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Dai J, Feng Y, Liao Y, Tan L, Sun Y, Song C, Qiu X, Ding C. Virus infection and sphingolipid metabolism. Antiviral Res 2024; 228:105942. [PMID: 38908521 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Cellular sphingolipids have vital roles in human virus replication and spread as they are exploited by viruses for cell entry, membrane fusion, genome replication, assembly, budding, and propagation. Intracellular sphingolipid biosynthesis triggers conformational changes in viral receptors and facilitates endosomal escape. However, our current understanding of how sphingolipids precisely regulate viral replication is limited, and further research is required to comprehensively understand the relationships between viral replication and endogenous sphingolipid species. Emerging evidence now suggests that targeting and manipulating sphingolipid metabolism enzymes in host cells is a promising strategy to effectively combat viral infections. Additionally, serum sphingolipid species and concentrations could function as potential serum biomarkers to help monitor viral infection status in different patients. In this work, we comprehensively review the literature to clarify how viruses exploit host sphingolipid metabolism to accommodate viral replication and disrupt host innate immune responses. We also provide valuable insights on the development and use of antiviral drugs in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Dai
- Experimental Animal Center, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563099, China
| | - Yiyi Feng
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; Laboratory of Veterinary Microbiology and Animal Infectious Diseases, College of Animal Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi China
| | - Ying Liao
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Lei Tan
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Cuiping Song
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Xusheng Qiu
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Chan Ding
- Shanghai Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 200241, China; Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.
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Kronborg TM, Schierwagen R, Trošt K, Gao Q, Moritz T, Bendtsen F, Gantzel RH, Andersen ML, Teisner AS, Grønbæk H, Hobolth L, Møller S, Trebicka J, Kimer N. Atorvastatin for patients with cirrhosis. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0332. [PMID: 38051553 PMCID: PMC10697620 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension face a high risk of complications. Besides their anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects, statins may reduce portal pressure and thus the risk of complications and mortality. We aimed to investigate the effects of atorvastatin on hospital admissions, mortality, inflammation, and lipidomics in cirrhosis with portal hypertension. METHODS We performed a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial among patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Atorvastatin (10-20 mg/d) was administered for 6 months. We measured splanchnic hemodynamics, analyzed inflammatory markers, and performed lipidomics at baseline and after 6 months. RESULTS Seventy-eight patients were randomized, with 38 patients allocated to atorvastatin and 40 patients to placebo. Fifty-nine patients completed 6 months of intervention. Comparisons between changes in each group were calculated. Liver-related complications and mortality were similar between the groups. The HVPG and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score did not change between groups (p=0.95 and 0.87, respectively). Atorvastatin decreased 3 of 42 inflammatory markers, CD62-L-selectin, matrix metalloproteinases-2, and TNF-α (p-values: 0.005, 0.011, and 0.023, respectively), while lipidomics was not significantly changed. CONCLUSIONS In patients with cirrhosis, atorvastatin was safe to use, but did not reduce mortality, the risk of liver-related complications, or the HVPG. Atorvastatin induced minor anti-inflammatory effects and minor effects on lipids during a 6-month treatment period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thit M. Kronborg
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Robert Schierwagen
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kajetan Trošt
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Qian Gao
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Moritz
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bendtsen
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rasmus H. Gantzel
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, and Clinical Institute, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Mette L. Andersen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Ane S. Teisner
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, and Clinical Institute, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise Hobolth
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Centre of Functional Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
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Denimal D, Béland-Bonenfant S, Pais-de-Barros JP, Rouland A, Bouillet B, Duvillard L, Vergès B, Petit JM. Plasma ceramides are associated with MRI-based liver fat content but not with noninvasive scores of liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2023; 22:310. [PMID: 37940926 PMCID: PMC10634084 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-023-02049-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence that ceramides play a significant role in the onset and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a highly prevalent condition in patients with type 2 diabetes associated with hepatic and cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between plasma ceramide levels and NAFLD severity in type 2 diabetes remains unclear. The main purpose of the present study was to investigate whether circulating levels of ceramides in patients with type 2 diabetes are associated with liver steatosis assessed by the highly accurate magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). The secondary objective was to assess the relationship between plasma ceramides and noninvasive scores of liver fibrosis. METHODS In this cross-sectional single-center study, plasma concentrations of 7 ceramides were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in 255 patients with type 2 diabetes (GEPSAD cohort). Liver fat