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Hu K, Guo Y, Li Y, Zhou S, Lu C, Cai C, Yang H, Li Y, Wang W. Identification and Validation of PTGS2 Gene as an Oxidative Stress-Related Biomarker for Arteriovenous Fistula Failure. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 13:5. [PMID: 38275625 PMCID: PMC10812504 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010005] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred site for hemodialysis. Unfortunately, approximately 60% of patients suffer from AVF failure within one year. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the occurrence and development of AVF. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, specific oxidative stress-related biomarkers are urgently needed for the diagnosis and treatment of AVF failure. (2) Methods: Bioinformatics analysis was carried out on dataset GSE119296 to screen for PTGS2 as a candidate gene related to oxidative stress and to verify the expression level and diagnostic efficacy of PTGS2 in clinical patients. The effects of NS398, a PTGS2 inhibitor, on hemodynamics, smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration, and oxidative stress were evaluated in a mouse AVF model. (3) Results: Based on 83 oxidative stress-related differentially expressed genes, we identified the important pathways related to oxidative stress. PTGS2 may have diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy for AVF failure. We further confirmed this finding using clinical specimens and validation datasets. The animal experiments illustrated that NS398 administration could reduce neointimal area (average decrease: 49%) and improve peak velocity (average increase: 53%). (4) Conclusions: Our study identified PTGS2 as an important oxidative stress-related biomarker for AVF failure. Targeting PTGS2 reduced oxidative stress and improved hemodynamics in an AVF mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Hu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (K.H.); (Y.G.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (C.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (K.H.); (Y.G.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (C.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yuxuan Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (K.H.); (Y.G.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (C.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Shunchang Zhou
- Center of Experimental Animals, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China;
| | - Chanjun Lu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (K.H.); (Y.G.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (C.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Chuanqi Cai
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (K.H.); (Y.G.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (C.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Hongjun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Green Processing and Functional New Textile Materials of Ministry of Education, Wuhan Textile University, Wuhan 430200, China;
| | - Yiqing Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (K.H.); (Y.G.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (C.C.); (Y.L.)
| | - Weici Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, China; (K.H.); (Y.G.); (Y.L.); (C.L.); (C.C.); (Y.L.)
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Chang CH, Lin CP, Chen YK, Hsiao YF, Wang YH. Simvastatin Attenuates Areca Nut Extract-Induced Subdermal Fibrosis in Mice by Targeting TGF-β Signaling Pathways. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8622-8632. [PMID: 37998719 PMCID: PMC10670689 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110542] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic inflammatory disease and a potentially malignant oral disorder, characterized by fibrosis of the oral mucosa. TGF-β signaling pathways have been implicated in the development of OSMF, with areca nut extract (ANE) contributing to the disease progression. Simvastatin, a statin drug, has demonstrated anti-fibrotic properties in various fibrotic conditions. However, its therapeutic potential in treating OSMF remains unclear. In this study, 8-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into three groups based on different time points. Each mouse was then treated with four different drug formulations. Post-treatment, specimens were collected for histopathological examination and staining to assess skin thickness, fibrosis, and collagen deposition. ANE treatment alone significantly increased skin thickness and collagen deposition compared to the control group after the 4-week time point. The combined administration of ANE and simvastatin, resulted in a notable reduction in skin thickness and collagen deposition. Western blot analysis revealed that simvastatin effectively suppressed the expression of fibrosis-related proteins, including CTGF, and α-SMA, in ANE-induced subdermal fibrosis. These results suggest that simvastatin has potential therapeutic effects on ANE-induced subdermal fibrosis, providing a foundation for future studies and possible clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Hua Chang
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Ping Lin
- Division of Periodontology, Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Yuk-Kwan Chen
