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ZHU X, LOU A, ZHU K, RUAN M. Effect of Jiedu Huayu decoction on oral mucosal Axin and β-catenin expression in oral submucosal fibrosis model rats. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2024; 44:688-693. [PMID: 39066529 PMCID: PMC11337252 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240617.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of the Chinese herbal formula of Jiedu Huayu decoction (, JHD) on oral mucosa of rats with oral submucosal fibrosis (OSF) and its potential mechanism of action. METHODS Sprague-Dawley male OSF model rats were constructed by injection of betaine and topical rubbing and were randomly grouped and administered by gavage for 4 weeks. Mouth opening and buccal mucosa scores interleukin levels and the expression of Axin and β-catenin proteins or genes were measured before and after drug administration. RESULTS After treatment with JHD the buccal mucosal lesions of rats were significantly reduced Axin protein and mRNA expression were significantly increased β-catenin protein and mRNA expression were significantly decreased interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 levels were decreased and interleukin-10 levels were increased. CONCLUSION The mechanism of action of JHD can effectively alleviate the pathological damage of buccal mucosa in OSF rats which may be related to the promotion of Axin expression and inhibition of β-catenin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan ZHU
- 1 Department of Science and Technology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - An LOU
- 2 Department of prosthodontics, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine Affiliated Dental Hospital, Changsha 410005, China
| | - Keke ZHU
- 3 Department of Stomatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410021, China
| | - Mingyu RUAN
- 4 School of Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
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Wilhelmsen I, Combriat T, Dalmao-Fernandez A, Stokowiec J, Wang C, Olsen PA, Wik JA, Boichuk Y, Aizenshtadt A, Krauss S. The effects of TGF-β-induced activation and starvation of vitamin A and palmitic acid on human stem cell-derived hepatic stellate cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2024; 15:223. [PMID: 39044210 PMCID: PMC11267759 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-024-03852-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) have numerous critical roles in liver function and homeostasis, while they are also known for their importance during liver injury and fibrosis. There is therefore a need for relevant in vitro human HSC models to fill current knowledge gaps. In particular, the roles of vitamin A (VA), lipid droplets (LDs), and energy metabolism in human HSC activation are poorly understood. METHODS In this study, human pluripotent stem cell-derived HSCs (scHSCs), benchmarked to human primary HSC, were exposed to 48-hour starvation of retinol (ROL) and palmitic acid (PA) in the presence or absence of the potent HSC activator TGF-β. The interventions were studied by an extensive set of phenotypic and functional analyses, including transcriptomic analysis, measurement of activation-related proteins and cytokines, VA- and LD storage, and cell energy metabolism. RESULTS The results show that though the starvation of ROL and PA alone did not induce scHSC activation, the starvation amplified the TGF-β-induced activation-related transcriptome. However, TGF-β-induced activation alone did not lead to a reduction in VA or LD stores. Additionally, reduced glycolysis and increased mitochondrial fission were observed in response to TGF-β. CONCLUSIONS scHSCs are robust models for activation studies. The loss of VA and LDs is not sufficient for scHSC activation in vitro, but may amplify the TGF-β-induced activation response. Collectively, our work provides an extensive framework for studying human HSCs in healthy and diseased conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Wilhelmsen
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway.
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway.
| | - Thomas Combriat
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Andrea Dalmao-Fernandez
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Section for Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Department of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1068, Blindern, Oslo, 0316, Norway
| | - Justyna Stokowiec
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Chencheng Wang
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Institute for Surgical Research, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Petter Angell Olsen
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Jonas Aakre Wik
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Yuliia Boichuk
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Aleksandra Aizenshtadt
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
| | - Stefan Krauss
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950, Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Hybrid Technology Hub - Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1110, Blindern, Oslo, 0317, Norway
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Matsumoto S, Kikuchi A. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in liver biology and tumorigenesis. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2024; 60:466-481. [PMID: 38379098 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-024-00858-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that controls fundamental physiological and pathological processes by regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway enables liver homeostasis by inducing differentiation and contributes to liver-specific features such as metabolic zonation and regeneration. In contrast, abnormalities in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway promote the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Similarly, hepatoblastoma, the most common childhood liver cancer, is frequently associated with β-catenin mutations, which activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling. HCCs with activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway have unique gene expression patterns and pathological and clinical features. Accordingly, they are highly differentiated with retaining hepatocyte-like characteristics and tumorigenic. Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HCC also alters the state of immune cells, causing "immune evasion" with inducing resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors, which have recently become widely used to treat HCC. Activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling exhibits these phenomena in liver tumorigenesis through the expression of downstream target genes, and the molecular basis is still poorly understood. In this review, we describe the physiological roles of Wnt/b-catenin signaling and then discuss their characteristic changes by the abnormal activation of Wnt/b-catenin signaling. Clarification of the mechanism would contribute to the development of therapeutic agents in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Matsumoto
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Akira Kikuchi
- Departments of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Center of Infectious Disease Education and Research (CiDER), Osaka University, 2-8 Yamada-Oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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van Heugten MH, Blijdorp CJ, Arjune S, van Willigenburg H, Bezstarosti K, Demmers JA, Musterd-Bhaggoe U, Meijer E, Gansevoort RT, Zietse R, Hayat S, Kramann R, Müller RU, Salih M, Hoorn EJ. Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 in Urinary Extracellular Vesicles Identifies Rapid Disease Progression in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease. J Am Soc Nephrol 2024; 35:321-334. [PMID: 38073039 PMCID: PMC10914202 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT There is an unmet need for biomarkers of disease progression in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This study investigated urinary extracellular vesicles (uEVs) as a source of such biomarkers. Proteomic analysis of uEVs identified matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP-7) as a biomarker predictive of rapid disease progression. In validation studies, MMP-7 was predictive in uEVs but not in whole urine, possibly because uEVs are primarily secreted by tubular epithelial cells. Indeed, single-nucleus RNA sequencing showed that MMP-7 was especially increased in proximal tubule and thick ascending limb cells, which were further characterized by a profibrotic phenotype. Together, these data suggest that MMP-7 is a biologically plausible and promising uEV biomarker for rapid disease progression in ADPKD. BACKGROUND In ADPKD, there is an unmet need for early markers of rapid disease progression to facilitate counseling and selection for kidney-protective therapy. Our aim was to identify markers for rapid disease progression in uEVs. METHODS Six paired case-control groups ( n =10-59/group) of cases with rapid disease progression and controls with stable disease were formed from two independent ADPKD cohorts, with matching by age, sex, total kidney volume, and genetic variant. Candidate uEV biomarkers were identified by mass spectrometry and further analyzed using immunoblotting and an ELISA. Single-nucleus RNA sequencing of healthy and ADPKD tissue was used to identify the cellular origin of the uEV biomarker. RESULTS In the discovery proteomics experiments, the protein abundance of MMP-7 was significantly higher in uEVs of patients with rapid disease progression compared with stable disease. In the validation groups, a significant >2-fold increase in uEV-MMP-7 in patients with rapid disease progression was confirmed using immunoblotting. By contrast, no significant difference in MMP-7 was found in whole urine using ELISA. Compared with healthy kidney tissue, ADPKD tissue had significantly higher MMP-7 expression in proximal tubule and thick ascending limb cells with a profibrotic phenotype. CONCLUSIONS Among patients with ADPKD, rapid disease progressors have higher uEV-associated MMP-7. Our findings also suggest that MMP-7 is a biologically plausible biomarker for more rapid disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn H. van Heugten
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Charles J. Blijdorp
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sita Arjune
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hester van Willigenburg
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karel Bezstarosti
- Proteomics Center, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Usha Musterd-Bhaggoe
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Meijer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ron T. Gansevoort
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robert Zietse
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sikander Hayat
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Rafael Kramann
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Division of Nephrology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Roman-Ulrich Müller
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Center for Rare Diseases Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Mahdi Salih
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ewout J. Hoorn
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Li JZ, Chen N, Ma N, Li MR. Mechanism and Progress of Natural Products in the Treatment of NAFLD-Related Fibrosis. Molecules 2023; 28:7936. [PMID: 38067665 PMCID: PMC10707854 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, with liver fibrosis (LF) serving as a pivotal juncture in NAFLD progression. Natural products have demonstrated substantial antifibrotic properties, ushering in novel avenues for NAFLD treatment. This study provides a comprehensive review of the potential of natural products as antifibrotic agents, including flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, and terpenoids, with specific emphasis on the role of Baicalin in NAFLD-associated fibrosis. Mechanistically, these natural products have exhibited the capacity to target a multitude of signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β1, and NF-κB. Moreover, they can augment the activities of antioxidant enzymes, inhibit pro-fibrotic factors, and diminish fibrosis markers. In conclusion, this review underscores the considerable potential of natural products in addressing NAFLD-related liver fibrosis through multifaceted mechanisms. Nonetheless, it underscores the imperative need for further clinical investigation to authenticate their effectiveness, offering invaluable insights for future therapeutic advancements in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Zhong Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ning Chen
- General Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Min-Ran Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Mohammed OS, Attia HG, Mohamed BMSA, Elbaset MA, Fayed HM. Current investigations for liver fibrosis treatment: between repurposing the FDA-approved drugs and the other emerging approaches. JOURNAL OF PHARMACY & PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES : A PUBLICATION OF THE CANADIAN SOCIETY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES, SOCIETE CANADIENNE DES SCIENCES PHARMACEUTIQUES 2023; 26:11808. [PMID: 38022905 PMCID: PMC10662312 DOI: 10.3389/jpps.2023.11808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Long-term liver injuries lead to hepatic fibrosis, often progressing into cirrhosis, liver failure, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is currently no effective therapy available for liver fibrosis. Thus, continuous investigations for anti-fibrotic therapy are ongoing. The main theme of anti-fibrotic investigation during recent years is the rationale-based selection of treatment molecules according to the current understanding of the pathology of the disease. The research efforts are mainly toward repurposing current FDA-approved drugs targeting etiological molecular factors involved in developing liver fibrosis. In parallel, investigations also focus on experimental small molecules with evidence to hinder or reverse the fibrosis. Natural compounds, immunological, and genetic approaches have shown significant encouraging effects. This review summarizes the efficacy and safety of current under-investigation antifibrosis medications targeting various molecular targets, as well as the properties of antifibrosis medications, mainly in phase II and III clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omima S. Mohammed
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hany G. Attia
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bassim M. S. A. Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marawan A. Elbaset
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hany M. Fayed
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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7
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Shree Harini K, Ezhilarasan D. Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and its modulators in nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2023; 22:333-345. [PMID: 36448560 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health concern associated with significant morbidity and mortality. NAFLD is a spectrum of diseases originating from simple steatosis, progressing through nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis that may lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis of NAFLD is mediated by the triglyceride accumulation followed by proinflammatory cytokines expression leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction denoted as "two-hit hypothesis", advancing with a "third hit" of insufficient hepatocyte proliferation, leading to the increase in hepatic progenitor cells contributing to fibrosis and HCC. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is responsible for normal liver development, regeneration, hepatic metabolic zonation, ammonia and drug detoxification, hepatobiliary development, etc., maintaining the overall liver homeostasis. The key regulators of canonical Wnt signaling such as LRP6, Wnt1, Wnt3a, β-catenin, GSK-3β, and APC are abnormally regulated in NAFLD. Many experimental studies have shown the aberrated Wnt/β-catenin signaling during the NAFLD progression and NASH to hepatic fibrosis and HCC. Therefore, in this review, we have emphasized the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its modulators that can potentially aid in the inhibition of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karthik Shree Harini
- Department of Pharmacology, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077, India
| | - Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Molecular Medicine and Toxicology Lab, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077, India.