content was assessed by MRI-PDFF, and noninvasive scores of liver fibrosis (i.e. Fibrosis-4 index, NAFLD Fibrosis Score, FibroTest® and Fibrotic NASH Index) were calculated. A validation cohort of 80 patients with type 2 diabetes was also studied (LIRA-NAFLD cohort). RESULTS Liver steatosis, defined as a liver fat content > 5.56%, was found in 62.4 and 82.5% of individuals with type 2 diabetes in the GEPSAD and LIRA-NAFLD cohorts, respectively. In GEPSAD, MRI-PDFF-measured liver fat content was positively associated with plasma levels of total ceramides (r = 0.232, p = 0.0002), and 18:0, 20:0, 22:0 and 24:0 ceramides in univariate analysis (p ≤ 0.0003 for all). In multivariate analysis, liver fat content remained significantly associated with total ceramides (p = 0.001), 18:0 (p = 0.006), 22:0 (p = 0.0009) and 24:0 ceramides (p = 0.0001) in GEPSAD, independently of age, diabetes duration, body mass index and dyslipidemia. Overall, similar relationship between plasma ceramides and liver fat content was observed in the LIRA-NAFLD validation cohort. No significant association was found between plasma ceramides and noninvasive scores of fibrosis after adjustment for age in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Plasma ceramide levels are associated with liver steatosis in patients with type 2 diabetes, independently of traditional risk factors for NAFLD. The independent association between plasma ceramides and liver steatosis adds new insights regarding the relationship between ceramides and NAFLD in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Denimal
- University of Burgundy, INSERM LNC UMR1231, Dijon, F-21000, France.
- Department of Biochemistry, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, F-21079, France.
| | - Sarah Béland-Bonenfant
- University of Burgundy, INSERM LNC UMR1231, Dijon, F-21000, France
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, F-21000, France
| | | | - Alexia Rouland
- University of Burgundy, INSERM LNC UMR1231, Dijon, F-21000, France
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, F-21000, France
| | - Benjamin Bouillet
- University of Burgundy, INSERM LNC UMR1231, Dijon, F-21000, France
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, F-21000, France
| | - Laurence Duvillard
- University of Burgundy, INSERM LNC UMR1231, Dijon, F-21000, France
- Department of Biochemistry, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, F-21079, France
| | - Bruno Vergès
- University of Burgundy, INSERM LNC UMR1231, Dijon, F-21000, France
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, F-21000, France
| | - Jean-Michel Petit
- University of Burgundy, INSERM LNC UMR1231, Dijon, F-21000, France
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, F-21000, France
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Chen S, Liu L, Jiang HX, Sun Q, Zhang L, Liu JQ, Liu LF. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS-based urine metabolomics studies on the toxicity and detoxication of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook. f. after roasting. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 234:115573. [PMID: 37459834 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115573] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Tripterygium wilfordii (TW), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, was widely used in the treatment of autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases. However, the clinical use of TW was limited by severe toxicities, such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Our previous studies indicated that roasting was an effective approach for reducing TW-induced toxicity. After roasting, celastrol was completely decomposed, partially converted into 1-hydroxy-2,5,8-trimethyl-9-fluorenone and the total alkaloids content were significantly reduced. However, the detoxication mechanisms of roasting on TW were poorly unknown. This study aimed to explore the toxicity and detoxification mechanisms of TW after roasting based on urine metabolomics. Promising biomarkers were evaluated by multiple comparison analyses. Sixteen toxicity biomarkers were identified between control group and total extract group. Twelve toxicity biomarkers were identified between control group and total alkaloids group. Eight toxicity biomarkers were identified between control group and celastrol group. These metabolites were mainly involved in seven metabolic pathways, summarized as pentose and glucuronate interconversions, lipid metabolism (sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolisms, fatty acid biosynthesis and steroid hormone biosynthesis) and amino acid metabolism (taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, tryptophan metabolism). After roasting, the toxicities of total extract, total alkaloids and celastrol were relieved by ameliorative serum parameters and pathological changes in hepatic and renal tissues which revealed that the reduction of celastrol and total alkaloids played important roles in the detoxification of roasting on TW. Furthermore, roasting regulated the levels of fourteen potential biomarkers in the total extract group, ten potential biomarkers in the total alkaloids group and seven candidate biomarkers in the celastrol group to normal levels. Biological pathway analysis revealed that roasting may ameliorate TW-induced metabolic disorders in pentose and glucuronate interconversions, lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. This study provided evidence for the application of roasting in TW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No.1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330004, PR China.
| | - Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No.1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330004, PR China.
| | - Hong-Xia Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No.1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330004, PR China.
| | - Qun Sun
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No.1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330004, PR China.
| | - Liang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No.1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330004, PR China.
| | - Jian-Qun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, No.1688 Meiling Road, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province 330004, PR China.
| | - Li-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Chinese Medicines Analysis, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing, China.