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Division of Oral Pathology and Maxillofacial Radiology, Department of Dentistry, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Oral & Maxillofacial Imaging Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Fang Hsiao
- College of Medicine, Orthopaedic Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Yan-Hsiung Wang
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- College of Medicine, Orthopaedic Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
- Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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3
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Park HJ, Choi J, Kim H, Yang DY, An TH, Lee EW, Han BS, Lee SC, Kim WK, Bae KH, Oh KJ. Cellular heterogeneity and plasticity during NAFLD progression. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1221669. [PMID: 37635938 PMCID: PMC10450943 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1221669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive liver disease that can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), NASH-related cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis (or nonalcoholic fatty liver [NAFL]) to NASH as a progressive form of NAFL, which is characterized by steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular ballooning with or without fibrosis. Because of the complex pathophysiological mechanism and the heterogeneity of NAFLD, including its wide spectrum of clinical and histological characteristics, no specific therapeutic drugs have been approved for NAFLD. The heterogeneity of NAFLD is closely associated with cellular plasticity, which describes the ability of cells to acquire new identities or change their phenotypes in response to environmental stimuli. The liver consists of parenchymal cells including hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and nonparenchymal cells including Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and endothelial cells, all of which have specialized functions. This heterogeneous cell population has cellular plasticity to adapt to environmental changes. During NAFLD progression, these cells can exert diverse and complex responses at multiple levels following exposure to a variety of stimuli, including fatty acids, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Therefore, this review provides insights into NAFLD heterogeneity by addressing the cellular plasticity and metabolic adaptation of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and Kupffer cells during NAFLD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Ju Park
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoung Choi
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunmi Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Yeon Yang
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Hyeon An
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Woo Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Baek-Soo Han
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Biodefense Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chul Lee
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Kon Kim
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Hee Bae
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Jin Oh
- Metabolic Regulation Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Kitsugi K, Noritake H, Matsumoto M, Hanaoka T, Umemura M, Yamashita M, Takatori S, Ito J, Ohta K, Chida T, Suda T, Kawata K. Simvastatin inhibits hepatic stellate cells activation by regulating the ferroptosis signaling pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023:166750. [PMID: 37268254 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death and its promotion in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) attenuates liver fibrosis. Statins, which are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, may induce ferroptosis via the downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) by inhibiting the mevalonate pathway. However, little evidence is available regarding the association between statins and ferroptosis. Therefore, we investigated the association between statins and ferroptosis in HSCs. METHODS Two human HSC cell lines, LX-2 and TWNT-1, were treated with simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Mevalonic acid (MVA), farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) were used to determine the involvement of the mevalonate pathway. We performed a detailed analysis of the ferroptosis signaling pathway. We also investigated human liver tissue samples from patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis to clarify the effect of statins on GPX4 expression. RESULTS Simvastatin reduced cell mortality and inhibited HSCs activation, accompanied by iron accumulation, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and reduced GPX4 protein expression. These results indicate that simvastatin inhibits HSCs activation by promoting ferroptosis. Furthermore, treatment with MVA, FPP, or GGPP attenuated simvastatin-induced ferroptosis. These results suggest that simvastatin promotes ferroptosis in HSCs by inhibiting the mevalonate pathway. In human liver tissue samples, statins downregulated the expression of GPX4 in HSCs without affecting hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Simvastatin inhibits the activation of HSCs by regulating the ferroptosis signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Kitsugi
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.