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Lallement J, Raho I, Merlen G, Rainteau D, Croyal M, Schiffano M, Kassis N, Doignon I, Soty M, Lachkar F, Krempf M, Van Hul M, Cani PD, Foufelle F, Amouyal C, Le Stunff H, Magnan C, Tordjmann T, Cruciani-Guglielmacci C. Hepatic deletion of serine palmitoyl transferase 2 impairs ceramide/sphingomyelin balance, bile acids homeostasis and leads to liver damage in mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2023; 1868:159333. [PMID: 37224999 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2023.159333] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Ceramides (Cer) have been shown as lipotoxic inducers, which disturb numerous cell-signaling pathways, leading to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes. In this study, we aimed to determine the role of de novo hepatic ceramide synthesis in energy and liver homeostasis in mice. We generated mice lacking serine palmitoyltransferase 2 (Sptlc2), the rate limiting enzyme of ceramide de novo synthesis, in liver under albumin promoter. Liver function, glucose homeostasis, bile acid (BA) metabolism and hepatic sphingolipids content were assessed using metabolic tests and LC-MS. Despite lower expression of hepatic Sptlc2, we observed an increased concentration of hepatic Cer, associated with a 10-fold increase in neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) expression, and a decreased sphingomyelin content in the liver. Sptlc2ΔLiv mice were protected against obesity induced by high fat diet and displayed a defect in lipid absorption. In addition, an important increase in tauro-muricholic acid was associated with a downregulation of the nuclear BA receptor FXR target genes. Sptlc2 deficiency also enhanced glucose tolerance and attenuated hepatic glucose production, while the latter effect was dampened in presence of nSMase2 inhibitor. Finally, Sptlc2 disruption promoted apoptosis, inflammation and progressive development of hepatic fibrosis, worsening with age. Our data suggest a compensatory mechanism to regulate hepatic ceramides content from sphingomyelin hydrolysis, with deleterious impact on liver homeostasis. In addition, our results show the involvement of hepatic sphingolipid modulation in BA metabolism and hepatic glucose production in an insulin-independent manner, which highlight the still under-researched role of ceramides in many metabolic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Lallement
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Ilyès Raho
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
| | | | - Dominique Rainteau
- Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint Antoine, Biochemistry Department, Paris, France
| | - Mikael Croyal
- Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, CNRS, INSERM, l'institut du thorax, F-44000 Nantes, France; Université de Nantes, CHU Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, SFR Santé, Inserm UMS 016, CNRS UMS 3556, F-44000 Nantes, France; Plateforme de Spectrométrie de Masse du CRNH-O, UMR1280, Nantes, France
| | - Melody Schiffano
- Plateforme de Spectrométrie de Masse du CRNH-O, UMR1280, Nantes, France
| | - Nadim Kassis
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
| | | | - Maud Soty
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, INSERM UMR-S1213, Lyon, France
| | - Floriane Lachkar
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France
| | | | - Matthias Van Hul
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain (Université catholique de Louvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO) department, WEL Research Institute (WELRI), avenue Pasteur, 6, 1300 Wavre, Belgium
| | - Patrice D Cani
- Metabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, UCLouvain (Université catholique de Louvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; Walloon Excellence in Life Sciences and BIOtechnology (WELBIO) department, WEL Research Institute (WELRI), avenue Pasteur, 6, 1300 Wavre, Belgium
| | - Fabienne Foufelle
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, 75006 Paris, France
| | - Chloé Amouyal
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
| | - Hervé Le Stunff
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, CNRS UMR 9197, Université Paris Saclay, France
| | - Christophe Magnan
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, F-75013 Paris, France
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Shin YS, Hwang DB, Won DH, Kim SY, Kim C, Park JW, Jeon Y, Yun JW. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a role in drug-induced liver injury by regulating cytochrome P450 2E1 expression. Toxicol Res 2023; 39:443-453. [PMID: 37398564 PMCID: PMC10313641 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-023-00180-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major cause of acute liver failure and drug withdrawal. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1 is involved in the metabolism of several drugs, and can induce liver injury through the production of toxic metabolites and the generation of reactive oxygen species. This study aimed to elucidate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CYP2E1 regulation for drug-induced hepatotoxicity. To achieve this, mice were administered cisplatin or acetaminophen (APAP) 1 h after treatment with the CYP2E1 inhibitor dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and histopathological and serum biochemical analyses were performed. APAP treatment induced hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by an increase in liver weight and serum ALT levels. Moreover, histological analysis indicated severe injury, including apoptosis, in the liver tissue of APAP-treated mice, which was confirmed by TUNEL assay. Additionally, APAP treatment suppressed the antioxidant capacity of the mice and increased the expression of the DNA damage markers γ-H2AX and p53. However, these effects of APAP on hepatotoxicity were significantly attenuated by DMSO treatment. Furthermore, the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling using the Wnt agonist CHIR99021 (CHIR) increased CYP2E1 expression in rat liver epithelial cells (WB-F344), whereas treatment with the Wnt/β-catenin antagonist IWP-2 inhibited nuclear β-catenin and CYP2E1 expression. Interestingly, APAP-induced cytotoxicity in WB-F344 cells was exacerbated by CHIR treatment and suppressed by IWP-2 treatment. Overall, these results showed that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in DILI through the upregulation of CYP2E1 expression by directly binding the transcription factor β-cat/TCF to the Cyp2e1 promoter, thus exacerbating DILI. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-023-00180-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoo-Sub Shin
- Department of Research and Development, SML Genetree, Seoul, 05855 Republic of Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Bin Hwang
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Won
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Young Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Changuk Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662 Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Won Park
- Division of Biomedical Convergence, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341 Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jeon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Won Yun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826 Republic of Korea
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10
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Zhao YQ, Deng XW, Xu GQ, Lin J, Lu HZ, Chen J. Mechanical homeostasis imbalance in hepatic stellate cells activation and hepatic fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1183808. [PMID: 37152902 PMCID: PMC10157180 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1183808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease or repeated damage to hepatocytes can give rise to hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a pathological process of excessive sedimentation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagens, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans (PGs) in the hepatic parenchyma. Changes in the composition of the ECM lead to the stiffness of the matrix that destroys its inherent mechanical homeostasis, and a mechanical homeostasis imbalance activates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblasts, which can overproliferate and secrete large amounts of ECM proteins. Excessive ECM proteins are gradually deposited in the Disse gap, and matrix regeneration fails, which further leads to changes in ECM components and an increase in stiffness, forming a vicious cycle. These processes promote the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis. In this review, the dynamic process of ECM remodeling of HF and the activation of HSCs into mechanotransduction signaling pathways for myofibroblasts to participate in HF are discussed. These mechanotransduction signaling pathways may have potential therapeutic targets for repairing or reversing fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Quan Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Xi-Wen Deng
- Graduate School of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China
| | - Guo-Qi Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Hua-Ze Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, China
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11
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Hu J, Liu Y, Pan Z, Huang X, Wang J, Cao W, Chen Z. Eupatilin Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis and Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Suppressing β-catenin/PAI-1 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065933. [PMID: 36983006 PMCID: PMC10054508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has proved to be pivotal in hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, the suppression of HSC activation is an effective anti-fibrotic strategy. Although studies have indicated that eupatilin, a bioactive flavone found in Artemisia argyi, has anti-fibrotic properties, the effect of eupatilin on hepatic fibrosis is currently unclear. In this study, we used the human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 and the classical CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model for in vitro and vivo experiments. We found that eupatilin significantly repressed the levels of the fibrotic markers COL1α1 and α-SMA, as well as other collagens in LX-2 cells. Meanwhile, eupatilin markedly inhibited LX-2 cell proliferation, as verified by the reduced cell viability and down-regulation of c-Myc, cyclinB1, cyclinD1, and CDK6. Additionally, eupatilin decreased the level of PAI-1 in a dose-dependent manner, and knockdown of PAI-1 using PAI-1-specific shRNA significantly suppressed the levels of COL1α1, α-SMA, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker N-cadherin in LX-2 cells. Western blotting indicated that eupatilin reduced the protein level of β-catenin and its nuclear translocation, while the transcript level of β-catenin was not affected in LX-2 cells. Furthermore, analysis of histopathological changes in the liver and markers of liver function and fibrosis revealed that hepatic fibrosis in CCl4-treated mice was markedly alleviated by eupatilin. In conclusion, eupatilin ameliorates hepatic fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation by suppressing the β-catenin/PAI-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyuan Hu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zheng Pan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xuekuan Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 402760, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 402760, China
| | - Wenfu Cao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhiwei Chen