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Wang Z, Wang X, Wang Y, Liu Y, Wang X, Song Y, Xu J, Xue C. Lipidomics approach in alcoholic liver disease mice with sphingolipid metabolism disorder: Alleviation using sea cucumber phospholipids. FOOD BIOSCI 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2023.102601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
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ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter Family C Protein 10 Participates in the Synthesis and Efflux of Hexosylceramides in Liver Cells. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14204401. [PMID: 36297086 PMCID: PMC9610179 DOI: 10.3390/nu14204401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to sphingomyelin and ceramide, sugar derivatives of ceramides, hexosylceramides (HexCer) are the major circulating sphingolipids. We have shown that silencing of ABCA1 transmembrane protein function for instance in cases of loss of function of ABCA1 gene results in low levels of HDL as well as a concomitant reduction in plasma HexCer levels. However, proteins involved in hepatic synthesis and egress of HexCer from cells is not well known although ABCA1 seems to be indirectly controlling the HexCer plasma levels by supporting HDL synthesis. In this study, we hypothesized that protein(s) other than ABCA1 are involved in the transport of HexCer to HDL. Using an unbiased knockdown approach, we found that ATP-binding cassette transporter protein C10 (ABCC10) participates in the synthesis of HexCer and thereby affects egress to HDL in human hepatoma Huh-7 cells. Furthermore, livers from ABCC10 deficient mice had significantly lower levels of HexCer compared to wild type livers. These studies suggest that ABCC10 partakes in modulating the synthesis and subsequent efflux of HexCer to HDL in liver cells.
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Naggie S, Lusk S, Thompson JW, Mock M, Moylan C, Lucas JE, Dubois L, St John-Williams L, Moseley MA, Patel K. Metabolomic Signature as a Predictor of Liver Disease Events in Patients With HIV/HCV Coinfection. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:2012-2020. [PMID: 32502252 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Advanced liver disease due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related morbidity and mortality. There remains a need to develop noninvasive predictors of clinical outcomes in persons with HIV/HCV coinfection. METHODS We conducted a nested case-control study in 126 patients with HIV/HCV and utilized multiple quantitative metabolomic assays to identify a prognostic profile that predicts end-stage liver disease (ESLD) events including ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatocellular carcinoma, esophageal variceal bleed, and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Each analyte class was included in predictive modeling, and area under the receiver operator characteristic curves (AUC) and accuracy were determined. RESULTS The baseline model including demographic and clinical data had an AUC of 0.79. Three models (baseline plus amino acids, lipid metabolites, or all combined metabolites) had very good accuracy (AUC, 0.84-0.89) in differentiating patients at risk of developing an ESLD complication up to 2 years in advance. The all combined metabolites model had sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.85, positive likelihood ratio 4.78, and negative likelihood ratio 0.35. CONCLUSIONS We report that quantification of a novel set of metabolites may allow earlier identification of patients with HIV/HCV who have the greatest risk of developing ESLD clinical events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Naggie
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sam Lusk
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - J Will Thompson
- Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Meredith Mock
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cynthia Moylan
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Laura Dubois
- Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa St John-Williams
- Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - M Arthur Moseley
- Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Keyur Patel
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Gan J, Mao XR, Zheng SJ, Li JF. Invariant natural killer T cells: Not to be ignored in liver disease. J Dig Dis 2021; 22:136-142. [PMID: 33421264 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The liver is an important immune organ. Hepatocellular injury can be caused by many factors, which further leads to chronic liver diseases by activating the immune system. Multiple immune cells, such as T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells (NKs), natural killer T cells (NKTs), and γδT cells, accumulate and participate in the immune regulation of the liver. NKTs are an indispensable component of immune cells in the liver, and invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) are the main subpopulation of NKTs. iNKTs activated by glycolipid antigen presented on CD1d secrete a series of cytokines and also act on other immune cells through cell-to-cell contact. Studies on the relationship between iNKTs and liver immunity have provided clues to uncover the pathogenesis of liver diseases and develop a promising strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Gan
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xiao Rong Mao
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China.,Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
| | - Su Jun Zheng
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Feng Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China.,Department of Infectious Disease, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China.,Institute of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China
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Abstract
