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Wang Y, Ping Z, Gao H, Liu Z, Xv Q, Jiang X, Yu W. LYC inhibits the AKT signaling pathway to activate autophagy and ameliorate TGFB-induced renal fibrosis. Autophagy 2024; 20:1114-1133. [PMID: 38037248 PMCID: PMC11135866 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2287930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a typical pathological change in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the predominant stage. Activation of macroautophagy/autophagy plays a crucial role in the process of EMT. Lycopene (LYC) is a highly antioxidant carotenoid with pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and mediation of autophagy. In this study, we demonstrated the specific mechanism of LYC in activating mitophagy and improving renal fibrosis. The enrichment analysis results of GO and KEGG showed that LYC had high enrichment values with autophagy. In this study, we showed that LYC alleviated aristolochic acid I (AAI)-induced intracellular expression of PINK1, TGFB/TGF-β, p-SMAD2, p-SMAD3, and PRKN/Parkin, recruited expression of MAP1LC3/LC3-II and SQSTM1/p62, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and ameliorated renal fibrosis in mice. When we simultaneously intervened NRK52E cells using bafilomycin A1 (Baf-A1), AAI, and LYC, intracellular MAP1LC3-II and SQSTM1 expression was significantly increased. A similar result was seen in renal tissue and cells when treated in vitro and in vivo with CQ, AAI, and LYC, and the inhibitory effect of LYC on the AAI-activated SMAD2-SMAD3 signaling pathway was attenuated. Molecular docking simulation experiments showed that LYC stably bound to the AKT active site. After intervention of cells with AAI and GSK-690693, the expression of PINK1, PRKN, MAP1LC3-II, BECN1, p-SMAD2 and p-SMAD3 was increased, and the expression of SQSTM1 was decreased. However, SC79 inhibited autophagy and reversed the inhibitory effect of LYC on EMT. The results showed that LYC could inhibit the AKT signaling pathway to activate mitophagy and reduce renal fibrosis.Abbreviation: AA: aristolochic acid; ACTA2/α-SMA: actin alpha 2, smooth muscle, aorta; ACTB: actin beta; AKT/protein kinase B: thymoma viral proto-oncogene; BAF-A1: bafilomycin A1; BECN1: beclin 1, autophagy related; CCN2/CTGF: cellular communication network factor 2; CDH1/E-Cadherin: cadherin 1; CKD: chronic kidney disease; COL1: collagen, type I; COL3: collagen, type III; CQ: chloroquine; ECM: extracellular matrix; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; FN1: fibronectin 1; LYC: lycopene; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3; MMP: mitochondrial membrane potential; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase ; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PINK1: PTEN induced putative kinase 1; PRKN/Parkin: parkin RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; PPI: protein-protein interaction; SMAD2: SMAD family member 2; SMAD3: SMAD family member 3; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TGFB/TGFβ: transforming growth factor, beta; VIM: vimentin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhenlei Ping
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongxin Gao
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhihui Liu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qingyang Xv
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaowen Jiang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Wenhui Yu
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Institute of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Pathogenesis and Comparative Medicine in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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2
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Sun YD, Zhang H, Li YM, Han JJ. Abnormal metabolism in hepatic stellate cells: Pandora's box of MAFLD related hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189086. [PMID: 38342420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189086] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as key mediators in liver injury response, are believed to play a crucial role in the repair process of liver injury. However, in MAFLD patients, the normal metabolic and immunoregulatory mechanisms of HSCs become disrupted, leading to disturbances in the local microenvironment. Abnormally activated HSCs are heavily involved in the initiation and progression of HCC. The metabolic disorders and abnormal activation of HSCs not only initiate liver fibrosis but also contribute to carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the relationship between the abnormal metabolism of HSCs and the local immune system in the liver, elucidating the mechanisms of immune imbalance caused by abnormally activated HSCs in MAFLD patients. Based on this understanding, we discuss the potential and challenges of metabolic-based and immunology-based mechanisms in the treatment of MAFLD-related HCC, with a specific focus on the role of HSCs in HCC progression and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapy. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the importance of HSCs in maintaining normal liver function and highlights the significance of HSCs in the progression of MAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Dong Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yuan-Min Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Jian-Jun Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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3
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Li ZB, Jiang L, Ni JD, Xu YH, Liu F, Liu WM, Wang SG, Liu ZQ, Wang CY. Salvianolic acid B suppresses hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting ceramide glucosyltransferase in hepatic stellate cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1191-1205. [PMID: 36627345 PMCID: PMC10203340 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-01044-9] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) is the first key enzyme in glycosphingolipid (GSL) metabolism that produces glucosylceramide (GlcCer). Increased UGCG synthesis is associated with cell proliferation, invasion and multidrug resistance in human cancers. In this study we investigated the role of UGCG in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. We first found that UGCG was over-expressed in fibrotic livers and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In human HSC-LX2 cells, inhibition of UGCG with PDMP or knockdown of UGCG suppressed the expression of the biomarkers of HSC activation (α-SMA and collagen I). Furthermore, pretreatment with PDMP (40 μM) impaired lysosomal homeostasis and blocked the process of autophagy, leading to activation of retinoic acid signaling pathway and accumulation of lipid droplets. After exploring the structure and key catalytic residues of UGCG in the activation of HSCs, we conducted virtual screening, molecular interaction and molecular docking experiments, and demonstrated salvianolic acid B (SAB) from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza as an UGCG inhibitor with an IC50 value of 159 μM. In CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis, intraperitoneal administration of SAB (30 mg · kg-1 · d-1, for 4 weeks) significantly alleviated hepatic fibrogenesis by inhibiting the activation of HSCs and collagen deposition. In addition, SAB displayed better anti-inflammatory effects in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. These results suggest that UGCG may represent a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis; SAB could act as an inhibitor of UGCG, which is expected to be a candidate drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Bo Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jia-Dong Ni
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuan-Hang Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wen-Ming Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shao-Gui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Zhong-Qiu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Cai-Yan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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4
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Chowdhury O, Ghosh S, Das A, Liu H, Shang P, Stepicheva NA, Hose S, Sinha D, Chattopadhyay S. Sustained systemic inflammation increases autophagy and induces EMT/fibrotic changes in mouse liver cells: Protection by melatonin. Cell Signal 2023; 101:110521. [PMID: 36375715 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110521] [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: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The unending lifestyle stressors along with genetic predisposition, environmental factors and infections have pushed the immune system into a state of constant activity, leading to unresolved inflammation and increased vulnerability to chronic diseases. Liver fibrosis, an early-stage liver condition that increases the risk of developing liver diseases like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, is among the various diseases linked to inflammation that dominate worldwide morbidity and mortality. We developed a mouse model with low-grade lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure that shows hepatic damage and a pro-inflammatory condition in the liver. We show that inflammation and oxidative changes increase autophagy in liver cells, a degradation process critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Our findings from in vivo and in vitro studies also show that induction of both inflammation and autophagy trigger epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and pro-fibrotic changes in hepatocytes. Inhibiting the inflammatory pathways with a naturally occurring NF-κB inhibitor and antioxidant, melatonin, could assuage the changes in autophagy and activation of EMT/fibrotic pathways in hepatocytes. Taken together, this study shows a pathway linking inflammation and autophagy which could be targeted for future drug development to delay the progression of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Chowdhury
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Sayan Ghosh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ankur Das
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
| | - Haitao Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peng Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nadezda A Stepicheva
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stacey Hose
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Wilmer Eye Institute, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sreya Chattopadhyay
- Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, West Bengal, India; Centre for Research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CRNN), University of Calcutta, JD-2, Salt Lake, Sector III, Kolkata 700098, India.
