopathy. Biol Chem 2021; 402:1087-1102. [PMID: 34049427 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a frequent neuropsychiatric complication in patients with acute or chronic liver failure. Symptoms of HE in particular include disturbances of sensory and motor functions and cognition. HE is triggered by heterogeneous factors such as ammonia being a main toxin, benzodiazepines, proinflammatory cytokines and hyponatremia. HE in patients with liver cirrhosis is triggered by a low-grade cerebral edema and cerebral oxidative/nitrosative stress which bring about a number of functionally relevant alterations including posttranslational protein modifications, oxidation of RNA, gene expression changes and senescence. These alterations are suggested to impair astrocyte/neuronal functions and communication. On the system level, a global slowing of oscillatory brain activity and networks can be observed paralleling behavioral perceptual and motor impairments. Moreover, these changes are related to increased cerebral ammonia, alterations in neurometabolite and neurotransmitter concentrations and cortical excitability in HE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Häussinger
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus Butz
- Department of Neurology/Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Alfons Schnitzler
- Department of Neurology/Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Boris Görg
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases, Heinrich Heine University, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
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Görg B, Karababa A, Häussinger D. Hepatic Encephalopathy and Astrocyte Senescence. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2018; 8:294-300. [PMID: 30302047 PMCID: PMC6175776 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2018.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) is a severe complication of acute or chronic liver diseases with a broad spectrum of neurological symptoms including motor disturbances and cognitive impairment of different severity. Contrary to former beliefs, a growing number of studies suggest that cognitive impairment may not fully reverse after an acute episode of overt HE in patients with liver cirrhosis. The reasons for persistent cognitive impairment in HE are currently unknown but recent observations raise the possibility that astrocyte senescence may play a role here. Astrocyte senescence is closely related to oxidative stress and correlate with irreversible cognitive decline in aging and neurodegenerative diseases. In line with this, surrogate marker for oxidative stress and senescence were upregulated in ammonia-exposed cultured astrocytes and in post mortem brain tissue from patients with liver cirrhosis with but not without HE. Ammonia-induced senescence in astrocytes involves glutamine synthesis-dependent formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), p53 activation and upregulation of cell cycle inhibitory factors p21 and GADD45α. More recent studies also suggest a role of ROS-induced downregulation of Heme Oxygenase (HO)1-targeting micro RNAs and upregulation of HO1 for ammonia-induced proliferation inhibition in cultured astrocytes. Further studies are required to identify the precise sequence of events that lead to astrocyte senescence and to elucidate functional implications of senescence for cognitive performance in patients with liver cirrhosis and HE.
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Key Words
- ARE, Antioxidant Response Elements
- BDNF, Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
- Eph, Ephrine
- EphR, Ephrine Receptor
- GADD45α, Growth Arrest and DNA Damage Inducible 45α
- GS, Glutamine Synthetase
- HE, Hepatic Encephalopathy
- HO1, Heme Oxygenase 1
- LOLA, l-Ornithine-l-Aspartate
- MAP, Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases
- NAPDH, Reduced Form of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate
- Nox, NADPH Oxidase
- Nrf2, Nuclear Factor-Like 2
- PBR, Peripheral-Type Benzodiazepine Receptor
- PTN, Protein Tyrosine Nitration
- RNOS, Reactive Nitrogen and Oxygen Species
- ROS, Reactive Oxygen Species
- SA-β-Gal, Senescence-Associated β-d-Galactosidase
- TSP, Trombospondin
- TrkBT, Truncated Tyrosine Receptor Kinase B
- ZnPP, Zinc Protoporphyrin
- ammonia
- astrocytes
- heme oxygenase 1
- hepatic encephalopathy
- mPT, Mitochondrial Permeability Transition
- miRNAs
- nNOS, Neuronal-Type Nitric-Oxide Synthase
- oxidative stress
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dieter Häussinger
- Address for correspondence: Dieter Häussinger, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Moorenstrasse 5, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany. Tel.: +49 211 811 7569; fax: +49 211 811 8838.