Background Previously, dihydroceramide (d18:0/24:0) (dhCer (d18:0/24:0)) was reported to be a potential biomarker for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) prognosis. In this study, we further explored the role of dhCer (d18:0/24:0) in the progression of ACLF to validate the biomarker using ACLF rat model. Methods ACLF rats were sacrificed at 4 and 8 h post-D-galactosamine (D-gal)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration to investigate the liver biochemical markers, prothrombin time and liver histopathology. Change in dhCer and other sphingolipids levels were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Rats were treated with N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR) to examine the mortality rate and its role in improving ACLF. Results LPS/D-gal administration resulted in significant elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Prothrombin time was prolonged and histopathological examination showed abnormality. HPLC-MS/MS results showed total dhCer levels in ACLF group (64.10 ± 8.90 pmol/100 μL, 64.22 ± 6.78 pmol/100 μL for 4 and 8 h, respectively) were decreased significantly compared with control group (121.61 ± 23.09 pmol/100 μL) (P < 0.05). In particular, dhCer (d18:0/24:0), dhCer (d18:0/20:0), and dhCer (d18:0/22:0) levels were decreased. Treatment with 4-HPR significantly increased the levels of dhCers, including dhCer (d18:0/24:0) compared with ACLF group, for the level of dhCer (d18:0/24:0) in 4-HPR group was 20.10 ± 8.60 pmol/100 μL and the level of dhCer (d18:0/24:0) in ACLF group was 9.74 ± 2.99 pmol/100 μL (P < 0.05). This was associated with reduced mortality rate and prolonged survival time. The ALT and AST in 4-HPR group were significantly decreased compared with ACLF group. The prothrombin time of 4-HPR group (41.49 s) was significantly lower than the prothrombin time of ACLF group (57.96 s) (P < 0.05). 4-HPR also decreased plasma ammonia levels slightly, as the plasma ammonia levels in 4-HPR group and ACLF group were 207.37 ± 60.43, 209.15 ± 60.43 μmol/L, respectively. Further, 4-HPR treatment improved histopathological parameters. Conclusions DhCer, especially dhCer (d18:0/24:0), is involved in the progression of ACLF. Increasing the levels of dhCer can reduce the mortality rate of ACLF rats and alleviate liver injury.
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Papadopoulos C, Panopoulou M, Mylopoulou T, Mimidis K, Tentes I, Anagnostopoulos K. Cholesterol and Phospholipid Distribution Pattern in the Erythrocyte Membrane of Patients with Hepatitis C and Severe Fibrosis, before and after Treatment with Direct Antiviral Agents: A pilot Study. MÆDICA 2020; 15:162-168. [PMID: 32952679 DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2020.15.2.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Hepatitis C virus requires and induces changes in liver lipidome for its life cycle. In addition, alterations in plasma and erythrocyte lipidome are observed during a range of chronic liver diseases. Methods: A total of six subjects (three males and three females) were included in our study. All subjects were HCV positive according to virus RNA detection. Erythrocyte ghosts were prepared from blood and collected upon diagnosis and also at the end of the treatment with Direct Antiviral Agents (DAA). Lipids were extracted from the erythrocyte ghosts, and cholesterol and phospholipids were analyzed by thin layer chromatography. A semi-quantitative estimation of cholesterol (CHOL), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylcholine (PC) and sphingomyelin (SM) was performed by densitometric analysis of the chromatographs. Results: After the antiviral treatment, PE percentage decreased, whereas the PC/PE and CHOL/PE ratio increased significantly. There were also other weaker differences for CHOL, PI, PS, PC and SM. Before DAA there was a very weak correlation between ALT and PC/PE ratio. In contrast, there was a steep negative correlation between these two parameters after DAA. Conclusion: Red blood cell lipid composition and especially the PC/PE ratio could be a candidate real time biological marker for inflammation resolution during hepatitis C treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Maria Panopoulou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Theodora Mylopoulou
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Mimidis
- Laboratory of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tentes
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Ishay Y, Nachman D, Khoury T, Ilan Y. The role of the sphingolipid pathway in liver fibrosis: an emerging new potential target for novel therapies. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 318:C1055-C1064. [PMID: 32130072 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00003.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SL) are a family of bioactive lipids and a major cellular membrane structural component. SLs include three main compounds: ceramide (Cer), sphingosine (Sp), and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S-1P), all of which have emerging roles in biological functions in cells, especially in the liver. They are under investigation in various liver diseases, including cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease. In this review, we provide an overview on the role of SLs in liver pathobiology and focus on their potential role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. We describe recent evidence and suggest SLs are a promising potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver disease and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuval Ishay
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dean Nachman
- Department of Internal Medicine A, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tawfik Khoury
- Gastroenterology and Liver Units, Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yaron Ilan
- Gastroenterology and Liver Units, Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