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Cure of Metabolic Diseases, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 402760, China
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12
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Baokbah TAS. Attenuation of diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in a rat model by combination therapy of diacerein and gold nanoparticles: a histopathological and immunohistochemical study. J Histotechnol 2023; 46:5-16. [PMID: 36214360 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2022.2129935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combined therapy of diacerein and gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a rat model. Normal healthy and DEN-induced (HCC) rats were divided into five groups. Group I healthy rats served as normal control, Group II untreated HCC rats, Group III HCC rats administered diacerein, Group IV HCC rats administered AuNP, and Group V HCC rats administered diacerein and AuNP. All treatments were given once daily for 4 weeks. Liver morphology and necroinflammation in all groups were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome for fibrosis, and immunohistochemistry assays for expression of TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin, and caspase-3. Liver sections from Group II HCC rats showed loss of lobular architecture, thick fibrous tissue deposition, leukocyte infiltration, degenerated hepatocytes and HCC neoplastic nodules surrounded by extensive fibrosis. Group II had high expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and β-catenin, and low caspase-3 expression as compared to Group I. HCC rats treated with the combined therapy of diacerein and AuNP (Group V) showed markedly decreased HCC lesions, significant necroinflammation reduction (p ˂ 0.05) and 90% reduction in fibrosis as compared to Group II HCC + diacerein. This combined therapy also reduced (p ˂ 0.05) TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin expression and increased caspase-3 expression. In conclusion, diacerein combined with AuNP synergistically attenuated the severity of HCC lesions by reducing necroinflammation and fibrosis, decreased TNF-α, IL-6, β-catenin expression, and increased caspase-3 expression for apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tourki A S Baokbah
- Department of Medical Emergency Services, Al-Qunfudah Health Sciences College, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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13
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β-catenin/TCF4 inhibitors ICG-001 and LF3 alleviate BDL-induced liver fibrosis by suppressing LECT2 signaling. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 371:110350. [PMID: 36639009 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis can be characterized by the over-deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). It has been reported that β-catenin/TCF4 interaction was enhanced in bile duct ligation (BDL) model, which implicated the critical role of β-catenin/TCF4 interaction during the progression of fibrosis. However, whether inhibiting β-catenin/TCF4 signaling attenuates liver fibrosis remains unknown. In the current study, we used ICG-001, an inhibitor that disrupts the interaction between CREB binding protein (CBP) and β-catenin, to inhibit β-catenin/TCF4 transcriptional activity. We also used LF3, a small molecule antagonist, to inhibit β-catenin/TCF4 interaction. The antifibrotic effect of ICG-001 and LF3 was assessed on BDL-induced liver fibrosis model. The results indicated both ICG-001 and LF3 significantly reduced the positive staining area of Sirius Red and α-SMA. The protein expression levels of α-SMA, Collagen Ⅰ and CD31 were also significantly downregulated in BDL + ICG-001 and BDL + LF3 groups. Besides, ICG-001 and LF3 promoted portal angiogenesis and inhibited sinusoids capillarization in fibrotic livers. For mechanistic study, we measured the level of leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin 2 (LECT2), a direct target of β-catenin/TCF4, which was recently reported to participate in hepatic fibrosis by regulating angiogenesis. The results showed that both ICG-001 and LF3 reduced LECT2 expression in BDL mice. LF3 also downregulated pSer 675 β-catenin and nuclear β-catenin. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that inhibiting β-catenin/TCF4 signaling by ICG-001 or LF3 mitigated liver fibrosis by downregulating LECT2, promoting portal angiogenesis and inhibiting sinusoids capillarization, which provided new evidence that β-catenin/TCF4 signaling might be a target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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14
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Nokkeaw A, Thamjamrassri P, Tangkijvanich P, Ariyachet C. Regulatory Functions and Mechanisms of Circular RNAs in Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030378. [PMID: 36766720 PMCID: PMC9913196 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury induces the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblasts, which produce excessive amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in tissue fibrosis. If the injury persists, these fibrous scars could be permanent and disrupt liver architecture and function. Currently, effective anti-fibrotic therapies are lacking; hence, understanding molecular mechanisms that control HSC activation could hold a key to the development of new treatments. Recently, emerging studies have revealed roles of circular RNAs (circRNAs), a class of non-coding RNAs that was initially assumed to be the result of splicing errors, as new regulators in HSC activation. These circRNAs can modulate the activity of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their interacting protein partners involved in regulating fibrogenic signaling cascades. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of this class of non-coding RNAs for their molecular function in HSC activation and liver fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archittapon Nokkeaw
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Medical Biochemistry Program, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pannathon Thamjamrassri
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Medical Biochemistry Program, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: (P.T.); (C.A.)
| | - Chaiyaboot Ariyachet
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Correspondence: (P.T.); (C.A.)
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15
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Xu ZX, Li JZ, Li Q, Xu MY, Li HY. CircRNA608-microRNA222-PINK1 axis regulates the mitophagy of hepatic stellate cells in NASH related fibrosis. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 610:35-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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16
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Chen J, Ge SJ, Feng HJ, Wu SZ, Ji R, Huang WR, Huang W, Lu CH. KRT17 Promotes the Activation of HSCs via EMT in Liver Fibrosis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:207-218. [PMID: 35528988 PMCID: PMC9039702 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a central role in the development of liver fibrosis, the mechanism underlying the activation of HSCs remains unclear. Keratin 17 (KRT17), a member of the intermediate filament family, can regulate tumor cell proliferation and migration. The current study aimed to elucidate the role of KRT17 in the activation of HSCs and the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis. METHODS The expression of KRT17 was determined using immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray. Western blotting and qRT-PCR assays were used to determine the KRT17 expression in fibrotic liver tissues obtained from human subjects and mice. LX-2 cells were treated with TGF-β1 recombinant protein and adipocyte differentiation mixture (MDI) mix to induce and reverse LX-2 cell activation, respectively, in order to explore the correlation between KRT17 and HSC activation. Additionally, cell proliferation and migration abilities of LX-2 cells transfected with KRT17-overexpressing plasmid or small interfering RNA were determined using CCK-8, flow cytometry, Transwell, and wound healing assays. Finally, rescue assay was used to explore the role of KRT17 in HSC activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). RESULTS The expression of KRT17 was higher in the human and mouse fibrotic liver tissues than in healthy liver tissues, and it was positively correlated with HSC activation. Upregulated KRT17 enhanced proliferation, migration, HSC activation and EMT in LX-2 cells, while knockdown of KRT17 reversed these effects. TGF-β1 recombinant protein accelerated KRT17-mediated EMT, HSC activation and proliferation, while TGF-β1 inhibitor counteracted the effect of KRT17 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS KRT17 promoted HSC activation, proliferation and EMT in hepatic fibrosis probably via TGF-β1 signaling, and KRT17 might serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Si-Jia Ge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Hai-Juan Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shu-Zhen Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ran Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei-Rong Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Correspondence to: Wei Huang and Cui-Hua Lu, Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8471-530X (WH), https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1377-5820 (CHL). Tel: +86-13962991839 (WH), +86-13962801685 (CHL), Fax: +86-513-8116-1826, E-mail: (WH), (CHL)
| | - Cui-Hua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Correspondence to: Wei Huang and Cui-Hua Lu, Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8471-530X (WH), https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1377-5820 (CHL). Tel: +86-13962991839 (WH), +86-13962801685 (CHL), Fax: +86-513-8116-1826, E-mail: (WH), (CHL)
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17
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Wu R, Fan X, Wang Y, Shen M, Zheng Y, Zhao S, Yang L. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Liver Immunity and Therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:833878. [PMID: 35309311 PMCID: PMC8930843 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.833878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as the most common cell source for stem cell therapy, play an important role in the modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses and have been widely used in clinical trials to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Recent experimental and clinical studies have shown that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) can inhibit the activation and proliferation of a variety of proinflammatory cells, such as Th1, Th17 and M1 macrophages, reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, while promoting the proliferation of anti-inflammatory cells, such as M2 macrophages and Tregs, and increasing the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thus playing a role in immune regulation and exhibiting immunomodulatory functions. Besides MSC-EVs are more convenient and less immunogenic than MSCs. There is growing interest in the role of MSC-EVs in liver diseases owing to the intrinsic liver tropism of MSC-EVs. In this review, we focus on the immunomodulatory effects of MSC-EVs and summarize the pivotal roles of MSC-EVs as a cell-free therapy in liver diseases, including NAFLD, AIH, acute liver failure, liver fibrosis and hepatic ischemia–reperfusion injury. Moreover, we provide a concise overview of the potential use and limits of MSC-EVs in clinical application.