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5
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Lee JH, Im SS. Function of gaseous hydrogen sulfide in liver fibrosis. BMB Rep 2022. [PMID: 36195563 PMCID: PMC9623240 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2022.55.10.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been shown to exert several biological functions in mammalian. The endogenous production of H2S is mainly mediated by cystathione β-synthase, cystathione γ-lyase and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase. These enzymes are broadly expressed in liver tissue and regulates liver function by working on a variety of molecular targets. As an important regulator of liver function, H2S is critically involved in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and liver cancer. Targeting H2S-generating enzymes may be a therapeutic strategy for controlling liver diseases. This review described the function of H2S in liver disease and summarized recent characterized role of H2S in several cellular process of the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Ho Lee
- Department of Physiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Korea
| | - Seung-Soon Im
- Department of Physiology, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Korea
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Yu M, Zhu W, Wang J, Chen X, He X, Lin B, Cen L, Zhou T, Lu C, Yu C, Sun J. Caveolin-1 Alleviates Crohn's Disease-induced Intestinal Fibrosis by Inhibiting Fibroblasts Autophagy Through Modulating Sequestosome 1. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2022; 28:923-935. [PMID: 35020883 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izab342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD) and is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by activated myofibroblasts. Caveolin-1 (CAV1) inhibits fibrosis. However, limited data show that CAV1 affects intestinal fibrosis. METHODS Human CD tissue samples were gained from patients with CD who underwent surgical resection of the intestine and were defined as stenotic or nonstenotic areas. A dextran sodium sulfate-induced mouse model of intestinal fibrosis was established. For in vitro experiments, we purchased CCD-18Co intestinal fibrosis cells and isolated and cultured human primary colonic fibroblasts. These fibroblasts were activated by transforming growth factor β administration for 48 hours. In the functional experiments, a specific small interfering RNA or overexpression plasmid was transfected into fibroblasts. The messenger RNA levels of fibrosis markers, such as α-smooth muscle actin, fibronectin, connective tissue growth factor, and collagen I1α, were determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis was applied to detect the expression of CAV1, SQSTM1/p62 (sequestosome 1), and other fibrosis markers. RESULTS In human CD samples and the dextran sodium sulfate-induced mouse model of intestinal fibrosis, we observed a downregulation of CAV1 in fibrosis-activated areas. Mechanistically, CAV1 knockdown in both human primary colonic fibroblasts and CCD-18Co cells promoted fibroblast activation, while CAV1 overexpression inhibited fibroblast activation in vitro. We found that SQSTM1/p62 positively correlated with CAV1 expression levels in patients with CD and that it was indirectly modulated by CAV1 expression. Rescue experiments showed that CAV1 decreased primary human intestinal fibroblast activation by inhibiting fibroblast autophagy through the modulation of SQSTM1/p62. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that CAV1 deficiency induces fibroblast activation by indirectly regulating SQSTM1/p62 to promote fibroblast autophagy. CAV1 or SQSTM1/p62 may be potential therapeutic targets for intestinal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jinhai Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xueyang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinjue He
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bingru Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Cen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tianyu Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chaohui Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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7
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Brougham-Cook A, Jain I, Kukla DA, Masood F, Kimmel H, Ryoo H, Khetani SR, Underhill GH. High throughput interrogation of human liver stellate cells reveals microenvironmental regulation of phenotype. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:240-253. [PMID: 34800715 PMCID: PMC8738161 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a common feature of progressive liver disease and is manifested as a dynamic series of alterations in both the biochemical and biophysical properties of the liver. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) reside within the perisinusoidal space of the liver sinusoid and are one of the main drivers of liver fibrosis, yet it remains unclear how changes to the sinusoidal microenvironment impact HSC phenotype in the context of liver fibrosis. Cellular microarrays were used to examine and deconstruct the impacts of bio-chemo-mechanical changes on activated HSCs in vitro. Extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and stiffness were found to act individually and in combination to regulate HSC fibrogenic phenotype and proliferation. Hyaluronic acid and collagen III promoted elevated collagen I expression while collagen IV mediated a decrease. Previously activated HSCs exhibited reduced lysyl oxidase (Lox) expression as array substrate stiffness increased, with less dependence on ECM composition. Collagens III and IV increased HSC proliferation, whereas hyaluronic acid had the opposite effect. Meta-analysis performed on these data revealed distinct phenotypic clusters (e.g. low fibrogenesis/high proliferation) as a direct function of their microenvironmental composition. Notably, soft microenvironments mimicking healthy tissue (1 kPa), promoted higher levels of intracellular collagen I and Lox expression in activated HSCs, compared to stiff microenvironments mimicking fibrotic tissue (25 kPa). Collectively, these data suggest potential HSC functional adaptations in response to specific bio-chemo-mechanical changes relevant towards the development of therapeutic interventions. These findings also underscore the importance of the microenvironment when interrogating HSC behavior in healthy, disease, and treatment settings. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this work we utilized high-throughput cellular microarray technology to systematically interrogate the complex interactions between HSCs and their microenvironment in the context of liver fibrosis. We observed that HSC phenotype is regulated by ECM composition and stiffness, and that these phenotypes can be classified into distinct clusters based on their microenvironmental context. Moreover, the range of these phenotypic responses to microenvironmental stimuli is substantial and a direct consequence of the combinatorial pairing of ECM protein and stiffness signals. We also observed a novel role for microenvironmental context in affecting HSC responses to potential fibrosis therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Brougham-Cook
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Ishita Jain
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - David A Kukla
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Bioengineering, United States.
| | - Faisal Masood
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Hannah Kimmel
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Hyeon Ryoo
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
| | - Salman R Khetani
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Bioengineering, United States.
| | - Gregory H Underhill
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Bioengineering, 1406W Green St, Urbana, IL 61801, United States.
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Le TV, Dinh NBT, Dang MT, Phan NCL, Dang LTT, Grassi G, Holterman AXL, Le HM, Truong NH. Effects of autophagy inhibition by chloroquine on hepatic stellate cell activation in CCl4-induced acute liver injury mouse model. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:216-224. [PMID: 34713488 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15726] [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: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, a critical event in liver fibrosis, has been recently shown to be related to autophagy. Determine whether chloroquine (CQ) could affect (i) the activation of HSC in vivo and (ii) the hepatic damage in a mice acute liver injury model. METHODS The acute liver injury was induced in BALB/c mice by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 group); 24 h before and after CCl4 administration animals were treated by CQ (CCl4 + CQ group). As control, mice treated by olive oil were considered. After 48 h from CCl4 /olive oil administration, blood samples, liver tissues, and HSCs were harvested for analysis. RESULTS In vivo, CQ attenuates CCl4 -induced acute liver damage as evidenced by (i) the reduction of liver enlargement, (ii) the reduction of liver swelling and necrosis also supported by a certain decrease of circulating transaminases level, and (iii) the reduction of liver fibrosis evaluated by collagen deposition and α-sma protein expression. In HSCs isolated from CQ treated group, we observed the inhibition of autophagy proved by the increase in p62 protein and the decrease of lc3 protein. In addition, CQ reduced the expression of the HSCs activation markers α-sma/collagen-I and down-regulated the expression of the proliferative marker ki67. CONCLUSION The autophagy attenuation exerted by CQ together with the reduction of the expression of the proliferation marker in HSCs can lessen the acute liver damage potentially opening the way to novel therapeutic approaches for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinh Van Le
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application, University of Science-VNUHCM, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Ngoc Bao Thi Dinh
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application, University of Science-VNUHCM, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,International University, VNUHCM, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Minh Thanh Dang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application, University of Science-VNUHCM, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nhan Chinh Lu Phan
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Stem cell Institute, University of Science-VNUHCM, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Loan Tung Thi Dang
- Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Science-VNUHCM, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Gabriele Grassi
- Department of Life Sciences, Cattinara University Hospital, Trieste University, Trieste, Italy
| | - Ai Xuan Le Holterman
- Department of Pediatrics and Surgery, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Huy Minh Le
- Department of Pathology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nhung Hai Truong
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Research and Application, University of Science-VNUHCM, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Viet Nam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Science-VNUHCM, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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9
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Park YJ, Kim DM, Choi HB, Jeong MH, Kwon SH, Kim HR, Kwak JH, Chung KH. Dendropanoxide, a Triterpenoid from Dendropanax morbifera, Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells through Autophagy Inhibition. Nutrients 2021; 14:nu14010098. [PMID: 35010975 PMCID: PMC8796030 DOI: 10.3390/nu14010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis results from chronic liver damage and is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we showed that dendropanoxide (DPX), isolated from Dendropanax morbifera, had anti-fibrotic effects on hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. DPX suppressed mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen in activated HSCs. Moreover, DPX (40 mg/kg) treatment significantly lowered levels of liver injury markers (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase), expression of fibrotic markers, and deposition of ECM in a carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse model. Anti-fibrotic effects of DPX were comparable to those of silymarin in a hepatic fibrosis mouse model. As a possible mechanism of anti-fibrotic effects, we showed that DPX inhibited autophagosome formation (LC3B-II) and degradation of p62, which have important roles in HSC activation. These findings suggest that DPX inhibits HSC activation by inhibiting autophagy and can be utilized in hepatic fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Joo Park
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Korea;
| | - Dong-Min Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.-M.K.); (H.-B.C.)