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Baumgartner T, Zurauskaite G, Steuer C, Bernasconi L, Huber A, Mueller B, Schuetz P. Association of serum sphingomyelin profile with clinical outcomes in patients with lower respiratory tract infections: results of an observational, prospective 6-year follow-up study. Clin Chem Lab Med 2019; 57:679-689. [PMID: 30267624 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2018-0509] [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] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background Sphingolipids - the structural cell membrane components - and their metabolites are involved in signal transduction and participate in the regulation of immunity. We investigated the prognostic implications of sphingolipid metabolic profiling on mortality in a large cohort of patients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Methods We measured 15 different sphingomyelin (SM) types in patients with LRTIs from a previous Swiss multicenter trial that examined the impact of procalcitonin-guided antibiotic therapy on total antibiotic use and rates and duration of hospitalization. Primary and secondary end points were adverse outcomes - defined as death or intensive care unit admission within 30 days - and 6-year mortality. Results Of 360 patients, 8.9% experienced an adverse outcome within 30 days and 46% died within 6 years. Levels of all SM types were significantly lower in pneumonia patients vs. those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation (p<0.0001 for all comparisons). Sphingomyelin subspecies SM (OH) C22:1 and SM (OH) C22:2 were associated with lower risk for short-term adverse outcomes (sex-, gender- and comorbidity-adjusted odds ratios [OR]: 0.036; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.002-0.600; p=0.021 and 0.037; 95% CI, 0.001-0.848; p=0.039, respectively). We found no significant associations with 6-year mortality for any SM. Conclusions Circulating sphingolipid levels are lower in inflammatory conditions such as pneumonia and correlate with adverse short-term outcomes. Further characterization of the physiological, pathophysiological and metabolic roles of sphingolipids under inflammatory conditions may facilitate understanding of their roles in infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Baumgartner
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland, Phone: 0041 62 838 68 32, Fax: 0041 62 838 98 73.,University Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Tellstr., 5001 Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Giedre Zurauskaite
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Christian Steuer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Luca Bernasconi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Huber
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Beat Mueller
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Schuetz
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Medical University Department, Kantonsspital Aarau, Aarau, Switzerland
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13
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Jiang YY, Zheng SJ. Progress in research of sphingolipids in hepatocellular carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2018; 26:2109-2114. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v26.i36.2109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids are a class of novel lipid bioregulatory molecules that play important roles in regulating cell growth, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Sphingolipid metabolism disorders could induce the development of various diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With the development of lipidomics, it has been demonstrated that sphingolipids play an increasingly essential role in the occurrence, development, and outcome of HCC. Studies have shown that sphingolipids can be used as a new biomarker for the diagnosis of HCC, and regulation of the sphingolipid metabolism pathway may be a potential target for the treatment of HCC. This paper reviews the current progress in research of sphingolipids with regard to their classification, metabolic pathways, role in the development of HCC, and the possibility as a target for diagnosis and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Jiang
- Complicated Liver Disease and Artificial Liver Center, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Su-Jun Zheng
- Complicated Liver Disease and Artificial Liver Center, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
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14
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Iqbal J, Walsh MT, Hammad SM, Cuchel M, Rader DJ, Hussain MM. ATP binding cassette family A protein 1 determines hexosylceramide and sphingomyelin levels in human and mouse plasma. J Lipid Res 2018; 59:2084-2097. [PMID: 30279221 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m087502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids, including ceramide, SM, and hexosylceramide (HxCer), are carried in the plasma by lipoproteins. They are possible markers of metabolic diseases, but little is known about their control. We previously showed that microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) is critical to determine plasma ceramide and SM, but not HxCer, levels. In human plasma and mouse models, we examined possible HxCer-modulating pathways, including the role of ABCA1 in determining sphingolipid plasma concentrations. Compared with control samples, plasma from patients with Tangier disease (deficient in ABCA1) had significantly lower HxCer (-69%) and SM (-40%) levels. Similarly, mice deficient in hepatic and intestinal ABCA1 had significantly reduced HxCer (-79%) and SM (-85%) levels. Tissue-specific ablation studies revealed that hepatic ABCA1 determines plasma HxCer and SM levels; that ablation of MTP and ABCA1 in the liver and intestine reduces plasma HxCer, SM, and ceramide levels; and that hepatic and intestinal MTP contribute to plasma ceramide levels, whereas only hepatic MTP modulates plasma SM levels. These results identify the contribution of ABCA1 to plasma SM and HxCer levels and suggest that MTP and ABCA1 are critical determinants of plasma sphingolipid levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahangir Iqbal
