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Pang X, Gao S, Liu T, Xu FX, Fan C, Zhang JF, Jiang H. Identification of STAT3 as a biomarker for cellular senescence in liver fibrosis: A bioinformatics and experimental validation study. Genomics 2024; 116:110800. [PMID: 38286349 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2024.110800] [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: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular senescence is associated with a dysregulated inflammatory response, which is an important driver of the development of liver fibrosis (LF). This study aimed to investigate the effect of cellular senescence on LF and identify potential key biomarkers through bioinformatics analysis combined with validation experiments in vivo and in vitro. METHODS The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and GeneCards database were used to download the LF dataset and the aging-related gene set, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis of differential genes was then performed using GO and KEGG. Hub genes were further screened using Cytoscape's cytoHubba. Diagnostic values for hub genes were evaluated with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Next, CIBERSORTx was used to estimate immune cell types and ratios. Finally, in vivo and in vitro experiments validated the results of the bioinformatics analysis. Moreover, molecular docking was used to simulate drug-gene interactions. RESULTS A total of 44 aging-related differentially expressed genes (AgDEGs) were identified, and enrichment analysis showed that these genes were mainly enriched in inflammatory and immune responses. PPI network analysis identified 6 hub AgDEGs (STAT3, TNF, MMP9, CD44, TGFB1, and TIMP1), and ROC analysis showed that they all have good diagnostic value. Immune infiltration suggested that hub AgDEGs were significantly associated with M1 macrophages or other immune cells. Notably, STAT3 was positively correlated with α-SMA, COL1A1, IL-6 and IL-1β, and was mainly expressed in hepatocytes (HCs). Validation experiments showed that STAT3 expression was upregulated and cellular senescence was increased in LF mice. A co-culture system of HCs and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) further revealed that inhibiting STAT3 reduced HCs senescence and suppressed HSCs activation. In addition, molecular docking revealed that STAT3 was a potential drug therapy target. CONCLUSIONS STAT3 may be involved in HCs senescence and promote HSCs activation, which in turn leads to the development of LF. Our findings suggest that STAT3 could be a potential biomarker for LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Pang
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Shang Gao
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Tao Liu
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Feng Xia Xu
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Chang Fan
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China
| | - Jia Fu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Clinical Research Experiment Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, Anhui, China; College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China.
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Lin S, Tao C, Yan Q, Gao H, Qin L, Zhong Y, Yao Q, Zhang P, Yang J, Zou X, Xiao G. Pip5k1c expression in osteocytes regulates bone remodeling in mice. J Orthop Translat 2024; 45:36-47. [PMID: 38495744 PMCID: PMC10943313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2023.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Research background The role of osteocytes in maintaining bone mass has been progressively emphasized. Pip5k1c is the most critical isoform among PIP5KIs, which can regulate cytoskeleton, biomembrane, and Ca2+ release of cells and participate in many processes, such as cell adhesion, differentiation, and apoptosis. However, its expression and function in osteocytes are still unclear. Materials and methods To determine the function of Pip5k1c in osteocytes, the expression of Pip5k1c in osteocytes was deleted by breeding the 10-kb mouse Dmp1-Cre transgenic mice with the Pip5k1cfl/fl mice. Bone histomorphometry, micro-computerized tomography analysis, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to determine the effects of Pip5k1c loss on bone mass. In vitro, we explored the mechanism by siRNA knockdown of Pip5k1c in MLO-Y4 cells. Results Pip5k1c expression was decreased in osteocytes in senescent and osteoporotic tissues both in humans and mice. Loss of Pip5k1c in osteocytes led to a low bone mass in long bones and spines and impaired biomechanical properties in femur, without changes in calvariae. The loss of Pip5k1c resulted in the reduction of the protein level of type 1 collagen in tibiae and MLO-Y4 cells. Osteocyte Pip5k1c loss reduced the osteoblast and bone formation rate with high expression of sclerostin, impacting the osteoclast activities at the same time. Moreover, Pip5k1c loss in osteocytes reduced expression of focal adhesion proteins and promoted apoptosis. Conclusion Our studies demonstrate the critical role and mechanism of Pip5k1c in osteocytes in regulating bone remodeling. The translational potential of this article Osteocyte has been considered to a key role in regulating bone homeostasis. The present study has demonstrated that the significance of Pip5k1c in bone homeostasis by regulating the expression of collagen, sclerostin and focal adhesion expression, which provided a possible therapeutic target against human metabolic bone disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixiong Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chu Tao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qinnan Yan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Huanqing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering and School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Lei Qin
- Department of Orthopedics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Yiming Zhong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qing Yao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jiaming Yang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Department of Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, China
| | - Xuenong Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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Liu H, Hao M, Liu W, Chen H, Han C, Shao Y, Wang L. Medium- and long-chain triglyceride propofol activates PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibits non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by inhibiting lipid accumulation. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2024; 56:45-53. [PMID: 38032443 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-023-09997-0] [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: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease. The mechanism by which medium- and long-chain triglyceride (MCT/LCT) propofol plays a role in promoting NAFLD remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of MCT/LCT propofol on NAFLD progression and its mechanism of action. In Huh-7 and HepG3 cells induced by free fatty acids (FFA), propofol downregulated the expression levels of TG and lipid metabolism-related proteins by promoting the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and suppressing FFA-induced lipid metabolic disorders. In a high-fat diet (HFD) -induced NAFLD mouse model, we demonstrated that propofol significantly inhibited liver steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis. In conclusion, our results suggest that MCT/LCT propofol reduces liver lipid accumulation by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and further suppressing the NAFLD process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of anesthesiology, Shidong Hospital, Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Mingshuo Hao