- New Drug Research Center, Handok Inc., Seoul 06235, Korea
| | - Hye-Been Choi
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.-M.K.); (H.-B.C.)
| | - Mi-Ho Jeong
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Seung-Hwan Kwon
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Ha-Ryong Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Korea;
| | - Jong-Hwan Kwak
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.-M.K.); (H.-B.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.-H.K.); (K.-H.C.)
| | - Kyu-Hyuck Chung
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Korea; (D.-M.K.); (H.-B.C.)
- Correspondence: (J.-H.K.); (K.-H.C.)
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10
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Baghaei K, Mazhari S, Tokhanbigli S, Parsamanesh G, Alavifard H, Schaafsma D, Ghavami S. Therapeutic potential of targeting regulatory mechanisms of hepatic stellate cell activation in liver fibrosis. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1044-1061. [PMID: 34952225 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a manifestation of different etiologies of liver disease with the involvement of multiple mediators in complex network interactions. Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the central driver of hepatic fibrosis, given their potential to induce connective tissue formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein accumulation. Therefore, identifying the cellular and molecular pathways involved in the activation of HSCs is crucial in gaining mechanistic and therapeutic perspectives to more effectively target the disease. In addition to a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the role of HSCs in liver fibrosis, we also discuss here the proposed therapeutic strategies based on targeting HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Sogol Mazhari
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Gilda Parsamanesh
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | - Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
| | | | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
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11
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Wu KK. Control of Tissue Fibrosis by 5-Methoxytryptophan, an Innate Anti-Inflammatory Metabolite. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:759199. [PMID: 34858185 PMCID: PMC8632247 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.759199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis causes debilitating human diseases such as liver cirrhosis, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and pulmonary insufficiency. It is a dynamic process orchestrated by specific subsets of monocyte-macrophages, fibroblasts, pericytes and hepatic stellate cells. Fibrosis is linked to tissue inflammation. Pro-inflammatory macrophages promote fibrosis by driving myofibroblast differentiation and macrophage myofibroblast transition. Myofibroblasts express α-smooth muscle cell actin (α-SMA) and secrete extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins notably collagen I and III. Deposition of ECM proteins at injury sites and interstitial tissues distorts normal structure and impairs vital functions. Despite advances in the mechanisms of fibrosis at cellular, molecular and genetic levels, prevention and treatment of fibrotic diseases remain poorly developed. Recent reports suggest that 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) is effective in attenuating injury-induced liver, kidney, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis. It inhibits macrophage activation and blocks fibroblast differentiation to myofibroblasts. Furthermore, it inhibits hepatic stellate cell differentiation into myofibroblasts. As 5-MTP is an endogenous molecule derived from tryptophan catabolism via tryptophan hydroxylase pathway, it is well-suited as a lead compound for developing new anti-fibrotic drugs. This article provides an overview of 5-MTP synthesis, and a critical review of its anti-fibrotic activities. Its mechanisms of actions and potential therapeutic value will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth K Wu
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Taiwan.,Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing-Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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12
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Lucantoni F, Martínez-Cerezuela A, Gruevska A, Moragrega ÁB, Víctor VM, Esplugues JV, Blas-García A, Apostolova N. Understanding the implication of autophagy in the activation of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis: are we there yet? J Pathol 2021; 254:216-228. [PMID: 33834482 DOI: 10.1002/path.5678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs as a result of persistent liver injury and can be defined as a pathologic, chronic, wound-healing process in which functional parenchyma is progressively replaced by fibrotic tissue. As a phenomenon involved in the majority of chronic liver diseases, and therefore prevalent, it exerts a significant impact on public health. This impact becomes even more patent given the lack of a specific pharmacological therapy, with LF only being ameliorated or prevented through the use of agents that alleviate the underlying causes. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are fundamental mediators of LF, which, activated in response to pro-fibrotic stimuli, transdifferentiate from a quiescent phenotype into myofibroblasts that deposit large amounts of fibrotic tissue and mediate pro-inflammatory effects. In recent years, much effort has been devoted to understanding the mechanisms through which HSCs are activated or inactivated. Using cell culture and/or different animal models, numerous studies have shown that autophagy is enhanced during the fibrogenic process and have provided specific evidence to pinpoint the fundamental role of autophagy in HSC activation. This effect involves - though may not be limited to - the autophagic degradation of lipid droplets. Several hepatoprotective agents have been shown to reverse the autophagic alteration present in LF, but clinical confirmation of these effects is pending. On the other hand, there is evidence that implicates autophagy in several anti-fibrotic mechanisms in HSCs that stimulate HSC cell cycle arrest and cell death or prevent the generation of pro-fibrotic mediators, including excess collagen accumulation. The objective of this review is to offer a comprehensive analysis of published evidence of the role of autophagy in HSC activation and to provide hints for possible therapeutic targets for the treatment and/or prevention of LF related to autophagy. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Lucantoni
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Aleksandra Gruevska
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ángela B Moragrega
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Víctor M Víctor
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan V Esplugues
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Blas-García
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nadezda Apostolova
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
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13
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Kouroumalis E, Voumvouraki A, Augoustaki A, Samonakis DN. Autophagy in liver diseases. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:6-65. [PMID: 33584986 PMCID: PMC7856864 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i1.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is the liver cell energy recycling system regulating a variety of homeostatic mechanisms. Damaged organelles, lipids and proteins are degraded in the lysosomes and their elements are re-used by the cell. Investigations on autophagy have led to the award of two Nobel Prizes and a health of important reports. In this review we describe the fundamental functions of autophagy in the liver including new data on the regulation of autophagy. Moreover we emphasize the fact that autophagy acts like a two edge sword in many occasions with the most prominent paradigm being its involvement in the initiation and progress of hepatocellular carcinoma. We also focused to the implication of autophagy and its specialized forms of lipophagy and mitophagy in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. We analyzed autophagy not only in well studied diseases, like alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver and liver fibrosis but also in viral hepatitis, biliary diseases, autoimmune hepatitis and rare diseases including inherited metabolic diseases and also acetaminophene hepatotoxicity. We also stressed the different consequences that activation or impairment of autophagy may have in hepatocytes as opposed to Kupffer cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells or hepatic stellate cells. Finally, we analyzed the limited clinical data compared to the extensive experimental evidence and the possible future therapeutic interventions based on autophagy manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kouroumalis
- Liver Research Laboratory, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion 71110, Greece
| | - Argryro Voumvouraki
- 1 Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Thessaloniki 54636, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Augoustaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Crete, Heraklion 71110, Greece
| | - Dimitrios N Samonakis
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Crete, Heraklion 71110, Greece.
