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Caligiuri A, Becatti M, Porro N, Borghi S, Marra F, Pastore M, Taddei N, Fiorillo C, Gentilini A. Oxidative Stress and Redox-Dependent Pathways in Cholangiocarcinoma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 13:28. [PMID: 38247453 PMCID: PMC10812651 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a primary liver tumor that accounts for 2% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide yearly. It can arise from cholangiocytes of biliary tracts, peribiliary glands, and possibly from progenitor cells or even hepatocytes. CCA is characterized by high chemoresistance, aggressiveness, and poor prognosis. Potentially curative surgical therapy is restricted to a small number of patients with early-stage disease (up to 35%). Accumulating evidence indicates that CCA is an oxidative stress-driven carcinoma resulting from chronic inflammation. Oxidative stress, due to enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and/or decreased antioxidants, has been recently suggested as a key factor in cholangiocyte oncogenesis through gene expression alterations and molecular damage. However, due to different experimental models and conditions, contradictory results regarding oxidative stress in cholangiocarcinoma have been reported. The role of ROS and antioxidants in cancer is controversial due to their context-dependent ability to stimulate tumorigenesis and support cancer cell proliferation or promote cell death. On these bases, the present narrative review is focused on illustrating the role of oxidative stress in cholangiocarcinoma and the main ROS-driven intracellular pathways. Heterogeneous data about antioxidant effects on cancer development are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Caligiuri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Matteo Becatti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.B.); (N.P.); (S.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Nunzia Porro
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.B.); (N.P.); (S.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Serena Borghi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.B.); (N.P.); (S.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Fabio Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Mirella Pastore
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (M.P.)
| | - Niccolò Taddei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.B.); (N.P.); (S.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Claudia Fiorillo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (M.B.); (N.P.); (S.B.); (N.T.)
| | - Alessandra Gentilini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.C.); (F.M.); (M.P.)
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Pastore M, Caligiuri A, Raggi C, Navari N, Piombanti B, Di Maira G, Rovida E, Piccinni MP, Lombardelli L, Logiodice F, Rombouts K, Petta S, Marra F. Macrophage MerTK promotes profibrogenic cross-talk with hepatic stellate cells via soluble mediators. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100444. [PMID: 35252828 PMCID: PMC8891698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Activation of Kupffer cells and recruitment of monocytes are key events in fibrogenesis. These cells release soluble mediators which induce the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the main fibrogenic cell type within the liver. Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) signaling regulates multiple processes in macrophages and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related fibrosis. In this study, we explored if MerTK activation in macrophages influences the profibrogenic phenotype of HSCs. Methods Macrophages were derived from THP-1 cells or differentiated from peripheral blood monocytes towards MerTK+/CD206+/CD163+/CD209- macrophages. The role of MerTK was assessed by pharmacologic and genetic inhibition. HSC migration was determined in Boyden chambers, viability was measured by the MTT assay, and proliferation was evaluated by the BrdU incorporation assay. Results Gas-6 induced MerTK phosphorylation and Akt activation in macrophages, and these effects were inhibited by UNC569. During polarization, MerTK+/CD206+/CD163+/CD209- macrophages exhibited activation of STAT3, ERK1/2, p38 and increased expression of VEGF-A. Activation of MerTK in THP-1 macrophages induced a secretome which promoted a significant increase in migration, proliferation, viability and expression of profibrogenic factors in HSCs. Similarly, conditioned medium from MerTK+ macrophages induced a significant increase in cell migration, proliferation, STAT3 and p38 phosphorylation and upregulation of IL-8 expression in HSCs. Moreover, conditioned medium from Gas-6-stimulated Kupffer cells induced a significant increase in HSC proliferation. These effects were specifically related to MerTK expression and activity in macrophages, as indicated by pharmacologic inhibition and knockdown experiments. Conclusions MerTK activation in macrophages modifies the secretome to promote profibrogenic features in HSCs, implicating this receptor in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Lay summary Fibrosis represents the process of scarring occurring in patients with chronic liver diseases. This process depends on production of scar tissue components by a specific cell type, named hepatic stellate cells, and is regulated by interaction with other cells. Herein, we show that activation of MerTK, a receptor present in a population of macrophages, causes the production of factors that act on hepatic stellate cells, increasing their ability to produce scar tissue. MerTK, a member of the TAM family of proteins, is highly expressed in MerTK+/CD206+/CD163+/CD209- macrophages. In these macrophages, activation of MerTK induces phosphorylation of Akt, STAT3, ERK1/2, p38 and increased expression of VEGF-A. MerTK activation in macrophages modulates the secretome to promote the profibrogenic phenotype of human HSCs. Profibrogenic effects of macrophages expressing high levels of MerTK were blocked by knockdown or inhibition of MerTK.
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Caligiuri A, Gentilini A, Pastore M, Gitto S, Marra F. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Liver Fibrosis Regression. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102759. [PMID: 34685739 PMCID: PMC8534788 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury of different etiologies may result in hepatic fibrosis, a scar formation process consisting in altered deposition of extracellular matrix. Progression of fibrosis can lead to impaired liver architecture and function, resulting in cirrhosis and organ failure. Although fibrosis was previous thought to be an irreversible process, recent evidence convincingly demonstrated resolution of fibrosis in different organs when the cause of injury is removed. In the liver, due to its high regenerative ability, the extent of fibrosis regression and reversion to normal architecture is higher than in other tissues, even in advanced disease. The mechanisms of liver fibrosis resolution can be recapitulated in the following main points: removal of injurious factors causing chronic hepatic damage, elimination, or inactivation of myofibroblasts (through various cell fates, including apoptosis, senescence, and reprogramming), inactivation of inflammatory response and induction of anti-inflammatory/restorative pathways, and degradation of extracellular matrix. In this review, we will discuss the major cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the regression of fibrosis/cirrhosis and the potential therapeutic approaches aimed at reversing the fibrogenic process.
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Gentilini A, Lori G, Caligiuri A, Raggi C, Di Maira G, Pastore M, Piombanti B, Lottini T, Arcangeli A, Madiai S, Navari N, Banales JM, Di Matteo S, Alvaro D, Duwe L, Andersen JB, Tubita A, Tusa I, Di Tommaso L, Campani C, Rovida E, Marra F. Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase 5 Regulates the Malignant Phenotype of Cholangiocarcinoma Cells. Hepatology 2021; 74:2007-2020. [PMID: 33959996 PMCID: PMC8518067 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is characterized by high resistance to chemotherapy and poor prognosis. Several oncogenic pathways converge on activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5), whose role in CCA has not been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ERK5 in the biology of CCA. APPROACH AND RESULTS ERK5 expression was detected in two established (HuCCT-1 and CCLP-1) and two primary human intrahepatic CCA cell lines (iCCA58 and iCCA60). ERK5 phosphorylation was increased in CCA cells exposed to soluble mediators. In both HuCCT-1 and CCLP-1 cells, ERK5 was localized in the nucleus, and exposure to fetal bovine serum (FBS) further increased the amount of nuclear ERK5. In human CCA specimens, ERK5 mRNA expression was increased in tumor cells and positively correlated with portal invasion. ERK5 protein levels were significantly associated with tumor grade. Growth, migration, and invasion of CCA cells were decreased when ERK5 was silenced using specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The inhibitory effects on CCA cell proliferation, migration and invasion were recapitulated by treatment with small molecule inhibitors targeting ERK5. In addition, expression of the angiogenic factors VEGF and angiopoietin 1 was reduced after ERK5 silencing. Conditioned medium from ERK5-silenced cells had a lower ability to induce tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells and to induce migration of myofibroblasts and monocytes/macrophages. In mice, subcutaneous injection of CCLP-1 cells silenced for ERK5 resulted in less frequent tumor development and smaller size of xenografts compared with cells transfected with nontargeting shRNA. CONCLUSIONS ERK5 is a key mediator of growth and migration of CCA cells and supports a protumorigenic crosstalk between the tumor and the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gentilini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Giulia Lori
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Alessandra Caligiuri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Chiara Raggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Giovanni Di Maira
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Mirella Pastore
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Benedetta Piombanti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Tiziano Lottini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Annarosa Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Stefania Madiai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Nadia Navari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Jesus M. Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal DiseasesBiodonostia Health Research InstituteCIBERehdIkerbasqueSan SebastianSpain
| | - Sabina Di Matteo
- Department of ImmunologyBambino Gesù Children’s HospitalIRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical SpecialtiesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Lea Duwe
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC)Dept. of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jesper B. Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC)Dept. of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Alessandro Tubita
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”University of FlorenceItaly
| | - Ignazia Tusa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”University of FlorenceItaly
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Pathology UnitHumanitas Clinical and Research Center IRCCSRozzanoItaly
| | - Claudia Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Elisabetta Rovida
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”University of FlorenceItaly
| | - Fabio Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
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Caligiuri A, Pastore M, Lori G, Raggi C, Di Maira G, Marra F, Gentilini A. Role of Chemokines in the Biology of Cholangiocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082215. [PMID: 32784743 PMCID: PMC7463556 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a heterogeneous tumor with poor prognosis, can arise at any level in the biliary tree. It may derive from epithelial cells in the biliary tracts and peribiliary glands and possibly from progenitor cells or even hepatocytes. Several risk factors are responsible for CCA onset, however an inflammatory milieu nearby the biliary tree represents the most common condition favoring CCA development. Chemokines play a key role in driving the immunological response upon liver injury and may sustain tumor initiation and development. Chemokine receptor-dependent pathways influence the interplay among various cellular components, resulting in remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment towards a pro-inflammatory, pro-fibrogenic, pro-angiogenic and pre-neoplastic setting. Moreover, once tumor develops, chemokine signaling may influence its progression. Here we review the role of chemokines in the regulation of CCA development and progression, and the modulation of angiogenesis, metastasis and immune control. The potential role of chemokines and their receptors as possible biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for hepatobiliary cancer is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fabio Marra
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (A.G.); Tel.: +39-055-2758095 or +39-055-2758498 or +39-055-2758499 (F.M.); +39-055-2751801 (A.G.)
| | - Alessandra Gentilini
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (A.G.); Tel.: +39-055-2758095 or +39-055-2758498 or +39-055-2758499 (F.M.); +39-055-2751801 (A.G.)
