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Qu J, Wang L, Li Y, Li X. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cell: An important yet often overlooked player in the liver fibrosis. Clin Mol Hepatol 2024; 30:303-325. [PMID: 38414375 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2024.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are liver-specific endothelial cells with the highest permeability than other mammalian endothelial cells, characterized by the presence of fenestrae on their surface, the absence of diaphragms and the lack of basement membrane. Located at the interface between blood and other liver cell types, LSECs mediate the exchange of substances between the blood and the Disse space, playing a crucial role in maintaining substance circulation and homeostasis of multicellular communication. As the initial responders to chronic liver injury, the abnormal LSEC activation not only changes their own physicochemical properties but also interrupts their communication with hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes, which collectively aggravates the process of liver fibrosis. In this review, we have comprehensively updated the various pathways by which LSECs were involved in the initiation and aggravation of liver fibrosis, including but not limited to cellular phenotypic change, the induction of capillarization, decreased permeability and regulation of intercellular communications. Additionally, the intervention effects and latest regulatory mechanisms of anti-fibrotic drugs involved in each aspect have been summarized and discussed systematically. As we studied deeper into unraveling the intricate role of LSECs in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis, we unveil a promising horizon that pave the way for enhanced patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaorong Qu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Le Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yufei Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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2
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Sun D, Du X, Cao X, Wu B, Li S, Zhao Y, Liu T, Xu L, Huang H. Neutrophil-Based Bionic Delivery System Breaks Through the Capillary Barrier of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Inhibits the Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2043-2057. [PMID: 38471114 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00173] [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] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The capillarization of hepatic sinusoids resulting from the activation of hepatic stellate cells poses a significant challenge, impeding the effective delivery of therapeutic agents to the Disse space for liver fibrosis treatment. Therefore, overcoming these barriers and achieving efficient drug delivery to activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are pressing challenge. In this study, we developed a synergistic sequential drug delivery approach utilizing neutrophil membrane hybrid liposome@atorvastatin/amlisentan (NCM@AtAm) and vitamin A-neutrophil membrane hybrid liposome @albumin (VNCM@Bai) nanoparticles (NPs) to breach the capillary barrier for targeted HSC cell delivery. Initially, NCM@AtAm NPs were successfully directed to the site of hepatic fibrosis through neutrophil-mediated inflammatory targeting, resulting in the normalization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and restoration of fenestrations under the combined influence of At and Am. Elevated tissue levels of the p-Akt protein and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) indicated the normalization of LSECs following treatment with At and Am. Subsequently, VNCM@Bai NPs traversed the restored LSEC fenestrations to access the Disse space, facilitating the delivery of Bai into aHSCs under vitamin A guidance. Lastly, both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated the efficacy of Bai in inhibiting HSC cell activation by modulating the PPAR γ/TGF-β1 and STAT1/Smad7 signaling pathways, thereby effectively treating liver fibrosis. Overall, our designed synergistic sequential delivery system effectively overcomes the barrier imposed by LSECs, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis treatment in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiao Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing Medical Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xinyu Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bingyu Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030,China
| | - Yongmei Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tianqing Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Lixing Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Haiqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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3
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Pezzino S, Luca T, Castorina M, Puleo S, Latteri S, Castorina S. Role of Perturbated Hemostasis in MASLD and Its Correlation with Adipokines. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:93. [PMID: 38255708 PMCID: PMC10820028 DOI: 10.3390/life14010093] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) continues to rise, making it one of the most prevalent chronic liver disorders. MASLD encompasses a range of liver pathologies, from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with inflammation, hepatocyte damage, and fibrosis. Interestingly, the liver exhibits close intercommunication with fatty tissue. In fact, adipose tissue could contribute to the etiology and advancement of MASLD, acting as an endocrine organ that releases several hormones and cytokines, with the adipokines assuming a pivotal role. The levels of adipokines in the blood are altered in people with MASLD, and recent research has shed light on the crucial role played by adipokines in regulating energy expenditure, inflammation, and fibrosis in MASLD. However, MASLD disease is a multifaceted condition that affects various aspects of health beyond liver function, including its impact on hemostasis. The alterations in coagulation mechanisms and endothelial and platelet functions may play a role in the increased vulnerability and severity of MASLD. Therefore, more attention is being given to imbalanced adipokines as causative agents in causing disturbances in hemostasis in MASLD. Metabolic inflammation and hepatic injury are fundamental components of MASLD, and the interrelation between these biological components and the hemostasis pathway is delineated by reciprocal influences, as well as the induction of alterations. Adipokines have the potential to serve as the shared elements within this complex interrelationship. The objective of this review is to thoroughly examine the existing scientific knowledge on the impairment of hemostasis in MASLD and its connection with adipokines, with the aim of enhancing our comprehension of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Pezzino
- Mediterranean Foundation “GB Morgagni”, 95125 Catania, Italy (M.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Tonia Luca
- Mediterranean Foundation “GB Morgagni”, 95125 Catania, Italy (M.C.); (S.C.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | | | - Stefano Puleo
- Mediterranean Foundation “GB Morgagni”, 95125 Catania, Italy (M.C.); (S.C.)