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14
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Yu Q, Cheng P, Wu J, Guo C. PPARγ/NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad pathway are involved in the anti-fibrotic effects of levo-tetrahydropalmatine on liver fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:1645-1660. [PMID: 33438347 PMCID: PMC7875896 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a necessary stage in the development of chronic liver diseases to liver cirrhosis. This study aims to investigate the anti‐fibrotic effects of levo‐tetrahydropalmatine (L‐THP) on hepatic fibrosis in mice and cell models and its underlying mechanisms. Two mouse hepatic fibrosis models were generated in male C57 mice by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 2 months and bile duct ligation (BDL) for 14 days. Levo‐tetrahydropalmatine was administered orally at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg. An activated LX2 cell model induced by TGF‐β1 was also generated. The results showed that levo‐tetrahydropalmatine alleviated liver fibrosis by inhibiting the formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulating the balance between TIMP1 and MMP2 in the two mice liver fibrosis models and cell model. Levo‐tetrahydropalmatine inhibited activation and autophagy of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by modulating PPARγ/NF‐κB and TGF‐β1/Smad pathway in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, levo‐tetrahydropalmatine attenuated liver fibrosis by inhibiting ECM deposition and HSCs autophagy via modulation of PPARγ/NF‐κB and TGF‐β1/Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- Department of Gerontology, Shanghai Minhang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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15
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Di Gregorio J, Robuffo I, Spalletta S, Giambuzzi G, De Iuliis V, Toniato E, Martinotti S, Conti P, Flati V. The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Fibrotic Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:607483. [PMID: 33409282 PMCID: PMC7779530 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.607483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which leads to scarring and loss of function of the affected organ or tissue. Indeed, the fibrotic process affects a variety of organs and tissues, with specific molecular background. However, two common hallmarks are shared: the crucial role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and the involvement of the inflammation process, that is essential for initiating the fibrotic degeneration. TGF-β in particular but also other cytokines regulate the most common molecular mechanism at the basis of fibrosis, the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT has been extensively studied, but not yet fully explored as a possible therapeutic target for fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between fibrosis and EMT may represent an opportunity for the development of a broadly effective anti-fibrotic therapy. Here we report the evidences of the relationship between EMT and multi-organ fibrosis, and the possible therapeutic approaches that may be developed by exploiting this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Di Gregorio
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Iole Robuffo
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Section of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sonia Spalletta
- Department of Clinical Pathology, E. Profili Hospital, Fabriano, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Giambuzzi
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Iuliis
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Toniato
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Martinotti
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pio Conti
- Postgraduate Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Flati
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
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16
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Pavlović N, Calitz C, Thanapirom K, Mazza G, Rombouts K, Gerwins P, Heindryckx F. Inhibiting IRE1α-endonuclease activity decreases tumor burden in a mouse model for hepatocellular carcinoma. eLife 2020; 9:e55865. [PMID: 33103995 PMCID: PMC7661042 DOI: 10.7554/elife.55865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver tumor that usually arises in patients with cirrhosis. Hepatic stellate cells are key players in the progression of HCC, as they create a fibrotic micro-environment and produce growth factors and cytokines that enhance tumor cell proliferation and migration. We assessed the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the cross-talk between stellate cells and HCC cells. Mice with a fibrotic HCC were treated with the IRE1α-inhibitor 4μ8C, which reduced tumor burden and collagen deposition. By co-culturing HCC-cells with stellate cells, we found that HCC-cells activate IREα in stellate cells, thereby contributing to their activation. Inhibiting IRE1α blocked stellate cell activation, which then decreased proliferation and migration of tumor cells in different in vitro 2D and 3D co-cultures. In addition, we also observed cell-line-specific direct effects of inhibiting IRE1α in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Pavlović
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Carlemi Calitz
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
| | - Kess Thanapirom
- Regenerative Medicine & Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Guiseppe Mazza
- Regenerative Medicine & Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Krista Rombouts
- Regenerative Medicine & Fibrosis Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College LondonLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Pär Gerwins
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
- Department of Radiology, Uppsala University HospitalUppsalaSweden
| | - Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala UniversityUppsalaSweden
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17
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Kong D, Zhang Z, Chen L, Huang W, Zhang F, Wang L, Wang Y, Cao P, Zheng S. Curcumin blunts epithelial-mesenchymal transition of hepatocytes to alleviate hepatic fibrosis through regulating oxidative stress and autophagy. Redox Biol 2020; 36:101600. [PMID: 32526690 PMCID: PMC7287144 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2020.101600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The massive production and activation of myofibroblasts (MFB) is key to the development of liver fibrosis. In many studies, it has been proven that hepatocytes are an important part of MFB, and can be transformed into MFB through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during hepatic fibrogenesis. In our previous study, we confirmed that curcumin inhibited EMT procession and differentiation of hepatocytes into MFB. In addition, in previous studies, it has been shown that autophagy plays an important role in the regulation of cellular EMT procession. In the current study, we showed that curcumin inhibited TGF-β/Smad signaling transmission by activating autophagy, thereby inhibiting EMT. The mechanism of degradative polyubiquitylation of Smad2 and Smad3 is likely through inhibiting tetratricopeptide repeat domain 3 (TTC3) and by inducing ubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of Smad ubiquitination regulatory factor 2 (SMURF2), which on account of the increase of autophagy in hepatocytes. Curcumin inhibits levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in hepatocytes by activating PPAR-α, and regulates upstream signaling pathways of autophagy AMPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR, leading to an increase of the autophagic flow in hepatocytes. In this study, we confirm that curcumin effectively reduced the occurrence of EMT in hepatocytes and inhibited production of the extracellular matrix (ECM) by activating autophagy, which provides a potential novel therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, China
| | - Weifang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Integral Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210022, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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18
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Abd Elmaaboud M, Khattab H, Shalaby S. Hepatoprotective effect of linagliptin against liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 99:294-302. [PMID: 32726558 DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2020-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate linagliptin for its potential role in the prevention of liver fibrosis progression. Balb-C mice were randomly allocated into five groups (10 each): (i) control; (ii) mice were injected intraperitoneally with 50 μL carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in corn oil in a dose of 0.6 μL/g three times per week for four weeks; (iii) linagliptin was administered orally in a daily dose of 10 mg/kg simultaneously with CCl4; (iv) silymarin was administered orally in a daily dose of 200 mg/kg concomitantly with CCl4; and (v) only linagliptin was administered. Hepatic injury was manifested in the CCl4 group by elevation of biochemical parameters (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP)), and hepatic fibrosis was evident histopathologically by increased METAVIR score and immunostaining expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as well as increased liver tissue oxidative stress parameters, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Linagliptin was able to stop the progression of liver fibrosis, evident histopathologically with reduced METAVIR score and α-SMA expression. The possible mechanism may be via suppression of oxidative stress, TGF-β1, and mTOR, which was associated with improvement of serum biochemical parameters ALT and AST. In conclusion, linagliptin might help to protect the liver against persistent injury-related consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaly Abd Elmaaboud
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Haidy Khattab
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Shahinaz Shalaby
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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19
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Src Inhibition Attenuates Liver Fibrosis by Preventing Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Decreasing Connetive Tissue Growth Factor. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030558. [PMID: 32120837 PMCID: PMC7140470 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The SRC kinase family comprises non-receptor tyrosine kinases that are ubiquitously expressed in all cell types. Although Src is reportedly activated in pulmonary and renal fibrosis, little is known regarding its role in liver fibrosis. This study investigated whether the inhibition of Src protects against liver fibrosis. The expression of Src was upregulated in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced fibrotic mouse liver and cirrhosis of patients, and phospho-Src was upregulated during activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). In addition, Src inhibition reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) in primary HSCs and suppressed transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in hepatocytes. Src inhibitor Saracatinib also attenuated TAA-induced expression of type I collagen, αSMA, and CTGF in mouse liver tissues. The antifibrotic effect of Src inhibitors was associated with the downregulation of Smad3, but not of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). In addition, Src inhibition increased autophagy flux and protected against liver fibrosis. These results suggest that Src plays an important role in liver fibrosis and that Src inhibitors could be treat liver fibrosis.