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Delogu W, Caligiuri A, Provenzano A, Rosso C, Bugianesi E, Coratti A, Macias-Barragan J, Galastri S, Di Maira G, Marra F. Myostatin regulates the fibrogenic phenotype of hepatic stellate cells via c-jun N-terminal kinase activation. Dig Liver Dis 2019; 51:1400-1408. [PMID: 31005555 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Myostatin is mainly expressed in skeletal muscle, where it negatively regulates trophism. This myokine is implicated in the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, an emerging cause of liver fibrosis. In this study we explored the effects of myostatin on the biology of hepatic stellate cells. METHODS The effects of myostatin were assessed both in LX-2 and in human primary stellate cells. Cell migration was determined in Boyden chambers. Activation of intracellular pathways was evaluated by Western blotting. Procollagen type 1 secretion was measured by enzyme immunoassay. The role of c-Jun N-terminal kinase was assessed by pharmacologic and genetic inhibition. RESULTS Activin receptor-2B was up-regulated in livers of mice with experimental fibrosis, and detectable in human stellate cells. Serum myostatin levels increased in a model of acute liver injury. Myostatin reduced HSC proliferation, induced cell migration, and increased expression of procollagen type1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and transforming growth factor-β1. Myostatin activated different signaling pathways, including c-Jun N-terminal kinase and Smad3. Genetic and/or pharmacologic inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity significantly reduced cell migration and procollagen secretion in response to myostatin. CONCLUSIONS Activation of activin receptor-2B by myostatin modulates the fibrogenic phenotype of human stellate cells, indicating that a myokine may be implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanda Delogu
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Clinica, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Caligiuri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Clinica, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Angela Provenzano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Clinica, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Rosso
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Coratti
- SOD Chirurgia Oncologia a indirizzo robotico, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Jose Macias-Barragan
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Clinica, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Galastri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Clinica, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Maira
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Clinica, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale Clinica, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Research Center Denothe, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Bruschi FV, Claudel T, Tardelli M, Caligiuri A, Stulnig TM, Marra F, Trauner M. The PNPLA3 I148M variant modulates the fibrogenic phenotype of human hepatic stellate cells. Hepatology 2017; 65:1875-1890. [PMID: 28073161 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The genetic polymorphism I148M of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) is robustly associated with hepatic steatosis and its progression to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cancer. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key players in the development of liver fibrosis, but the role of PNPLA3 and its variant I148M in this process is poorly understood. Here we analyzed the expression of PNPLA3 during human HSC activation and thereby explored how a PNPLA3 variant impacts hepatic fibrogenesis. We show that expression of PNPLA3 gene and protein increases during the early phases of activation and remains elevated in fully activated HSCs (P < 0.01). Knockdown of PNPLA3 significantly decreases the profibrogenic protein alpha-smooth muscle actin (P < 0.05). Primary human I148M HSCs displayed significantly higher expression and release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 (P < 0.01) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (P < 0.001), thus contributing to migration of immune cells (P < 0.05). Primary I148M HSCs showed reduced retinol (P < 0.001) but higher lipid droplet content (P < 0.001). In line with this, LX-2 cells stably overexpressing I148M showed augmented proliferation and migration, lower retinol, and abolished retinoid X receptor/retinoid A receptor transcriptional activities but more lipid droplets. Knockdown of I148M PNPLA3 (P < 0.001) also reduces chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5 and collagen1α1 expression (P < 0.05). Notably, I148M cells display reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma transcriptional activity, and this effect was attributed to increased c-Jun N-terminal kinase, thereby inhibiting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma through serine 84 phosphorylation and promoting activator protein 1 transcription. Conversely, the c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor SP600125 and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma agonist rosiglitazone decreased activator protein 1 promoter activity. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that PNPLA3 is required for HSC activation and that its genetic variant I148M potentiates the profibrogenic features of HSCs, providing a molecular mechanism for the higher risk of progression and severity of liver diseases conferred to patients carrying the I148M variant. (Hepatology 2017;65:1875-1890).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Virginia Bruschi
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thierry Claudel
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matteo Tardelli
- Christian Doppler-Laboratory for Cardio-Metabolic Immunotherapy and Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alessandra Caligiuri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Thomas M Stulnig
- Christian Doppler-Laboratory for Cardio-Metabolic Immunotherapy and Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Fabio Marra
- Christian Doppler-Laboratory for Cardio-Metabolic Immunotherapy and Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Hans Popper Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Azzariti A, Mancarella S, Porcelli L, Quatrale AE, Caligiuri A, Lupo L, Dituri F, Giannelli G. Hepatic stellate cells induce hepatocellular carcinoma cell resistance to sorafenib through the laminin-332/α3 integrin axis recovery of focal adhesion kinase ubiquitination. Hepatology 2016; 64:2103-2117. [PMID: 27639064 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Revised: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving sorafenib, drug resistance is common. HCC develops in a microenvironment enriched with extracellular matrix proteins including laminin (Ln)-332, produced by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Ln-332 is the ligand of α3β1 and α6β4 integrins, differently expressed on the HCC cell surface, that deliver intracellular pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Ln-332 on sorafenib's effectiveness. HCC cells were challenged with sorafenib in the presence of Ln-332 and of HSC conditioned medium (CM). Sorafenib impaired HCC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. HSC-CM or Ln-332 inhibited sorafenib's effectiveness in HCC cells expressing both α3β1 and α6β4. Inhibiting α3 but not α6 integrin subunit using blocking antibodies or small interfering RNA abrogated the protection induced by Ln-332 and HSC-CM. Hep3B cells expressing α6β4 but lacking the α3 integrin were insensitive to Ln-332 and HSC-CM protective effects. Hep3B α3-positive, but not wild-type and scramble transfected, cells acquired protection by sorafenib when plated on Ln-332-CM or HSCs. Sorafenib dephosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, whereas Ln-332 and HSC-CM partially restored the pathways. Silencing FAK, but not extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2, abrogated the protection induced by Ln-332 and HSC-CM, suggesting a specific role for FAK. Sorafenib down-regulated total FAK, inducing its proteasomal degradation, while Ln-332 and HSC-CM promoted the escape of FAK from ubiquitination, probably inducing a preferential membrane localization. CONCLUSION This study unveils a novel mechanism of sorafenib resistance depending on the α3β1/Ln-332 axis and requiring FAK ubiquitination, providing new insights into personalizing therapy for patients with HCC. (Hepatology 2016;64:2103-2117).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Azzariti
- National Cancer Institute, Istituto Tumori G. Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Serena Mancarella
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "S. De Bellis", Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
| | - Letizia Porcelli
- National Cancer Institute, Istituto Tumori G. Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | | | | | - Luigi Lupo
- University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Dituri
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "S. De Bellis", Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Giannelli
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS "S. De Bellis", Castellana Grotte Bari, Italy
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Gentilini A, Caligiuri A, Provenzano A, Marra F. Novel Aspects in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Curr Mol Med 2016; 16:710-720. [PMID: 27774883 DOI: 10.2174/1566524016666161021163252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, characterized by inflammation, hepatocyte injury and fibrogenesis. Overall mortality, and liver-related mortality, are both increased in NASH patients. Considering that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most prevalent hepatic abnormality in the Western world, understanding the mechanisms leading to NASH and its progression to cirrhosis is critical for a better management of these patients. Moreover, a more detailed knowledge of this condition may be helpful to identify those subjects which are more susceptible to develop progressive liver disease. Emerging data indicate that NASH progression results from parallel events originating from the liver as well as from the adipose tissue, and the gastrointestinal tract. In this review we highlight some of the most recent findings reported on the pathogenesis of NASH and its fibrogenic progression to cirrhosis, in an effort to identify possible targets for treatment or biomarkers of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - F Marra
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, I50134 Florence, Italy.
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Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the main cause of chronic liver disease in the Western world and a major health problem, owing to its close association with obesity, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome. NASH progression results from numerous events originating within the liver, as well as from signals derived from the adipose tissue and the gastrointestinal tract. In a fraction of NASH patients, disease may progress, eventually leading to advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Understanding the mechanisms leading to NASH and its evolution to cirrhosis is critical to identifying effective approaches for the treatment of this condition. In this review, we focus on some of the most recent data reported on the pathogenesis of NASH and its fibrogenic progression, highlighting potential targets for treatment or identification of biomarkers of disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Caligiuri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze 50121, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Gentilini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze 50121, Italy.
| | - Fabio Marra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Firenze 50121, Italy.
