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Kanmani P, Villena J, Lim SK, Song EJ, Nam YD, Kim H. Immunobiotic Bacteria Attenuate Hepatic Fibrosis through the Modulation of Gut Microbiota and the Activation of Aryl-Hydrocarbon Receptors Pathway in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Mice. Mol Nutr Food Res 2024; 68:e2400227. [PMID: 39031898 DOI: 10.1002/mnfr.202400227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
SCOPE Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide that can progress to liver fibrosis (LF). Probiotics have beneficial roles in reducing intestinal inflammation and gut-associated diseases, but their effects and mechanisms beyond the gut in attenuating the progression of LF are remained unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS In a mouse model of NASH/LF induced by a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet, immunobiotics are administered to investigate their therapeutic effects. Results show that the MCD diet leads to liver inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis, which are alleviated by immunobiotics. Immunobiotics reduces serum endotoxin and inflammatory markers while increasing regulatory cytokines and liver weight. They also suppress Th17 cells, known for producing inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, immunobiotics mitigate collagen deposition and fibrogenic signaling in the liver, while restoring gut-barrier integrity and microbiota composition. Additionally, immunobiotics enhance the activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) pathway in both colonic and liver tissues. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these results demonstrate a novel insight into the mechanisms through which immunobiotic administration improves the gut health which in turn increases the AhR pathway and inhibits HSCs activation and fibrosis progression beyond the gut in the liver tissue of NASH/LF mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulraj Kanmani
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, 10326, Republic of Korea
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Julio Villena
- Laboratory of Immunobiotechnology, Reference Centre for Lactobacilli (CERELA-CONICET), Tucuman, 4000, Argentina
| | - Soo-Kyoung Lim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Song
- Research Group of Gut Microbiome, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 245, Wanju-gun, 55365, Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Do Nam
- Research Group of Gut Microbiome, Korea Food Research Institute, Wanju-gun 245, Wanju-gun, 55365, Republic of Korea
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Korea University of Science and Technology, Wanju, 55365, Republic of Korea
| | - Hojun Kim
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of Korean Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang, 10326, Republic of Korea
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2
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Tan S, Liu M, Feng F, Li R, Tian R, Nie Z. Exploring the pathogenesis and immunological profiles of psoriasis complicated with MASLD. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305217. [PMID: 38917217 PMCID: PMC11198785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both psoriasis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. Psoriasis manifests itself mainly as skin damage, while MASLD mainly involves the liver promoting liver fibrosis, which has a significant impact on patient health and quality of life. Some clinical studies have shown that there are mutually reinforcing mechanisms between these two diseases, but they are not clearly defined, and this paper aims to further explore their common pathogenesis. METHODS Gene expression profiling datasets (GSE30999, GSE48452) and single cell datasets (GSE151177, GSE186328) for psoriasis and MASLD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Common differential gene sets were obtained by gene differential analysis, and then functional enrichment of differential genes was performed to find associated transcription factors and PPI protein network analysis. Single-cell datasets were validated for gene expression and explored for cellular communication, gene set differential analysis and immune infiltration analysis. RESULTS We identified seven common differential genes, all of which were upregulated.The IL-17 pathway, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) pathway were shown in strong association with both diseases, and five transcription factors regulating the differential genes were predicted. Two key genes (MMP9, CXCL10) and three key transcription factors (TF) (IRF1, STAT1, NFKB1) were obtained by PPI protein network analysis. Single cell dataset verified the expression of key genes, and combined with gene set differential analysis, immune infiltration revealed that CD4+ T cells, NK cells and macrophages were heavily infiltrated in both diseases. IL-17, IL-1 and cGAS-STING pathways were highly expressed in both diseases, and both diseases share a similar immune microenvironment. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals the common pathogenesis of psoriasis and MASLD from gene expression to immune cell similarities and differences, identifies key genes and regulatory pathways common to both, and elucidates the similarities in the immune microenvironment of both diseases, providing new ideas for subsequent studies on targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Tan
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingyue Liu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Fei Feng
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruicheng Li
- Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Rui Tian
- Tianjin Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Miao Y, Li Z, Feng J, Lei X, Shan J, Qian C, Li J. The Role of CD4 +T Cells in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6895. [PMID: 39000005 PMCID: PMC11240980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide; annually, approximately 830,000 deaths related to liver cancer are diagnosed globally. Since early-stage HCC is clinically asymptomatic, traditional treatment modalities, including surgical ablation, are usually not applicable or result in recurrence. Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), provides new hope for cancer therapy; however, immune evasion mechanisms counteract its efficiency. In addition to viral exposure and alcohol addiction, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a major cause of HCC. Owing to NASH-related aberrant T cell activation causing tissue damage that leads to impaired immune surveillance, NASH-associated HCC patients respond much less efficiently to ICB treatment than do patients with other etiologies. In addition, abnormal inflammation contributes to NASH progression and NASH-HCC transition, as well as to HCC immune evasion. Therefore, uncovering the detailed mechanism governing how NASH-associated immune cells contribute to NASH progression would benefit HCC prevention and improve HCC immunotherapy efficiency. In the following review, we focused our attention on summarizing the current knowledge of the role of CD4+T cells in NASH and HCC progression, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies involving the targeting of CD4+T cells for the treatment of NASH and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadi Miao
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Ziyong Li
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Juan Feng
- Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Xia Lei
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Juanjuan Shan
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jiatao Li
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
- Center for Precision Medicine of Cancer, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Research for Cancer Metastasis and Individualized Treatment, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing 400030, China
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Samy AM, Kandeil MA, Sabry D, Abdel-Ghany A, Mahmoud MO. From NAFLD to NASH: Understanding the spectrum of non-alcoholic liver diseases and their consequences. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30387. [PMID: 38737288 PMCID: PMC11088336 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most frequent chronic liver diseases worldwide in recent decades. Metabolic diseases like excessive blood glucose, central obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and liver function abnormalities cause NAFLD. NAFLD significantly increases the likelihood of liver cancer, heart disease, and mortality, making it a leading cause of liver transplants. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a more advanced form of the disease that causes scarring and inflammation of the liver over time and can ultimately result in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we briefly discuss NAFLD's pathogenic mechanisms, their progression into NASH and afterward to NASH-related cirrhosis. It also covers disease epidemiology, metabolic mechanisms, glucose and lipid metabolism in the liver, macrophage dysfunction, bile acid toxicity, and liver stellate cell stimulation. Additionally, we consider the contribution of intestinal microbiota, genetics, epigenetics, and ecological factors to fibrosis progression and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in NAFLD and NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M. Samy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Kandeil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62511, Egypt
| | - Dina Sabry
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - A.A. Abdel-Ghany
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assuit Branch, Egypt
| | - Mohamed O. Mahmoud
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
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Tzeng HT, Lee WC. Impact of Transgenerational Nutrition on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Development: Interplay between Gut Microbiota, Epigenetics and Immunity. Nutrients 2024; 16:1388. [PMID: 38732634 PMCID: PMC11085251 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent pediatric liver disorder, primarily attributed to dietary shifts in recent years. NAFLD is characterized by the accumulation of lipid species in hepatocytes, leading to liver inflammation that can progress to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Risk factors contributing to NAFLD encompass genetic variations and metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance. Moreover, transgenerational influences, resulting in an imbalance of gut microbial composition, epigenetic modifications, and dysregulated hepatic immune responses in offspring, play a pivotal role in pediatric NAFLD development. Maternal nutrition shapes the profile of microbiota-derived metabolites in offspring, exerting significant influence on immune system regulation and the development of metabolic syndrome in offspring. In this review, we summarize recent evidence elucidating the intricate interplay between gut microbiota, epigenetics, and immunity in fetuses exposed to maternal nutrition, and its impact on the onset of NAFLD in offspring. Furthermore, potential therapeutic strategies targeting this network are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Tai Tzeng
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Chia Lee
- Division of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33332, Taiwan
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Pinto AT, Lukacs-Kornek V. The role of dendritic cells in MASH: friends or foes? Front Immunol 2024; 15:1379225. [PMID: 38650949 PMCID: PMC11033439 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1379225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are major antigen-presenting cells that connect innate and adaptive immunity. Hepatic DCs are less activated and contribute to maintain the tolerogenic environment of the liver under steady state. Several studies indicated DCs in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), representing a substantial burden on healthcare systems due to its association with liver-related morbidity and mortality. Studies highlighted the potential disease-promoting role of liver DCs in the development of MASH while other experimental systems suggested their protective role. This review discusses this controversy and the current understanding of how DCs affect the pathogenesis of MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronika Lukacs-Kornek
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Experimental Immunology, University Hospital Bonn of the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-University, Bonn, Germany
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Martínez-López S, Ángel-Gomis E, Gómez-Hurtado I, Fernández-Iglesias A, Morante J, Gracia-Sancho J, Boix P, Cubero FJ, Zapater P, Caparrós E, Francés R. Cirrhosis-downregulated LSECtin can be retrieved by cytokines, shifts the TLR-induced LSECs secretome and correlates with the hepatic Th response. Liver Int 2024; 44:996-1010. [PMID: 38293766 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15836] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We evaluated tolerogenic C-type lectin LSECtin loss in cirrhosis and its potential regulation by cytokines. METHODS Liver tissue from patients with cirrhosis and healthy controls, immortalised and generated LSECtin-CRISPR immortalised LSECs, and murine primary LSECs from the CCl4 model were handled. RESULTS LSECtin expression was reduced in liver tissue from cirrhotic patients, and it decreased from compensated to decompensated disease. Increased phosphorylation of MAPK, Akt and NFkB was observed upon LSECtin stimulation in LSEC murine cell line, showing a pattern of inflammatory and chemotactic cytokines either restrained (IL-10, CCL4) or unrestrained (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2). CD44 attenuated whereas LAG-3 increased all substrates phosphorylation in combination with TLR4 and TLR2 ligands except for NFkB. TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-6 and CCL2 were restrained by LSECtin crosslinking on TLRs studied. Conversely, IL-10 and CCL4 were upregulated, suggesting a LSECtin-TLRs synergistic effect. Also, LSECtin was significantly induced after IL-13 stimulation or combined with anti-inflammatory cytokines in cirrhotic and immortalised LSECs. Th17 and regulatory T cells were progressively increased in the hepatic tissue from compensated to decompensated patients. A significant inverse correlation was present between gene expression levels of CLEC4G/LSECtin and RORγT and FOXP3 in liver tissues. CONCLUSION LSECtin restrains TLR proinflammatory secretome induced on LSECs by interfering immune response control, survival and MAPKs signalling pathways. The cytokine-dependent induction of LSECtin and the association between LSECtin loss and Th17 cell subset expansion in the liver, provides a solid background for exploring LSECtin retrieval as a mechanism to reprogram LSEC homeostatic function hampered during cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastián Martínez-López