| | - Saverio Latteri
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Sergio Castorina
- Mediterranean Foundation “GB Morgagni”, 95125 Catania, Italy (M.C.); (S.C.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
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Robea MA, Balmus IM, Girleanu I, Huiban L, Muzica C, Ciobica A, Stanciu C, Cimpoesu CD, Trifan A. Coagulation Dysfunctions in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Relevance. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1614. [PMID: 37763733 PMCID: PMC10535217 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091614] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases. Its incidence is progressively rising and it is possibly becoming a worldwide epidemic. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of diseases accounting for the chronic accumulation of fat within the hepatocytes due to various causes, excluding excessive alcohol consumption. In this study, we aimed to focus on finding evidence regarding the implications of oxidative stress and inflammatory processes that form the multifaceted pathophysiological tableau in relation to thrombotic events that co-occur in NAFLD and associated chronic liver diseases. Recent evidence on the pathophysiology of NAFLD suggests that a complex pattern of multidirectional components, such as prooxidative, proinflammatory, and prothrombotic components, better explains the multiple factors that promote the mechanisms underlying the fatty acid excess and subsequent processes. As there is extensive evidence on the multi-component nature of NAFLD pathophysiology, further studies could address the complex interactions that underlie the development and progression of the disease. Therefore, this study aimed to describe possible pathophysiological mechanisms connecting the molecular impairments with the various clinical manifestations, focusing especially on the interactions among oxidative stress, inflammation, and coagulation dysfunctions. Thus, we described the possible bidirectional modulation among coagulation homeostasis, oxidative stress, and inflammation that occurs in the various stages of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina Andreea Robea
- CENEMED Platform for Interdisciplinary Research, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (I.-M.B.); (C.D.C.)
| | - Ioana-Miruna Balmus
- CENEMED Platform for Interdisciplinary Research, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (I.-M.B.); (C.D.C.)
- Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, Alexandru Lapusneanu Street, No. 26, 700057 Iasi, Romania
| | - Irina Girleanu
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.G.); (L.H.); (C.M.); (A.T.)
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Laura Huiban
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.G.); (L.H.); (C.M.); (A.T.)
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Muzica
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.G.); (L.H.); (C.M.); (A.T.)
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alin Ciobica
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Biology, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Carol I Avenue, No. 20A, 700505 Iasi, Romania
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Carol I Avenue, No. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, Splaiul Independentei nr. 54, Sector 5, 050094 Bucuresti, Romania
| | - Carol Stanciu
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Carol I Avenue, No. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Carmen Diana Cimpoesu
- CENEMED Platform for Interdisciplinary Research, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (M.A.R.); (I.-M.B.); (C.D.C.)
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emergency County Hospital “Sf. Spiridon”, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” Iasi, Blvd. Independentei 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Trifan
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (I.G.); (L.H.); (C.M.); (A.T.)
- Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” University Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
- Centre of Biomedical Research, Romanian Academy, Carol I Avenue, No. 8, 700506 Iasi, Romania;
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Froghi S, de Andrade MO, Hadi LM, Gelat P, Rashidi H, Quaglia A, Fuller B, Saffari N, Davidson B. Liver Ultrasound Histotripsy: Novel Analysis of the Histotripsy Site Cell Constituents with Implications for Histotripsy Application in Cell Transplantation and Cancer Therapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020276. [PMID: 36829770 PMCID: PMC9952788 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Allogenic hepatocyte transplantation is an attractive alternative to whole-organ transplantation, particularly for the treatment of metabolic disorders and acute liver failure. However, the shortage of human donor organs for cell isolation, the low cell yield from decellularisation regimes, and low engraftment rates from portal administration of donor cells have restricted its clinical application. Using ultrasound histotripsy to provide a nidus in the liver for direct cell transplantation offers a new approach to overcoming key limitations in current cell therapy. We have analysed the liver cavity constituents to assess their potential as a site for cell delivery and implantation. Methods: Using human organ retrieval techniques, pig livers were collected from the abattoir and transported in ice-cold storage to the laboratory. Following 2 h of cold storage, the livers were flushed with organ preservation solution and placed on an organ perfusion circuit to maintain viability. Organs were perfused with Soltran™ organ preservation solution via the portal vein at a temperature of 24-30 °C. The perfusion circuit was oxygenated through equilibration with room air. Perfused livers (n=5) were subjected to ultrasound histotripsy, producing a total of 130 lesions. Lesions were generated by applying 50 pulses at 1 Hz pulse repetition frequency and 1% duty cycle using a single element 2 MHz bowl-shaped transducer (Sonic Concepts, H-148). Following histotripsy, a focal liver lesion was produced, which had a liquid centre. The fluid from each lesion was aspirated and cultured in medium (RPMI) at 37 °C in an incubator. Cell cultures were analysed at 1 and 7 days for cell viability and a live-dead assay was performed. The histotripsy sites were excised following aspiration and H&E staining was used to characterise the liver lesions. Cell morphology was determined by histology. Results: Histotripsy created a subcapsular lesion (~5 mm below the liver capsule; size ranging from 3 to 5 mm), which contained a suspension of cells. On average, 61×104 cells per mL were isolated. Hepatocytes were present in the aspirate, were viable at 24 h post isolation and remained viable in culture for up to 1 week, as determined by phalloidin/DAPI cell viability stains. Cultures up to 21 days revealed metabolically active live hepatocyte. Live-dead assays confirmed hepatocyte viability at 1 week (Day 1: 12% to Day 7: 45% live cells; p < 0.0001), which retained metabolic activity and morphology, confirmed on assay and microscopy. Cell Titre-GloTM showed a peak metabolic activity at 1 week (average luminescence 24.6 RLU; p < 0.0001) post-culture compared with the control (culture medium alone), reduced to 1/3 of peak level (7.85 RLU) by day 21. Conclusions: Histotripsy of the liver allows isolation and culture of hepatocytes with a high rate of viability after 1 week in culture. Reproducing these findings using human livers may lead to wide clinical applications in cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saied Froghi
- Department of HPB & Liver Transplantation Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Centre for Surgical Innovation, Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Sciences, Royal Free Hospital Campus, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Correspondence: or
| | - Matheus Oliveira de Andrade
- Ultrasonics Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Roberts Engineering Building, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Layla Mohammad Hadi
- Centre for Surgical Innovation, Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Sciences, Royal Free Hospital Campus, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Pierre Gelat
- Centre for Surgical Innovation, Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Sciences, Royal Free Hospital Campus, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Hassan Rashidi
- Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Section, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Alberto Quaglia
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Barry Fuller
- Centre for Surgical Innovation, Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Sciences, Royal Free Hospital Campus, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK
| | - Nader Saffari
- Ultrasonics Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Roberts Engineering Building, University College London, Torrington Place, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Brian Davidson
- Department of HPB & Liver Transplantation Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK
- Centre for Surgical Innovation, Organ Regeneration and Transplantation, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Sciences, Royal Free Hospital Campus, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK
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Soares GA, Pereira GM, Romualdo GR, Biasotti GGA, Stoppa EG, Bakuzis AF, Baffa O, Barbisan LF, Miranda JRA. Biodistribution Profile of Magnetic Nanoparticles in Cirrhosis-Associated Hepatocarcinogenesis in Rats by AC Biosusceptometry. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14091907. [PMID: 36145654 PMCID: PMC9504370 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have been used as multifunctional probes to diagnose and treat liver diseases in recent years, this study aimed to assess how the condition of cirrhosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis alters the biodistribution of hepatic MNPs. Using a real-time image acquisition approach, the distribution profile of MNPs after intravenous administration was monitored using an AC biosusceptometry (ACB) assay. We assessed the biodistribution profile based on the ACB images obtained through selected regions of interest (ROIs) in the heart and liver position according to the anatomical references previously selected. The signals obtained allowed for the quantification of pharmacokinetic parameters, indicating that the uptake of hepatic MNPs is compromised during liver cirrhosis, since scar tissue reduces blood flow through the liver and slows its processing function. Since liver monocytes/macrophages remained constant during the cirrhotic stage, the increased intrahepatic vascular resistance associated with impaired hepatic sinusoidal circulation was considered the potential reason for the change in the distribution of MNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme A. Soares
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
- Correspondence:
| | - Gabriele M. Pereira
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Guilherme R. Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
- Department of Strucutral and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Gabriel G. A. Biasotti
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Erick G. Stoppa
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Andris F. Bakuzis
- Institute of Physics, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia 74690-900, GO, Brazil
| | - Oswaldo Baffa
- Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters at Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Luis F. Barbisan
- Department of Strucutral and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
| | - Jose R. A. Miranda
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University—UNESP, Botucatu 18618-689, SP, Brazil
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The Role of Macrophages in Liver Fibrosis: New Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126649. [PMID: 35743092 PMCID: PMC9224467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is the hallmark of fibrotic disorders and is characterized by the activation of immune cells in the damaged tissues. Macrophages have emerged as central players in the fibrotic process since they initiate, sustain and amplify the inflammatory reaction. As regards the liver, distinct populations of phagocytic cells, like Kupffer cells and monocyte-derived macrophages, are indisputably key cells implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic liver diseases. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the origin, role and functions of macrophages in fibrotic conditions, with a specific focus on liver fibrosis; then, we discuss some innovative therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages in fibrotic liver diseases.