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Macias-Barragan J, Caligiuri A, García-Banuelos J, Parola M, Pinzani M, Armendariz-Borunda J. [Effects of alpha lipoic acid and pirfenidone on liver cells antioxidant modulation against oxidative damage]. Rev Med Chil 2015; 142:1553-64. [PMID: 25693438 DOI: 10.4067/s0034-98872014001200009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrogenic processes are related to cellular redox state. Glutathione (GSH) is the major cellular antioxidant. GSH induced activation could be related to antifibrogenic effects. AIM To explore the association between the antifibrogenic effect and pro-antioxidant mechanisms of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and pirfenidone (PFD). MATERIAL AND METHODS HepG2 cells and primary HSC cultures were exposed to menadione 0.1 μM (MEN) as oxidative stress inducer and treated to ALA (5 mM) or PFD (10 μM, 100 μM y 1000 μM). RESULTS In HSC, PFD decreased cell proliferation and the expression of COL1A1, TGF-β1, TIMP1, IL6, TNFα and MCP1 induced by MEN. Furthermore it was confirmed that ALA and PFD activate diverse antioxidants mediators, however MEN decreases this response. Then, MEN, ALA and PFD induce an antioxidant response, the first one as a response to injury and the latter two as pro-antioxidant inducers. Therefore, when cells are exposed to oxidative stress, endogenous systems activate a battery of mediators that increase the antioxidant potential. When these cells are treated with ALA and PFD, de novo formation of protective genes decreases since previous elicited protection induced in response to injury, enhance ALA and PFD effects. CONCLUSION Regardless of the route of action, ALA and PFD induce the biosynthesis of antioxidants mediators which is associated with modulation of fibrogenic processes.
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Gentilini A, Rombouts K, Galastri S, Caligiuri A, Mingarelli E, Mello T, Marra F, Mantero S, Roncalli M, Invernizzi P, Pinzani M. Role of the stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)-CXCR4 axis in the interaction between hepatic stellate cells and cholangiocarcinoma. J Hepatol 2012; 57:813-20. [PMID: 22727731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/10/2012] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS & AIMS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is highly fatal because of early invasion, widespread metastasis, and lack of an effective therapy. Migration, invasion, and metastasis of CCA cells are modulated by signals received from stromal cells. The SDF-1-CXCR4 axis emerges as a pivotal regulator of migration and survival of different tumor cells. The aim of the present study was to characterize the interaction between CCA cells and human hepatic stellate cells (hHSC) focusing on the role of SDF-1. METHODS The intrahepatic CCA cell line HuCCT-1 and primary hHSC were used for this study. RNA expression was examined by RTQ-PCR and protein expression by Western blotting. Immunofluorescence microscopy and immunohistochemistry were also employed. Migration of CCA cells was assessed using modified Boyden chambers. RESULTS CXCR4 was clearly expressed in CCA cells of human CCA liver specimens. SDF-1 and hHSC conditioned medium (CM) promoted HuCCT-1 cell migration, which was abrogated by pre-incubation with AMD3100, a non-peptide antagonist of the CXCR4 receptor. In addition, HuCCT-1 cells silenced for CXCR4 did not migrate in presence of SDF-1. Both P-ERK and p-AKT were implicated in HuCCT-1 migration and showed a biphasic trend under stimulation of SDF-1. Finally, SDF-1 induced apoptotic rescue of HuCCT-1 cells by binding to CXCR4. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that CCA cells migration and survival are modulated by the crosstalk between SDF-1, released by hHSC, and HuCCT-1 cells bearing CXCR4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gentilini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Research, High Education and Transfer DENOThe, University of Florence, Italy, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy.
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13
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Rombouts K, Mello T, Liotta F, Galli A, Caligiuri A, Annunziato F, Pinzani M. MARCKS actin-binding capacity mediates actin filament assembly during mitosis in human hepatic stellate cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2012; 303:C357-67. [PMID: 22555845 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00093.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cross-linking between the actin cytoskeleton and plasma membrane actin-binding proteins is a key interaction responsible for the mechanical properties of the mitotic cell. Little is known about the identity, the localization, and the function of actin filament-binding proteins during mitosis in human hepatic stellate cells (hHSC). The aim of the present study was to identify and analyze the cross talk between actin and myristoylated alanine-rich kinase C substrate (MARCKS), an important PKC substrate and actin filament-binding protein, during mitosis in primary hHSC. Confocal analysis and chromosomal fraction analysis of mitotic hHSC demonstrated that phosphorylated (P)-MARCKS displays distinct phase-dependent localizations, accumulates at the perichromosomal layer, and is a centrosomal protein belonging to the chromosomal cytosolic fraction. Aurora B kinase (AUBK), an important mitotic regulator, β-actin, and P-MARCKS concentrate at the cytokinetic midbody during cleavage furrow formation. This localization is critical since MARCKS-depletion in hHSC is characterized by a significant loss in cytosolic actin filaments and cortical β-actin that induces cell cycle inhibition and dislocation of AUBK. A depletion of AUBK in hHSC affects cell cycle, resulting in multinucleation. Quantitative live cell imaging demonstrates that the actin filament-binding capacity of MARCKS is key to regulate mitosis since the cell cycle inhibitory effect in MARCKS-depleted cells caused abnormal cell morphology and an aberrant cytokinesis, resulting in a significant increase in cell cycle time. These findings implicate that MARCKS, an important PKC substrate, is essential for proper cytokinesis and that MARCKS and its partner actin are key mitotic regulators during cell cycle in hHSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krista Rombouts
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Italy.
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Santamato A, Fransvea E, Dituri F, Caligiuri A, Quaranta M, Niimi T, Pinzani M, Antonaci S, Giannelli G. Hepatic stellate cells stimulate HCC cell migration via laminin-5 production. Clin Sci (Lond) 2011; 121:159-68. [PMID: 21413933 DOI: 10.1042/cs20110002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Activated HSCs (hepatic stellate cells) are the main source of extracellular matrix proteins present in cirrhotic liver on which HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) commonly develops. HCC cells behave differently according to differences in the surrounding microenvironment. In the present study, we have investigated a mechanism whereby HSCs modulate the migratory activity of HCC cells. We used primary cultures of human HSCs to investigate their effect on Hep3B, Alexander, HLE and HLF HCC cells. The expression of Ln-5 (laminin-5) was documented at transcript and protein levels both in vitro and in vivo. HCC cells strongly adhere, migrate and spread in the presence of HSC-conditioned medium and of co-culture. HSCs produce and secrete Ln-5 in the CM (conditioned medium). The electrophoretic pattern of secreted Ln-5 is consistent with that of a migratory substrate, showing the presence of the γ2x fragment. Blocking antibodies against Ln-5 inhibit HCC migration in the presence of HSC-CM. HCC cells migrate very poorly in the presence of Ln-5 immunodepleted HSC-CM. HCC migration in the presence of HSCs is dependent on the MEK [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) kinase]/ERK pathway, but not the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt pathway. HSC-CM, as well as Ln-5, activates the MEK/ERK but not the PI3K/Akt pathway. In human HCC tissues, Ln-5 is mainly distributed along α-SMA (smooth muscle actin)-positive cells, whereas in peritumoural tissues, Ln-5 is absent. HSCs stimulate HCC migration via the production and secretion of Ln-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Santamato
- Department of Internal Medicine, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Section of Internal Medicine, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
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15
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Novo E, Busletta C, Bonzo LVD, Povero D, Paternostro C, Mareschi K, Ferrero I, David E, Bertolani C, Caligiuri A, Cannito S, Tamagno E, Compagnone A, Colombatto S, Marra F, Fagioli F, Pinzani M, Parola M. Intracellular reactive oxygen species are required for directional migration of resident and bone marrow-derived hepatic pro-fibrogenic cells. J Hepatol 2011; 54:964-74. [PMID: 21145826 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2010] [Revised: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 09/16/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrogenesis is sustained by myofibroblast-like cells originating from hepatic stellate cells (HSC/MFs), portal fibroblasts or bone marrow-derived cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Herein, we investigated the mechanistic role of intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and redox-sensitive signal transduction pathways in mediating chemotaxis, a critical profibrogenic response for human HSC/MFs and for MSC potentially engrafting chronically injured liver. METHODS Intracellular generation of ROS and signal transduction pathways were evaluated by integrating morphological and molecular biology techniques. Chemokinesis and chemotaxis were evaluated by wound healing assay and modified Boyden's chamber assay, respectively. Additional in vivo evidence was obtained in human specimens from HCV-related cirrhosis. RESULTS Human MSCs and HSC/MFs migrate in response to a panel of polypeptide chemoattractants and extracellularly generated superoxide anion. All polypeptides induced a NADPH-oxidase-dependent intracellular rise in ROS, resulting in activation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2. Moreover, menadione or 2,3-dimethoxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, which generate intracellular superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxide, respectively, induced ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 activation and migration. JNK1 activation was predominant for migration as shown by specific silencing. Finally, activation of ERK1/2 and JNK1/2 was found in extracts obtained from HSC/MFs during the course of an oxidative stress-mediated model of liver injury and phosphorylated JNK1/2 isoforms were detected in α-smooth muscle actin-positive myofibroblasts lining fibrotic septa in human cirrhotic livers. CONCLUSIONS Intracellular generation of ROS, through activation of specific signaling pathways, is a critical event for directional migration of HSC/MFs and MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Novo