- Hepatic and Intestinal Immunobiology Group, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- IIS ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, Alicante, Spain
| | - Enrique Ángel-Gomis
- Hepatic and Intestinal Immunobiology Group, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- IIS ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Gómez-Hurtado
- Hepatic and Intestinal Immunobiology Group, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- IIS ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, Alicante, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Anabel Fernández-Iglesias
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Morante
- Instituto de Neurociencias, CSIC-UMH, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Jordi Gracia-Sancho
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Liver Vascular Biology Research Group, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Boix
- Hepatic and Intestinal Immunobiology Group, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- IIS ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, Alicante, Spain
| | - Francisco J Cubero
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and ENT, School of Medicine, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Zapater
- Hepatic and Intestinal Immunobiology Group, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- IIS ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, Alicante, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto IDIBE, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
| | - Esther Caparrós
- Hepatic and Intestinal Immunobiology Group, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- IIS ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, Alicante, Spain
| | - Rubén Francés
- Hepatic and Intestinal Immunobiology Group, Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- IIS ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis, Alicante, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto IDIBE, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
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Mladenić K, Lenartić M, Marinović S, Polić B, Wensveen FM. The "Domino effect" in MASLD: The inflammatory cascade of steatohepatitis. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2149641. [PMID: 38314819 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly common complication of obesity, affecting over a quarter of the global adult population. A key event in the pathophysiology of MASLD is the development of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which greatly increases the chances of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The underlying cause of MASH is multifactorial, but accumulating evidence indicates that the inflammatory process in the hepatic microenvironment typically follows a pattern that can be roughly divided into three stages: (1) Detection of hepatocyte stress by tissue-resident immune cells including γδ T cells and CD4-CD8- double-negative T cells, followed by their secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, most notably IL-17A. (2) Recruitment of pro-inflammatory cells, mostly of the myeloid lineage, and initiation of inflammation through secretion of effector-type cytokines such as TNF, TGF-β, and IL-1β. (3) Escalation of the inflammatory response by recruitment of lymphocytes including Th17, CD8 T, and B cells leading to chronic inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, and fibrosis. Here we will discuss these three stages and how they are consecutively linked like falling domino tiles to the pathophysiology of MASH. Moreover, we will highlight the clinical potential of inflammation as a biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlo Mladenić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Maja Lenartić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sonja Marinović
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Personalized Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bojan Polić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Felix M Wensveen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Rose S, Landes RD, Vyas KK, Delhey L, Blossom S. Regulatory T cells and bioenergetics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells linked to pediatric obesity. IMMUNOMETABOLISM (COBHAM, SURREY) 2024; 6:e00040. [PMID: 38680993 PMCID: PMC11045398 DOI: 10.1097/in9.0000000000000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Obesity-associated inflammation drives the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. We sought to identify associations of circulating regulatory T cells (Treg) with the degree of obesity (eg, body mass index Z-score [BMIz]), insulin resistance (homeostatic model of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), and glycemic control (HbA1c) in children and adolescents. We further sought to examine associations among bioenergetics of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4 T cells and BMIz, HOMA-IR, and HbA1c. Methods A total of 65 children and adolescents between the ages 5 and 17 years were studied. HbA1c and fasting levels of plasma glucose and insulin were measured. We quantified circulating Tregs (CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127-FoxP3+) by flow cytometry, and measured mitochondrial respiration (oxygen consumption rate [OCR]) and glycolysis (extracellular acidification rate [ECAR]) in PBMCs and isolated CD4 T cells by Seahorse extracellular flux analysis. Results Tregs (% CD4) are negatively associated with BMIz but positively associated with HOMA-IR. In PBMCs, OCR/ECAR (a ratio of mitochondrial respiration to glycolysis) is positively associated with BMIz but negatively associated with HbA1c. Conclusions In children, Tregs decrease as body mass index increases; however, the metabolic stress and inflammation associated with insulin resistance may induce a compensatory increase in Tregs. The degree of obesity is also associated with a shift away from glycolysis in PBMCs but as HbA1c declines, metabolism shifts back toward glycolysis. Comprehensive metabolic assessment of the immune system is needed to better understand the implications immune cell metabolic alterations in the progression from a healthy insulin-sensitive state toward glucose intolerance in children. Trial registration This observational study was registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03960333, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03960333?term=NCT03960333&rank=1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Reid D. Landes
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kanan K. Vyas
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Leanna Delhey
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sarah Blossom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
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Li Z, Wang S, Xu Q, Su X, Wang Y, Wang L, Zhang Y. The double roles of T cell-mediated immune response in the progression of MASLD. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116333. [PMID: 38479177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116333] [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: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD), has become a major cause of chronic liver disease and a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, which poses a huge burden on global public health and economy. MASLD includes steatotic liver disease, steatohepatitis, and cirrhosis, and the latter two cause great harm to human health and life, even complicated with liver cancer. Immunologic mechanism plays a major role in promoting its development into hepatitis and cirrhosis. Now more and more evidences show that T cells play an important role in the progression of MASLD. In this review, we discuss the double roles of T cells in MASLD from the perspective of T cell response pathways, as well as new evidences regarding the possible application of immunomodulatory therapy in MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zigan Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Shujun Wang
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu 241000, China
| | - Qinchen Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Xin Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China
| | - Yunshan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250021, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250033, China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Third Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province 250031, China.
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Niedecker RW, Delaney JA, Doyle MF, Sparks AD, Sitlani CM, Buzkova P, Zeb I, Tracy RP, Psaty BM, Budoff MJ, Olson NC. Investigating peripheral blood monocyte and T-cell subsets as non-invasive biomarkers for asymptomatic hepatic steatosis: results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1243526. [PMID: 38596669 PMCID: PMC11002077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1243526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Circulating immune cells have gained interest as biomarkers of hepatic steatosis. Data on the relationships between immune cell subsets and early-stage steatosis in population-based cohorts are limited. Methods This study included 1,944 asymptomatic participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) with immune cell phenotyping and computed tomography measures of liver fat. Participants with heavy alcohol use were excluded. A liver-to-spleen ratio Hounsfield units (HU) <1.0 and liver attenuation <40 HU were used to diagnose liver fat presence and >30% liver fat content, respectively. Logistic regression estimated cross-sectional associations of immune cell subsets with liver fat parameters adjusted for risk factors. We hypothesized that higher proportions of non-classical monocytes, Th1, Th17, and memory CD4+ T cells, and lower proportions of classical monocytes and naive CD4+ T cells, were associated with liver fat. Exploratory analyses evaluated additional immune cell phenotypes (n = 19). Results None of the hypothesized cells were associated with presence of liver fat. Higher memory CD4+ T cells were associated with >30% liver fat content, but this was not significant after correction for multiple hypothesis testing (odds ratio (OR): 1.31, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03, 1.66). In exploratory analyses unadjusted for multiple testing, higher proportions of CD8+CD57+ T cells were associated with liver fat presence (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.44) and >30% liver fat content (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.69). Conclusions Higher circulating memory CD4+ T cells may reflect liver fat severity. CD8+CD57+ cells were associated with liver fat presence and severity, but replication of findings is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys W. Niedecker
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Joseph A. Delaney
- General Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Margaret F. Doyle
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Andrew D. Sparks
- Department of Medical Biostatistics, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Colleen M. Sitlani
- Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Petra Buzkova
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Irfan Zeb
- Department of Medicine, West Virginia University Heart and Vascular Institute, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Russell P. Tracy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
| | - Bruce M. Psaty
- Cardiovascular Health Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Matthew J. Budoff
- Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, United States
| | - Nels C. Olson
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, United States
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12
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Pipitone RM, Lupo G, Zito R, Javed A, Petta S, Pennisi G, Grimaudo S. The PD-1/PD-L1 Axis in the Biology of MASLD. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3671. [PMID: 38612483 PMCID: PMC11011676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073671] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver (MASL), previously named nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), is a multifactorial disease in which metabolic, genetic, and environmental risk factors play a predominant role. Obesity and type 2 diabetes act as triggers of the inflammatory response, which contributes to the progression of MASL to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. In the liver, several parenchymal, nonparenchymal, and immune cells maintain immunological homeostasis, and different regulatory pathways balance the activation of the innate and adaptative immune system. PD-1/PD-L1 signaling acts, in the maintenance of the balance between the immune responses and the tissue immune homeostasis, promoting self-tolerance through the modulation of activated T cells. Recently, PD-1 has received much attention for its roles in inducing an exhausted T cells phenotype, promoting the tumor escape from immune responses. Indeed, in MASLD, the excessive fat accumulation dysregulates the immune system, increasing cytotoxic lymphocytes and decreasing their cytolytic activity. In this context, T cells exacerbate liver damage and promote tumor progression. The aim of this review is to illustrate the main pathogenetic mechanisms by which the immune system promotes the progression of MASLD and the transition to HCC, as well as to discuss the possible therapeutic applications of PD-1/PD-L1 target therapy to activate T cells and reinvigorate immune surveillance against cancer.