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Liu XM, Peyton KJ, Durante W. Ammonia promotes endothelial cell survival via the heme oxygenase-1-mediated release of carbon monoxide. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 102:37-46. [PMID: 27867098 PMCID: PMC5209302 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Although endothelial cells produce substantial quantities of ammonia during cell metabolism, the physiologic role of this gas in these cells is not known. In this study, we investigated if ammonia regulates the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and if this enzyme influences the biological actions of ammonia on endothelial cells. Exogenously administered ammonia, given as ammonium chloride or ammonium hydroxide, or endogenously generated ammonia stimulated HO-1 protein expression in cultured human and murine endothelial cells. Dietary supplementation of ammonia also induced HO-1 protein expression in murine arteries. The increase in HO-1 protein by ammonia in endothelial cells was first detected 4h after ammonia exposure and was associated with the induction of HO-1 mRNA, enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increased expression and activity of NF-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). Ammonia also activated the HO-1 promoter and this was blocked by mutating the antioxidant responsive element or by overexpressing dominant-negative Nrf2. The induction of HO-1 expression by ammonia was dependent on ROS formation and prevented by N-acetylcysteine or rotenone. Finally, prior treatment of endothelial cells with ammonia inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated cell death. However, silencing HO-1 expression abrogated the protective action of ammonia and this was reversed by the administration of carbon monoxide but not bilirubin or iron. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ammonia stimulates the expression of HO-1 in endothelial cells via the ROS-Nrf2 pathway, and that the induction of HO-1 contributes to the cytoprotective action of ammonia by generating carbon monoxide. Moreover, it identifies ammonia as a potentially important signaling gas in the vasculature that promotes endothelial cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ming Liu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, M409 Medical Sciences Building, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Kelly J Peyton
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, M409 Medical Sciences Building, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - William Durante
- Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia, M409 Medical Sciences Building, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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Inflammation and Edema in the Lung and Kidney of Hemorrhagic Shock Rats Are Alleviated by Biliary Tract External Drainage via the Heme Oxygenase-1 Pathway. Inflammation 2016; 38:2242-51. [PMID: 26253294 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-015-0208-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The lung and kidney are two organs that are easily affected by hemorrhagic shock (HS). We investigated roles of biliary tract external drainage (BTED) in inflammation and edema of the lung and kidney in HS and its relationship with the heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) pathway. Rat models of HS were induced by drawing blood from the femoral artery until a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 40 ± 5 mmHg was achieved. A MAP of 40 ± 5 mmHg was maintained for 60 min. Thirty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to the following groups: sham group; HS group; HS + zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP), a specific HO-1 inhibitor, group; HS + BTED group; HS + BTED + ZnPP group; and HS + BTED + bile infusion (BI) group. HO-1 levels, aquaporin-1 levels, and ratios of dry/wet in the lung and kidney increased markedly after BTED, but tumor necrosis factor-α and myeloperoxidase levels in the lung and kidney decreased significantly after BTED under HS conditions. Under the condition that HO-1 was inhibited by ZnPP, all these effects induced by BTED disappeared in the lung and kidney. These results demonstrated that inflammation and edema of the lung and kidney of HS rats are alleviated by BTED via the HO-1 pathway.
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Ammonia-induced miRNA expression changes in cultured rat astrocytes. Sci Rep 2016; 6:18493. [PMID: 26755400 PMCID: PMC4709596 DOI: 10.1038/srep18493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is a neuropsychiatric syndrome evolving from cerebral osmotic disturbances and oxidative/nitrosative stress. Ammonia, the main toxin of hepatic encephalopathy, triggers astrocyte senescence in an oxidative stress-dependent way. As miRNAs are critically involved in cell cycle regulation and their expression may be regulated by oxidative stress, we analysed, whether astrocyte senescence is a consequence of ammonia-induced miRNA expression changes. Using a combined miRNA and gene microarray approach, 43 miRNA species which were downregulated and 142 genes which were upregulated by NH4Cl (5 mmol/l, 48 h) in cultured rat astrocytes were found. Ammonia-induced miRNA and gene expression changes were validated by qPCR and 43 potential miRNA target genes, including HO-1, were identified by matching upregulated mRNA species with predicted targets of miRNA species downregulated by ammonia. Inhibition of HO-1 targeting miRNAs which were downregulated by NH4Cl strongly upregulated HO-1 mRNA and protein levels and inhibited astrocyte proliferation in a HO-1-dependent way. Preventing ammonia-induced upregulation of HO-1 by taurine (5 mmol/l) as well as blocking HO-1 activity by tin-protoporphyrine IX fully prevented ammonia-induced proliferation inhibition and senescence. The data suggest that ammonia induces astrocyte senescence through NADPH oxidase-dependent downregulation of HO-1 targeting miRNAs and concomitant upregulation of HO-1 at both mRNA and protein level.