- Dip. Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale - Centro Interuniversitario di Fisiopatologia Epatica, Italy
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16
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Bruno R, Galastri S, Sacchi P, Cima S, Caligiuri A, DeFranco R, Milani S, Gessani S, Fantuzzi L, Liotta F, Frosali F, Antonucci G, Pinzani M, Marra F. gp120 modulates the biology of human hepatic stellate cells: a link between HIV infection and liver fibrogenesis. Gut 2010; 59:513-20. [PMID: 19736361 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2008.163287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV co-infection, a faster progression of liver fibrosis to cirrhosis has been reported. In this study, an investigation was carried out to determine whether gp120, an HIV envelope protein, modulates the biology of human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), key cell types in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. METHODS Myofibroblastic HSCs were isolated from normal human liver tissue. Gene expression was measured by real-time PCR. Cell migration was assessed in Boyden chambers. Intracellular signalling pathways were evaluated using phosphorylation-specific antibodies or by transfection of a reporter plasmid. RESULTS Transcripts for the chemokine receptors CCR5 and CXCR4, which bind gp120, were detectable in human HSCs. Upon exposure to M-tropic recombinant gp120, which binds CCR5, a significant increase in HSC chemotaxis was observed (1.6+/-0.3-fold, p=0.03). The effects of gp120 were prevented by protein inactivation. gp120 also resulted in a significant increase in secretion (1.5+/-0.3-fold, p=0.03) and gene expression (1.47+/-0.13-fold, p=0.02) of the proinflammatory chemokine monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and in increased gene expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease-1 and interleukin-6 (2.03+/-0.57-fold, p=0.02). gp120-induced migration required Akt activation. gp120 also induced activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and p38(MAPK). Preincubation of HSCs with TAK779, a CCR5 receptor antagonist, prevented gp120-mediated chemotaxis and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 secretion. Expression of CCR5 was detectable in areas of inflammation and fibrogenesis in liver biopsies of patients with HCV/HIV co-infection. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that HIV gp120 modulates different aspects of HSC biology, including directional cell movement and expression of proinflammatory cytokines. These results identify a direct pathway possibly linking HIV infection with liver fibrogenesis via envelope proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Bruno
- Division of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University of Pavia-Foundation, IRCCS, San Matteo Hospital, Pavia, Italy
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Fickert P, Fuchsbichler A, Moustafa T, Wagner M, Zollner G, Halilbasic E, Stöger U, Arrese M, Pizarro M, Solís N, Carrasco G, Caligiuri A, Sombetzki M, Reisinger E, Tsybrovskyy O, Zatloukal K, Denk H, Jaeschke H, Pinzani M, Trauner M. Farnesoid X receptor critically determines the fibrotic response in mice but is expressed to a low extent in human hepatic stellate cells and periductal myofibroblasts. Am J Pathol 2009; 175:2392-405. [PMID: 19910507 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2009.090114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear bile acid receptor, farnesoid X receptor (FXR), may play a pivotal role in liver fibrosis. We tested the impact of genetic FXR ablation in four different mouse models. Hepatic fibrosis was induced in wild-type and FXR knock-out mice (FXR(-/-)) by CCl(4) intoxication, 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine feeding, common bile duct ligation, or Schistosoma mansoni (S.m.)-infection. In addition, we determined nuclear receptor expression levels (FXR, pregnane X receptor (PXR), vitamin D receptor, constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), small heterodimer partner (SHP)) in mouse hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), portal myofibroblasts (MFBs), and human HSCs. Cell type-specific FXR protein expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in five mouse models and prototypic human fibrotic liver diseases. Expression of nuclear receptors was much lower in mouse and human HSCs/MFBs compared with total liver expression with the exception of vitamin D receptor. FXR protein was undetectable in mouse and human HSCs and MFBs. FXR loss had no effect in CCl(4)-intoxicated and S.m.-infected mice, but significantly decreased liver fibrosis of the biliary type (common bile duct ligation, 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine). These data suggest that FXR loss significantly reduces fibrosis of the biliary type, but has no impact on non-cholestatic liver fibrosis. Since there is no FXR expression in HSCs and MFBs in liver fibrosis, our data indicate that these cells may not represent direct therapeutic targets for FXR ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Fickert
- Laboratory of Experimental and Molecular Hepatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
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Trappoliere M, Caligiuri A, Schmid M, Bertolani C, Failli P, Vizzutti F, Novo E, di Manzano C, Marra F, Loguercio C, Pinzani M. Silybin, a component of sylimarin, exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrogenic effects on human hepatic stellate cells. J Hepatol 2009; 50:1102-11. [PMID: 19398228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2009.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatic fibrogenesis, a consequence of chronic liver tissue damage, is characterized by activation of the hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Silybin has been shown to exert anti-fibrogenic effects in animal models. However, scant information is available on the fine cellular and molecular events responsible for this effect. The aim of this study was to assess the mechanisms regulating the anti-fibrogenic and anti-inflammatory activity of Silybin. METHODS Experiments were performed on HSC isolated from human liver and activated by culture on plastic. RESULTS Silybin was able to inhibit dose-dependently (25-50 microM) growth factor-induced pro-fibrogenic actions of activated human HSC, including cell proliferation (P < 0.001), cell motility (P < 0.001), and de novo synthesis of extracellular matrix components (P < 0.05). Silybin (25-50 microM), inhibited the IL-1-induced synthesis of MCP-1 (P < 0.01) and IL-8 (P < 0.01) showing a potent anti-inflammatory activity. Silybin exerts its effects by directly inhibiting the ERK, MEK and Raf phosphorylation, reducing the activation of NHE1 (Na+/H+ exchanger, P < 0.05) and the IkBalpha phosphorylation. In addition, Silybin was confirmed to act as a potent anti-oxidant agent. CONCLUSION The results of the study provide molecular insights into the potential therapeutic action of Silybin in chronic liver disease. This action seems to be mostly related to a marked inhibition of the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, a clear anti-oxidant effect and a reduction of the direct and indirect pro-fibrogenic potential of HSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Trappoliere
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 85, 50134 Florence, Italy
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19
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Gentilini A, Lottini B, Brogi M, Caligiuri A, Cosmi L, Marra F, Pinzani M. Evaluation of intracellular signalling pathways in response to insulin-like growth factor I in apoptotic-resistant activated human hepatic stellate cells. Fibrogenesis Tissue Repair 2009; 2:1. [PMID: 19183465 PMCID: PMC2642760 DOI: 10.1186/1755-1536-2-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Human hepatic stellate cells have been shown to be resistant to apoptotic stimuli. This is likely dependent on the activation of anti-apoptotic pathways upon transition of these cells to myofibroblast-like cells. In particular, previous studies have demonstrated an increased expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and a decreased expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax during the transition of the hepatic stellate cell phenotype from quiescent to myofibroblast-like cells. However, the role and expression of other key anti-apoptotic and survival pathways elicited by polypeptide growth factors involved in the chronic wound healing process remain to be elucidated. In particular, insulin growth factor-I promotes chemotactic and mitogenic effects in activated human hepatic stellate cells and these effects are mediated by the activation of PI 3-K. The role of insulin growth factor-I as a survival factor in human hepatic stellate cells needs to be substantiated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the involvement of other key anti-apoptotic pathways such as PI-3K/Akt/p-Bad in response to insulin growth factor-I. Results Insulin growth factor-I induced activation of Akt followed by Bad phosphorylation after 15 minutes of incubation. These effects were PI-3k dependent since selective inhibitors of this molecule, wortmannin and LY294002, inhibited both Akt and Bad phosphorylation. The effect of insulin growth factor-I on the activation of two downstream targets of Akt activation, that is, GSK3 and FHKR, both implicated in the promotion of cell survival was also investigated. Both targets became phosphorylated after 15 minutes of incubation, and these effects were also PI-3K-dependent. Despite the activation of this survival pathway insulin growth factor-I did not have a remarkable biological effect, probably because other insulin growth factor-I-independent survival pathways were already maximally activated in the process of hepatic stellate cell activation. However, after incubation of the cells with a strong apoptotic stimuli such as Fas ligand+cycloheximide, a small percentage of hepatic stellate cells underwent programmed cell death that was partially rescued by insulin growth factor-I. Conclusion In addition to Bcl-2, several other anti-apoptotic pathways are responsible for human hepatic stellate cell resistance to apoptosis. These features are relevant for the progression and limited reversibility of liver fibrosis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Gentilini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy.