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13
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Ajith A, Merimi M, Arki MK, Hossein-khannazer N, Najar M, Vosough M, Sokal EM, Najimi M. Immune regulation and therapeutic application of T regulatory cells in liver diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371089. [PMID: 38571964 PMCID: PMC10987744 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
CD4+ CD25+ FOXP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) are a subset of the immunomodulatory cell population that can inhibit both innate and adaptive immunity by various regulatory mechanisms. In hepatic microenvironment, proliferation, plasticity, migration, and function of Tregs are interrelated to the remaining immune cells and their secreted cytokines and chemokines. In normal conditions, Tregs protect the liver from inflammatory and auto-immune responses, while disruption of this crosstalk between Tregs and other immune cells may result in the progression of chronic liver diseases and the development of hepatic malignancy. In this review, we analyze the deviance of this protective nature of Tregs in response to chronic inflammation and its involvement in inducing liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. We will also provide a detailed emphasis on the relevance of Tregs as an effective immunotherapeutic option for autoimmune diseases, liver transplantation, and chronic liver diseases including liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananya Ajith
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Makram Merimi
- Genetics and Immune Cell Therapy Unit, LBBES Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences, University Mohammed Premier, Oujda, Morocco
| | - Mandana Kazem Arki
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nikoo Hossein-khannazer
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Najar
- Osteoarthritis Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Montreal Hospital Research Center (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Etienne Marc Sokal
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Wang H, Tsung A, Mishra L, Huang H. Regulatory T cell: a double-edged sword from metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma. EBioMedicine 2024; 101:105031. [PMID: 38401419 PMCID: PMC10904199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105031] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is becoming a leading cause of end-stage liver disease globally. Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) represents a progressive inflammatory manifestation of MASLD. MASH underlies a versatile and dynamic inflammatory microenvironment, accompanied by aberrant metabolism and ongoing liver regeneration, establishing itself as a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanisms underlying the escape and survival of malignant cells within the extensive inflammatory microenvironment of MASH remain elusive. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis and preventing excessive immune responses in the liver. Paradoxically, Tregs have been implicated in inhibiting tumour-promoting inflammation and facilitating the evasion of cancer cells. Recent studies have unveiled distinct behaviours of Tregs at different stages of MASLD, suggesting a dual role in the pathogenesis. In this review, we explore the fate of Tregs from MASLD to HCC, offering recent insights into potential targets for clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Allan Tsung
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Hai Huang
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA.
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15
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Esler WP, Cohen DE. Pharmacologic inhibition of lipogenesis for the treatment of NAFLD. J Hepatol 2024; 80:362-377. [PMID: 37977245 PMCID: PMC10842769 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.10.042] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The hepatic accumulation of excess triglycerides is a seminal event in the initiation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hepatic steatosis occurs when the hepatic accrual of fatty acids from the plasma and de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is no longer balanced by rates of fatty acid oxidation and secretion of very low-density lipoprotein-triglycerides. Accumulating data indicate that increased rates of DNL are central to the development of hepatic steatosis in NAFLD. Whereas the main drivers in NAFLD are transcriptional, owing to both hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycaemia, the effectors of DNL are a series of well-characterised enzymes. Several have proven amenable to pharmacologic inhibition or oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown, with lead compounds showing liver fat-lowering efficacy in phase II clinical trials. In humans with NAFLD, percent reductions in liver fat have closely mirrored percent inhibition of DNL, thereby affirming the critical contributions of DNL to NAFLD pathogenesis. The safety profiles of these compounds have so far been encouraging. It is anticipated that inhibitors of DNL, when administered alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, will become important agents in the management of human NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P Esler
- Internal Medicine Research Unit, Pfizer Worldwide Research Development and Medical, Cambridge, MA 02139 United States.
| | - David E Cohen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 United States.
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16
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Parola M, Pinzani M. Liver fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH: from pathophysiology towards diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 95:101231. [PMID: 38056058 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, as an excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, results from chronic liver injury as well as persistent activation of inflammatory response and of fibrogenesis. Liver fibrosis is a major determinant for chronic liver disease (CLD) progression and in the last two decades our understanding on the major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the fibrogenic progression of CLD has dramatically improved, boosting pre-clinical studies and clinical trials designed to find novel therapeutic approaches. From these studies several critical concepts have emerged, starting to reveal the complexity of the pro-fibrotic microenvironment which involves very complex, dynamic and interrelated interactions between different hepatic and extrahepatic cell populations. This review will offer first a recapitulation of established and novel pathophysiological basic principles and concepts by intentionally focus the attention on NAFLD/NASH, a metabolic-related form of CLD with a high impact on the general population and emerging as a leading cause of CLD worldwide. NAFLD/NASH-related pro-inflammatory and profibrogenic mechanisms will be analysed as well as novel information on cells, mediators and signalling pathways which have taken advantage from novel methodological approaches and techniques (single cell genomics, imaging mass cytometry, novel in vitro two- and three-dimensional models, etc.). We will next offer an overview on recent advancement in diagnostic and prognostic tools, including serum biomarkers and polygenic scores, to support the analysis of liver biopsies. Finally, this review will provide an analysis of current and emerging therapies for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Parola
- Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy.
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine - Royal Free Hospital, London, NW32PF, United Kingdom.
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17
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Hildenbrand FF, Illi B, von Felten S, Bachofner J, Gawinecka J, von Eckardstein A, Müllhaupt B, Mertens JC, Blümel S. Evaluation of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) as serum marker for liver fibrosis. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:54. [PMID: 38291388 PMCID: PMC10825988 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-03116-4] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS With the increase in patients at risk of advanced liver disease due to the obesity epidemic, there will be a need for simple screening tools for advanced liver fibrosis. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is a serum biomarker for fibrotic processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate sST2 as marker for liver fibrosis in patients successfully treated for chronic hepatitis C. METHODS 424 patients from the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study were screened for inclusion in this post-hoc cohort study. Inclusion criteria were sustained virological response (SVR), available elastography (VCTE) and serum samples for biomarker analysis before and after treatment. For the validation of sST2, values were compared to VCTE, FIB-4 and APRI using Spearman's correlation and AUROC analyses. RESULTS Data of 164 subjects were finally analyzed. Median sST2 values slightly increased with VCTE-derived fibrosis stages and remained stable after reaching SVR within the respective fibrosis stage, suggesting that sST2 is not influenced by liver inflammation. However, correlation of sST2 pre- and post-treatment with VCTE was fair (Spearman's rho = 0.39 and rho = 0.36). The area under the curve (AUROC) for sST2 in detecting VCTE-defined F4 fibrosis (vs. F0-F3) before therapy was 0.74 (95%CI 0.65-0.83), and 0.67(95%CI 0.56-0.78) for the discrimination of F3/F4 fibrosis vs. F0-F2. Adding sST2 to either APRI or FIB-4, respectively, increased diagnostic performance of both tests. CONCLUSIONS sST2 can potentially identify patients with advanced fibrosis as a single serum marker and in combination with APRI and FIB-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian F Hildenbrand
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stadtspital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Illi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie von Felten
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Bachofner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joanna Gawinecka
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Arnold von Eckardstein
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Sena Blümel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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18
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Su X, Chen S, Liu J, Feng Y, Han E, Hao X, Liao M, Cai J, Zhang S, Niu J, He S, Huang S, Lo K, Zeng F. Composition of gut microbiota and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Obes Rev 2024; 25:e13646. [PMID: 37813400 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13646] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the associations between gut microbiota composition and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. To compare the differences between individuals with or without NAFLD, the standardized mean difference and 95% confidence interval were computed for each α-diversity index and relative abundance of gut microbes. The β-diversity indices were summarized in a qualitative manner. A total of 54 studies with 8894 participants were included. Overall, patients with NAFLD had moderate reduction in α-diversity indices including Shannon (SMD = -0.36, 95% CI = [-0.53, -0.19], p < 0.001) and Chao 1 (SMD = -0.42, 95% CI = [-0.68, -0.17], p = 0.001), but no significant differences were found for Simpson, observed species, phylogenetic diversity, richness, abundance-based coverage estimator, and evenness (p ranged from 0.081 to 0.953). Over 75% of the included studies reported significant differences in β-diversity. Although there was substantial interstudy heterogeneity, especially for analyses at the phylum, class, and family levels, the majority of the included studies showed alterations in the depletion of anti-inflammatory microbes (i.e., Ruminococcaceae and Coprococcus) and the enrichment of proinflammatory microbes (i.e., Fusobacterium and Escherichia) in patients with NAFLD. Perturbations in gut microbiota were associated with NAFLD, commonly reflected by a reduction in beneficial species and an increase in the pathogenic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Su
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiyun Chen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiazi Liu
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yonghui Feng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Eerdun Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xiaolei Hao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Minqi Liao
- Helmholtz Zentrum München-German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Neuherberg, PR, Germany
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiwen Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianxiang Niu
- General Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Shihua He
- Department of Infectious Disease, Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Trade Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaofen Huang
- Shenzhen Qianhai Shekou Free Zone Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kenneth Lo
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
- Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fangfang Zeng
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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19
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Jiang S, Feng J, Jiang Y, Lu Z, Kong J, Li X, Lian H, Zhang F, Li Y, Li J. Triptolide attenuates CCL 4-induced liver fibrosis by regulating the differentiation of CD 4+ T cells in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111206. [PMID: 37956491 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major global health issue, and immune dysregulation is a main contributor. Triptolide is a natural immunosuppressive agent with demonstrated effectiveness in ameliorating liver fibrosis, but whether it exerts anti-liver fibrotic effects via immunoregulation remains obscure. In this study, first, by employing a CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model, we demonstrated that triptolide could alleviate pathological damage to liver tissue and attenuate liver function damaged by CCL4. In addition, triptolide inhibited the expression of liver fibrotic markers such as hydroxyproline, collagen type IV, hyaluronidase, laminin, and procollagen type III, and the protein expression of α-SMA in CCL4-induced liver fibrosis. Second, with the help of network pharmacology, we predicted that triptolide's anti-liver fibrotic effects might occur through the regulation of Th17, Th1, and Th2 cell differentiation, which indicated that triptolide might mitigate liver fibrosis via immunoregulation. Finally, multiplex immunoassays and flow cytometry were adopted to verify this prediction. The results suggested that triptolide could reverse the aberrant expression of inflammatory cytokines caused by CCL4 and regulate the differentiation of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells. In conclusion, triptolide could attenuate CCL4-induced liver fibrosis by regulating the differentiation of CD4+ T cells. The results obtained in this study extended the application of triptolide and introduced a new mechanism of triptolide's anti-liver fibrotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyuan Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jing Feng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yanling Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhihao Lu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jingwei Kong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xueming Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Hui Lian
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Yu Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China.