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18
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Wang T, Zhang C, Meng X, Zhu B, Wang S, Yuan W, Zhang S, Xu J, Zhang C. Long Noncoding RNA Metastasis-Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 in Extracellular Vesicles Promotes Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation, Liver Fibrosis and β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Front Physiol 2022; 13:792182. [PMID: 35237178 PMCID: PMC8882958 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.792182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence shows that the long noncoding RNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (Lnc-MALAT1) is associated with activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver fibrosis in animal and in vitro studies. However, its roles in human liver fibrosis and the underlying mechanism in HSC activation are not yet defined. In our current study, the expression of Lnc-MALAT1 in the fibrotic liver tissues and in the plasma extracelllar vesicles (EVs) of liver fibrosis patients was detected by FISH and qRT-PCR. The results revealed that enhanced expression of Lnc-MALAT1 was co-localized with increased expression of the fibrotic markers (collagen I and α-SMA) and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling proteins (β-catenin, cyclinD1 and c-myc) in the fibrotic liver tissues. The level of Lnc-MALAT1 in the plasma EVs isolated from 60 liver fibrosis patients was significantly increased compared with that of the 46 control patients, and area under receiver operating curve (AUROC) analysis showed that plasma EVs-Lnc-MALAT1 was a potential diagnostic marker for liver fibrosis, especially for high liver fibrosis. Plasma EVs with highly expressed Lnc-MALAT1 derived from high liver fibrosis patients up-regulated the expression of the fibrotic markers and enhanced the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human hepatic stellate cells LX-2, and the fibrogenic effects in LX-2 were inhibited by Lnc-MALAT1 knock-down. Interestingly, TGF-β1, a potent pro-fibrotic cytokine, promoted the expression of Lnc-MALAT1 in LX-2 and its pro-fibrotic effects were also abolished by siRNA for Lnc-MALAT1, suggesting that Lnc-MALAT1 probably functions as a common mediator in the activation and fibrogenesis of HSCs. Our results indicate that enhanced expression of Lnc-MALAT1 in the fibrotic liver stimulate the activation of HSCs and thus promote their fibrogenic activity. These results also provide evidences that Lnc-MALAT1 is a potential therapeutic target and plasma EVs-Lnc-MALAT1 is a potential diagnostic biomarker for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Benshuai Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Siyu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenkang Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sumei Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiegou Xu
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Chao Zhang,
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19
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Rahadiani N, Andhini Retnowulan I, Stephanie M, Rini Handjari D, Krisnuhoni E. β-Catenin Expression and Its Association with Prognostic Factors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Study on Alpha-fetoprotein, Histologic Grade, and Microvascular Invasion. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer. In addition to its high incidence, the disease burden is high due to its poor prognosis and high recurrence rate. Some of the currently known clinicopathologic prognostic factors include alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, histologic grade, and microvascular invasion. At the molecular level, β-catenin is one of the most common driver mutation found in HCC. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates cellular processes related to initiation, growth, survival, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis. Although the underlying pathogenesis of hepatocarcinogenesis is known, clinical application warrants a greater understanding of the molecular characteristics and tumor phenotype, especially for determining the prognosis. This study aims to analyze the expression of β-catenin and its association with AFP, histologic grade, and microvascular invasion. Materials and methods. Thirty-five samples of surgically resected HCCs at Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital were examined. Diagnoses were made based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings followed by β-catenin staining. β-catenin expression was analyzed to determine difference between variables. Results and conclusions. Here we show that β-catenin expression is significantly associated with low serum alpha-fetoprotein and well to moderate differentiation Implications. Strong nuclear β-catenin expression implies better prognosis in HCC.
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20
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Tan Z, Sun H, Xue T, Gan C, Liu H, Xie Y, Yao Y, Ye T. Liver Fibrosis: Therapeutic Targets and Advances in Drug Therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:730176. [PMID: 34621747 PMCID: PMC8490799 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.730176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is an abnormal wound repair response caused by a variety of chronic liver injuries, which is characterized by over-deposition of diffuse extracellular matrix (ECM) and anomalous hyperplasia of connective tissue, and it may further develop into liver cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer. To date, chronic liver diseases accompanied with liver fibrosis have caused significant morbidity and mortality in the world with increasing tendency. Although early liver fibrosis has been reported to be reversible, the detailed mechanism of reversing liver fibrosis is still unclear and there is lack of an effective treatment for liver fibrosis. Thus, it is still a top priority for the research and development of anti-fibrosis drugs. In recent years, many strategies have emerged as crucial means to inhibit the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis including anti-inflammation and liver protection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and proliferation, reduction of ECM overproduction and acceleration of ECM degradation. Moreover, gene therapy has been proved to be a promising anti-fibrosis method. Here, we provide an overview of the relevant targets and drugs under development. We aim to classify and summarize their potential roles in treatment of liver fibrosis, and discuss the challenges and development of anti-fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zui Tan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongbao Sun
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuqin Yao
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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21
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Goswami VG, Patel BD. Recent updates on Wnt signaling modulators: a patent review (2014-2020). Expert Opin Ther Pat 2021; 31:1009-1043. [PMID: 34128760 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2021.1940138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Wnt signaling is a signal transduction pathway that plays a vital role in embryonic development and normal tissue preservation. Dysfunction of it gives rise to various diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, metabolic and skeletal disorders, kidney and liver disease, etc. Thus, targeting Wnt pathway can be a potential approach to design and develop novel therapeutic classes.Areas covered: Authors provided an overview of Wnt modulators from 2014 to 2020. Different heterocyclic scaffolds and their pharmacology from a total of 104 PCT applications have been summarized.Expert opinion: The scientific community is working extensively to bring first in the class molecule to the market which targets Wnt pathway. Lorecivivint, Wnt inhibitor, for the treatment of knee Osteoarthritis and SM-04554, Wnt activator, for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia are currently under Phase III. Other molecules, LGK-974, RXC-004, ETC-159, CGX-1321, PRI-724, CWP-232291 and BC-2059 are also under different stages of clinical development for the treatment of cancer. Antibody based Wnt modulator, OTSA101-DTPA-90Y is currently under Phase I for the treatment of Relapsed or Refractory Synovial Sarcoma while OMP-18R5 is under Phase I for Metastatic Breast Cancer. Ongoing preclinical/clinical trials will define the role of the Wnt pathway in different therapeutic areas and open new opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishalgiri G Goswami
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Bhumika D Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Ahmedabad, India
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22
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Abstract
MicroRNA 200a (miR-200a) can inhibit the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway, and improve fibrotic lesions. However, to date, there is no study exploring the role of miR-200a in schistosomiasis liver fibrosis (SLF). In this study, 64 healthy female Balb/c mice were selected and randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (non-infected schistosomiasis group), schistosomiasis model group, Lenti-NC group (lentivirus-negative control group), and Lenti-miR-200a group (lentivirus experimental group). Fluorescence quantitative PCR detection was used to measure the expression level of RNA. HE and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes of mouse liver tissue. Furthermore, ELISA was used to detect the serum concentrations of inflammation factors. We found that the expression level of miR-200a in liver tissues gradually decreased with the development of SLF. However, fibrosis factors (α-SMA and TGF-β2) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IFN-γ) in liver tissues and serum increased and the expression level of Colla I reached its peak in the 6th week of infection. Besides, compared with the schistosomiasis group and Lenti-NC group, the Lenti-NC group had lower levels of α-SMA, TGF-β2 and Colla I (P > 0.05). Furthermore, inflammatory cells and blue collagen fibers appeared and they increased with the development of infection in the schistosomiasis group and Lenti-NC group, but these changes reduced significantly in Lenti-miR-200a group. Our study demonstrated that upregulation of miR-200a might contribute to inhibiting schistosomiasis liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailei Xu
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guanzhen Zhong
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiwen Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yaqian Liu
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Li N, Ouyang Y, Xu X, Yuan Z, Liu C, Zhu Z. MiR-155 promotes colitis-associated intestinal fibrosis by targeting HBP1/Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4765-4775. [PMID: 33769664 PMCID: PMC8107084 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is the most common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) that is one major disorder of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the precise mechanism remains unclear. MiR-155 has been involved in fibrotic diseases. Here, we determined the role of miR-155 in regulating intestinal fibrosis. MiR-155 levels were significantly up-regulated in CD patients with intestinal stricture CD. The overexpression of miR-155 significantly aggravated TNBS-induced CD-associated intestinal fibrosis. Mechanistically, we identified that HBP1, a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, is a direct target of miR-155. Moreover, in vitro and in vivo experiments suggested that the miR-155/HBP1 axis activates Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway to induce intestinal fibrosis. Taken together, we demonstrated that miR-155 directly targets HBP1 to induce CD-associated intestinal fibrosis via Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianshuang Li
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Yaobin Ouyang
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Xinbo Xu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Zhenxiang Yuan
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Chunquan Liu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
| | - Zhenhua Zhu
- Department of GastroenterologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
- Institute of Digestive DiseaseThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang UniversityNanchangChina
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24
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MicroRNA-27a targets Sfrp1 to induce renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy by activating Wnt/β-Catenin signalling. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:225114. [PMID: 32484208 PMCID: PMC7295625 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) commonly causes end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Increasing evidence indicates that abnormal miRNA expression is tightly associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This work aimed to investigate whether miR-27a can promote the occurrence of renal fibrosis in DN by suppressing the expression of secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (Sfrp1) to activate Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Therefore, we assessed the expression levels of miR-27a, Sfrp1, Wnt signalling components, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-related molecules in vitro and in vivo. Sfrp1 was significantly down-regulated in a high-glucose environment, while miR-27a levels were markedly increased. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that miR-27a down-regulated Sfrp1 by binding to the 3′ untranslated region directly. Further, NRK-52E cells under high-glucose conditions underwent transfection with miR-27a mimic or the corresponding negative control, miR-27a inhibitor or the corresponding negative control, si-Sfrp1, or combined miR-27a inhibitor and si-Sfrp1. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence were performed to assess the relative expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signalling and ECM components. The mRNA levels of Sfrp1, miR-27a, and ECM-related molecules were also detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). We found that miR-27a inhibitor inactivated Wnt/β-catenin signalling and reduced ECM deposition. Conversely, Wnt/β-catenin signalling was activated, while ECM deposition was increased after transfection with si-Sfrp1. Interestingly, miR-27a inhibitor attenuated the effects of si-Sfrp1. We concluded that miR-27a down-regulated Sfrp1 and activated Wnt/β-catenin signalling to promote renal fibrosis.