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20
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Giambartolomei GH, Delpino MV. Immunopathogenesis of Hepatic Brucellosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:423. [PMID: 31956605 PMCID: PMC6951397 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatic immune system can induce rapid and controlled responses to pathogenic microorganisms and tumor cells. Accordingly, most of the microorganisms that reach the liver through the blood are eliminated. However, some of them, including Brucella spp., take advantage of the immunotolerant capacity of the liver to persist in the host. Brucella has a predilection for surviving in the reticuloendothelial system, with the liver being the largest organ of this system in the human body. Therefore, its involvement in brucellosis is practically invariable. In patients with active brucellosis, the liver is commonly affected, and the most frequent clinical manifestation is hepatosplenomegaly. The molecular mechanisms implicated in liver damage have been recently elucidated. It has been demonstrated how Brucella interacts with hepatocytes inducing its death by apoptosis. The inflammatory microenvironment and the direct effect of Brucella on hepatic stellate cells (HSC) induce their activation and turn these cells from its quiescent form to their fibrogenic phenotype. This HSC activation induced by Brucella infection relies on the presence of a functional type IV secretion system and the effector protein BPE005 through a mechanism involved in the activation of the autophagic pathway. Finally, the molecular mechanisms of liver brucellosis observed so far are shedding light on how the interaction of Brucella with liver cells may play an important role in the discovery of new targets to control the infection. In this review, we report the current understanding of the interaction between liver structural cells and immune system cells during Brucella infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Hernán Giambartolomei
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Delpino
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (UBA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Li J, Li Y. Autophagy is involved in allergic rhinitis by inducing airway remodeling. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2019; 9:1346-1351. [PMID: 31537051 DOI: 10.1002/alr.22424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic disorder affecting 10-40% of the population worldwide. Autophagy has been implicated in numerous biological processes, including aging, immunity, development, and differentiation, and has been shown to affect the pathogenesis of allergic disease and airway remodeling. In this study we attempted to determine the association between autophagy and AR pathogenesis. METHODS The severity of nasal and extranasal symptoms was measured with visual analog scale (VAS) scores. Autophagosome formation was detected in the nasal epithelium by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blots and quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to examine expression levels of autophagic markers. Collagen deposition was detected via Masson trichrome staining and collagen III expression was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between autophagy, AR symptoms, and collagen levels. RESULTS Patients with AR had more autophagosomes, increased levels of Beclin-1 mRNA, and higher Beclin-1 and LC3-II protein expression. Collagen III protein expression was also higher in patients with AR than in the controls. Higher expression of Beclin-1 was associated with higher VAS scores (Spearman's rho = 0.905, p < 0.01), higher collagen deposition (Spearman's rho = 0.862, p < 0.01), and higher collagen III protein (Spearman's rho = 0.849, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The autophagosome and autophagic markers are highly expressed in the upper airways of patients with AR and are associated with corresponding changes in airway remodeling markers. Our data suggest a link between autophagy and airway remodeling in AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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22
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Liang Y, Pan Q, Wang R, Ye Z, Li Z, Zeng L, Chen Y, Ma X, Li M, Miao H. Microvesicles Derived from TGF-β1 Stimulated Hepatic Stellate Cells Aggravate Hepatocellular Injury. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:1128-1139. [PMID: 31140359 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are liver-specific cells playing critical roles in liver physiological and pathophysiological processes. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is an inflammatory cytokine secreted by both hepatocytes and HSCs. We have previously shown that microvesicles (MVs) derived from quiescent HSCs protect hepatocyte functions. In this study, we investigated the effects of MVs released from TGF-β1-stimulated HSCs (HSC-MVs) on xenobiotic-injured hepatocytes. Two hepatocyte cell lines (BRL-3A and HL-7702) were treated with N-acetyl-p-aminophenol or H2O2 to build the injury models. Different concentrations of HSC-MVs were used to coculture with injured hepatocytes. MTT, Hochest33258 staining, and flow cytometry were used to determine their effects on the viability and apoptosis of hepatocytes. Liver injury indicators, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST), were assessed by enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay kits. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activator (740Y-P) and extracelluar signal regulated kinase (Erk)1/2 activator (platelet-derived growth factor-BB) were used for pathway analysis. The expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and activated caspase-3 were measured by western blot. Results showed that (i) HSC-MVs dose dependently impaired the viability of hepatocytes in both injury models, (ii) moreover, HSC-MVs dose dependently increased the apoptosis in those cell models, (iii) HSC-MVs also elevated the levels of ALT and AST in the coculture media, and (iv) these effects were accompanied by a decrease in p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt, which could be partially abolished by 740Y-P. Meanwhile, the proapoptotic effect of HSC-MVs was associated with p-Erk1/2/Erk1/2 downregulation and activated caspase-3 upregulation, and could be inhibited by Erk1/2 activation. Our findings demonstrate that HSC-MVs are involved in inflammatory hepatocytes injury probably through the PI3K/Akt, Erk1/2, and caspase-3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaolong Liang
- 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Qunwen Pan
- 2Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Institute of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Rongfeng Wang
- 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zhirong Ye
- 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Zitao Li
- 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Lingdiao Zeng
- 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Yanfang Chen
- 2Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Institute of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiaotang Ma
- 2Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age-Related Cardiac and Cerebral Diseases, Institute of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Mingyi Li
- 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Huilai Miao
- 1Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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Liu X, Zhang M, Zhang H, Zhao A, Sun J, Tang W. [Role of PPAR-γ-regulated autophagy in genistein-induced inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:561-565. [PMID: 31140420 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.05.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the inhibitory effect of genistein on activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and the role of the autophagy pathway regulated by PPAR-γ in mediating this effect. METHODS Cultured HSC-T6 cells were exposed to different concentrations of genistein for 48 h, and HSC activation was verified by detecting the expressions of -SMA and 1(I) collagen; autophagy activation in the cells was determined by detecting the expressions of LC3-II and p62 using Western blotting. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA was used to confirm the role of autophagy in genistein-induced inhibition of HSC activation. A PPAR-γ inhibitor was used to explore the role of PPAR-γ in activating autophagy in the HSCs. RESULTS Genistein at concentrations of 5 and 50 μmol/L significantly inhibited the expressions of -SMA and 1(I) collagen (P < 0.05), markedly upregulated the expressions of PPAR-γ and the autophagy-related protein LC3-II (P < 0.05) and significantly down-regulated the expression of the ubiqutin-binding protein p62 (P < 0.05) in HSC-T6 cells. The cells pretreated with 3-MA prior to genistein treatment showed significantly increased protein expressions of -SMA and 1(I) collagen compared with the cells treated with genistein only (P < 0.05). Treatment with the PPAR-γ inhibitor obviously lowered the expression of LC3-II and enhanced the expression p62 in genistein-treated HSC-T6 cells, suggesting the activation of the autophagy pathway. CONCLUSIONS PPAR-γ- regulated autophagy plays an important role in mediating genistein-induced inhibition of HSC activation in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xipeng Liu
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Meifang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Haifeng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Anda Zhao
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Juan Sun
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
| | - Wen Tang
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Ninth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
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Zhang Q, Gao F, Cheng L, Liu L, Sun W, Li Z. [Effects of icariin on autophagy and exosome production of bone microvascular endothelial cells]. ZHONGGUO XIU FU CHONG JIAN WAI KE ZA ZHI = ZHONGGUO XIUFU CHONGJIAN WAIKE ZAZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF REPARATIVE AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY 2019; 33:568-577. [PMID: 31090350 DOI: 10.7507/1002-1892.201811009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effects of icariin on autophagy induced by low-concentration of glucocorticoid and exosome production in bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs). Methods BMECs were isolated from femoral heads resected in total hip arthroplasty and then intervened with hydrocortisone of low concentration (0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.10 mg/mL), which were set as groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. On the basis of hydrocortisone intervention, 5×10 -5 mol/L of icariin was added to each group (set as groups A1, B1, C1 and D1, respectively). Western blot was used to detect the expressions of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) and dead bone slice 1 (p62) after 24 hours. Exosomes were extracted from BMECs treated with icariin (intervention group) and without icariin (non-intervention group), and the diameter and concentration of exosomes were evaluated by nanoparticle tracking analysis technique. The total protein content of exosomes was detected by BCA method, and the expressions of proteins carried by exosomes including CD9, CD81, transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF-β 1), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) were assessed by Western blot. The BMECs were further divided into three groups: BMECs in the experimental group and the control group were co-cultured with exosomes secreted by BMECs treated with or without icariin, respectively; the blank control group was BMECs without exosome intervention. The three groups were treated with hydrocortisone and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of LC3B and p62. The scratching assay was used to detect cell migration ability; angiogenic ability of BMECs was also assessed. Results With the increase of hydrocortisone concentration, the protein expression of LC3B-Ⅱ increased gradually, and the protein expression of p62 decreased gradually ( P<0.01). Compared with group with same concentration of hydrocortisone, the protein expression of LC3B-Ⅱ decreased and the protein expression of p62 increased after the administration of icariin ( P<0.01). The concentration of exosomes in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the non-intervention group ( t=-10.191, P=0.001); and there was no significant difference in exosome diameter and total protein content between the two groups ( P>0.05). CD9 and CD81 proteins were highly expressed in the non-intervention group and the intervention group, and the relative expression ratios of VEGFA/CD9 and TGF-β 1/CD9 proteins in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the non-intervention group ( P<0.01). After co-culture of exosomes, the protein expression of p62 increased in blank control group, control group, and experimental group, while the protein expression of LC3B-Ⅱ decreased. There were significant differences among groups ( P<0.05). When treated with hydrocortisone for 12 and 24 hours, the scratch closure rate of the control group and experimental group was significantly higher than that of the blank control group ( P<0.05), and the scratch closure rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( P<0.05). When treated with hydrocortisone for 4 and 8 hours, the number of lumens, number of sprouting vessels, and length of tubule branches in the experimental group and the control group were significantly greater than those in the blank control group ( P<0.05); the length of tubule branches and the number of lumens in the experimental group were significantly greater than those in the control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion Icariin and BMECs-derived exosomes can improve the autophagy of BMECs induced by low concentration of glucocorticoid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingyu Zhang
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China;Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, P.R.China
| | - Fuqiang Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, P.R.China
| | - Liming Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, P.R.China
| | - Lihua Liu
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China;Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, P.R.China
| | - Wei Sun
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, P.R.China;Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, P.R.China;Center for Osteonecrosis and Joint Preserving & Reconstruction, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029,
| | - Zirong Li
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, P.R.China
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Coenzyme Q10 attenuates lung and liver fibrosis via modulation of autophagy in methotrexate treated rat. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:892-901. [PMID: 30551543 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the potential protective effects of coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10) administration on methotrexate induced lung and liver fibrosis in rat model, and to explore our hypothesis regarding its possible mechanism of action through reactivation of autophagy pathway. Methotrexate induced fibrosis was achieved by intraperitoneal injections twice a week for 4 weeks. A combined treatment of CoQ10 and methotrexate were used. Blood samples for biochemical analysis, lung and livers tissue for biochemical and histopathological analysis, were investigated. Concomitant treatment of CoQ10 & methotrexate caused improvement in histological picture of the lung and liver tissues, liver function and oxidative stress biomarkers, modulation of autophagy genes [mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR), Microtubule-associated proteins 1 A/1B light chain 3 (MAP1LC3B), and Sequestosome 1 ubiquitin-binding protein p62 (p62/SQSTM1)] with simultaneous reduction in High Mobility Group Protein B1 (HMGB1). Based on our results we postulated that CoQ10 up regulates autophagy pathway that could explain its protective properties against lung and liver fibrosis caused by methotrexate treatment in current study rat model.