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Rombouts K, Lottini B, Caligiuri A, Liotta F, Mello T, Carloni V, Marra F, Pinzani M. MARCKS is a downstream effector in platelet-derived growth factor-induced cell motility in activated human hepatic stellate cells. Exp Cell Res 2008; 314:1444-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2008.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2007] [Revised: 01/30/2008] [Accepted: 01/30/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Caligiuri A, Bertolani C, Guerra CT, Aleffi S, Galastri S, Trappoliere M, Vizzutti F, Gelmini S, Laffi G, Pinzani M, Marra F. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase modulates the activated phenotype of hepatic stellate cells. Hepatology 2008; 47:668-76. [PMID: 18098312 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Adiponectin limits the development of liver fibrosis and activates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK is a sensor of the cellular energy status, but its possible modulation of the fibrogenic properties of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has not been established. In this study, we investigated the role of AMPK activation in the biology of activated human HSCs. A time-dependent activation of AMPK was observed in response to a number of stimuli, including globular adiponectin, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR), or metformin. All these compounds significantly inhibited platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-stimulated proliferation and migration of human HSCs and reduced the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. In addition, AICAR limited the secretion of type I procollagen. Knockdown of AMPK by gene silencing increased the mitogenic effects of PDGF, confirming the negative modulation exerted by this pathway on HSCs. AMPK activation did not reduce PDGF-dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) or Akt at early time points, whereas a marked inhibition was observed 24 hours after addition of PDGF, reflecting a block in cell cycle progression. In contrast, AICAR blocked short-term phosphorylation of ribosomal S6 kinase (p70(S6K)) and 4E binding protein-1 (4EBP1), 2 downstream effectors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, by PDGF. The ability of interleukin-a (IL-1) to activate nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) was also reduced by AICAR. CONCLUSION Activation of AMPK negatively modulates the activated phenotype of HSCs.
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Rovida E, Navari N, Caligiuri A, Dello Sbarba P, Marra F. ERK5 differentially regulates PDGF-induced proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells. J Hepatol 2008; 48:107-15. [PMID: 17998143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2007.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2007] [Revised: 08/04/2007] [Accepted: 08/06/2007] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are liver-specific pericytes implicated in liver tissue repair. Activation of signaling pathways in HSC modulates hepatic fibrogenesis, but no information is available on the possible role of ERK5, a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase family, in this process. In this study, we investigated the role of ERK5 in the biologic responses triggered by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in HSC. METHODS Human HSC were cultured on plastic and studied in their myofibroblast-like phenotype. RESULTS PDGF-BB rapidly induced ERK5 activation and translocation to the nucleus. EGF and PDGF-DD were also found to activate ERK5. Interfering with Src activation blocked PDGF-BB-dependent ERK5 phosphorylation. To establish the biological significance of ERK5 activation, HSC were transfected with non-targeting siRNA or siRNA targeting ERK5. ERK5 silencing inhibited PDGF-BB-induced cell proliferation, and expression and activation of c-Jun. In contrast, depletion of ERK5 was associated with significantly increased cell migration, both in the presence or absence of PDGF-BB. This effect was associated with a redistribution of focal contacts, and with decreased phosphorylation of FAK, paxillin, and PAK. CONCLUSIONS ERK5 modulates PDGF-dependent biologic activities in human HSC, generating positive signals for cell proliferation downregulating the ability of the cells to migrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Rovida
- Dipartimento di Patologia e Oncologia Sperimentali, University of Florence, Italy
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Novo E, Cannito S, Zamara E, Valfrè di Bonzo L, Caligiuri A, Cravanzola C, Compagnone A, Colombatto S, Marra F, Pinzani M, Parola M. Proangiogenic cytokines as hypoxia-dependent factors stimulating migration of human hepatic stellate cells. Am J Pathol 2007; 170:1942-53. [PMID: 17525262 PMCID: PMC1899450 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Pathological angiogenesis is associated with the fibrogenic progression of chronic liver diseases. Experimental data suggest that hypoxia and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may stimulate proliferation and synthesis of type I collagen in activated, myofibroblast-like rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC/MFs). In this study, we investigated whether hypoxia, recombinant VEGF, or angiopoietin 1 (Ang-1) may affect other crucial profibrogenic features. In human HSC/MFs, which constitutively express VEGF receptor-1 and -2 (VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2) and the Ang-1 receptor Tie-2, exposure to hypoxia, VEGF, or Ang-1 resulted in a Ras/Erk-dependent stimulation of chemokinesis and chemotaxis. Migration of human HSC/MFs under hypoxic conditions involved up-regulation of VEGF-A, Ang-1, and related receptors and was mainly dependent on VEGFR-2 (Flk-1). In specimens from either cirrhotic rat livers or from patients with hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis, HSC/MFs expressed proangiogenic factors and related receptors in areas of active fibrogenesis (ie, at the leading or lateral edge of developing incomplete fibrotic septa). Data presented herein suggest that VEGF and Ang-1 may contribute to fibrogenesis by acting as hypoxia-inducible, autocrine, and paracrine factors able to recruit myofibroblast-like cells. Moreover, HSC/MFs, in addition to their established profibrogenic role, may also contribute to neoangiogenesis during chronic hepatic wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Novo
- Università degli Studi di Torino, Dipartimento Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy
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Novo E, Marra F, Zamara E, Valfrè di Bonzo L, Caligiuri A, Cannito S, Antonaci C, Colombatto S, Pinzani M, Parola M. Dose dependent and divergent effects of superoxide anion on cell death, proliferation, and migration of activated human hepatic stellate cells. Gut 2006; 55:90-7. [PMID: 16041064 PMCID: PMC1856394 DOI: 10.1136/gut.2005.069633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Activated myofibroblast-like cells, originating from hepatic stellate cells (HSC/MFs) or other cellular sources, play a key profibrogenic role in chronic liver diseases (CLDs) that, as suggested by studies in animal models or rat HSC/MFs, may be modulated by reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI). In this study, human HSC/MFs, exposed to different levels of superoxide anion (O(2)(.-)) and, for comparison, hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), were analysed in terms of cytotoxicity, proliferative response, and migration. METHODS Cultured human HSC/MFs were exposed to controlled O(2)(.-) generation by hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase systems or to a range of H(2)O(2) concentrations. Induction of cell death, proliferation, and migration were investigated using morphology, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques. RESULTS Human HSC/MFs were shown to be extremely resistant to induction of cell death by O(2)(.-) and only high rates of O(2)(.-) generation induced either necrotic or apoptotic cell death. Non-cytotoxic low levels of O(2)(.-), able to upregulate procollagen type I expression (but not tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and 2), stimulated migration of human HSC/MFs in a Ras/extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) dependent, antioxidant sensitive way, without affecting basal or platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulated cell proliferation. Non-cytotoxic levels of H(2)O(2) did not affect Ras/ERK or proliferative response. A high rate of O(2)(.-) generation or elevated levels of H(2)O(2 )induced cytoskeletal alterations, block in motility, and inhibition of PDGF dependent DNA synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Low non-cytotoxic levels of extracellularly generated O(2)(.-) may stimulate selected profibrogenic responses in human HSC/MFs without affecting proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Novo
- Università degli Studi di Torino, Dip Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, C so Raffaello 30, 10125 Torino, Italy
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Zamara E, Novo E, Marra F, Gentilini A, Romanelli RG, Caligiuri A, Robino G, Tamagno E, Aragno M, Danni O, Autelli R, Colombatto S, Dianzani MU, Pinzani M, Parola M. 4-Hydroxynonenal as a selective pro-fibrogenic stimulus for activated human hepatic stellate cells. J Hepatol 2004; 40:60-8. [PMID: 14672615 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(03)00480-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS 4-Hydroxynonenal (HNE) is a putative pro-fibrogenic product of oxidative stress able to elicit apoptosis and cytotoxicity in several cell types. This study has been performed to evaluate its 'in vivo' levels in injured liver and whether HNE may induce apoptosis and/or affect selected phenotypic responses in activated human hepatic stellate cells (HSC/MF). METHODS/RESULTS During the development of acute liver injury induced by CCl(4), liver tissue HNE levels were in the range 0.5-10 microM, as shown by high performance liquid chromatography analysis. Cultured human HSC/MF, developed cytotoxicity only if exposed to very high HNE concentrations (25-50 microM) without any sign of induction of classic, caspase-dependent apoptosis, as assessed by evaluating morphology and biochemical parameters of cell death. HNE, at non-cytotoxic doses, up-regulated procollagen type I and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 gene expression and/or protein synthesis without significantly affecting chemotaxis (wound healing and haptotaxis assay), matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 2 mRNA expression and activity as well as basal DNA synthesis. CONCLUSIONS HNE, at concentrations compatible with those detected in vivo, does not elicit HSC/MF classic apoptosis but, rather, may act as a potent pro-fibrogenic stimulus for the expression of genes involved in excess extracellular matrix deposition and proposed as survival signals for HSC/MF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zamara
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Oncologia Sperimentale, Università di Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125 Turin, Italy
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Caligiuri A, De Franco RMS, Romanelli RG, Gentilini A, Meucci M, Failli P, Mazzetti L, Rombouts K, Geerts A, Vanasia M, Gentilini P, Marra F, Pinzani M. Antifibrogenic effects of canrenone, an antialdosteronic drug, on human hepatic stellate cells. Gastroenterology 2003; 124:504-20. [PMID: 12557155 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2003.50058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Several lines of evidence indicate that aldosterone antagonists may exert direct antifibrogenic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible direct antifibrogenic effects of canrenone, the active metabolite of spironolactone, in activated human hepatic stellate cells. METHODS The effects of canrenone were assessed on platelet-derived growth factor-induced mitogenic and chemotactic effects and the increased de novo synthesis of different extracellular matrix components induced by transforming growth factor-beta1. RESULTS Canrenone dose-dependently reduced platelet-derived growth factor-induced cell proliferation and motility. This effect was not associated with either changes in the phosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor and phospholipase C gamma or in the activation of the Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway, whereas it was accompanied by a dose-dependent inhibition of platelet-derived growth factor-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity. In addition, canrenone inhibited the activity of the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 1 induced by platelet-derived growth factor. The effect of canrenone on Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 1 activity was reproduced by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitors, thus supporting an inhibitory action of canrenone on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity. To further address this possibility, the action of canrenone was compared with that of 2 established Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 1 inhibitors: ethylisopropylamiloride and cariporide. Whereas ethylisopropylamiloride was able to inhibit platelet-derived growth factor-induced phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, cariporide was without any effect. Both compounds reproduced the effects of canrenone on platelet-derived growth factor-induced mitogenesis and chemotaxis. Finally, canrenone was able to reduce transforming growth factor-beta1-induced de novo synthesis of procollagen type I/IV and fibronectin and thrombin-induced hepatic stellate cell contraction. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that canrenone may be active as an antifibrogenic drug.