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25
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Akin MN, Sivaslioglu AA, Edgunlu T, Kasap B, Celik SK. SMAD2, SMAD3 and TGF-β GENE expressions in women suffering from urge urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:1401-1407. [PMID: 33599951 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the changes in the levels of TGF-β and SMAD gene and protein expression in the uterosacral ligament (USL) of patients with concomitant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) to illuminate the pathophysiology of UUI. The TGF-β pathway is involved in collagen synthesis and degradation. The Transforming Growth Family-β (TGF-β) superfamily has essential intracellular signaling components, such as newly identified SMAD family members. We evaluated the changes in the levels of TGF-β and SMAD gene and protein expression in the USL of patients with concomitant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and UUI. This study included 10 patients who had been diagnosed with POP and UUI in the study group and 14 asymptomatic women without complaints of POP and UUI in the control group. Biopsy samples were collected from bilateral USL tissues during vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy. Total RNA was extracted from USL tissue and analyzed by qPCR. The protein expression levels were also analyzed with ELISA. In UUI patients, SMAD3 and TGF-ß1 gene expression levels significantly decreased compared to the control patients (p = 0.008 and p = 0.006, respectively). SMAD2 mRNA levels did not differ between the study and control groups (p = 0.139). No differences was found in the levels of SMAD2, SMAD3, and TGF-ß1 protein expression between the two groups. The reduction in the gene and protein expression levels of SMAD3 and TGF-ß1 in women with UUI and lax uterosacral ligaments may indicate a causal link.Clinical trial registration: NCT04525105.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melike Nur Akin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, 48000, Mugla, Turkey.
| | - Ahmet Akin Sivaslioglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, 48000, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Tuba Edgunlu
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, 48000, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Burcu Kasap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, 48000, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Sevim Karakas Celik
- Department of Medical Genetic, School of Medicine, Bulent Ecevit University, Zonguldak, Turkey
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26
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Wu Z, Huang S, Zheng X, Gu S, Xu Q, Gong Y, Zhang J, Fu B, Tang L. Regulatory long non-coding RNAs of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:351. [PMID: 33732324 PMCID: PMC7903415 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is a continuous wound healing process caused by numerous chronic hepatic diseases and poses a major threat to human health. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a critical event in the development of hepatic fibrosis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that are involved in HSC activation, participate in the development of LF and are likely to be therapeutic targets for LF. In the present review, the cellular signaling pathways of LF with respect to HSCs were discussed. In particular, this present review highlighted the current knowledge on the role of lncRNAs in activating or inhibiting LF, revealing lncRNAs that are likely to be biomarkers or therapeutic targets for LF. Additional studies should be performed to elucidate the potential of lncRNAs in the diagnosis and prognosis of LF and to provide novel therapeutic approaches for the reversion of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengjie Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Shunmei Huang
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoqin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Silan Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Qiaomai Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Gong
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Jiaying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Bin Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
| | - Lingling Tang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, P.R. China
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27
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Maladaptive regeneration - the reawakening of developmental pathways in NASH and fibrosis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:131-142. [PMID: 33051603 PMCID: PMC7854502 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-00365-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid expansion of the obesity epidemic, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is now the most common chronic liver disease, with almost 25% global prevalence. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease ranges in severity from simple steatosis, a benign 'pre-disease' state, to the liver injury and inflammation that characterize nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which in turn predisposes individuals to liver fibrosis. Fibrosis is the major determinant of clinical outcomes in patients with NASH and is associated with increased risks of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NASH has no approved therapies, and liver fibrosis shows poor response to existing pharmacotherapy, in part due to an incomplete understanding of the underlying pathophysiology. Patient and mouse data have shown that NASH is associated with the activation of developmental pathways: Notch, Hedgehog and Hippo-YAP-TAZ. Although these evolutionarily conserved fundamental signals are known to determine liver morphogenesis during development, new data have shown a coordinated and causal role for these pathways in the liver injury response, which becomes maladaptive during obesity-associated chronic liver disease. In this Review, we discuss the aetiology of this reactivation of developmental pathways and review the cell-autonomous and cell-non-autonomous mechanisms by which developmental pathways influence disease progression. Finally, we discuss the potential prognostic and therapeutic implications of these data for NASH and liver fibrosis.
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28
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Fatty Acids and a High-Fat Diet Induce Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Activating TGFβ and β-Catenin in Liver Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031272. [PMID: 33525359 PMCID: PMC7865431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is defined as the accumulation of excessive fat in the liver in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption or any secondary cause. Although the disease generally remains asymptomatic, chronic liver inflammation leads to fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and even to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fibrosis results from epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), which leads to dedifferentiation of epithelial cells into cells with a mesenchymal-like phenotype. During EMT, epithelial cells with high expression of E-cadherin, influenced by growth factors, cytokines, and inflammatory processes, undergo morphological changes via enhanced expression of, e.g., vimentin, fibronectin, and N-cadherin. An inducer of EMT and, consequently, of fibrosis development is transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), a pleiotropic cytokine associated with the progression of hepatocarcinogenesis. However, the understanding of the molecular events that direct the development of steatosis into steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis remains incomplete. Our study revealed that both prolonged exposure of hepatocarcinoma cells to fatty acids in vitro and high-fat diet in mice (20 weeks) result in inflammation. Prolonged treatment with fatty acids increased the levels of TGFβ, MMP9, and β-catenin, important EMT inducers. Moreover, the livers of mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited features of liver fibrosis with increased TGFβ and IL-1 levels. Increased expression of IL-1 correlated with a decrease in monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1), a negative regulator of the inflammatory response that regulates the stability of proinflammatory transcripts encoding IL-1. Our study showed that a high-fat diet induced EMT by increasing the levels of EMT-activating transcription factors, including Zeb1, Zeb2, and Snail and changed the protein profile to a profile characteristic of the mesenchymal phenotype.
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29
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Jia WQ, Zhou TC, Dai JW, Liu ZN, Zhang YF, Zang DD, Lv XW. CD73 regulates hepatic stellate cells activation and proliferation through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 890:173667. [PMID: 33121948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver fibrosis (ALF) is commonly associated with long-term alcohol consumption and the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs is a critical step to alleviate liver fibrosis. Increasing evidence indicates that ecto-5'-nucleotidase (CD73) plays a vital role in liver disease as a critical component of extracellular adenosine pathway. However, the regulatory role of CD73 in ALF has not been elucidated. In this study, both ethanol plus CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice model and acetaldehyde-activated HSC-T6 cell model were employed and the expression of CD73 was consistently elevated in vivo and in vitro. C57BL/6 J mice were intraperitoneally injected with CD73 inhibitor Adenosine 5'-(α, β-methylene) diphosphate sodium salt (APCP) from 5th week to the 8th week in the development of ALF. The results showed APCP could inhibit the activation of HSCs, reduce fibrogenesis marker expression and thus alleviate ALF. Silencing of CD73 inhibited the activation of HSC-T6 cells and promoted apoptosis of activated HSC-T6 cells. What's more, the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells was inhibited, which was characterized by decreased cell viability and cycle arrest. Mechanistically, Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated in acetaldehyde-activated HSC-T6 cells and CD73 silencing or overexpression could regulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Collectively, our study unveils the role of CD73 in HSCs activation, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway might be involved in this progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qian Jia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tao-Cheng Zhou
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jing-Wen Dai
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhen-Ni Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ya-Fei Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dan-Dan Zang
- The Center for Scientific Research of Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Lv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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30
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ONCU B, YİLMAZ A, KARADEMİR B, ALTUNOK EÇ, KURU L, AĞRALI ÖB. Cytotoxicity and Collagen Expression Effects of Tideglusib Administration on Human Periodontal Cells: An In-Vitro Study. CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.33808/clinexphealthsci.709924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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31
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Bansod S, Aslam Saifi M, Khurana A, Godugu C. Nimbolide abrogates cerulein-induced chronic pancreatitis by modulating β-catenin/Smad in a sirtuin-dependent way. Pharmacol Res 2020; 156:104756. [PMID: 32194177 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide with no clinically approved therapeutic interventions. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of nimbolide (NB), an active constituent of neem tree (Azadirachta indica), by targeting β-catenin/Smad/SIRT1 in cerulein-induced CP model. The effects of NB was investigated on cerulein (50 μg/kg/hr*6 exposures /day, 3 days a week for 3 weeks) induced CP in mice. Amylase and lipase activity were measured and histopathological evaluation was performed. Collagen deposition in the pancreatic tissue was estimated by hydroxyproline assay, and collagen specific staining picrosirius red and Masson's trichrome. Cerulein-induced CP was significantly controlled by NB treatment, as shown by the downregulation of β-catenin/Smad signaling in a SIRT1 dependent manner. NB treatment significantly decreased α-SMA, MMP-2, collagen1a, fibronectin, TGF-β1, p-Smad-2/3 expression and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in pancreatic tissue. However, the protective effects of NB on cerulein-induced CP were undermined by nicotinamide (NMD) or splitomicin, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibitors treatment. NB treatment modulated protein expression by activating SIRT1 and decreasing the expression of β-catenin/Smad proteins in CP mice. However, the expression of SIRT1 in pancreatic tissue was elevated by NB treatment and it was decreased by NMD or splitomicin treatment. In summary, our results strongly suggest that NB exerted promising protective effects in cerulein-induced CP model by inhibiting β-catenin/Smad in a sirtuin-dependent manner, which could be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. Our study suggests that NB could be an effective therapeutic intervention for the treatment of CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapana Bansod
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Mohd Aslam Saifi
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Amit Khurana
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500037, India.