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.,King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Eastern Region, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Meghan T Walsh
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Samar M Hammad
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Marina Cuchel
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Daniel J Rader
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - M Mahmood Hussain
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY .,Diabetes and Obesity Research Center, New York University Winthrop Hospital, Mineola, NY.,Department of Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY
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15
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Li JF, Zheng SJ, Wang LL, Liu S, Ren F, Chen Y, Bai L, Liu M, Duan ZP. Glucosylceramide synthase regulates the proliferation and apoptosis of liver cells in vitro by Bcl‑2/Bax pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:7355-7360. [PMID: 28944894 PMCID: PMC5865865 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous study found that glucosylceramide, a type of sphingolipids, was associated with liver inflammation and fibrosis. Glucosylceramide is generated by glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), which is encoded by the UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) gene. GCS is a key enzyme to regulate the physiological activity of cells. However, the role of GCS in hepatic cells remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the mechanism of GCS in the proliferation and apoptosis of liver cells. Following the interference of expression of GCS in vitro by UGCG small interfering (si)RNA, the MTT method was performed to detect the proliferation of HL-7702 hepatocytes, and ELISA was used to determine the concentration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α and cytochrome c in the supernatant of culture system. Fluorescence microscopy was used to observe the apoptosis of liver cells stained by Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the gene expression apoptosis regulator Bcl-2 (Bcl-2), apoptosis regulator Bax (Bax) and caspase-3. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression of caspase-3 protein in the liver cells. Following treatment with UGCG siRNA for 24 h, the proliferation of HL-7702 hepatocytes was significantly inhibited when compared with the transfection reagent group. Furthermore, the early and advanced apoptosis of liver cells showed an increasing trend. Additionally, concentrations of TNF α and cytochrome c showed no significant difference between the UGCG siRNA and transfection reagent groups. Compared with the transfection reagent group, Bcl-2 mRNA expression decreased, and Bax and caspase-3 mRNA expression increased in the UGCG siRNA transfection group. The protein expression level of caspase-3 showed increased in hepatocytes following the treatment with UGCG siRNA. In conclusion, the metabolic changes of sphingolipids caused by the lack of GCS may be involved in the proliferation and apoptosis of liver cells through the Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Feng Li
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Su-Jun Zheng
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Li-Li Wang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Feng Ren
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Li Bai
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Mei Liu
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Ping Duan
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, P.R. China
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16
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Chang H, Meng HY, Liu SM, Wang Y, Yang XX, Lu F, Wang HY. Identification of key metabolic changes during liver fibrosis progression in rats using a urine and serum metabolomics approach. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11433. [PMID: 28900168 PMCID: PMC5595818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-11759-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Reversibility of hepatic fibrosis is an intrinsic response to chronic injury, and with on-going damage, fibrosis can progress to its end-stage consequence, cirrhosis. Non-invasive and reliable biomarkers for early detection of liver fibrosis are needed. Based on the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rat model, urinary and serum metabolic profiling performed by LC-QTOF-MS associated with histological progression were utilized to identify liver fibrosis-specific potential biomarkers for early prediction and to reveal significant fibrotic pathways and their dynamic changes in different stages of liver fibrosis. Finally, nine differential metabolites in urine and ten in serum were selected and identified involving the most relevant metabolic pathways. Perturbations of tryptophan, valine, leucine, isoleucine, and citrate (TCA) cycle metabolites, along with sphingolipid and glycerophospholipid metabolites, occurred from the onset of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, dysregulation of valine and bile acid biosynthesis metabolites occurred in the intermediate and advanced stages. More importantly, among these metabolites, urinary kynurenic acid, 5-hydroxyindoleacetyl glycine, 4-(2-amino-3-hydroxyphenyl)-2,4-dioxobutanoic acid and serum sphinganine, sphingomyelin, L-leucine, L-tryptophan, and LysoPC(17:0) changed at all time points and may serve as potential early biomarkers for the diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis and as therapeutic targets. Overall, this work evaluates the potential of these metabolites for the early detection of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chang
- Chinese Medicine Toxicological Laboratory, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Baotou Medical College, Inner Mongolia, Baotou, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Yu Meng
- Chinese Medicine Toxicological Laboratory, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Min Liu
- Chinese Medicine Toxicological Laboratory, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China.