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Carloni V, Defranco RMS, Caligiuri A, Gentilini A, Sciammetta SC, Baldi E, Lottini B, Gentilini P, Pinzani M. Cell adhesion regulates platelet-derived growth factor-induced MAP kinase and PI-3 kinase activation in stellate cells. Hepatology 2002; 36:582-91. [PMID: 12198650 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2002.35277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The biologic effects of growth factors are dependent on cell adhesion, and a cross talk occurs between growth factors and adhesion complexes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of cell adhesion on the major intracellular signaling pathways elicited by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in hepatic stellate cells (HSC). PDGF signaling was investigated in an experimental condition characterized by lack of cell adhesion for different intervals of time. Basal and PDGF-induced focal adhesion kinase (FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation was maintained in a condition of cell suspension for 2, 4, and 6 hours, whereas it was completely lost after 12 and 24 hours. We examined MAP kinase activity at 2 and 24 hours, corresponding to the higher and lower levels of FAK phosphorylation. In these experiments, MAP kinase activity correlated with FAK phosphorylation. Stimulation with PDGF was able to cause Ras-GTP loading only in adherent cells. The ability of PDGF to induce phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-K) activity was abrogated in cells maintained in suspension. The Ser473 phosphorylation of Akt was only marginally affected by the lack of cell adhesion. We then evaluated the association of FAK with c-Src. This association was found to be cell adhesion dependent, and it did not appear to be dependent from phosphorylated FAK. These changes in PDGF-induced intracellular signaling were associated with a remarkable reduction of PDGF-proliferative potential in nonadherent cells, although no marked differences in the apoptotic rate were observed. In conclusion, these results suggest that cell adhesion differentially regulates major signaling pathways activated by PDGF in HSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinicio Carloni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna and Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica-Unità di Andrologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
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Efsen E, Grappone C, DeFranco RMS, Milani S, Romanelli RG, Bonacchi A, Caligiuri A, Failli P, Annunziato F, Pagliai G, Pinzani M, Laffi G, Gentilini P, Marra F. Up-regulated expression of fractalkine and its receptor CX3CR1 during liver injury in humans. J Hepatol 2002; 37:39-47. [PMID: 12076860 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(02)00065-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Little is known about the role of fractalkine (CX3CL1) in the liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression patterns of fractalkine and its receptor CX3CR1 in normal human liver and in conditions of injury. METHODS Distribution and expression of fractalkine and its receptor were investigated using immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. In vitro experiments were conducted in HepG2 cells. RESULTS Both fractalkine and CX3CR1 were up-regulated during chronic injury, in areas of portal and lobular inflammation. In severe acute hepatitis, fractalkine and CX3CR1 were expressed at high levels not only in areas of inflammation but also in regenerating epithelial cells within bile duct-like structures, which showed co-expression of fractalkine and cytokeratin-7 or CX3CR1. The human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2 expressed fractalkine at the gene and protein level, and HepG2-conditioned medium was chemotactic for cells overexpressing CX3CR1. Transcripts for CX3CR1 were detected in HepG2, and exposure of these cells to recombinant fractalkine induced cell migration. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that the fractalkine system is up-regulated during liver damage, and suggests that fractalkine may play a role in the recruitment and adhesion of inflammatory cells and in the biology of liver epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Efsen
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 85, I-50134 Florence, Italy
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Robino G, Parola M, Marra F, Caligiuri A, De Franco RM, Zamara E, Bellomo G, Gentilini P, Pinzani M, Dianzani MU. Interaction between 4-hydroxy-2,3-alkenals and the platelet-derived growth factor-beta receptor. Reduced tyrosine phosphorylation and downstream signaling in hepatic stellate cells. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:40561-7. [PMID: 11007794 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m007694200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) undergo activation toward myofibroblast-like cells during early stages of liver injury associated with fibrogenesis. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), particularly its BB isoform, has been identified as the most potent mitogen for HSC. 4-Hydroxy-2,3-nonenal and related 4-hydroxy-2, 3-alkenals (HAKs) have been suggested to modulate the process of HSC activation. In this study we investigated the relationship between HAKs and PDGF receptor activation in human HSC. By employing noncytotoxic concentrations (10(-6) m) of HAKs, we observed a significant inhibition of PDGF-BB-dependent DNA synthesis. HAKs inhibited relevant pathways of PDGF-BB-dependent mitogenic signaling, including autophosphorylation of PDGF receptor (PDGF-R) beta subunits and activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and extracellular regulated kinases 1/2. Inhibition of DNA synthesis was reversible, and recovery of PDGF-mediated mitogenic signaling occurred within 24-48 h and was associated with HAKs-induced up-regulation of PDGF-R beta gene expression. 4-Hydroxy-2,3-nonenal, used as a model HAK, inhibited the intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity associated with the PDGF-R beta subunit, whereas binding of PDGF to its receptor was unaffected. This study identifies a novel regulatory mechanism of reactive aldehydes on PDGF receptor signaling and biologic actions, which may be relevant in several pathophysiological conditions, including liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Robino
- Dipartimento di Medicina ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Università di Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
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Failli P, DeFRANCO RM, Caligiuri A, Gentilini A, Romanelli RG, Marra F, Batignani G, Guerra CT, Laffi G, Gentilini P, Pinzani M. Nitrovasodilators inhibit platelet-derived growth factor-induced proliferation and migration of activated human hepatic stellate cells. Gastroenterology 2000; 119:479-92. [PMID: 10930383 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2000.9354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nitrovasodilators have been proposed for the treatment of portal hypertension alone or in combination with beta-blockers. In addition to their vasodilatory properties, nitric oxide (NO) donors may exert direct antifibrogenic properties. We evaluated the effect of nitroglycerin (NTG) and S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP) on the mitogenic and chemotactic properties of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB and the modulation of the relative intracellular signaling pathways in fully activated human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a cell type that plays an active role in liver fibrogenesis and portal hypertension. METHODS & RESULTS Both NTG and SNAP induced a dose-dependent decrease in PDGF-induced DNA synthesis and cell migration, which was associated with a decrease in PDGF-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. These effects were not related to activation of the classic soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)/guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate pathway; accordingly, Western blot analysis of HSC lysates revealed the absence of the alpha(1)beta(1) ubiquitous subunits of sGC, whereas they were detectable in quiescent HSCs, freshly isolated from normal human liver. Conversely, both NTG and SNAP induced a more than 10-20-fold increase in prostaglandin E(2) in cell supernatants within 1 minute, associated with an increase in intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate levels. Accordingly, the inhibitory effects of NO donors on PDGF action and signaling were eliminated after preincubation with ibuprofen. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that NO donors may exert a direct antifibrogenic action by inhibiting proliferation, motility, and contractility of HSCs in addition to a reduction of fibrillar extracellular matrix accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Failli
- Dipartimento di Farmacologia Preclinica e Clinica, Italy
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31
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Marra F, Efsen E, Romanelli RG, Caligiuri A, Pastacaldi S, Batignani G, Bonacchi A, Caporale R, Laffi G, Pinzani M, Gentilini P. Ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma modulate profibrogenic and proinflammatory actions in hepatic stellate cells. Gastroenterology 2000; 119:466-78. [PMID: 10930382 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2000.9365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 308] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Proliferation and migration of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and expression of chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma is a receptor transcription factor that controls growth and differentiation in different tissues. We explored the effects of PPAR-gamma agonists on the biological actions of cultured human HSCs. METHODS HSCs were isolated from normal human liver tissue and used in their myofibroblast-like phenotype or immediately after isolation. Activation of PPAR-gamma was induced with 15-deoxy-Delta(12, 14)-prostaglandin J(2) or with troglitazone. RESULTS PPAR-gamma agonists dose-dependently inhibited HSC proliferation and chemotaxis induced by platelet-derived growth factor. This effect was independent of changes in postreceptor signaling or expression of c-fos and c-myc and was associated with inhibition of cell cycle progression beyond the G(1) phase. Activation of PPAR-gamma also resulted in a complete inhibition of the expression of monocyte chemotactic protein 1 at the gene and protein levels. Comparison of quiescent and culture-activated HSCs revealed a marked decrease in PPAR-gamma expression in activated cells. CONCLUSIONS Activation of PPAR-gamma modulates profibrogenic and proinflammatory actions in HSCs. Reduced PPAR-gamma expression may contribute to confer an activated phenotype to HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università di Firenze, Florence, Italy.