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32
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Yang J, Tao Q, Zhou Y, Chen Q, Li L, Hu S, Liu Y, Zhang Y, Shu J, Zhang X, Zhang L, Zhang L. MicroRNA-708 represses hepatic stellate cells activation and proliferation by targeting ZEB1 through Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 871:172927. [PMID: 31962101 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is caused by a sustained wound healing response to chronic liver injury, and the activation of insubstantial hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the key process involved. The progression of liver fibrosis may be attenuated by suppressing activation and proliferation of the HSCs. MicroRNA (miRNA) have emerged as major players in governing fundamental biological processes through multiple mechanisms MiR-708 is known to inhibit the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, whether miR-708 can function as a transcriptional regulator in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Our study demonstrated that miR-708 expression was inhibited in fibrotic liver tissues and in activated HSCs, accompanied by an increase of the Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) level. Besides, overexpression of miR-708 and silencing of ZEB1 inhibited the activation and proliferation of LX-2 cells. While knockdown of miR-708 or overexpression of ZEB1 showed reversed results. Further, dual luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-708 directly targeted ZEB1 in vitro. Interestingly, ZEB1 was found to be involved in HSCs by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Together, our data showed that miR-708 may be a potential therapeutic target in liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfa Yang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qing Tao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Anhui Medical University, China
| | - Yiwen Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qingfeng Chen
- Clinic Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Liangyun Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Shuang Hu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yumin Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jinling Shu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xianzheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Dong MN, Xiao Y, Li YF, Wang DM, Qu YP, Fang TW, Li H, Liu MW. Amelioration of paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice by regulating miR-140-5p expression with the fibrogenic inhibitor Xuebijing. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2020; 34:2058738420923911. [PMID: 32462952 PMCID: PMC7262989 DOI: 10.1177/2058738420923911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Intravenous Xuebijing (XBJ) therapy suppresses paraquat (PQ)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. However, the mechanism underlying this suppression remains unknown. This work aimed to analyze the miR-140-5p-induced effects of XBJ injection on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. The mice were arbitrarily assigned to four groups. The model group was administered with PQ only. The PQ treatment group was administered with PQ and XBJ. The control group was administered with saline only. The control treatment group was administered with XBJ only. The miR-140-5p and miR-140-5p knockout animal models were overexpressed. The gene expression levels of miR-140-5p, transglutaminase-2 (TG2), β-catenin, Wnt-1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the lungs were assayed with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The levels of TGF-β1, CTGF, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hydroxyproline (Hyp) levels and pulmonary fibrosis were also scored. After 14 days of PQ induction of pulmonary fibrosis, AdCMV-miR-140-5p, and XBJ upregulated miR-140-5p expression; blocked the expressions of TG2, Wnt-1, and β-catenin; and decreased p-Smad2, p-Smad3, CTGF, MMP-9, and TGF-β1 expressions. In addition, Hyp and pulmonary fibrosis scores in XBJ-treated mice decreased. Histological results confirmed that PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in XBJ-treated lungs was attenuated. TG2 expression and the Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling pathway were suppressed by the elevated levels of miR-140-5p expression. This inhibition was pivotal in the protective effect of XBJ against PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Thus, XBJ efficiently alleviated PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-na Dong
- Department of Emergency, First Hospital
Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yun Xiao
- Intensive Care Unit, The Third
Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Yun-fei Li
- Department of Elderly Cardiovascular
Diseases, First Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming,
China
| | - Dong-mei Wang
- Yunnan Green Field Biological
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kunming, China
| | - Ya-ping Qu
- Department of Postgraduate, Kunming
Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Tian-wen Fang
- Department of Postgraduate, Kunming
Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Hui Li
- Yunnan Green Field Biological
Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Kunming, China
| | - Ming-wei Liu
- Department of Emergency, First Hospital
Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
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Rao S, Xiang J, Huang J, Zhang S, Zhang M, Sun H, Li J. PRC1 promotes GLI1-dependent osteopontin expression in association with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and aggravates liver fibrosis. Cell Biosci 2019; 9:100. [PMID: 31867100 PMCID: PMC6916466 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-019-0363-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background PRC1 (Protein regulator of cytokinesis 1) regulates microtubules organization and functions as a novel regulator in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Wnt/β-catenin is involved in development of liver fibrosis (LF). We aim to investigate effect and mechanism of PRC1 on liver fibrosis. Methods Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mice LF model was established and in vitro cell model for LF was induced by mice primary hepatic stellate cell (HSC) under glucose treatment. The expression of PRC1 in mice and cell LF models was examined by qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction), western blot and immunohistochemistry. MTT assay was used to detect cell viability, and western blot to determine the underlying mechanism. The effect of PRC1 on liver pathology was examined via measurement of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and hydroxyproline, as well as histopathological analysis. Results PRC1 was up-regulated in CCl4-induced mice LF model and activated HSC. Knockdown of PRC1 inhibited cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis of activated HSC. PRC1 expression was regulated by Wnt3a signaling, and PRC1 could regulate downstream β-catenin activation. Moreover, PRC1 could activate glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (GLI1)-dependent osteopontin expression to participate in LF. Adenovirus-mediated knockdown of PRC1 in liver attenuated LF and reduced collagen deposition. Conclusions PRC1 aggravated LF through regulating Wnt/β-catenin mediated GLI1-dependent osteopontin expression, providing a new potential therapeutic target for LF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenzong Rao
- 1Department of Transfusion, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Jie Xiang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Wuhan Medical Treatment Center, Wuhan City, 430023 Hubei Province China
| | - Jingsong Huang
- 3Department of Transfusion, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, No. 2000 Xiangan Eastroad, Xiangan District, Xiamen, 361101 China
| | - Shangang Zhang
- 4Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, No. 2000 Xiangan Eastroad, Xiangan District, Xiamen, 361101 China
| | - Min Zhang
- 1Department of Transfusion, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Haoran Sun
- 1Department of Transfusion, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
| | - Jian Li
- 1Department of Transfusion, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022 China
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Differentiation-inducing factor-1 prevents hepatic stellate cell activation through inhibiting GSK3β inactivation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 520:140-144. [PMID: 31582219 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation-inducing factor-1 (DIF-1), a morphogen produced by the cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum, is a natural product that has attracted considerable attention for its antitumor properties. Here, we report a novel inhibitory effect of DIF-1 on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) responsible for liver fibrosis. DIF-1 drastically inhibited transdifferentiation of quiescent HSCs into myofibroblastic activated HSCs in a concentration-dependent manner, thus conferring an antifibrotic effect against in the liver. Neither SQ22536, an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, nor ODQ, a guanylate cyclase inhibitor, showed any effect on the inhibition of HSC activation by DIF-1. In contrast, TWS119, a glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) inhibitor, attenuated the inhibitory effect of DIF-1. Moreover, the level of inactive GSK3β (phosphorylated at Ser9) was significantly reduced by DIF-1. DIF-1 also inhibited nuclear translocation of β-catenin and reduced the level of non-phospho (active) β-catenin. These results suggest that DIF-1 inhibits HSC activation by disrupting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through dephosphorylation of GSK3β. We propose that DIF-1 is a possible candidate as a therapeutic agent for preventing liver fibrosis.
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Increased Expression of Adherens Junction Components in Mouse Liver following Bile Duct Ligation. Biomolecules 2019; 9:biom9100636. [PMID: 31652629 PMCID: PMC6843439 DOI: 10.3390/biom9100636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Adherens junctions, consisting of cadherins and catenins, are a group of cell-to-cell junctions that mediate mechanistic linkage between neighboring cells. By doing so, adherens junctions ensure direct intercellular contact and play an indispensable role in maintaining tissue architecture. Considering these critical functions, it is not surprising that adherens junctions are frequently involved in disease. In the present study, the effects of bile duct ligation—a surgical procedure to experimentally induce cholestatic and fibrotic liver pathology—on hepatic adherens junctions were investigated in mice. In essence, it was found that liver mRNA and protein levels of E-cadherin, β-catenin and γ-catenin drastically increase following bile duct ligation. These results could suggest a cytoprotective role for hepatic adherens junctions following bile duct ligation.
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Fishman P, Cohen S, Itzhak I, Amer J, Salhab A, Barer F, Safadi R. The A3 adenosine receptor agonist, namodenoson, ameliorates non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Int J Mol Med 2019; 44:2256-2264. [PMID: 31638172 PMCID: PMC6844636 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β‑catenin pathway confers a chain of molecular events in livers affected by non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Namodenoson, a selective agonist of the A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR), which is highly expressed in pathological liver cells, induces a robust anti‑inflammatory effect in the liver, mediated via the de‑regulation of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway. Namodenoson also acts as a liver protective agent by inhibiting ischemia/reperfusion injury. Based on these unique characteristics, we investigated the anti‑NASH effect of Namodenoson in murine models of steatohepatitis and in the LX2 human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC). In the STAM model, Namodenoson significantly decreased the non‑alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score, NAS, demonstrating anti‑inflammatory and anti‑steatotic effects. In the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) model, Namodenoson reversed alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to normal values and significantly improved liver inflammation and fibrosis, as well as the adiponectin and leptin levels. Namodenoson de‑regulated the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway in the liver extracts of the CCl4 model mice and in the LX2 HSCs, manifested by a decrease in the expression of phosphoinositide 3‑kinase (PI3K), nuclear factor κ‑light‑chain‑enhancer of activated B cells (NF‑κB), β‑catenin, lymphoid enhancer‑binding factor 1 (Lef‑1) and cyclin D1, and an increase in the expression level of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‑3β). The fibrosis marker, α‑smooth muscle actin (α‑SMA) was also de‑regulated, supporting the anti‑fibrotic effect of Namodenoson. On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrate that Namodenoson exerts an anti‑NASH effect mediated via the de‑regulation of the PI3K/NF‑κB/Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. Thus, targeting A3AR may prove to be a novel direction in the pharmacotherapy of NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pnina Fishman
- Can‑Fite BioPharma Ltd., Petach‑Tikva 4951778, Israel
| | - Shira Cohen
- Can‑Fite BioPharma Ltd., Petach‑Tikva 4951778, Israel
| | - Inbal Itzhak
- Can‑Fite BioPharma Ltd., Petach‑Tikva 4951778, Israel
| | - Johnny Amer
- Liver Unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem 54915, Israel
| | - Ahmad Salhab
- Liver Unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem 54915, Israel
| | - Faina Barer
- Can‑Fite BioPharma Ltd., Petach‑Tikva 4951778, Israel
| | - Rifaat Safadi
- Liver Unit, Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem 54915, Israel
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Abstract
Developmental signaling pathways control a vast array of biological processes during embryogenesis and in adult life. The WNT pathway was discovered simultaneously in cancer and development. Recent advances have expanded the role of WNT to a wide range of pathologies in humans. Here, we discuss the WNT pathway and its role in human disease and some of the advances in WNT-related treatments.