- Drug Safety Evaluation Center, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China.
| | - Yu Wang
- Chinese Medicine Toxicological Laboratory, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xu Yang
- Chinese Medicine Toxicological Laboratory, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Fang Lu
- Chinese Medicine Toxicological Laboratory, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Yu Wang
- Chinese Medicine Toxicological Laboratory, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, P.R. China
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17
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Krautbauer S, Wiest R, Liebisch G, Buechler C. Associations of systemic sphingolipids with measures of hepatic function in liver cirrhosis are related to cholesterol. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2017. [PMID: 28647317 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Lipoprotein particles are composed of various lipid classes including cholesterol and sphingolipids, and are low in serum of patients with liver cirrhosis. Hepatic decompensation is associated with a further decline of lipoproteins. Aim of the present work was to evaluate whether ceramide and sphingomyelin species are similarly changed in patients with liver cirrhosis and whether these variations are related to systemic cholesterol levels. In a cohort of 45 patients suffering from liver cirrhosis, cholesteryl ester species and subsequently total cholesterol were identified to be negatively associated with model of end stage liver disease (MELD) score. Indeed, the negative correlations of ceramide (Cer) and sphingomyelin (SM) species with MELD score, bilirubin and anti-thrombin 3 were non-significant after adjustment for cholesterol. Cer/SM ratios of species with identical acyl chains were not related to Child-Pugh or MELD score indicating that both lipids are comparably changed. Further, cholesterol levels and concentrations of all sphingolipids measured were similar in systemic, hepatic vein and portal vein blood. Cholesterol and distinct sphingolipids were similar before and 3 months after insertion of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt while hexosylceramide 24:1 was significantly induced. It is concluded that analysis of distinct systemic sphingolipid species is not superior to measurement of cholesterol as non-invasive marker of hepatic injury in patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Krautbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany; Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Reiner Wiest
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gerhard Liebisch
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany.
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18
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Zhang JY, Qu F, Li JF, Liu M, Ren F, Zhang JY, Bian DD, Chen Y, Duan ZP, Zhang JL, Zheng SJ. Up-regulation of Plasma Hexosylceramide (d18: 1/18: 1) Contributes to Genotype 2 Virus Replication in Chronic Hepatitis C: A 20-Year Cohort Study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2016; 95:e3773. [PMID: 27281078 PMCID: PMC4907656 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000003773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between plasma sphingolipids and hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.A cohort of 120 treatment-naïve CHC patients was included. Liver biopsies and the Scheuer scoring system were used to assess hepatic inflammatory activity. Blood biochemical indicators, HCV-RNA load, and immunological markers were also measured. Forty-four plasma sphingolipids were identified and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.The hexosylceramide (HexCer) (d18:1/18:1) level was significantly different between patients with a low HCV load (<10 IU/mL) and a high HCV load (≥10 IU/mL), and it was positively correlated with the HCV-RNA load (r = 0.337, P = 0.001) in CHC patients. Additionally, the plasma HexCer (d18:1/18:1) level (odds ratio 1.302, 95% confidence interval 1.129-1.502) was an independent factor for a high HCV-RNA load. For patients with hepatic inflammation grade ≤2 or HCV genotype 2, HexCer (d18:1/18:1) was independently related to a high HCV-RNA load.Plasma HexCer (d18:1/18:1) might be involved in the high viral replication level in chronic HCV infection, especially for CHC patients with genotype 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Yan Zhang
- From the Artificial Liver Center, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (J-YZ, ML, FR, J-YZ, D-DB, YC, Z-PD, S-JZ); State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medica Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China (FQ, J-LZ); and Institute of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China (J-FL)
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