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Oliveira SR, Vieira HLA, Duarte CB. Effect of carbon monoxide on gene expression in cerebrocortical astrocytes: Validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR. Nitric Oxide 2015. [PMID: 26196856 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is a widely used technique to characterize changes in gene expression in complex cellular and tissue processes, such as cytoprotection or inflammation. The accurate assessment of changes in gene expression depends on the selection of adequate internal reference gene(s). Carbon monoxide (CO) affects several metabolic pathways and de novo protein synthesis is crucial in the cellular responses to this gasotransmitter. Herein a selection of commonly used reference genes was analyzed to identify the most suitable internal control genes to evaluate the effect of CO on gene expression in cultured cerebrocortical astrocytes. The cells were exposed to CO by treatment with CORM-A1 (CO releasing molecule A1) and four different algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, Delta Ct and BestKeeper) were applied to evaluate the stability of eight putative reference genes. Our results indicate that Gapdh (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) together with Ppia (peptidylpropyl isomerase A) is the most suitable gene pair for normalization of qRT-PCR results under the experimental conditions used. Pgk1 (phosphoglycerate kinase 1), Hprt1 (hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase I), Sdha (Succinate Dehydrogenase Complex, Subunit A), Tbp (TATA box binding protein), Actg1 (actin gamma 1) and Rn18s (18S rRNA) genes presented less stable expression profiles in cultured cortical astrocytes exposed to CORM-A1 for up to 60 min. For validation, we analyzed the effect of CO on the expression of Bdnf and bcl-2. Different results were obtained, depending on the reference genes used. A significant increase in the expression of both genes was found when the results were normalized with Gapdh and Ppia, in contrast with the results obtained when the other genes were used as reference. These findings highlight the need for a proper and accurate selection of the reference genes used in the quantification of qRT-PCR results in studies on the effect of CO in gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara R Oliveira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research (IIIUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Helena L A Vieira
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC), NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal; Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica (iBET), Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Carlos B Duarte
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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GUO SHIBIN, LI QING, DUAN ZHIJUN, WANG QIUMING, ZHOU QIN, SUN XIAOYU. Octreotide attenuates liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic heme oxygenase-1 expression. Mol Med Rep 2015; 11:83-90. [PMID: 25338529 PMCID: PMC4237075 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.2735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of octreotide treatment on hepatic heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, together with the influence of altered hepatic HO-1 expression levels on hepatic function and fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rats. The rats were divided randomly into sham, cirrhotic, cobalt protoporphyrin and octreotide treatment groups. The expression levels of hepatic HO-1 mRNA were measured by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, while the protein expression was determined by western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis. Hematoxylin and eosin, and Van Gieson's staining, along with determination of the hydroxyproline content in the liver, were performed to determine the degree of liver fibrosis. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL) and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) in arterial blood, and the mean arterial pressure and portal vein pressure were also measured. As compared with the sham group, hepatic HO-1 mRNA and protein expression levels, serum levels of ALT, AST and TBIL, COHb in arterial blood, hydroxyproline and collagen type I content were all significantly increased in the cirrhotic group. As compared with the cirrhotic group, the octreotide-treated group exhibited significantly reduced hepatic HO-1 expression levels, serum levels of ALT, AST and TBIL, COHb in arterial blood and the extent of hepatic fibrosis, whereas the cobalt protoporphyrin group exhibited significantly increased hepatic HO-1 expression levels, as well as aggravated hepatic function and fibrosis (P<0.05). In conclusion, octreotide inhibited hepatic HO-1 overexpression in cirrhotic rats, reduced hepatic HO-1 expression levels to relieve liver injury and attenuated liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- SHI-BIN GUO
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 0086-116011, P.R. China
| | - QING LI
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 0086-116011, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dalian Friendship Hospital, Dalian, Liaoning 0086-116011, P.R. China
| | - ZHI-JUN DUAN
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 0086-116011, P.R. China
| | - QIU-MING WANG
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 0086-116011, P.R. China
| | - QIN ZHOU
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 0086-116011, P.R. China
| | - XIAO-YU SUN
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 0086-116011, P.R. China
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Han Y, Yi W, Qin J, Zhao Y, Zhang J, Chang X. Carbon monoxide offers neuroprotection from hippocampal cell damage induced by recurrent febrile seizures through the PERK-activated ER stress pathway. Neurosci Lett 2015; 585:126-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2014.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Farrugia G, Szurszewski JH. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and nitric oxide as signaling molecules in the gastrointestinal tract. Gastroenterology 2014; 147:303-13. [PMID: 24798417 PMCID: PMC4106980 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) used to be thought of simply as lethal and (for H2S) smelly gaseous molecules; now they are known to have important signaling functions in the gastrointestinal tract. CO and H2S, which are produced in the gastrointestinal tract by different enzymes, regulate smooth muscle membrane potential and tone, transmit signals from enteric nerves, and can regulate the immune system. The pathways that produce nitric oxide, H2S, and CO interact; each can inhibit and potentiate the level and activity of the other. However, there are significant differences between these molecules, such as in half-lives; CO is more stable and therefore able to have effects distal to the site of production, whereas nitric oxide and H2S are short lived and act only close to sites of production. We review their signaling functions in the luminal gastrointestinal tract and discuss how their pathways interact. We also describe other physiological functions of CO and H2S and how they might be used as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianrico Farrugia
- Enteric NeuroScience Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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