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Taysi S, Algburi FS, Mohammed Z, Ali OA, Taysi ME. Thymoquinone: A Review of Pharmacological Importance, Oxidative Stress, COVID-19, and Radiotherapy. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:1847-1875. [PMID: 34983346 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220104151225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Widely consumed worldwide, Nigella sativa (NS) is a medicinal herb commonly used in various alternative medicine systems such as Unani and Tibb, Ayurveda, and Siddha. Recommended for regular use in Tibb-e-Nabwi (Prophetic Medicine), NS is considered one of the most notable forms of healing medicine in Islamic literature. Thymoquinone (TQ), the main component of the essential oil of NS, has been reported to have many properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antineoplastic. Its chemical structure indicates antiviral potential against many viruses, including the hepatitis C virus, human immunodeficiency virus, and other coronavirus diseases. Interestingly, molecular docking studies have demonstrated that TQ can potentially inhibit the development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by binding to the receptor site on the transmembrane serine proteinase 2 (the activator enzyme that attaches the virus to the cell). In addition, TQ has been shown to be effective against cancer cells due to its inhibitory effect by binding to the different regions of MDM2, according to the proposed molecular docking study. Detailed in this review is the origin of TQ, its significance in alternative medicine, pharmacological value, potential as a cancer anti-proliferative agent, use against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and treatment of other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyithan Taysi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
| | - Firas Shawqi Algburi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Tikrit University, Iraq
| | - Zaid Mohammed
- Department of Biochemistry and Technology, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
| | - Omeed Akbar Ali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical School, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep
| | - Muhammed Enes Taysi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical School, Bolu Izzet Baysal University- Bolu-Turkey
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9
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Ezhilarasan D. Relaxin in hepatic fibrosis: What is known and where to head? Biochimie 2021; 187:144-151. [PMID: 34102254 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Relaxin (RLX) is a heterodimeric, polypeptide hormone that has natural anti-fibrotic activity in many organs. During the chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are phenotypically transformed into myofibroblasts. This process is known as activation of HSCs. Activated HSCs play a central role in hepatic fibrosis. Quiescent HSCs were shown to express low levels of RLX receptors such as RXFP1 and RXFP2. Upon chronic liver injury, HSCs are activated and express high levels of the RLX receptors. ML290, an agonist of RXFP1 has been reported to have antifibrotic effect in vitro as well as in vivo. Serelaxin, a recombinant human RLX-2 treatment has reduced hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension in experimental models due to its vasodilation properties by inducing intrahepatic nitric oxide level. Serelaxin has also produced a neutral effect when studied against human cirrhosis-related portal hypertension in clinical trials. RLX is a potent collagen synthesis inhibitor and it has extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling properties by promoting matrix metalloproteinases and downregulating expression of metalloproteinases inhibitors. Available reports suggest that RLX could induce ECM remodeling and suppress the profibrogenic transforming growth factor-β signaling and thereby regress hepatic fibrosis. Though RLX has natural antifibrotic activity, its antifibrotic molecular mechanisms especially in hepatic fibrosis condition are not reported. This review exclusively focuses antifibrotic effect of RLX on hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600 077, India.
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