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20
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Sawada K, Chung H, Softic S, Moreno-Fernandez ME, Divanovic S. The bidirectional immune crosstalk in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Cell Metab 2023; 35:1852-1871. [PMID: 37939656 PMCID: PMC10680147 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an unabated risk factor for end-stage liver diseases with no available therapies. Dysregulated immune responses are critical culprits of MASLD pathogenesis. Independent contributions from either the innate or adaptive arms of the immune system or their unidirectional interplay are commonly studied in MASLD. However, the bidirectional communication between innate and adaptive immune systems and its impact on MASLD remain insufficiently understood. Given that both innate and adaptive immune cells are indispensable for the development and progression of inflammation in MASLD, elucidating pathogenic contributions stemming from the bidirectional interplay between these two arms holds potential for development of novel therapeutics for MASLD. Here, we review the immune cell types and bidirectional pathways that influence the pathogenesis of MASLD and highlight potential pharmacologic approaches to combat MASLD based on current knowledge of this bidirectional crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Sawada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
| | - Hak Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Samir Softic
- Department of Pediatrics and Gastroenterology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Maria E Moreno-Fernandez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
| | - Senad Divanovic
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA; Center for Inflammation and Tolerance, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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21
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Marinović S, Lenartić M, Mladenić K, Šestan M, Kavazović I, Benić A, Krapić M, Rindlisbacher L, Brdovčak MC, Sparano C, Litscher G, Wensveen TT, Mikolašević I, Čupić DF, Bilić-Zulle L, Steinle A, Waisman A, Hayday A, Tugues S, Becher B, Polić B, Wensveen FM. NKG2D-mediated detection of metabolically stressed hepatocytes by innate-like T cells is essential for initiation of NASH and fibrosis. Sci Immunol 2023; 8:eadd1599. [PMID: 37774007 PMCID: PMC7615627 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.add1599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from benign steatosis to cirrhosis. A key event in the pathophysiology of MAFLD is the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can potentially lead to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but the triggers of MAFLD-associated inflammation are not well understood. We have observed that lipid accumulation in hepatocytes induces expression of ligands specific to the activating immune receptor NKG2D. Tissue-resident innate-like T cells, most notably γδ T cells, are activated through NKG2D and secrete IL-17A. IL-17A licenses hepatocytes to produce chemokines that recruit proinflammatory cells into the liver, which causes NASH and fibrosis. NKG2D-deficient mice did not develop fibrosis in dietary models of NASH and had a decreased incidence of hepatic tumors. The frequency of IL-17A+ γδ T cells in the blood of patients with MAFLD correlated directly with liver pathology. Our findings identify a key molecular mechanism through which stressed hepatocytes trigger inflammation in the context of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Marinović
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Maja Lenartić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Karlo Mladenić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marko Šestan
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Inga Kavazović
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Ante Benić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Mia Krapić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Lukas Rindlisbacher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Colin Sparano
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gioana Litscher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tamara Turk Wensveen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
- Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Cardiometabolism, Thallassotherapia, Opatija
| | - Ivana Mikolašević
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Dora Fučkar Čupić
- Dept. of General Pathology and Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine Univ. of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Lidija Bilić-Zulle
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnosis, Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Aleksander Steinle
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ari Waisman
- Institute for Molecular Biology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Adrian Hayday
- Department of Immunobiology, King’s College London, UK
| | - Sonia Tugues
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Bojan Polić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Felix M. Wensveen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine University of Rijeka, Croatia
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Arvanitakis K, Papadakos SP, Lekakis V, Koufakis T, Lempesis IG, Papantoniou E, Kalopitas G, Georgakopoulou VE, Stergiou IE, Theocharis S, Germanidis G. Meeting at the Crossroad between Obesity and Hepatic Carcinogenesis: Unique Pathophysiological Pathways Raise Expectations for Innovative Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14704. [PMID: 37834153 PMCID: PMC10572430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The escalating global prevalence of obesity and its intricate association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pose a substantial challenge to public health. Obesity, acknowledged as a pervasive epidemic, is linked to an array of chronic diseases, including HCC, catalyzing the need for a comprehensive understanding of its molecular underpinnings. Notably, HCC has emerged as a leading malignancy with rising incidence and mortality. The transition from viral etiologies to the prominence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)-related HCC underscores the urgent need to explore the intricate molecular pathways linking obesity and hepatic carcinogenesis. This review delves into the interwoven landscape of molecular carcinogenesis in the context of obesity-driven HCC while also navigating using the current therapeutic strategies and future prospects for combating obesity-related HCC. We underscore the pivotal role of obesity as a risk factor and propose an integrated approach encompassing lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and the exploration of emerging targeted therapies. As the obesity-HCC nexus continues to challenge healthcare systems globally, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms and innovative therapeutic strategies is imperative to alleviate the rising burden of this dual menace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Vasileios Lekakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Theocharis Koufakis
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Centre, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Eleni Papantoniou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
| | - Georgios Kalopitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Bhattacharya M, Ramachandran P. Immunology of human fibrosis. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1423-1433. [PMID: 37474654 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis, defined by the excess deposition of structural and matricellular proteins in the extracellular space, underlies tissue dysfunction in multiple chronic diseases. Approved antifibrotics have proven modest in efficacy, and the immune compartment remains, for the most part, an untapped therapeutic opportunity. Recent single-cell analyses have interrogated human fibrotic tissues, including immune cells. These studies have revealed a conserved profile of scar-associated macrophages, which localize to the fibrotic niche and interact with mesenchymal cells that produce pathological extracellular matrix. Here we review recent advances in the understanding of the fibrotic microenvironment in human diseases, with a focus on immune cell profiles and functional immune-stromal interactions. We also discuss the key role of the immune system in mediating fibrosis regression and highlight avenues for future study to elucidate potential approaches to targeting inflammatory cells in fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallar Bhattacharya
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Prakash Ramachandran
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh, UK.
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24
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Sisto M, Lisi S. Interleukin-23 Involved in Fibrotic Autoimmune Diseases: New Discoveries. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5699. [PMID: 37685766 PMCID: PMC10489062 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175699] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-23 is a central pro-inflammatory cytokine with a broad range of effects on immune responses. IL-23 is pathologically linked to the induction of the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-17 and IL-22, which stimulate the differentiation and proliferation of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells. Recent discoveries suggest a potential pro-fibrotic role for IL-23 in the development of chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases characterized by intense fibrosis. In this review, we summarized the biological features of IL-23 and gathered recent research on the role of IL-23 in fibrotic autoimmune conditions, which could provide a theoretical basis for clinical targeting and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Sisto
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70123 Bari, Italy;
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Petagine L, Zariwala MG, Patel VB. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Immunological mechanisms and current treatments. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4831-4850. [PMID: 37701135 PMCID: PMC10494768 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i32.4831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) causes significant global disease burden and is a leading cause of mortality. NAFLD induces a myriad of aberrant changes in hepatocytes at both the cellular and molecular level. Although the disease spectrum of NAFLD is widely recognised, the precise triggers for disease progression are still to be fully elucidated. Furthermore, the propagation to cirrhosis is poorly understood. Whilst some progress in terms of treatment options have been explored, an incomplete understanding of the hepatic cellular and molecular alterations limits their clinical utility. We have therefore reviewed some of the key pathways responsible for the pathogenesis of NAFLD such as innate and adaptative immunity, lipotoxicity and fibrogenesis, and highlighted current trials and treatment options for NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Petagine
- Centre for Nutraceuticals, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W6UW, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammed Gulrez Zariwala
- Centre for Nutraceuticals, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W6UW, United Kingdom
| | - Vinood B Patel
- Centre for Nutraceuticals, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London W1W6UW, United Kingdom
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Takezaki D, Morizane S, Ikeda K, Iseki M, Sakamoto Y, Kawakami Y, Hashiguchi T, Shirakata Y, Nishina S, Mukai T. Co-occurrence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis exacerbates psoriasis associated with decreased adiponectin expression in a murine model. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1214623. [PMID: 37646025 PMCID: PMC10461570 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1214623] [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: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clinical studies have suggested a bidirectional association between non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and psoriasis, affecting each other's development and severity. Here, we explored bidirectional causal linkages between NASH and psoriasis using a murine model. Methods NASH was induced in mice by streptozotocin injection at 2 days of age and by high-fat diet feeding (STAM™ model). Psoriasis was induced by topical application of imiquimod (IMQ) on the ear. The severities of liver damage and psoriatic skin changes were determined using histological analysis. Gene expression in the skin tissues was evaluated using quantitative PCR analysis. Serum cytokine levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To examine the innate immune responses of normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs), the cells were treated with interleukin (IL)-17A, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and AdipoRon, an adiponectin receptor agonist. Results and Discussion There were no differences in the degree of liver tissue damage (fat deposition, inflammation, and fibrosis) between NASH mice with and those without psoriasis. Conversely, the co-occurrence of NASH significantly augmented psoriatic skin changes, represented by epidermal hyperplasia, in psoriatic mice. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were expressed in the inflamed skin of psoriatic mice, and the expression of genes, especially Il23a, Il1b, Il36g, and Mip2, was significantly upregulated by the co-occurrence of NASH. The expression of keratinocyte activation marker genes Defb4b and Krt16 was also upregulated by the co-occurrence of NASH. The serum TNF-α and IL-17 levels were increased by the co-occurrence of NASH and psoriasis. The serum adiponectin levels decreased in NASH mice compared with that in non-NASH mice. In NHEK culture, TNF-α and IL-17A synergistically upregulated CXCL1, CXCL8, and IL1B expression. The upregulated pro-inflammatory gene expression was suppressed by AdipoRon treatment, reflecting the anti-inflammatory capacity of adiponectin. Conclusion The co-occurrence of NASH exacerbated psoriatic skin changes associated with increased serum inflammatory cytokine levels and decreased serum adiponectin levels. Combined with in vitro findings, increased inflammatory cytokine levels and decreased adiponectin levels likely promote innate immune responses in epidermal keratinocytes in psoriatic skin lesions. Overall, therapeutic intervention for co-occurring NASH is essential to achieve a favorable prognosis of psoriasis in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Takezaki
- Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shin Morizane
- Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kenta Ikeda
- Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Dermatology, National Hospital Organization Iwakuni Clinical Center, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Masanori Iseki
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuma Sakamoto
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshio Kawakami
- Department of Dermatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | | | | | - Sohji Nishina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Mukai
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
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Vujovic A, Isakovic AM, Misirlic-Dencic S, Juloski J, Mirkovic M, Cirkovic A, Djelic M, Milošević I. IL-23/IL-17 Axis in Chronic Hepatitis C and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis-New Insight into Immunohepatotoxicity of Different Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12483. [PMID: 37569857 PMCID: PMC10419971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Considering the relevance of the research of pathogenesis of different liver diseases, we investigated the possible activity of the IL-23/IL-17 axis on the immunohepatotoxicity of two etiologically different chronic liver diseases. A total of 36 chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, 16 with (CHC-SF) and 20 without significant fibrosis (CHC-NSF), 19 patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and 20 healthy controls (CG) were recruited. Anthropometric, biochemical, and immunological cytokines (IL-6, IL-10, IL-17 and IL-23) tests were performed in accordance with standard procedure. Our analysis revealed that a higher concentration of plasma IL-23 was associated with NASH (p = 0.005), and a higher concentration of plasma IL-17A but a lower concentration of plasma IL-10 was associated with CHC in comparison with CG. A lower concentration of plasma IL-10 was specific for CHC-NSF, while a higher concentration of plasma IL-17A was specific for CHC-SF in comparison with CG. CHC-NSF and CHC-SF groups were distinguished from NASH according to a lower concentration of plasma IL-17A. Liver tissue levels of IL-17A and IL-23 in CHC-NSF were significantly lower in comparison with NASH, regardless of the same stage of the liver fibrosis, whereas only IL-17A tissue levels showed a difference between the CHC-NSF and CHC-SF groups, namely, a lower concentration in CHC-NSF in comparison with CHC-SF. In CHC-SF and NASH liver tissue, IL17-A and IL-23 were significantly higher in comparison with plasma. Diagnostic accuracy analysis showed significance only in the concentration of plasma cytokines. Plasma IL-6, IL-17A and IL-23 could be possible markers that could differentiate CHC patients from controls. Plasma IL-23 could be considered a possible biomarker of CHC-NSF patients in comparison with controls, while plasma IL-6 and IL-17-A could be biomarkers of CHC-SF patients in comparison with controls. The most sophisticated difference was between the CHC-SF and CHC-NSF groups in the plasma levels of IL-10, which could make this cytokine a useful biomarker of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankica Vujovic
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Andjelka M. Isakovic
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.M.I.); (S.M.-D.)