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Abstract
The canonical Wnt-β-catenin pathway is a complex, evolutionarily conserved signalling mechanism that regulates fundamental physiological and pathological processes. Wnt-β-catenin signalling tightly controls embryogenesis, including hepatobiliary development, maturation and zonation. In the mature healthy liver, the Wnt-β-catenin pathway is mostly inactive but can become re-activated during cell renewal and/or regenerative processes, as well as in certain pathological conditions, diseases, pre-malignant conditions and cancer. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), the two most prevalent primary liver tumours in adults, Wnt-β-catenin signalling is frequently hyperactivated and promotes tumour growth and dissemination. A substantial proportion of liver tumours (mainly HCC and, to a lesser extent, CCA) have mutations in genes encoding key components of the Wnt-β-catenin signalling pathway. Likewise, hepatoblastoma, the most common paediatric liver cancer, is characterized by Wnt-β-catenin activation, mostly as a result of β-catenin mutations. In this Review, we discuss the most relevant molecular mechanisms of action and regulation of Wnt-β-catenin signalling in liver development and pathophysiology. Moreover, we highlight important preclinical and clinical studies and future directions in basic and clinical research.
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Manka P, Coombes JD, Boosman R, Gauthier K, Papa S, Syn WK. Thyroid hormone in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma and its microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2019; 419:175-186. [PMID: 29414304 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.01.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) commonly arises from a liver damaged by extensive inflammation and fibrosis. Various factors including cytokines, morphogens, and growth factors are involved in the crosstalk between HCC cells and the stromal microenvironment. Increasing our understanding of how stromal components interact with HCC and the signaling pathways involved could help identify new therapeutic and/or chemopreventive targets. It has become increasingly clear that the cross-talk between tumor cells and host stroma plays a key role in modulating tumor growth. Emerging reports suggest a relationship between HCC and thyroid hormone signaling (dysfunction), raising the possibility that perturbed thyroid hormone (TH) regulation influences the cancer microenvironment and cancer phenotype. This review provides an overview of the role of thyroid hormone and its related pathways in HCC and, specifically, its role in regulating the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Manka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (SC), USA.
| | - J D Coombes
- Regeneration and Repair, Institute of Hepatology, Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - R Boosman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - K Gauthier
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle de Lyon, Université de Lyon, CNRS UMR 5242, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - S Papa
- Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - W K Syn
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston (SC), USA; Section of Gastroenterology, Ralph H Johnson Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Charleston (SC), USA.
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Gong R, Xia Z. Collagen changes in pelvic support tissues in women with pelvic organ prolapse. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 234:185-189. [PMID: 30710765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Pelvic organ prolapse is a group of diseases caused by weakened pelvic supportive tissue, but the pathophysiology is not completely understood. Collagen is one of the most important components of the extracellular matrix in connective tissue, as it maintains the supportive functions of the pelvic floor. Collagen I and III are two major subtypes in pelvic tissues. With conflicting results of different studies, changes of their content and ratio are still disputed. The structure of collagen fibrils of pelvic organ prolapse patients become loose, disorderly and discontinuous and become stiffer than control group. Strong mechanical stress and imbalance matrix metalloproteinases /tissue-derived inhibitors of metalloproteinases can lead to collagen anabolism abnormalities causing changes of collagen content and structure. These changes are inter-influenced and are involved by multiple signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, AGE/RAGE, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and NF-κB. Collagen changes, including content, morphologic and biomechanical changes and catabolism abnormalities, can destroy the supportive function of the pelvic floor and are closely related to the development of pelvic organ prolapse. Epidemiological data also show a genetic predisposition to collagen changes. Research about collagen changes in the pelvic floor supportive tissues is limited and controversial. Small sample sizes and different recruitment criteria, biopsy sites, and research methods make comparisons between various studies difficult. More research concerning collagen changes is needed to better understand the pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runqi Gong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pelvic Floor Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Heping District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Prov, 110004, China
| | - Zhijun Xia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pelvic Floor Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Heping District, Shenyang City, Liaoning Prov, 110004, China.
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Lin IY, Chiou YS, Wu LC, Tsai CY, Chen CT, Chuang WC, Lee MC, Lin CC, Lin TT, Chen SC, Pan MH, Ma N. CCM111 prevents hepatic fibrosis via cooperative inhibition of TGF-β, Wnt and STAT3 signaling pathways. J Food Drug Anal 2019; 27:184-194. [PMID: 30648571 PMCID: PMC9298635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- In-Yu Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shiou Chiou
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Tsai
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Tong Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli,
Taiwan
| | | | - Ming-Chung Lee
- Brion Research Institute of Taiwan, New Taipei City,
Taiwan
| | - Ching-Che Lin
- Brion Research Institute of Taiwan, New Taipei City,
Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ting Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Ssu-Ching Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Min-Hsiung Pan
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402,
Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung,
Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. E-mail addresses: (M.-H. Pan), (N. Ma)
| | - Nianhan Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, College of Health Sciences and Technology, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Li S, Sun X, Chen M, Ying Z, Wan Y, Pi L, Ren B, Cao Q. Liver Fibrosis Conventional and Molecular Imaging Diagnosis Update. JOURNAL OF LIVER 2019; 8:236. [PMID: 31341723 PMCID: PMC6653681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a serious, life-threatening disease with high morbidity and mortality that result from diverse causes. Liver biopsy, considered the "gold standard" to diagnose, grade, and stage liver fibrosis, has limitations in terms of invasiveness, cost, sampling variability, inter-observer variability, and the dynamic process of fibrosis. Compelling evidence has demonstrated that all stages of fibrosis are reversible if the injury is removed. There is a clear need for safe, effective, and reliable non-invasive assessment modalities to determine liver fibrosis in order to manage it precisely in personalized medicine. However, conventional imaging methods used to assess morphological and structural changes related to liver fibrosis, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are only useful in assessing advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis. Functional imaging techniques, including MR elastography (MRE), US elastography, and CT perfusion are useful for assessing moderate to advanced liver fibrosis. MRE is considered the most accurate noninvasive imaging technique, and US elastography is currently the most widely used noninvasive means. However, these modalities are less accurate in early-stage liver fibrosis and some factors affect the accuracy of these techniques. Molecular imaging is a target-specific imaging mechanism that has the potential to accurately diagnose early-stage liver fibrosis. We provide an overview of recent advances in molecular imaging for the diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis which will enable clinicians to monitor the progression of disease and potentially reverse liver fibrosis. We compare the promising technologies with conventional and functional imaging and assess the utility of molecular imaging in precision and personalized clinical medicine in the early stages of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Li
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Radiology, The first affiliated Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, P.R.China
| | - Xicui Sun
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Minjie Chen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Zhekang Ying
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yamin Wan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Department of Radiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan province, P.R.China
| | - Liya Pi
- Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Bin Ren
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Alabama, USA
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,Corresponding author: Qi Cao, MD. Ph.D, Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine University of Maryland School of Medicine, West Baltimore, Street Baltimore, Maryland, USA, Tel: +1 410-706-6432;,
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Zheng S, Chen Y, Zheng S, He Z, Weng Z. Inhibition of Mastermind-like 1 alleviates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2018; 243:1099-1108. [PMID: 30400752 DOI: 10.1177/1535370218810892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mastermind-like 1 (MAML1) functions in critical transcriptional coactivation in Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathways, which participate in hepatic fibrosis. This study is aimed to reveal the potential role of MAML1 in liver fibrosis and identify its underlying mechanism. In present research, the enhanced expression of MAML1 was found in the fibrotic liver tissues in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, and MAML1 expression increased gradually during the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from the normal rat. Further studies showed that blocking MAML1 expression efficiently decreased the expression of α-SMA and collagen I (Col1a1) in HSCs. Interestingly, MAML1 may modulate HSCs activation via interrupting both Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signal transductions, and the inhibition of MAML1 by a recombinant adeno-associated virus type 1 vector carrying shRNA targeting MAML1 alleviated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. These findings suggest that the selective regulation of MAML1 expression may be a feasible therapeutic approach to reverse liver fibrosis. Impact statement Liver fibrosis is a common wound-healing response to all kinds of liver injuries. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is the key event during liver fibrogenesis. Thus, the elucidation of mechanisms for regulating HSCs activation is helpful for identifying novel anti-fibrotic targets and strategies. MAML1, an important component of Notch signal, functions in critical transcriptional coactivation in the Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signal pathways. In the present study, we investigated the potential function of MAML1 during hepatic fibrogenesis in rats. Our results demonstrated that MAML1 participates in liver fibrosis through modulating HSCs activation via interrupting both the Notch and Wnt/β-catenin signal transductions. Additionally, the inhibition of MAML1 markedly attenuated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrogenesis in rats. Our results shed a light for the exploitation of a new therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis via targeting MAML1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoping Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Union Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yixiong Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Union Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Hainan Cancer Hospital & The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Zhihui He
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Hainan Cancer Hospital & The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Zhihong Weng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Union Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
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Lv J, Bai R, Wang L, Gao J, Zhang H. Artesunate may inhibit liver fibrosis via the FAK/Akt/β-catenin pathway in LX-2 cells. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2018; 19:64. [PMID: 30326962 PMCID: PMC6192352 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-018-0255-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of studies are investigating the effects of Chinese medicine on hepatic fibrosis, but only few studies have examined the anti-fibrogenic properties of Artesunate (ART). The aim of the present study was to explore the anti-fibrotic effects of ART on LX-2 cells, the human HSC cell line, and to determine potential molecular mechanisms via the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/ protein kinase B (Akt)/ β-catenin pathway. METHODS LX-2 cells were stimulated with different concentration of ART (0, 12.5, 25 and 50 μg/ml) for 12, 24, 48 or 72 h, their proliferation was analyzed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. LX-2 cells were treated with different doses of ART (0, 12.5, 25 and 50 μg/ml) for 24 h, their apoptosis was measured using flow cytometry, the levels of mRNAs encoding collagen I or α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and the levels of key proteins in the FAK/Akt/β-catenin signaling pathway were assessed by western blotting. Specific inhibitors of FAK were added to the LX-2 cells cultures to explore the potential signaling. RESULTS Exposing LX-2 cells to ART efficiently inhibited their proliferation, significantly promoted early apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, and markedly downregulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA and collagen I. In addition, ART, similar to FAK inhibitor PF562271 significantly inhibited the FAK/Akt/β-catenin signaling pathway by reducing the levels of phosphorylated FAK, Akt and GSK-3β. CONCLUSIONS Our present study shows that ART could regulate the proliferation, apoptosis and activation of LX-2. Meanwhile, the anti-fibrogenic mechanisms of ART was correlated with FAK/Akt/β-catenin pathway. Future research should verify and extend these findings, as well as explore other molecules and therefore serve as useful therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruidan Bai
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiefang Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Zhang Zhidong Road, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, People's Republic of China.