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26
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HMGB1-induced autophagy facilitates hepatic stellate cells activation: a new pathway in liver fibrosis. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:1645-1667. [PMID: 29907694 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
High-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) plays a context-dependent role in autophagy, which is required for hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation. However, the significance of HMGB1-induced HSCs autophagy in liver fibrosis has not been elucidated. Here, we first documented an enrichment of peripheral and intrahepatic HMGB1 signal in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver fibrosis progression, and presented a direct evidence of anatomic proximity of HMGB1 with a-SMA (a marker for HSCs activation) in cirrhotic liver specimens. Then, we demonstrated the autophagy-inducing effects by serum-sourced HMGB1 in both primary murine HSCs and human HSCs cell line (LX-2), reflected by increased number of autophagic vacuoles (AVs) under the transmission electron microscope (TEM) and up-regulated protein expression of lipidated microtubule-associated light chain 3 (LC3-II) (a marker for autophagosome) in Western blot analysis. Intriguingly, there is a possible translocation of endogenous HMGB1 from the nucleus to cytoplasm to extracellular space, during exogenous HMGB1-induced HSCs autophagy. Meanwhile, the dose- and time-dependent effects by recombinant HMGB1 (rHMGB1) in enhancing LX-2 autophagy and fibrogenesis have been revealed with activated extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and restrained mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/STAT3 signaling pathways. Additionally, the ERK or JNK inhibitor could not only inhibit rHMGB1-induced autophagy and fibrogenesis in LX-2 cells, but also restore the suppressed mTOR and STAT3 pathways. Furthermore, using LC3-siRNA transfected LX-2, we found HMGB1-induced fibrogenesis is dependent on its autophagy-inducing effects. Finally, we elucidated the involvement of extracellular HMGB1-receptor for advenced glycation end product (RAGE) axis and endogenous HMGB1 in exogenous HMGB1-induced effects. Our findings could open new perspectives in developing an antifibrotic therapy by targetting the HSCs autophagy.
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27
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Wang X, Song X, Si Y, Xia J, Wang B, Wang P. Effect of autophagy-associated proteins on the arecoline-induced liver injury in mice. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:3041-3049. [PMID: 30214523 PMCID: PMC6125830 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Arecoline can be used to treat diseases including glaucoma and tapeworm infection, however, long-term administration can cause severe adverse effects, including oral submucosal fibrosis, oral cancer, hepatic injury and liver cancer. Autophagy serves a role in these injuries. The present study established a mouse model of arecoline-induced hepatic injury and investigated the role of autophagy-associated proteins in this injury. The results indicated that the expression levels of the autophagy marker protein microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 B (MAP1LC3B) and autophagy-promoting protein beclin 1 were elevated in the injured hepatic cells, while the expression levels of a well-known negative regulator of autophagy, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), were reduced. Following treatment of the hepatic injury with glutathione, the liver function improved and liver damage was reduced effectively. Compared with the control group, the expression levels of both MAP1LC3B and beclin 1 were significantly upregulated in the glutathione-treated mice, but the expression of mTOR was significantly downregulated. It may be concluded that in the process of protecting against arecoline-induced hepatic injury, glutathione cooperates with mTOR and beclin 1 to accelerate autophagy, maintaining stable cell morphology and cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Wang
- Department of Pathology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Xinhong Song
- Department of Radiology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264100, P.R. China
| | - Youjiao Si
- Department of Radiology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264100, P.R. China
| | - Jikai Xia
- Department of Radiology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264100, P.R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Medical Imaging Research Institute, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264003, P.R. China
| | - Peiyuan Wang
- Department of Radiology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong 264100, P.R. China
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Ezhilarasan D, Sokal E, Najimi M. Hepatic fibrosis: It is time to go with hepatic stellate cell-specific therapeutic targets. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2018; 17:192-197. [PMID: 29709350 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological lesion, characterized by the progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the perisinusoidal space and it is a major problem in chronic liver diseases. Phenotypic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a central role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Retardation of proliferation and clearance of activated HSCs from the injured liver is an appropriate therapeutic strategy for the resolution and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Clearance of activated HSCs from the injured liver by autophagy inhibitors, proapoptotic agents and senescence inducers with the high affinity toward the activated HSCs may be the novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Etienne Sokal
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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Xing X, Chen S, Li L, Cao Y, Chen L, Wang X, Zhu Z. The Active Components of Fuzheng Huayu Formula and Their Potential Mechanism of Action in Inhibiting the Hepatic Stellate Cells Viability - A Network Pharmacology and Transcriptomics Approach. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:525. [PMID: 29881350 PMCID: PMC5976863 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to identify the active components of Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) formula and the mechanism by which they inhibit the viability of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) by a combination of network pharmacology and transcriptomics. Methods: The active components of FZHY formula were screened out by text mining. Similarity match and molecular docking were used to predict the target proteins of these compounds. We then searched the STRING database to analyze the key enriched processes, pathways and related diseases of these target proteins. The relevant networks were constructed by Cytoscape. A network analysis method was established by integrating data from above network pharmacology with known transcriptomics analysis of quiescent HSCs-activated HSCs to identify the most possible targets of the active components in FZHY formula. A cell-based assay (LX-2 and T6 cells) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis were used to validate the most possible active component-target protein interactions (CTPIs). Results: 40 active ingredients in FZHY formula and their 79 potential target proteins were identified by network pharmacology approach. Further network analysis reduced the 79 potential target proteins to 31, which were considered more likely to be the target proteins of the active components in FZHY formula. In addition, further enrichment analysis of 31 target proteins indicated that the HIF-1, PI3K-Akt, FoxO, and chemokine signaling pathways may be the primary pathways regulated by FZHY formula in inhibiting the HSCs viability for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Of the 31 target proteins, peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPARG) was selected for validation by experiments at the cellular and molecular level. The results demonstrated that schisandrin B, salvianolic acid A and kaempferol could directly bind to PPARG, decreasing the viability of HSCs (T6 cells and LX-2 cells) and exerting anti-fibrosis effects. Conclusion: The active ingredients of FZHY formula were successfully identified and the mechanisms by which they inhibit HSC viability determined, using network pharmacology and transcriptomics. This work is expected to benefit the clinical application of this formula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinrui Xing
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Si Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Postdoctoral Research Workstation, 210th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dalian, China
| | - Ling Li
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Langdong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Postdoctoral Research Workstation, 210th Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Dalian, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Schaefer L. Decoding fibrosis: Mechanisms and translational aspects. Matrix Biol 2018; 68-69:1-7. [PMID: 29679639 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis, a complex process of abnormal tissue healing which inevitably leads to loss of physiological organ structure and function, is a worldwide leading cause of death. Despite a large body of research over the last two decades, antifibrotic approaches are mainly limited to organ replacement therapy generating high costs of medical care. In this translational issue, a unique group of basic and clinical researchers provide meaningful answers to a desperate call of society for effective antifibrotic treatments. Fortunately, a plethora of novel fibrogenic factors and biomarkers has been identified. Noninvasive diagnostic methods and drug delivery systems have been recently developed for the management of fibrosis. Consequently, a large number of exciting clinical trials addressing comprehensive, organ and stage-specific mechanisms of fibrogenesis are ongoing. By critically addressing previously unsuccessful and novel promising therapeutic strategies, we aim to spread hope for future treatments of the various forms of organ fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Schaefer
- Pharmazentrum Frankfurt, Institut für Allgemeine Pharmakologie und Toxikologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main 60590, Germany.