- Center of Excellence for Redox Medicine, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sonja Misirlic-Dencic
- Institute of Medical and Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia; (A.M.I.); (S.M.-D.)
- Center of Excellence for Redox Medicine, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jovan Juloski
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Zvezdara Medical University Center, Surgery Clinic “Nikola Spasic”, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Mirkovic
- Institute for Orthopedic Surgery “Banjica”, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Andja Cirkovic
- Department of Medical Statistics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Marina Djelic
- Institute of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ivana Milošević
- Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11 000 Belgrade, Serbia;
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Liu J, Song Y, Wang Y, Hong H. Vitamin D/vitamin D receptor pathway in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:1145-1157. [PMID: 37861098 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2274099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, but underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In recent years, a growing body of evidence has emphasized the therapeutic role of vitamin D in NAFLD, but the specific mechanism remains to be investigated. AREAS COVERED This review summarized the roles of vitamin D/VDR (vitamin D receptor) pathway in different types of liver cells (such as hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, liver macrophages, T lymphocytes, and other hepatic immune cells) in case of NAFLD. Meanwhile, the effects of pathways in the gut-liver axis, adipose tissue-liver axis, and skeletal muscle-liver axis on the development of NAFLD were further reviewed. Relevant literature was searched on PubMed for the writing of this review. EXPERT OPINION The precise regulation of regional vitamin D/VDR signaling pathway based on cell-specific or tissue-specific function will help clarify the potential mechanism of vitamin D in NAFLD, which may provide new therapeutic targets to improve the safety and efficacy of vitamin D based drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingqi Liu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Department of Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- Xiamen Institute of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Department of Geriatrics, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Ye Wang
- Xiamen Institute of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Department of Geriatrics, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Huashan Hong
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Vascular Aging, Department of Geriatrics, Fujian Institute of Geriatrics, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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Li J, Kou C, Sun T, Liu J, Zhang H. Identification and Validation of Hub Immune-Related Genes in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2609-2621. [PMID: 37362825 PMCID: PMC10289249 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s413545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common progressive liver disease worldwide. It can cause liver cancer and possibly death. Abnormal immune infiltration is involved in the progression of NAFLD. The aim of this study was to identify and validate the hub immune-related genes in NAFLD. Methods Microarray data were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus, and immune-related differentially expressed genes (IRDEGs) were obtained. A protein-protein interaction network was used to further screen. The diagnostic value of the IRDEGs was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves. Differences in immune infiltration levels were analyzed using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. Hub IRDEGs were identified by correlation analysis with immune infiltration levels. Finally, molecular experiments were used to confirm the expression of the hub IRDEGs and explore their roles in NAFLD. Results We obtained 18 IRDEGs. Five hub genes were further identified by protein-protein interaction network, receiver operating characteristic curves and correlation analysis: AQP9, BACH2, CD4, IL17RE and S100A9. Based on functional enrichment analysis, the hub genes were enriched primarily in many immune-related pathways. In NAFLD, AQP9, CD4, and IL17RE expression was significantly reduced, whereas BACH2 and S100A9 expression was elevated. PCR, oil red O staining and triglyceride detection revealed that the knock-down of BACH2 and S100A9 reduced lipid accumulation in NAFLD cells. Conclusion This study provided insight into the profile of immune infiltration underlying NAFLD and identified AQP9, BACH2, CD4, IL17RE and S100A9 as ancillary diagnostic indicators of NAFLD. And BACH2 and S100A9 might be therapeutic targets for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juyi Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Endocrinology, Geriatrics Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunjia Kou
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Clinical Medical Center of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Haiqing Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, People’s Republic of China
- Shandong Clinical Medical Center of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
- Institute of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Academy of Clinical Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
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Kasarinaite A, Sinton M, Saunders PTK, Hay DC. The Influence of Sex Hormones in Liver Function and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1604. [PMID: 37371074 PMCID: PMC10296738 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver performs a multitude of bodily functions, whilst retaining the ability to regenerate damaged tissue. In this review, we discuss sex steroid biology, regulation of mammalian liver physiology and the development of new model systems to improve our understanding of liver biology in health and disease. A major risk factor for the development of liver disease is hepatic fibrosis. Key drivers of this process are metabolic dysfunction and pathologic activation of the immune system. Although non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is largely regarded as benign, it does progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in a subset of patients, increasing their risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD susceptibility varies across the population, with obesity and insulin resistance playing a strong role in the disease development. Additionally, sex and age have been identified as important risk factors. In addition to the regulation of liver biochemistry, sex hormones also regulate the immune system, with sexual dimorphism described for both innate and adaptive immune responses. Therefore, sex differences in liver metabolism, immunity and their interplay are important factors to consider when designing, studying and developing therapeutic strategies to treat human liver disease. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a general overview of sex steroid biology and their regulation of mammalian liver physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvile Kasarinaite
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - Matthew Sinton
- School of Biodiversity, One Health, and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 9TA, UK
| | - Philippa T. K. Saunders
- Centre for Inflammation Research, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
| | - David C. Hay
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Edinburgh EH16 4UU, UK
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Abstract
The understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis has been dominated by models in which chronic hepatocellular injury is the initiating step as is seen with viral infections. The increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, and the increases in liver fibrosis due to metabolic syndrome driven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has made it a priority to understand how this type of liver fibrosis is similar to, and different from, pure hepatocellular injury driven liver fibrosis. Both types of liver fibrosis have the transformation of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) into a myofibroblast as a key step. In metabolic syndrome, there is little evidence that metabolite changes such as high levels of glucose and free fatty acids are directly inducing HSC transdifferentiation, however, metabolite changes may lead to reductions in immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective molecules such as lipoxins, resolvins and Interleukin (IL)-22. Cells of the innate immune system are known to be important intermediaries between hepatocellular damage and HSC transdifferentiation, primarily by producing cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). Resident and infiltrating macrophages are the dominant innate immune cells, but others (dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killer T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells) also have important roles in inducing and resolving liver fibrosis. CD8+ and CD4+ T cells of the adaptive immune system have been identified to have greater profibrotic roles than previously realised by inducing hepatocyte death (auto-aggressive CD8+T) cells and cytokines producing (TH17 producing CD4+T) cells. Finally, the cellular networks present in NASH fibrosis are being identified and suggest that once fibrosis has developed cell-to-cell communication is dominated by myofibroblasts autocrine signalling followed by communication with cholangiocytes and endothelial cells, with myofibroblast-hepatocyte, and myofibroblast-macrophage signalling having minor roles. Such information is essential to the development of antifibrotic strategies for different stages of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajahat Mehal
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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32
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Li G, Li H, Chen Z. Identification of ribosomal protein family as immune-cell-related biomarkers of NAFLD by bioinformatics and experimental analyses. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1161269. [PMID: 37274336 PMCID: PMC10235545 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1161269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune cells play an integral role in the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study was to identify immune-cell-related biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD. Methods and findings First, we introduced human liver transcriptome data from the GEO database (GSE48452 and GSE126848) and performed a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to screen out the modules related to immune cell infiltration and to identify immune-cell-related differentially expressed genes (ICR-DEGs) associated with NAFLD progression. Further, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of ICR-DEGs was established to obtain hub genes and subsequently, the expression trend analysis was conducted to identify immune-cell-related biomarkers of NAFLD. Finally, the mRNA expression of biomarkers was validated in a NAFLD mouse model induced by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. In total, we identified 66 ICR-DEGs and 13 hub genes associated with NAFLD. Among them, 9 hub genes (CD247, CD74, FCGR2B, IL2RB, INPP5D, MRPL16, RPL35, RPS3A, RPS8) were correlated with the infiltrating immune cells by the Pearson correlation analysis. Subsequently, 4 immune-cell-related biomarkers (RPL35, RPS3A, RPS8, and MRPL16) with the same expression trends in GSE48452 and GSE126848 datasets were identified. These biomarkers were enriched in immune-related pathways and had a good ability to distinguish between NASH and healthy samples. Moreover, we constructed a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network of biomarkers and predicted twenty potential therapeutic drugs targeting RPS3A such as taxifolin and sitagliptin. Finally, experimental validation indicated that the hepatic mRNA expression of Rpl35, Rps3A, and Rps8 was significantly decreased in NAFLD mice. Conclusions This study identified four ribosomal protein genes (RPL35, RPS3A, RPS8, and MRPL16) as immune-cell-related biomarkers of NAFLD, which may actively participate in the immune processes during NAFLD progression and could serve as potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerui Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ze Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Myocardial Injury and Repair, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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33
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Sbierski-Kind J, Cautivo KM, Wagner JC, Dahlgren MW, Nilsson J, Krasilnikov M, Mroz NM, Lizama CO, Gan AL, Matatia PR, Taruselli MT, Chang AA, Caryotakis S, O'Leary CE, Kotas M, Mattis AN, Peng T, Locksley RM, Molofsky AB. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells constrain type 3/17 lymphocytes in shared stromal niches to restrict liver fibrosis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.26.537913. [PMID: 37163060 PMCID: PMC10168323 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.26.537913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) cooperate with adaptive Th2 cells as key organizers of tissue type 2 immune responses, while a spectrum of innate and adaptive lymphocytes coordinate early type 3/17 immunity. Both type 2 and type 3/17 lymphocyte associated cytokines are linked to tissue fibrosis, but how their dynamic and spatial topographies may direct beneficial or pathologic organ remodelling is unclear. Here we used volumetric imaging in models of liver fibrosis, finding accumulation of periportal and fibrotic tract IL-5 + lymphocytes, predominantly ILC2s, in close proximity to expanded type 3/17 lymphocytes and IL-33 high niche fibroblasts. Ablation of IL-5 + lymphocytes worsened carbon tetrachloride-and bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis with increased niche IL-17A + type 3/17 lymphocytes, predominantly γδ T cells. In contrast, concurrent ablation of IL-5 + and IL-17A + lymphocytes reduced this progressive liver fibrosis, suggesting a cross-regulation of type 2 and type 3 lymphocytes at specialized fibroblast niches that tunes hepatic fibrosis.