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Octreotide attenuates hepatic fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells proliferation and activation by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, c-Myc and cyclin D1. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 63:183-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Huang GR, Wei SJ, Huang YQ, Xing W, Wang LY, Liang LL. Mechanism of combined use of vitamin D and puerarin in anti-hepatic fibrosis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:4178-4185. [PMID: 30271082 PMCID: PMC6158481 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i36.4178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To reveal the protective mechanism of the combined use of vitamin D and puerarin in the progression of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).
METHODS Eight-week-old male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal control group (C group), a CCl4 group (CCl4 group), a vitamin D group (V group), a puerarin group (P group), and a combined group of vitamin D and puerarin (V + P group), each of which contained ten rats. In this way, we built a rat model of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis with intervention by vitamin D, puerarin, or a combination of the two. After eight weeks, the mice were sacrificed to collect serum and liver specimens. Blood was collected to detect the hyaluronic acid (HA). We also measured hydroxyproline (Hyp) and prepared paraffin sections of liver. After Sirius red staining, the liver specimens were observed under a microscope. RT-PCR and western blot analysis were adopted to detect the mRNA and the protein levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, Wnt1, and β-catenin in the liver tissues, respectively.
RESULTS Hepatic fibrosis was observed in the CCl4 group. In comparison, hepatic fibrosis was attenuated in the V, P, and V + P groups: the HA level in blood and the Hyp level in liver were reduced, and the mRNA levels of Collagen I, Collagen III, Wnt, and β-catenin in liver were also decreased, as well as the protein levels of Wnt1 and β-catenin. Among these groups, the V + P group demonstrated the greatest amelioration of hepatic fibrosis.
CONCLUSION The combined application of vitamin D and puerarin is capable of alleviating CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis of rats. As to the mechanism, it is probably because the combined use is able to silence the Wnt1/β-catenin pathway, suppress the activation of hepatic stellate cells, and reduce the secretion of collagen fibers, therefore improving the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gan-Rong Huang
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Si-Jun Wei
- Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan-Qiang Huang
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wei Xing
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lu-Yao Wang
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling-Ling Liang
- Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Baise 533000, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Martin-Mateos R, De Assuncao TM, Arab JP, Jalan-Sakrikar N, Yaqoob U, Greuter T, Verma VK, Mathison AJ, Cao S, Lomberk G, Mathurin P, Urrutia R, Huebert RC, Shah VH. Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 Inhibition Attenuates TGF-β Dependent Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 7:197-209. [PMID: 30539787 PMCID: PMC6282644 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [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: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblasts is a key event in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) are canonical HSC activators after liver injury. The aim of this study was to analyze the epigenetic modulators that differentially control TGF-β and PDGF signaling pathways. METHODS We performed a transcriptomic comparison of HSCs treated with TGF-β or PDGF-BB using RNA sequencing. Among the targets that distinguish these 2 pathways, we focused on the histone methyltransferase class of epigenetic modulators. RESULTS Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) was expressed differentially, showing significant up-regulation in HSCs activated with TGF-β but not with PDGF-BB. Indeed, EZH2 inhibition using either a pharmacologic (GSK-503) or a genetic (small interfering RNA) approach caused a significant attenuation of TGF-β-induced fibronectin, collagen 1α1, and α-smooth muscle actin, both at messenger RNA and protein levels. Conversely, adenoviral overexpression of EZH2 in HSCs resulted in a significant stimulation of fibronectin protein and messenger RNA levels in TGF-β-treated cells. Finally, we conducted in vivo experiments with mice chronically treated with carbon tetrachloride or bile duct ligation. Administration of GSK-503 to mice receiving either carbon tetrachloride or bile duct ligation led to attenuated fibrosis as assessed by Trichrome and Sirius red stains, hydroxyproline, and α-smooth muscle actin/collagen protein assays. CONCLUSIONS TGF-β and PDGF share redundant and distinct transcriptomic targets, with the former predominating in HSC activation. The EZH2 histone methyltransferase is preferentially involved in the TGF-β as opposed to the PDGF signaling pathway. Inhibition of EZH2 attenuates fibrogenic gene transcription in TGF-β-treated HSCs and reduces liver fibrosis in vivo. The data discussed in this publication have been deposited in NCBI's Gene Expression Omnibus and are accessible through GEO Series accession number GSE119606 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/query/acc.cgi?acc=GSE119606).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Martin-Mateos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ramón y Cajal University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Juan Pablo Arab
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota; Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Usman Yaqoob
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Thomas Greuter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Vikas K Verma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Angela J Mathison
- Genomics and Precision Medicine Center (GSPMC), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Sheng Cao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Gwen Lomberk
- Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Philippe Mathurin
- Service Maladie de l'Appareil Digestif, INSERM U995 Université Lille 2, Centre Hospitalier Régionale Universitaire (CHRU) de Lille, France
| | - Raul Urrutia
- Genomics and Precision Medicine Center (GSPMC), Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Division of Research, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Robert C Huebert
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Vijay H Shah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
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Wei W, Jiang F, Liu XC, Su Q. TMEM9 mediates IL-6 and IL-1β secretion and is modulated by the Wnt pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 63:253-260. [PMID: 30119033 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.07.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Novel studies have shown that the Transmembrane protein 9 (TMEM9) gene is localized at 1q41 and encodes a protein consisting of 183 amino acids with an N-terminus containing many important domains. As a novel human transmembrane protein, TMEM9 is highly conserved in species from Caenorhabditis elegans to humans and is widely expressed in many tissues and cells. Moreover, TMEM9 may play an important role in intracellular transport and the growth of hepatoma cells. However, evidence for the function of TMEM9 in inflammation is still limited. We studied the expression of TMEM9 and its effect on cytokine secretion in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced LX-2 cells. We proved that overexpression of TMEM9 by transfection with pEGFP-C2-TMEM9 may increase the expression of IL-6 and IL-1β in LX-2 cells. At the same time, knockdown of TMEM9 expression by transfection with a TMEM9-siRNA decreased IL-6 and IL-1β secretion in LX-2 cells. Additionally, our results proved that overexpression of TMEM9 enhanced the protein expression levels of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin accompanied by an upregulation of wnt2b, wnt3a and β-catenin protein levels in LX-2 cells treated with TNF-α. These results indicate that TMEM9 plays a significant role in TNF-α-enhanced cytokines (IL-6 and IL-1β) secretion in LX-2 cells and that the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in the induction of these cytokine expressions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Department of Pathology, The First People's Hospital of Huainan, Huainan 232007, China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Hefei institute for food and drug control, Hefei 230001, China
| | - Xiao-Chang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliate Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road No 218, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230032, China.
| | - Qian Su
- Department of infectious diseases, The First Affiliate Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Emerging role and therapeutic implication of Wnt signaling pathways in liver fibrosis. Gene 2018; 674:57-69. [PMID: 29944952 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a pivotal cellular event in liver fibrosis. Therefore, improving our understanding of the molecular pathways that are involved in these processes is essential to generate new therapies for liver fibrosis. Greater knowledge of the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in liver fibrosis could improve understanding of the liver fibrosis pathogenesis. The aim of this review is to describe the present knowledge about the Wnt signaling pathway, which significantly participates in liver fibrosis and HSC activation, and look ahead on new perspectives of Wnt signaling pathway research. Moreover, we will discuss the different interactions with Wnt signaling pathway-regulated liver fibrosis. The Wnt signaling pathway modulates several important aspects of function, including cell proliferation, activation and differentiation. Targeting the Wnt signaling pathway can be a promising direction in liver fibrosis treatment. We discuss new perspectives of Wnt signaling pathway activation in liver fibrosis. For example, antagonist to Wnt and Wnt ligands could inhibit liver fibrosis by regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These findings identify the Wnt signaling pathway as a potentially important for therapeutic targets in liver fibrosis. Future studies are needed in order to find safer and more effective Wnt-based drugs.
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