| | - Hidenao Noritake
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Moe Matsumoto
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Hanaoka
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Umemura
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Maho Yamashita
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shingo Takatori
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Ito
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Ohta
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Chida
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suda
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
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Meng Q, Luo L, Lei M, Chen Z, Sun Y, Chen X, Zhai Z, Zhang Y, Cao J, Su Z, Li F, Li J, Hong A, Chen X. Inhibition of FGFR2 Signaling by Cynaroside Attenuates Liver Fibrosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040548. [PMID: 37111305 PMCID: PMC10145669 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis represents a significant health hazard with a high morbidity rate and an increased risk of liver cancer. Targeting overactivated Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) is a promising strategy to counteract collagen accumulation during liver fibrosis. However, there is a shortage of drugs to specifically block the activation of FGFR2 in liver fibrosis patients. Data mining, cell validation, and animal studies showed a positive correlation between FGFR2 overexpression and liver fibrosis development. Novel FGFR2 inhibitors were screened using a microarray-based high-throughput binding analysis. The effectiveness of each candidate was validated through simulated docking, binding affinity verification, single-point mutation validation, and in vitro kinase inhibition measurements to demonstrate the ability of each inhibitor to block the catalytic pocket and reverse FGFR2 overactivation. A specific FGFR2 inhibitor, cynaroside (CYN, also known as luteoloside), was screened based on the finding that FGFR2 promotes hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and collagen secretion in hepatocytes. The results from cellular assays showed that CYN can inhibit FGFR2 hyperactivation resulting from its overexpression and excessive basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), reducing HSC activation and collagen secretion in hepatocytes. Animal experiments on a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) mouse model and a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis mouse model indicate that CYN treatment reduces liver fibrosis during fibrosis formation. These findings suggest that CYN prevents liver fibrosis formation at the cell level and in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Meng
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lin Luo
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Minghua Lei
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhiqi Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yuanmeng Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xue Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhaodong Zhai
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yibo Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jieqiong Cao
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zijian Su
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fu Li
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jingsheng Li
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - An Hong
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaojia Chen
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Guangdong Provincial Biotechnology Drug & Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Bai YM, Liang S, Zhou B. Revealing immune infiltrate characteristics and potential immune-related genes in hepatic fibrosis: based on bioinformatics, transcriptomics and q-PCR experiments. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133543. [PMID: 37122694 PMCID: PMC10140356 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The occurrence and progression of hepatic fibrosis (HF) is accompanied by inflammatory damage. Immune genes play a pivotal role in fibrogenesis and inflammatory damage in HF by regulating immune cell infiltration. However, the immune mechanisms of HF are inadequately studied. Therefore, this research aims to identify the immune genes and biological pathway which involved in fibrosis formation and inflammatory damage in HF and explore immune target-based therapeutics for HF. Methods The expression dataset GSE84044 of HF was downloaded from the GEO database. The crucial module genes for HF were screened according to weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The crucial module genes were mapped to immune-related genes obtained from the ImmPort database to obtain the hepatic fibrosis immune genes (HFIGs). In addition, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analyses were performed on HFIGs. Then, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was conducted on HFIGs and hub genes were identified from the PPI network. Moreover, immune infiltration analysis was performed to identified correlation between hub gene and immune cell infiltration. To verify the reliability of the GSE84044 expression profile data analysis, a rat model of CCl4-induced HF was established, followed by transcriptome sequencing and immunofluorescence analysis and quantitative reverse transcription (q-PCR) experiments were performed in HF rats and normal rat liver tissues. Finally, CMAP platform was used to explore immune target-based therapeutics for HF. Results In the bioinformatics analysis of GSE84044 data, 98 HFIGs were screened. These genes were mainly involved in inflammation-related biological pathways such as NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-kappa B signaling pathway, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. From the PPI network, 10 hub genes were identified, including CXCL8, IL18, CXCL10, CD8A, IL7, PTPRC, CCL5, IL7R, CXCL9 and CCL2. Immune infiltration analysis showed that immune cells like neutrophils, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages M1 and macrophages M2 were significantly correlated with the hepatic fibrosis process and hub gene expression was significantly correlated with these immune cells. Notably, most of the biological pathways HFIGs riched and all the hub gene expression except CXCL8 were validated in subsequent transcriptome and qRCR experiments. Finally, 15 small molecule compounds with the potential to reverse the high expression of hub genes were screen out as potential therapeutic agents for HF. Conclusion The immune genes CXCL8, IL18, CXCL10, CD8A, IL7, PTPRC, CCL5, IL7R, CXCL9 and CCL2 may play an essential role in the fibrosis formation and inflammatory damage in HF. The outcomes of this research provide a basis for the study of the immune mechanisms of HF and contribute to the diagnosis and prevention and treatment of HF in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ming Bai
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Yinchuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Ningxia Regional Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- *Correspondence: Bo Zhou,
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