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Chaudhary S, Rai R, Pal PB, Tedesco D, Singhi AD, Monga SP, Grakoui A, Iyer SS, Raeman R. Western diet dampens T regulatory cell function to fuel hepatic inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.23.533977. [PMID: 36993495 PMCID: PMC10055333 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.23.533977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Background and aims The immunosuppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs) regulate immune responses and maintain immune homeostasis, yet their functions in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis remains controversial. Methods Mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or a western diet (WD) for 16 weeks to induce NAFLD. Diphtheria toxin injection to deplete Tregs in Foxp3 DTR mice or Treg induction therapy in WT mice to augment Treg numbers was initiated at twelve and eight weeks, respectively. Liver tissues from mice and NASH human subjects were analyzed by histology, confocal imaging, and qRT-PCR. Results WD triggered accumulation of adaptive immune cells, including Tregs and effector T cells, within the liver parenchyma. This pattern was also observed in NASH patients, where an increase in intrahepatic Tregs was noted. In the absence of adaptive immune cells in Rag1 KO mice, WD promoted accumulation of intrahepatic neutrophils and macrophages and exacerbated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Similarly, targeted Treg depletion exacerbated WD-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. In Treg-depleted mice, hepatic injury was associated with increased accumulation of neutrophils, macrophages, and activated T cells within the liver. Conversely, induction of Tregs using recombinant IL2/αIL2 mAb cocktail reduced hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in WD-fed mice. Analysis of intrahepatic Tregs from WD-fed mice revealed a phenotypic signature of impaired Treg function in NAFLD. Ex vivo functional studies showed that glucose and palmitate, but not fructose, impaired the immunosuppressive ability of Treg cells. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the liver microenvironment in NAFLD impairs ability of Tregs to suppress effector immune cell activation, thus perpetuating chronic inflammation and driving NAFLD progression. These data suggest that targeted approaches aimed at restoring Treg function may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for treating NAFLD. Lay summary In this study, we elucidate the mechanisms contributing to the perpetuation of chronic hepatic inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We show that dietary sugar and fatty acids promote chronic hepatic inflammation in NAFLD by impairing immunosuppressive function of regulatory T cells. Finally, our preclinical data suggest that targeted approaches aimed at restoring T regulatory cell function have the potential to treat NAFLD.
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35
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Yahoo N, Dudek M, Knolle P, Heikenwälder M. Role of immune responses for development of NAFLD-associated liver cancer and prospects for therapeutic modulation. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(23)00165-4. [PMID: 36893854 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The liver is the central metabolic organ of the body regulating energy and lipid metabolism and at the same time has potent immunological functions. Overwhelming the metabolic capacity of the liver by obesity and sedentary lifestyle leads to hepatic lipid accumulation, chronic necro-inflammation, enhanced mitochondrial/ER-stress and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with its pathologic form nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Based on knowledge on pathophysiological mechanisms, specifically targeting metabolic diseases to prevent or slow down progression of NAFLD to liver cancer will become possible. Genetic/environmental factors contribute to development of NASH and liver cancer progression. The complex pathophysiology of NAFLD-NASH is reflected by environmental factors, particularly the gut microbiome and its metabolic products. NAFLD-associated HCC occurs in most of the cases in the context of a chronically inflamed liver and cirrhosis. Recognition of environmental alarmins or metabolites derived from the gut microbiota and the metabolically injured liver create a strong inflammatory milieu supported by innate and adaptive immunity. Several recent studies indicate that the chronic hepatic microenvironment of steatosis induces auto-aggressive CD8+CXCR6+PD1+ T cells secreting TNF and upregulating FasL to eliminate parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells in an antigen independent manner. This promotes chronic liver damage and a pro-tumorigenic environment. CD8+CXCR6+PD1+ T cells possess an exhausted, hyperactivated, resident phenotype and trigger NASH to HCC transition, and might be responsible for a less efficient treatment response to immune-check-point inhibitors - in particular atezolizumab/bevacizumab. Here, we provide an overview of NASH-related inflammation/pathogenesis focusing on new discoveries on the role of T cells in NASH-immunopathology and therapy response. This review discusses preventive measures to halt disease progression to liver cancer and therapeutic strategies to manage NASH-HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Yahoo
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Dudek
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany
| | - Percy Knolle
- Institute of Molecular Immunology and Experimental Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Munich, Germany.
| | - Mathias Heikenwälder
- Division of Chronic Inflammation and Cancer, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; The M3 Research Institute, Karl Eberhards Universitaet Tübingen, Medizinische Fakultät, Otfried-Müller-Straße 37, 72076 Tübingen.