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31
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Chen W, Zhang Z, Yao Z, Wang L, Zhang F, Shao J, Chen A, Zheng S. Activation of autophagy is required for Oroxylin A to alleviate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 56:148-155. [PMID: 29414645 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible pathophysiological process correlated with intense repair and cicatrization mechanisms, and its end-stage cirrhosis is responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Interestingly, the use of natural products as a realistic option for the treatment of liver fibrosis has broadly been accepted. Oroxylin A, a safe and natural product, shows a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor properties. However, the effects of Oroxylin A on liver fibrosis remain poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of Oroxylin A on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, and to further examine the molecular mechanisms. We found that treatment with Oroxylin A markedly decreased the level of liver injury markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, Oroxylin A treatment remarkably inhibited extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and significantly down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of liver fibrosis markers including α1(I)collagen, fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), PDGF-βR, and TGF-βR1 in CCl4-induced murine model of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, experimental results in vitro showed that Oroxylin A treatment reduced the mRNA and protein expression of HSC activation markers, α-SMA, desmin, α1 (I) collagen, fibronectin, TGF-β, and TNF-α, in a dose dependent manner. Attractively, Oroxylin A treatment also markedly up-regulated the expression of autophagy makers, LC3-B, Atg3, Atg4, Atg5, Beclin1/Atg6, Atg7, Atg9, ATG12, and Atg14, and apparently reduced the expression of autophagy substrate p62 in both CCl4-induced murine model of liver fibrosis and PDGF-BB-treated HSCs. Importantly, inhibition of autophagy by specific inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) completely abolished Oroxylin A-induced anti-fibrosis effect, indicating that activation of autophagy was required for Oroxylin A to alleviate liver fibrosis. Overall, these results provide novel implications to reveal the molecular mechanism of Oroxylin A-induced anti-fibrosis properties, by which points to the possibility of using Oroxylin A for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhen Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Feng J, Chen K, Xia Y, Wu L, Li J, Li S, Wang W, Lu X, Liu T, Guo C. Salidroside ameliorates autophagy and activation of hepatic stellate cells in mice via NF-κB and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways. Drug Des Devel Ther 2018; 12:1837-1853. [PMID: 29970958 PMCID: PMC6021006 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s162950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is commonly seen and a necessary stage in chronic liver disease. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of salidroside on liver fibrosis in mice and its potential mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS Two mouse liver fibrosis models were established by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 8 weeks and bile duct ligation for 14 days. Salidroside was injected intraperitoneally at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg once a day. Gene and protein expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Salidroside inhibited the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) and regulated the balance between MMP2 and TIMP1 and, therefore, alleviated liver fibrosis in the two fibrosis models. Salidroside reduced the production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) via the nuclear factor-κB signaling pathway and, therefore, inhibited the activation of HSCs and autophagy by downregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Salidroside can effectively attenuate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of HSCs in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yujing Xia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liwei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sainan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenwen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiya Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence: Chuanyong Guo, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Number 301, Middle Yanchang Road, Jing’an, Shanghai 200072, China, Tel +86 21 6630 2535, Fax +86 21 6630 3983, Email
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Brucella abortus Promotes a Fibrotic Phenotype in Hepatic Stellate Cells, with Concomitant Activation of the Autophagy Pathway. Infect Immun 2017; 86:IAI.00522-17. [PMID: 28993461 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00522-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is frequently affected in patients with active brucellosis. The present study demonstrates that Brucella abortus infection induces the activation of the autophagic pathway in hepatic stellate cells to create a microenvironment that promotes a profibrogenic phenotype through the induction of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), collagen deposition, and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) secretion. Autophagy was revealed by upregulation of the LC3II/LC3I ratio and Beclin-1 expression as well as inhibition of p62 expression in infected cells. The above-described findings were dependent on the type IV secretion system (VirB) and the secreted BPE005 protein, which were partially corroborated using the pharmacological inhibitors wortmannin, a phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase inhibitor, and leupeptin plus E64 (inhibitors of lysosomal proteases). Activation of the autophagic pathway in hepatic stellate cells during Brucella infection could have an important contribution to attenuating inflammatory hepatic injury by inducing fibrosis. However, with time, B. abortus infection induced Beclin-1 cleavage with concomitant cleavage of caspase-3, indicating the onset of apoptosis of LX-2 cells, as was confirmed by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay and Hoechst staining. These results demonstrate that the cross talk of LX-2 cells and B. abortus induces autophagy and fibrosis with concomitant apoptosis of LX-2 cells, which may explain some potential mechanisms of liver damage observed in human brucellosis.