- Pathology Department, Jining NO.1 People's Hospital, 13 Jiankang Road, Rencheng District, Jining, Shandong, 272002, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Department of anesthesiology, Shidong Hospital, Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- Department of anesthesiology, Shidong Hospital, Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Changlong Han
- Department of anesthesiology, Shidong Hospital, Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yun Shao
- Department of anesthesiology, Shidong Hospital, Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Liyuan Wang
- Department of anesthesiology, Shidong Hospital, Affiliated to University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Yangpu District, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Zhong Y, Zhou L, Wang H, Lin S, Liu T, Kong X, Xiao G, Gao H. Kindlin-2 maintains liver homeostasis by regulating GSTP1-OPN-mediated oxidative stress and inflammation in mice. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105601. [PMID: 38159860 PMCID: PMC10831259 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105601] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte plays a principal role in preserving integrity of the liver homeostasis. Our recent study demonstrated that Kindlin-2, a focal adhesion protein that activates integrins and regulates cell-extracellular matrix interactions, plays an important role in regulation of liver homeostasis by inhibiting inflammation pathway; however, the molecular mechanism of how Kindlin-2 KO activates inflammation is unknown. Here, we show that Kindlin-2 loss largely downregulates the antioxidant glutathione-S-transferase P1 in hepatocytes by promoting its ubiquitination and degradation via a mechanism involving protein-protein interaction. This causes overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species and excessive oxidative stress in hepatocytes. Kindlin-2 loss upregulates osteopontin in hepatocytes partially because of upregulation of reactive oxygen species and consequently stimulates overproduction of inflammatory cytokines and infiltration in liver. The molecular and histological deteriorations caused by Kindlin-2 deficiency are markedly reversed by systemic administration of an antioxidant N-acetylcysteine in mice. Taken together, Kindlin-2 plays a pivotal role in preserving integrity of liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Zhong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sixiong Lin
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Department of Spinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tiemin Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xingxing Kong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Huanqing Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, School of Life Sciences, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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He T, Zhou B, Sun G, Yan Q, Lin S, Ma G, Yao Q, Wu X, Zhong Y, Gan D, Huo S, Jin W, Chen D, Bai X, Cheng T, Cao H, Xiao G. The bone-liver interaction modulates immune and hematopoietic function through Pinch-Cxcl12-Mbl2 pathway. Cell Death Differ 2024; 31:90-105. [PMID: 38062244 PMCID: PMC10781991 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01243-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are used to treat infectious and immune diseases and disorders; however, its mechanism(s) remain incompletely defined. Here we find that bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) lacking Pinch1/2 proteins display dramatically reduced ability to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammatory bowel disease in mice. Prx1-Cre; Pinch1f/f; Pinch2-/- transgenic mice have severe defects in both immune and hematopoietic functions, resulting in premature death, which can be restored by intravenous injection of wild-type BMSCs. Single cell sequencing analyses reveal dramatic alterations in subpopulations of the BMSCs in Pinch mutant mice. Pinch loss in Prx1+ cells blocks differentiation and maturation of hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow and increases production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β in monocytes. We find that Pinch is critical for expression of Cxcl12 in BMSCs; reduced production of Cxcl12 protein from Pinch-deficient BMSCs reduces expression of the Mbl2 complement in hepatocytes, thus impairing the innate immunity and thereby contributing to infection and death. Administration of recombinant Mbl2 protein restores the lethality induced by Pinch loss in mice. Collectively, we demonstrate that the novel Pinch-Cxcl12-Mbl2 signaling pathway promotes the interactions between bone and liver to modulate immunity and hematopoiesis and may provide a useful therapeutic target for immune and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tailin He
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Guohuan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; CAMS Center for Stem Cell Medicine, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qinnan Yan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Sixiong Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guixing Ma
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Qing Yao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiaohao Wu
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Yiming Zhong
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Donghao Gan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Shaochuan Huo
- Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenfei Jin
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Systems Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Di Chen
- Research Center for Human Tissues and Organs Degeneration, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xiaochun Bai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Tao Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, China; CAMS Center for Stem Cell Medicine, PUMC Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Huiling Cao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Zhang CY, Liu S, Yang M. Treatment of liver fibrosis: Past, current, and future. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:755-774. [PMID: 37397931 PMCID: PMC10308286 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i6.755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis accompanies the progression of chronic liver diseases independent of etiologies, such as hepatitis viral infection, alcohol consumption, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease. It is commonly associated with liver injury, inflammation, and cell death. Liver fibrosis is characterized by abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix components that are expressed by liver myofibroblasts such as collagens and alpha-smooth actin proteins. Activated hepatic stellate cells contribute to the major population of myofibroblasts. Many treatments for liver fibrosis have been investigated in clinical trials, including dietary supplementation (e.g., vitamin C), biological treatment (e.g., simtuzumab), drug (e.g., pegbelfermin and natural herbs), genetic regulation (e.g., non-coding RNAs), and transplantation of stem cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells). However, none of these treatments has been approved by Food and Drug Administration. The treatment efficacy can be evaluated by histological staining methods, imaging methods, and serum biomarkers, as well as fibrosis scoring systems, such as fibrosis-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score. Furthermore, the reverse of liver fibrosis is slowly and frequently impossible for advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. To avoid the life-threatening stage of liver fibrosis, anti-fibrotic treatments, especially for combined behavior prevention, biological treatment, drugs or herb medicines, and dietary regulation are needed. This review summarizes the past studies and current and future treatments for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ye Zhang
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Radiology,The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
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