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36
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Yang L, Hao Y, Boeckmans J, Rodrigues RM, He Y. Immune cells and their derived microRNA-enriched extracellular vesicles in nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases: Novel therapeutic targets. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 243:108353. [PMID: 36738973 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108353] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Despite extensive research and multiple clinical trials, there are still no FDA-approved therapies to treat the most severe forms of NAFLD. This is largely due to its complicated etiology and pathogenesis, which involves visceral obesity, insulin resistance, gut dysbiosis, etc. Although inflammation is generally believed to be one of the critical factors that drive the progression of simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the exact type of inflammation and how it contributes to NASH pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Liver inflammation is accompanied by the elevation of inflammatory mediators, including cytokines and chemokines and consequently intrahepatic infiltration of multiple types of immune cells. Recent studies revealed that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from inflammatory cells and hepatocytes play an important role in controlling liver inflammation during NASH. In this review, we highlight the roles of innate and adaptive immune cells and their microRNA-enriched EVs during NAFLD development and discuss potential drugs that target inflammatory pathways for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yawen Hao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Joost Boeckmans
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robim M Rodrigues
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Yong He
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica (SIMM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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37
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Olveira A, Augustin S, Benlloch S, Ampuero J, Suárez-Pérez JA, Armesto S, Vilarrasa E, Belinchón-Romero I, Herranz P, Crespo J, Guimerá F, Gómez-Labrador L, Martín V, Carrascosa JM. The Essential Role of IL-17 as the Pathogenetic Link between Psoriasis and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:419. [PMID: 36836776 PMCID: PMC9963792 DOI: 10.3390/life13020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin 17 (IL-17) is an effector cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition that is more prevalent and severe in patients with psoriasis. In liver inflammation, IL-17 is mainly produced by CD4+ T (TH17) and CD8+ T cells (Tc17), although numerous other cells (macrophages, natural killer cells, neutrophils and Tγδ cells) also contribute to the production of IL-17. In hepatocytes, IL-17 mediates systemic inflammation and the recruitment of inflammatory cells to the liver, and it is also implicated in the development of fibrosis and insulin resistance. IL-17 levels have been correlated with progression from MAFLD to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Clinical trials have shown that inhibiting IL-17A in patients with psoriasis could potentially contribute to the improvement of metabolic and liver parameters. A better understanding of the key factors involved in the pathogenesis of these chronic inflammatory processes could potentially lead to more efficient treatment for both psoriasis and MAFLD, and help to develop holistic strategies to improve the management of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Olveira
- Department of Digestive Diseases, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Augustin
- Liver Unit, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Benlloch
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Arnau de Vilanova Hospital, Centro Biomédico en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 46015 Valencia, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Lab 213, Institute of Biomedicine of Sevilla (IBIS), Department of Medicine, University of Sevilla, Centro Biomédico en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 41004 Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Susana Armesto
- Department of Dermatology, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - Eva Vilarrasa
- Department of Dermatology, Santa Creu i Sant Pau Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Belinchón-Romero
- Dermatology Department, Alicante University General Hospital, Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), Miguel Hernández University of Elche, 03202 Alicante, Spain
| | - Pedro Herranz
- Department of Dermatology, La Paz University Hospital, 28046 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Crespo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, IDIVAL, School Medicine, University of Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - Francisco Guimerá
- Dermatology and Pathology Department, Canarias University Hospital, 38320 La Laguna, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Martín
- Immunology Franchise, Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., 28033 Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel Carrascosa
- Department of Dermatology, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, IGTP, 08193 Badalona, Spain
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38
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Liu J, Ding M, Bai J, Luo R, Liu R, Qu J, Li X. Decoding the role of immune T cells: A new territory for improvement of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. IMETA 2023; 2:e76. [PMID: 38868343 PMCID: PMC10989916 DOI: 10.1002/imt2.76] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new emerging concept and is associated with metabolic dysfunction, generally replacing the name of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to heterogeneous liver condition and inaccuracies in definition. The prevalence of MAFLD is rising by year due to dietary changes, metabolic disorders, and no approved therapy, affecting a quarter of the global population and representing a major economic problem that burdens healthcare systems. Currently, in addition to the common causative factors like insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and lipotoxicity, the role of immune cells, especially T cells, played in MAFLD is increasingly being emphasized by global scholars. Based on the diverse classification and pathophysiological effects of immune T cells, we comprehensively analyzed their bidirectional regulatory effects on the hepatic inflammatory microenvironment and MAFLD progression. This interaction between MAFLD and T cells was also associated with hepatic-intestinal immune crosstalk and gut microbiota homeostasis. Moreover, we pointed out several T-cell-based therapeutic approaches including but not limited to adoptive transfer of T cells, fecal microbiota transplantation, and drug therapy, especially for natural products and Chinese herbal prescriptions. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the important role of T cells played in MAFLD progression and corresponding therapeutic options and provides a potential reference for further drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Mingning Ding
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jinzhao Bai
- School of Chinese Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Ranyi Luo
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia MedicaBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Jiaorong Qu
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
| | - Xiaojiaoyang Li
- School of Life SciencesBeijing University of Chinese MedicineBeijingChina
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39
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Overview of Cellular and Soluble Mediators in Systemic Inflammation Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032313. [PMID: 36768637 PMCID: PMC9916753 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most prevalent chronic liver disease in Western countries, affecting approximately 25% of the adult population. This condition encompasses a spectrum of liver diseases characterized by abnormal accumulation of fat in liver tissue (non-alcoholic fatty liver, NAFL) that can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by the presence of liver inflammation and damage. The latter form often coexists with liver fibrosis which, in turn, may progress to a state of cirrhosis and, potentially, hepatocarcinoma, both irreversible processes that often lead to the patient's death and/or the need for liver transplantation. Along with the high associated economic burden, the high mortality rate among NAFLD patients raises interest, not only in the search for novel therapeutic approaches, but also in early diagnosis and prevention to reduce the incidence of NAFLD-related complications. In this line, an exhaustive characterization of the immune status of patients with NAFLD is mandatory. Herein, we attempted to gather and compare the current and relevant scientific evidence on this matter, mainly on human reports. We addressed the current knowledge related to circulating cellular and soluble mediators, particularly platelets, different leukocyte subsets and relevant inflammatory soluble mediators.
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40
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Zi C, Wang D, Gao Y, He L. The role of Th17 cells in endocrine organs: Involvement of the gut, adipose tissue, liver and bone. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1104943. [PMID: 36726994 PMCID: PMC9884980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1104943] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
T Helper 17 (Th17) cells are adaptive immune cells that play myriad roles in the body. Immune-endocrine interactions are vital in endocrine organs during pathological states. Th17 cells are known to take part in multiple autoimmune diseases over the years. Current evidence has moved from minimal to substantial that Th17 cells are closely related to endocrine organs. Diverse tissue Th17 cells have been discovered within endocrine organs, including gut, adipose tissue, liver and bone, and these cells are modulated by various secretions from endocrine organs. Th17 cells in these endocrine organs are key players in the process of an array of metabolic disorders and inflammatory conditions, including obesity, insulin resistance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), osteoporosis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We reviewed the pathogenetic or protective functions played by Th17 cells in various endocrine tissues and identified potential regulators for plasticity of it. Furthermore, we discussed the roles of Th17 cells in crosstalk of gut-organs axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyan Zi
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Die Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongxiang Gao
- School of International Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yongxiang Gao, ; Lisha He,
| | - Lisha He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Yongxiang Gao, ; Lisha He,
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41
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Woestemeier A, Scognamiglio P, Zhao Y, Wagner J, Muscate F, Casar C, Siracusa F, Cortesi F, Agalioti T, Müller S, Sagebiel A, Konczalla L, Wahib R, Karstens KF, Giannou AD, Duprée A, Wolter S, Wong MN, Mühlig AK, Bielecka AA, Bansal V, Zhang T, Mann O, Puelles VG, Huber TB, Lohse AW, Izbicki JR, Palm NW, Bonn S, Huber S, Gagliani N. Multicytokine-producing CD4+ T cells characterize the livers of patients with NASH. JCI Insight 2023; 8:153831. [PMID: 36625344 PMCID: PMC9870087 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.153831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
A role of CD4+ T cells during the progression from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been suggested, but which polarization state of these cells characterizes this progression and the development of fibrosis remain unclear. In addition, a gut-liver axis has been suggested to play a role in NASH, but the role of CD4+ T cells in this axis has just begun to be investigated. Combining single-cell RNA sequencing and multiple-parameter flow cytometry, we provide the first cell atlas to our knowledge focused on liver-infiltrating CD4+ T cells in patients with NAFLD and NASH, showing that NASH is characterized by a population of multicytokine-producing CD4+ T cells. Among these cells, only those with a Th17 polarization state were enriched in patients with advanced fibrosis. In parallel, we observed that Bacteroides appeared to be enriched in the intestine of NASH patients and to correlate with the frequency of multicytokine-producing CD4+ T cells. In short, we deliver a CD4+ T cell atlas of NAFLD and NASH, providing the rationale to target CD4+ T cells with a Th17 polarization state to block fibrosis development. Finally, our data offer an early indication to test whether multicytokine-producing CD4+ T cells are part of the gut-liver axis characterizing NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yu Zhao
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Center for Biomedical AI (bAIome), Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH)
| | - Jonas Wagner
- Department for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
| | | | - Christian Casar
- Department for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
- Bioinformatics Core, and
| | | | | | | | - Simone Müller
- Department for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
| | | | | | - Ramez Wahib
- Department for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
| | | | | | - Anna Duprée
- Department for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
| | - Stefan Wolter
- Department for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
| | - Milagros N. Wong
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne K. Mühlig
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- University’s Children Hospital, UKE Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Agata A. Bielecka
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Vikas Bansal
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Center for Biomedical AI (bAIome), Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH)
| | - Tianran Zhang
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Center for Biomedical AI (bAIome), Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH)
| | - Oliver Mann
- Department for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
| | - Victor G. Puelles
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tobias B. Huber
- III. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Noah W. Palm
- Department of Immunobiology, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stefan Bonn
- Institute of Medical Systems Biology, Center for Biomedical AI (bAIome), Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH)
| | | | - Nicola Gagliani
- Department for General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery
- I Department of Medicine
- Immunology and Allergy Unit, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease as a Risk Factor for the Development of Central Nervous System Disorders. LIVERS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/livers3010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MAFLD/NAFLD is the most ordinary liver disease categorized by hepatic steatosis with the increase of surplus fat in the liver and metabolic liver dysfunction, which is associated with bigger mortality and a high medical burden. An association between MAFLD/NAFLD and central nervous system disorders including psychological disorders has been demonstrated. Additionally, MAFLD/NAFLD has been correlated with various types of neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. Contrasted to healthy controls, patients with MAFLD/NAFLD have a greater prevalence risk of extrahepatic complications within multiple organs. Dietary interventions have emerged as effective strategies for MAFLD/NAFLD. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway involved in the regulation of Th17/Treg balance might promote the pathogenesis of several diseases including MAFLD/NAFLD. As extrahepatic complications may happen across various organs including CNS, cooperative care with individual experts is also necessary for managing patients with MAFLD/NAFLD.
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Wiering L, Tacke F. Treating inflammation to combat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. J Endocrinol 2023; 256:JOE-22-0194. [PMID: 36259984 DOI: 10.1530/joe-22-0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with its more progressive form non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become the most common chronic liver disease, thereby representing a great burden for patients and healthcare systems. Specific pharmacological therapies for NAFLD are still missing. Inflammation is an important driver in the pathogenesis of NASH, and the mechanisms underlying inflammation in NAFLD represent possible therapeutic targets. In NASH, various intra- and extrahepatic triggers involved in the metabolic injury typically lead to the activation of different immune cells. This includes hepatic Kupffer cells, i.e. liver-resident macrophages, which can adopt an inflammatory phenotype and activate other immune cells by releasing inflammatory cytokines. As inflammation progresses, Kupffer cells are increasingly replaced by monocyte-derived macrophages with a distinct lipid-associated and scar-associated phenotype. Many other immune cells, including neutrophils, T lymphocytes - such as auto-aggressive cytotoxic as well as regulatory T cells - and innate lymphoid cells balance the progression and regression of inflammation and subsequent fibrosis. The detailed understanding of inflammatory cell subsets and their activation pathways prompted preclinical and clinical exploration of potential targets in NAFLD/NASH. These approaches to target inflammation in NASH include inhibition of immune cell recruitment via chemokine receptors (e.g. cenicriviroc), neutralization of CD44 or galectin-3 as well as agonism to nuclear factors like peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and farnesoid X receptor that interfere with the activation of immune cells. As some of these approaches did not demonstrate convincing efficacy as monotherapies, a rational and personalized combination of therapeutic interventions may be needed for the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leke Wiering
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Junior Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
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44
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A Dietary Oxysterol, 7-Ketocholesterol, Exacerbates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Dermatitis in Steatohepatitic Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415855. [PMID: 36555497 PMCID: PMC9785382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. We previously identified an oxidized derivative of cholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol (7KC), in diet-induced steatohepatitic mice. Here, we investigated whether 7KC exacerbates psoriasis-like dermatitis by accelerating steatohepatitis in mice. A high-fat/high-cholesterol/high-sucrose/bile salt diet (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) diet) with or without 0.0125% 7KC was fed to C57BL/6 mice (7KC or control group) for three weeks to induce steatohepatitis. A 5% imiquimod cream was then applied to the ears and dorsal skin for four days to induce psoriasis-like dermatitis. Hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration were exacerbated in the 7KC group compared with the control group after three weeks. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were also elevated in the 7KC group (108.5 ± 9.8 vs. 83.1 ± 13.1 pg/mL, p < 0.005). Imiquimod cream increased the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score in mice in the 7KC group (9.14 ± 0.75 vs. 5.17 ± 1.17, p < 0.0001). Additionally, Tnfa, Il23a, Il17a, and Il22 mRNA levels in the dorsal lesion were significantly upregulated. Finally, Th17 cell differentiation and the TNF signaling pathway were enhanced in the dorsal lesions and liver of mice in the 7KC group. These data suggest that steatohepatitis and psoriasis are linked by a potent, diet-related factor.