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Tsai ML, Tsai SP, Ho CT. Tetrahydrocurcumin attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrogenesis by inhibiting the activation and autophagy of hepatic stellate cells. J Funct Foods 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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35
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Liu T, Liu Y, Miller M, Cao L, Zhao J, Wu J, Wang J, Liu L, Li S, Zou M, Xu J, Broide DH, Dong L. Autophagy plays a role in FSTL1-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition and airway remodeling in asthma. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2017; 313:L27-L40. [PMID: 28473327 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00510.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic disease related to airway hyperresponsiveness and airway remodeling. Airway remodeling is the important reason of refractory asthma and is associated with differentiation of airway epithelia into myofibroblasts via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to increase the process of subepithelial fibrosis. There is growing evidence that autophagy modulates remodeling. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects are still unclear. In this study, we hypothesized that Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) promotes EMT and airway remodeling by intensifying autophagy. With the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), double-membrane autophagosomes were detected in the airways of patients and mice. More autophagosomes were in patients with asthma and OVA-challenged mice compared with healthy controls. The expression of FSTL1 and beclin-1 was upregulated in the airways of patients with asthma and OVA-challenged mice, accompanied by airway EMT and remodeling. In OVA-challenged Fstl1+/- mice, the degree of airway remodeling and autophagy was decreased compared with control mice. The effects of FSTL1 on autophagy and EMT were also tested in 16HBE cells in vitro. Additionally, inhibition of autophagy by using LY-294002 and siRNA-ATG5 reduced the FSTL1-induced EMT in 16HBE cells, as measured by E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and vimentin expression. In line herewith, administration of LY-294002 reduced the expression of autophagy, EMT, and airway remodeling markers in FSTL1-challenged WT mice. Taken together, our study suggests that FSTL1 may induce EMT and airway remodeling by activating autophagy. These findings may provide novel avenues for therapeutic research targeting the autophagy and FSTL1 pathway, which may be beneficial to patients with refractory asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yahui Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Marina Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; and
| | - Liuzhao Cao
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiping Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jinxiang Wu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junfei Wang
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Minfang Zou
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiawei Xu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - David H Broide
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; and
| | - Liang Dong
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China;
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Sun K, Xu L, Jing Y, Han Z, Chen X, Cai C, Zhao P, Zhao X, Yang L, Wei L. Autophagy-deficient Kupffer cells promote tumorigenesis by enhancing mtROS-NF-κB-IL1α/β-dependent inflammation and fibrosis during the preneoplastic stage of hepatocarcinogenesis. Cancer Lett 2016; 388:198-207. [PMID: 28011320 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As a cellular degradation mechanism, autophagy exerts crucial and complicated effects on HCC development. Liver non-parenchymal cells, including hepatic resident macrophage Kupffer cells, also play important roles in this process. However, most associated studies have focused on the influence of the autophagy level in hepatic cells and HCC cells, but not liver non-parenchymal cells. Based on our previous study, we confirmed that Atg5 silence in the liver during the preneoplastic stage facilitated liver fibrosis, inflammation and, ultimately, tumorigenesis. We further found that autophagy deficiency promotes the production of inflammatory and fibrogenic factors in macrophages. Moreover, Kupffer cell depletion rescued the tumor-promoting effect of autophagy deficiency during the preneoplastic stage. In autophagy-deficient macrophages, mitochondrial ROS mediated inflammation- and fibrosis-promoting effects by increasing IL1α/β production via enhancing NF-κB-associated pathways. Both blocking of mitochondrial ROS and blocking the IL1 receptor stopped the promotion of fibrosis, inflammation and tumorigenesis resulting from Atg5 knockdown during the preneoplastic stage. In conclusion, autophagy-deficient Kupffer cells promote liver fibrosis, inflammation and, finally, hepatocarcinogenesis during the preneoplastic stage by enhancing mitochondrial ROS- NF-κB-IL1α/β pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Sun
- Central Laboratory, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingyun Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingying Jing
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhipeng Han
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojing Chen
- Central Laboratory, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenlei Cai
- Central Laboratory, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Peipei Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liqun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lixin Wei
- Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, The Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Tissue Extract Fractions from Starfish Undergoing Regeneration Promote Wound Healing and Lower Jaw Blastema Regeneration of Zebrafish. Sci Rep 2016; 6:38693. [PMID: 27974833 PMCID: PMC5156902 DOI: 10.1038/srep38693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural bioactive materials provide an excellent pool of molecules for regenerative therapy. In the present study, we amputate portions of the arms of Archaster typicus starfish, extract and separate the active biomaterials, and compare the effects of each fraction on in vitro wound healing and in vivo lower jaw regeneration of zebrafish. Compared with crude extract, normal hexane fractions (NHFs) have a remarkable effect on cellular proliferation and collective migration, and exhibit fibroblast-like morphology, while methanol-water fractions (MWFs) increase cell size, cell-cell adhesion, and cell death. Relative to moderate mitochondrialand lysosomal aggregation in NHFs-cultured cells, MWFs-cultured cells contain more and bigger lysosomal accumulations and clump detachment. The in vivo zebrafish lower jaw regeneration model reveals that NHFs enhance blastema formation and vasculogenesis, while MWFs inhibit fibrogenesis and induce cellular transformation. Gene expression analyses indicate that NHFs and MWFs separately activate blastema-characteristic genes as well as those genes-related to autophagy, proteasome, and apoptosis either during cell scratch healing or ganciclovir-induced apoptosis. Our results suggest that bioactive compounds from NHFs and MWFs could induce blastema formation and remodeling, respectively, and prevent tissue overgrowth.
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Shi H, Shi H, Ren F, Chen D, Chen Y, Duan Z. Naringin in Ganshuang Granule suppresses activation of hepatic stellate cells for anti-fibrosis effect by inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin. J Cell Mol Med 2016; 21:500-509. [PMID: 27687505 PMCID: PMC5323881 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A previous study has demonstrated that Ganshuang granule (GSG) plays an anti-fibrotic role partially by deactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In HSCs activation, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-autophagy plays an important role. We attempted to investigate the role of mTOR-autophagy in anti-fibrotic effect of GSG. The cirrhotic mouse model was prepared to demonstrate the anti-fibrosis effect of GSG. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses were used to identify the active component of GSG. The primary mouse HSCs were isolated and naringin was added into activated HSCs to observe its anti-fibrotic effect. 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was added, respectively, into fully activated HSCs to explore the role of autophagy and mTOR. GSG played an anti-fibrotic role through deactivation of HSCs in cirrhotic mouse model. The concentration of naringin was highest in GSG by HPLC analyses and naringin markedly suppressed HSCs activation in vitro, which suggested that naringin was the main active component of GSG. The deactivation of HSCs caused by naringin was not because of the autophagic activation but mTOR inhibition, which was supported by the following evidence: first, naringin induced autophagic activation, but when autophagy was blocked by 3-MA, deactivation of HSCs was not attenuated or reversed. Second, naringin inhibited mTOR pathway, meanwhile when mTOR was activated by IGF-1, deactivation of HSCs was reversed. In conclusion, we have demonstrated naringin in GSG suppressed activation of HSCs for anti-fibrosis effect by inhibition of mTOR, indicating a potential therapeutic application for liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Shi
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, China
| | - Honglin Shi
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Ren
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, China
| | - Dexi Chen
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing, China
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Ding YJ, Lu S, Wu J, Cheng ML. Effect of blueberry on microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 protein and Beclin1 expression in liver tissue of rats with hepatic fibrosis. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:1321-1330. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i9.1321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effect of blueberry on microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) protein and Beclin1 expression in liver tissue of rats with hepatic fibrosis.
METHODS: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, a hepatic fibrosis model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose blueberry treatment groups, and a Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet treatment group. Except the normal control group, hepatic fibrosis was induced in other groups by intraperitoneal injection of porcine serum. Simultaneously, rats in blueberry treatment groups and Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet treatment group were, respectively, given oral blueberry juice at a dose of 0.25 mL/100 g, 0.5 mL/100 g, and 1.0 mL/100 g, and Fufang Biejia Ruangan tablet (0.054 g/100 g) daily. All rats were killed at the end of the 12th week. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured. Pathological changes in the hepatic tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. The expression of LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin1 was examined by Western blot and qRT-PCR. The expression of collagen Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ) were examined by Western blot.
RESULTS: Serum levels of ALT and AST had no significant differences in all the groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the normal control group, the expression of LC3-Ⅱ, Beclin1 and Col Ⅰ were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the hepatic fibrosis model group, and the pathological stages of hepatic fibrosis were significantly aggravated. Compared with the hepatic fibrosis model group, the expressions of LC3-Ⅱ, Beclin1 and Col Ⅰ were significantly lower (P < 0.01), and the pathological stages of hepatic fibrosis were significantly reduced in the high- and medium-dose blueberry treatment groups (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The expression of LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin1 increases in rats with hepatic fibrosis. The inhibitory effects of blueberry on hepatic fibrosis may be achieved by lowering the expression of LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin1 and then inhibiting autophagy.
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Jin Y, Bai Y, Ni H, Qiang L, Ye L, Shan Y, Zhou M. Activation of autophagy through calcium-dependent AMPK/mTOR and PKCθ pathway causes activation of rat hepatic stellate cells under hypoxic stress. FEBS Lett 2016; 590:672-82. [PMID: 26848942 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.12090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuepeng Jin
- Department of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital; Wenzhou Medical University; China
| | | | - Haizhen Ni
- Department of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital; Wenzhou Medical University; China
| | - Li Qiang
- Wenzhou Medical University; China
| | - Lechi Ye
- Department of Oncological Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital; Wenzhou Medical University; China
| | - Yunfeng Shan
- Department of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital; Wenzhou Medical University; China
| | - Mengtao Zhou
- Department of Surgery; The First Affiliated Hospital; Wenzhou Medical University; China
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Nebendahl C, Görs S, Albrecht E, Krüger R, Martens K, Giller K, Hammon HM, Rimbach G, Metges CC. Early postnatal feed restriction reduces liver connective tissue levels and affects H3K9 acetylation state of regulated genes associated with protein metabolism in low birth weight pigs. J Nutr Biochem 2016; 29:41-55. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Revised: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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