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Glaser S, Benedetti A, Marucci L, Alvaro D, Baiocchi L, Kanno N, Caligiuri A, Phinizy JL, Chowdury U, Papa E, LeSage G, Alpini G. Gastrin inhibits cholangiocyte growth in bile duct-ligated rats by interaction with cholecystokinin-B/Gastrin receptors via D-myo-inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate-, Ca(2+)-, and protein kinase C alpha-dependent mechanisms. Hepatology 2000; 32:17-25. [PMID: 10869284 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2000.8265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We studied the role of gastrin in regulating cholangiocyte proliferation induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). In purified cholangiocytes, we evaluated (1) for the presence of cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B)/gastrin receptors, (2) the effect of gastrin on D-myo-Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP(3)) levels, and (3) the effect of gastrin on DNA synthesis and adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate (cAMP) levels in the absence or presence of CCK-A (L-364,718) and CCK-B/gastrin (L-365,260) receptor inhibitors, 1, 2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis(acetxymethyl ester) (BAPTA/AM; an intracellular Ca(2+) chelator), and 2 protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors, 1-(5-Isoquinolinylsulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine (H7) and staurosporin. To evaluate if gastrin effects on cholangiocyte proliferation are mediated by the isoform PKCalpha, we evaluated (1) for the presence of PKCalpha in cholangiocytes and (2) the effect of gastrin on the PKCalpha protein expression in a triton-soluble (containing cytoplasm + membrane) and a triton-insoluble (containing cytoskeleton) fraction. To evaluate the effects of gastrin in vivo, immediately following BDL, gastrin or bovine serum albumin (BSA) was infused by minipumps for 7 days to rats and we measured cholangiocyte growth and cAMP levels. We found CCK-B/gastrin receptors on cholangiocytes. Gastrin increased IP(3) levels. Gastrin inhibited DNA synthesis and cAMP synthesis in cholangiocytes. Gastrin effects on cholangiocyte functions were blocked by L-365,260, BAPTA/AM, H7, and staurosporin but not by L-364,718. Gastrin induced translocation of PKCalpha from cholangiocyte cytoskeleton to membrane. In vivo, gastrin decreased cholangiocyte growth and cAMP synthesis compared with controls. We concluded that gastrin inhibits cholangiocyte growth in BDL rats by interacting with CCK-B/gastrin receptors through a signal transduction pathway involving IP(3), Ca(2+), and PKCalpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Glaser
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine and Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX 76504, USA
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Marra F, Arrighi MC, Fazi M, Caligiuri A, Pinzani M, Romanelli RG, Efsen E, Laffi G, Gentilini P. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation differentially regulates platelet-derived growth factor's actions in hepatic stellate cells, and is induced by in vivo liver injury in the rat. Hepatology 1999; 30:951-8. [PMID: 10498647 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510300406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Upon liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) show increased proliferation, motility, and extracellular matrix (ECM) production. The extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) control different functions in a cell-specific manner. In this study, we evaluated the role of ERK activation in cultured HSC stimulated with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and after induction of liver injury in vivo. HSC were isolated from normal human liver tissue, cultured on plastic, and used in their myofibroblast-like phenotype. In in vivo experiments, HSC were isolated from normal rats or at different time points after a single intragastric administration of CCl(4). Nontoxic concentrations of PD98059, a specific inhibitor of ERK activation, reduced PDGF-induced activation of ERK in a dose-dependent fashion. Suppression of ERK activation was associated with complete inhibition of HSC proliferation and with a 57% reduction in chemotaxis. In the presence of the ERK inhibitor, binding of the AP-1 complex and of STAT1 to the related regulatory elements was inhibited. The inhibition of the DNA binding activity of STAT1 was mediated by a reduction in PDGF-induced tyrosine phosphorylation. Expression of c-fos in response to PDGF was also reduced, but not suppressed, by treatment with PD98059. In HSC isolated from CCl(4)-treated rats, ERK activity increased as early as 6 hours following liver damage, and declined thereafter. The results of this study indicate that ERK activation regulates proliferation and chemotaxis of HSC, and modulates nuclear signaling. Acute liver damage in vivo leads to activation of ERK in HSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Marra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università di Firenze, Florence, Italy.
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LeSagE G, Alvaro D, Benedetti A, Glaser S, Marucci L, Baiocchi L, Eisel W, Caligiuri A, Phinizy JL, Rodgers R, Francis H, Alpini G. Cholinergic system modulates growth, apoptosis, and secretion of cholangiocytes from bile duct-ligated rats. Gastroenterology 1999; 117:191-9. [PMID: 10381927 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-5085(99)70567-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS To investigate the role of the cholinergic system in regulation of cholangiocyte functions, we evaluated the effects of vagotomy on cholangiocyte proliferation and secretion in rats that underwent bile duct ligation (BDL rats). METHODS After bile duct ligation (BDL), the vagus nerve was resected; 7 days later, expression of M3 acetylcholine receptor was evaluated. Cholangiocyte proliferation was assessed by morphometry and measurement of DNA synthesis. Apoptosis was evaluated by light microscopy and annexin-V staining. Ductal secretion was evaluated by measurement of secretin-induced choleresis, secretin receptor (SR) gene expression, and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) levels. RESULTS Vagotomy decreased the expression of M3 acetylcholine receptors in cholangiocytes. DNA synthesis and ductal mass were markedly decreased, whereas cholangiocyte apoptosis was increased by vagotomy. Vagotomy decreased ductal secretion. Forskolin treatment prevented the decrease in cAMP levels induced by vagotomy, maintained cholangiocyte proliferation, and decreased cholangiocyte apoptosis caused by vagotomy in BDL rats. Cholangiocyte secretion was also maintained by forskolin. CONCLUSIONS Vagotomy impairs cholangiocyte proliferation and enhances apoptosis, leading to decreased ductal mass in response to BDL. Secretin-induced choleresis of BDL rats was virtually eliminated by vagotomy in association with decreased cholangiocyte cAMP levels. Maintenance of cAMP levels by forskolin administration prevents the effects of vagotomy on cholangiocyte proliferation, apoptosis, and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- G LeSagE
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scott & White Hospital, and Texas A&M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas, USA
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Grappone C, Pinzani M, Parola M, Pellegrini G, Caligiuri A, DeFranco R, Marra F, Herbst H, Alpini G, Milani S. Expression of platelet-derived growth factor in newly formed cholangiocytes during experimental biliary fibrosis in rats. J Hepatol 1999; 31:100-9. [PMID: 10424289 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(99)80169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Chronic cholestasis stimulates a fibroductular reaction which may progress to secondary biliary fibrosis and cirrhosis. Since platelet-derived growth factor has been indicated as a major fibrogenic factor in chronic liver disease, we analyzed its expression and that of its receptor beta subunit in a rat model of chronic cholestasis. METHODS Liver tissue samples collected at 7, 10, 21, and 28 days after induction of cholestasis obtained by bile duct ligation, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and RNase protection assay for the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B chain and receptor beta subunit. Furthermore, the expression of PDGF-B chain mRNA was analyzed in highly purified cholangiocytes from normal and cholestatic rat liver. RESULTS In cholestatic liver, platelet-derived growth factor-BB and B chain mRNA expression increased up to 4 weeks in epithelial cells of proliferating bile ducts, and periductular mesenchymal cells. The increased expression of PDGF-B chain mRNA was confirmed in highly purified cholangiocytes obtained from normal and cholestatic rat liver. The expression of the receptor beta subunit progressively increased after induction of cholestasis and was mainly localized to desmin-positive periductular hepatic stellate cells. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that platelet-derived growth factor-B chain can be synthesized by cholangiocytes during chronic cholestasis. The presence of its receptor on periductular hepatic stellate cells raises the possibility that, in this experimental setting, this cytokine might contribute to fibrogenesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Grappone
- Dipartimento di Fisiopatologia Clinica-Sezione di Gastroenterologia, Universita' di Firenze, Italy
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LeSage GD, Glaser SS, Marucci L, Benedetti A, Phinizy JL, Rodgers R, Caligiuri A, Papa E, Tretjak Z, Jezequel AM, Holcomb LA, Alpini G. Acute carbon tetrachloride feeding induces damage of large but not small cholangiocytes from BDL rat liver. Am J Physiol 1999; 276:G1289-301. [PMID: 10330021 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.1999.276.5.g1289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Bile duct damage and/or loss is limited to a range of duct sizes in cholangiopathies. We tested the hypothesis that CCl4 damages only large ducts. CCl4 or mineral oil was given to bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats, and 1, 2, and 7 days later small and large cholangiocytes were purified and evaluated for apoptosis, proliferation, and secretion. In situ, we measured apoptosis by morphometric and TUNEL analysis and the number of small and large ducts by morphometry. Two days after CCl4 administration, we found an increased number of small ducts and reduced number of large ducts. In vitro apoptosis was observed only in large cholangiocytes, and this was accompanied by loss of proliferation and secretion in large cholangiocytes and loss of choleretic effect of secretin. Small cholangiocytes de novo express the secretin receptor gene and secretin-induced cAMP response. Consistent with damage of large ducts, we detected cytochrome P-4502E1 (which CCl4 converts to its radicals) only in large cholangiocytes. CCl4 induces selective apoptosis of large ducts associated with loss of large cholangiocyte proliferation and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D LeSage