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Liu SY, Huang CC, Yang YY, Huang SF, Lee TY, Li TH, Hou MC, Lin HC. Obeticholic acid treatment ameliorates the cardiac dysfunction in NASH mice. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276717. [PMID: 36490253 PMCID: PMC9733885 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suppression of cardiac iinflammasome, which can be inhibited by Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, can ameliorate cardiac inflammation and fibrosis. Increased cardiac inflammasome decrease the abundance of regulatory T (Treg) cells and exacerbate cardiac dysfunction. Interaction between cardiomyocytes and Treg cells is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related cardiac dysfunction. AIMS This study evaluates whether the FXR agonist obeticholic acid (OCA) treatment improves NASH-associated cardiac dysfunction. METHODS The in vivo and in vitro mechanisms and effects of two weeks of OCA treatment on inflammasome and Treg dysregulation-related cardiac dysfunction in NASH mice (NASH-OCA) at systemic, tissue and cellular levels were investigated. RESULTS The OCA treatment suppressed the serum and cardiac inflammasome levels, reduced the cardiac infiltrated CD3+ T cells, increased the cardiac Treg-represented anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10/IL-10R) and improved cardiac inflammation, fibrosis and function [decreased left ventricle (LV) mass and increased fractional shortening (FS)] in NASH-OCA mice. The percentages of OCA-decreased cardiac fibrosis and OCA-increased FS were positively correlated with the percentage of OCA-increased levels of cardiac FXR and IL-10/IL-10R. In the Treg cells from NASH-OCA mice spleen, in comparison with the Treg cells of the NASH group, higher intracellular FXR but lower inflammasome levels, and more proliferative/active and less apoptotic cells were observed. Incubation of H9c2 cardiomyoblasts with Treg-NASHcm [supernatant of Treg from NASH mice as condition medium (cm)], increased inflammasome levels, decreased the proliferative/active cells, suppressed the intracellular FXR, and downregulated differentiation/contraction marker. The Treg-NASHcm-induced hypocontractility of H9c2 can be attenuated by co-incubation with OCA, and the OCA-related effects were abolished by siIL-10R pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS Chronic FXR activation with OCA is a potential strategy for activating IL-10/IL-10R signalling, reversing cardiac regulatory T cell dysfunction, and improving inflammasome-mediated NASH-related cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szu-Yu Liu
- Department of Medical Education, Clinical Innovation Center, Medical Innovation and Research Office, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chang Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ying Yang
- Department of Medical Education, Clinical Innovation Center, Medical Innovation and Research Office, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,* E-mail: (Y-YY); (H-CL)
| | - Shiang-Fen Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Yan Lee
- Graduate Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chang Guang Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Hao Li
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan,Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,* E-mail: (Y-YY); (H-CL)
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46
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Han HT, Jin WL, Li X. Mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy in liver diseases. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:23. [PMID: 35895169 PMCID: PMC9326420 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple immune cells and their products in the liver together form a complex and unique immune microenvironment, and preclinical models have demonstrated the importance of imbalances in the hepatic immune microenvironment in liver inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases. Various immunotherapies have been attempted to modulate the hepatic immune microenvironment for the purpose of treating liver diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a comprehensive and plastic immunomodulatory capacity. On the one hand, they have been tried for the treatment of inflammatory liver diseases because of their excellent immunosuppressive capacity; On the other hand, MSCs have immune-enhancing properties in immunocompromised settings and can be modified into cellular carriers for targeted transport of immune enhancers by genetic modification, physical and chemical loading, and thus they are also used in the treatment of immunocompromised liver diseases such as chronic viral infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the immunological basis and recent strategies of MSCs for the treatment of the aforementioned liver diseases. Specifically, we update the immune microenvironment of the liver and summarize the distinct mechanisms of immune microenvironment imbalance in inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases, and how MSCs can fully exploit their immunotherapeutic role in liver diseases with both immune imbalance patterns.
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47
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Second malignant neoplasms in lymphomas, secondary lymphomas and lymphomas in metabolic disorders/diseases. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:30. [PMID: 35279210 PMCID: PMC8917635 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00763-0] [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: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
With inconsistent findings, evidence has been obtained in recent years that metabolic disorders are closely associated with the development of lymphomas. Studies and multiple analyses have been published also indicating that some solid tumor survivors develop a secondary lymphoma, whereas some lymphoma survivors subsequently develop a second malignant neoplasm (SMN), particularly solid tumors. An interaction between the multiple etiologic factors such as genetic factors and late effects of cancer therapy may play an important role contributing to the carcinogenesis in patients with metabolic diseases or with a primary cancer. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the multiple etiologic factors for lymphomagenesis, focusing on the SMN in lymphoma, secondary lymphomas in primary cancers, and the lymphomas associated to metabolic disorders/diseases, which have been received less attention previously. Further, we also review the data of coexistence of lymphomas and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with infection of hepatitis C virus and hepatitis B virus.
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48
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Waller KJ, Saihi H, Li W, Brindley JH, De Jong A, Syn WK, Bessant C, Alazawi W. Single-cell phenotypes of peripheral blood immune cells in early and late stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 29:417-432. [PMID: 36727210 PMCID: PMC10121278 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immune and inflammatory cells respond to multiple pathological hits in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Relatively little is known about how their type and function change through the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) spectrum. We used multi-dimensional mass cytometry and a tailored bioinformatic approach to study circulating immune cells sampled from healthy individuals and people with NAFLD. Methods Cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) using 36 metal-conjugated antibodies was applied to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from biopsy-proven NASH fibrosis (late disease), steatosis (early disease) and healthy patients. Supervised and unsupervised analyses were used, findings confirmed and mechanisms assessed using independent healthy and disease PBMC samples. Results Of 36 PBMC clusters, 21 changed between controls and disease samples. Significant differences between diseases stages with changes in T cells and myeloid cells throughout disease and B cell changes in late stages. Semi-supervised gating and re-clustering showed that disease stages were associated with fewer monocytes with active signalling and more inactive NK cells, while B and T cells bearing activation markers reduced in late stages, B cells bearing co-stimulatory molecules increased. Functionally, disease states were associated with fewer activated MAIT cells and reduced TLR-mediated cytokine production in late disease. Conclusions A range of innate and adaptive immune changes begin early in NAFLD and disease stages are associated with a functionally less active phenotype compared to controls. Further study of the immune response in NAFLD spectrum may give insight into mechanisms of disease with potential clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Jane Waller
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Hajar Saihi
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Wenhao Li
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Anja De Jong
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Wing-Kin Syn
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Universidad del Pa S Vasco/Euskal Herriko Univertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Missouri, USA
| | - Conrad Bessant
- Centre for Computational Biology, Life Sciences Initiative, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - William Alazawi
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Yu W, Li C, Zhang D, Li Z, Xia P, Liu X, Cai X, Yang P, Ling J, Zhang J, Zhang M, Yu P. Advances in T Cells Based on Inflammation in Metabolic Diseases. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223554. [PMID: 36428983 PMCID: PMC9688178 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing incidence of metabolic diseases year by year and their impact on the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases have attracted great attention as a major health care problem, but there is still no effective treatment. Oxidative stress and inflammation are the main mechanisms leading to metabolic diseases. T cells are involved in the inflammatory response, which can also regulate the development of metabolic diseases, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells are mainly responsible for the role. Th1 and Th17 differentiated from CD4+ T promote inflammation, while Th2 and Treg inhibit inflammation. CD8+ T cells also contribute to inflammation. The severity and duration of inflammatory reactions can also lead to different degrees of progression of metabolic diseases. Moreover, mTOR, PI3K-Akt, and AMPK signaling pathways play unique roles in the regulation of T cells, which provide a new direction for the treatment of metabolic diseases in the future. In this review, we will elaborate on the role of T cells in regulating inflammation in various metabolic diseases, the signaling pathways that regulate T cells in metabolic diseases, and the latest research progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlu Yu
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Chunxiu Li
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
- School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Deju Zhang
- Food and Nutritional Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Zhangwang Li
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Panpan Xia
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Xia Cai
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Pingping Yang
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Jitao Ling
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (P.Y.)
| | - Meiying Zhang
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
| | - Peng Yu
- Department of Metabolism and Endocrinology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, China
- Correspondence: (J.Z.); (P.Y.)
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50
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Restoration of CD4 + T Cells during NAFLD without Modulation of the Hepatic Immunological Pattern Is Not Sufficient to Prevent HCC. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225502. [PMID: 36428596 PMCID: PMC9688124 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225502] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Predominant inflammatory immunological patterns as well as the depletion of CD4+ T cells during nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are reported to be associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we report that an LRP-1 agonistic peptide, SP16, when administered during advanced NAFLD progression, restored the depleted CD4+ T cell population but did not significantly affect the inflammatory immunological pattern. This data suggests that restoration of CD4+ T cells without modulation of the hepatic immunological pattern is not sufficient to prevent HCC. However, SP16 administered early during NAFLD progression modulated the inflammatory profile. Future studies will determine if regulation of the inflammatory immune response by SP16 early in NAFLD progression will prevent HCC.
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