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scott & White Hospital and The Texas A&M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas 76504, USA
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LeSage GD, Benedetti A, Glaser S, Marucci L, Tretjak Z, Caligiuri A, Rodgers R, Phinizy JL, Baiocchi L, Francis H, Lasater J, Ugili L, Alpini G. Acute carbon tetrachloride feeding selectively damages large, but not small, cholangiocytes from normal rat liver. Hepatology 1999; 29:307-19. [PMID: 9918904 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510290242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop a model of selective duct damage restricted to hormone-responsive segments corresponding to the ducts damaged in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was fed by gavage to rats, and 2, 7, 14, and 28 days later, small and large cholangiocytes were isolated. Apoptosis was determined in situ by morphology and in purified cholangiocytes by assessment of nuclear fragmentation by 4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining. Cholangiocyte proliferation was evaluated in situ by morphometry of liver sections stained for cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) and by proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining in liver sections and in purified cholangiocytes by PCNA gene expression. Ductal secretion was assessed by measurement of secretin receptor (SR) gene expression and secretin-induced cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) synthesis and secretin-induced choleresis. Two days after CCl4 administration, there was an increased number of small ducts, but a reduction of large ducts. Apoptosis, observed only in large ducts, was associated with decreased DNA synthesis and ductal secretion. Conversely, small cholangiocytes expressed de novo the SR gene and secretin-stimulated cAMP synthesis 2 days after CCl4 treatment. Proliferation of large cholangiocytes was delayed until 7 days, which was associated with a transient increase in ductal secretion in vivo. CCl4 effects on cholangiocytes were reversed by day 28. CCl4 treatment causes a decrease in large duct mass as a result of a higher rate of apoptosis and absence of initial proliferation in large cholangiocytes. These processes were concomitant with a decrease of ductal secretion in large cholangiocytes. Small cholangiocytes appear resistant to CCl4-induced apoptosis, and proliferate and transiently compensate for loss of proliferative and secretory activity of large cholangiocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D LeSage
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scott & White Hospital and Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA
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Alpini G, Glaser SS, Ueno Y, Rodgers R, Phinizy JL, Francis H, Baiocchi L, Holcomb LA, Caligiuri A, LeSage GD. Bile acid feeding induces cholangiocyte proliferation and secretion: evidence for bile acid-regulated ductal secretion. Gastroenterology 1999; 116:179-86. [PMID: 9869616 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-5085(99)70242-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We have shown that taurocholate (TC) and taurolithocholate (TLC) interact in vitro with normal cholangiocytes, increasing DNA synthesis, secretin receptor (SR) gene expression, and adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) synthesis. To further extend these in vitro studies, we tested the hypothesis that bile acids (BAs) directly stimulate cholangiocyte proliferation and secretion in vivo. METHODS After feeding with TC or TLC (1% for 1-4 weeks), we assessed the following in vivo: (1) ductal proliferation by both morphometry and immunohistochemistry for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and measurement of [3H]thymidine incorporation; and (2) the effect of secretin on bile secretion and bicarbonate secretion in vivo. Genetic expression of H3-histone and SR and intracellular cAMP levels were measured in isolated cholangiocytes. RESULTS After BA feeding, there was an increased number of PCNA-positive cholangiocytes and an increased number of ducts compared with control rats. [3H]Thymidine incorporation, absent in control cholangiocytes, was increased in cholangiocytes from BA-fed rats. In BA-fed rats, there was increased SR gene expression (approximately 2.5-fold) and secretin-induced cAMP levels (approximately 3.0-fold) in cholangiocytes, which was associated with de novo secretin-stimulated bile flow and bicarbonate secretion. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that elevated BA levels stimulate ductal secretion and cholangiocyte proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Alpini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scott & White Hospital and Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, USA
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Caligiuri A, Glaser S, Rodgers RE, Phinizy JL, Robertson W, Papa E, Pinzani M, Alpini G. Endothelin-1 inhibits secretin-stimulated ductal secretion by interacting with ETA receptors on large cholangiocytes. Am J Physiol 1998; 275:G835-46. [PMID: 9756516 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.1998.275.4.g835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
We studied the expression of endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors (ETA and ETB) and the effects of ET-1 on cholangiocyte secretion. The effects of ET-1 on cholangiocyte secretion were assessed in normal and bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats by measuring 1) basal and secretin-induced choleresis in vivo, 2) secretin receptor gene expression and cAMP levels in small and large cholangiocytes, and 3) luminal expansion in response to secretin in intrahepatic bile duct units (IBDU). ETA and ETB receptors were expressed by small and large cholangiocytes. ET-1 had no effect on basal bile flow or bicarbonate secretion in normal or BDL rats but decreased secretin-induced bicarbonate-rich choleresis in BDL rats. ET-1 decreased secretin receptor gene expression and secretin-stimulated cAMP synthesis in large cholangiocytes and secretin-induced luminal expansion in IBDU from normal or BDL rats. The inhibitory effects of ET-1 on secretin-induced cAMP synthesis and luminal duct expansion were blocked by specific inhibitors of the ETA (BQ-610) receptor. ET-1 inhibits secretin-induced ductal secretion by decreasing secretin receptor and cAMP synthesis, two important determinants of ductal secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Caligiuri
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Physiology, Scott and White Hospital and Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, Texas 76504, USA
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Alpini G, Glaser SS, Ueno Y, Pham L, Podila PV, Caligiuri A, LeSage G, LaRusso NF. Heterogeneity of the proliferative capacity of rat cholangiocytes after bile duct ligation. Am J Physiol 1998; 274:G767-75. [PMID: 9575860 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.1998.274.4.g767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We previously introduced the concept that intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells, or cholangiocytes, are functionally heterogeneous. This concept is based on the observation that secretin receptor (SR) gene expression and secretin-induced cAMP synthesis are present in cholangiocytes derived from large (> 15 microns in diameter) but not small (< 15 microns in diameter) bile ducts. In work reported here, we tested the hypothesis that cholangiocytes are heterogeneous with regard to proliferative capacity. We assessed cholangiocyte proliferation in vivo by measurement of [3H]thymidine incorporation and in vitro by both [3H]thymidine incorporation and H3 histone gene expression in small (fraction 1) and large (fraction 2) cholangiocytes isolated from rats after bile duct ligation (BDL). In the two cholangiocyte subpopulations, we also studied basal somatostatin receptor (SSTR2) gene expression as well as the effects of somatostatin on 1) SR gene expression and secretin-induced cAMP synthesis and 2) [3H]thymidine incorporation and H3 histone gene expression. In normal rat liver, cholangiocytes, unlike hepatocytes, were mitotically dormant; after BDL, incorporation of [3H]thymidine markedly increased in cholangiocytes but not hepatocytes. When subpopulations of cholangiocytes were isolated after BDL, DNA synthesis assessed by both techniques was limited to large cholangiocytes, as was SSTR2 steady-state gene expression. In vitro, somatostatin inhibited SR gene expression and secretin-induced cAMP synthesis only in large cholangiocytes. Moreover, compared with no hormone, somatostatin inhibited DNA synthesis solely in large cholangiocytes. These results support the concept of the heterogeneity of cholangiocytes along the biliary tree, extend this concept to cholangiocyte proliferative activity, and imply that the proliferative compartment of cholangiocytes after BDL is located principally in the cholangiocytes lining large (> 15 microns) bile ducts.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Alpini
- Department of Medical Physiology and Internal Medicine, Scott & White Hospital, Temple, Texas, USA
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Romanelli RG, Caligiuri A, Carloni V, DeFranco R, Montalto P, Ceni E, Casini A, Gentilini P, Pinzani M. Effect of pentoxifylline on the degradation of procollagen type I produced by human hepatic stellate cells in response to transforming growth factor-beta 1. Br J Pharmacol 1997; 122:1047-54. [PMID: 9401768 PMCID: PMC1565043 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0701484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Pentoxifylline (PTF) may act as a potential antifibrogenic agent by inhibiting cell proliferation and/or collagen deposition in cell type(s) responsible for the accumulation of extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to investigate at which level PTF may affect synthesis and degradation of type I collagen in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a key source of connective tissue in fibrotic liver. 2. Procollagen type I synthesis and release were evaluated in cells maintained in serum free/insulin free medium for 48 h and then stimulated with transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) for different time periods in the presence or absence of PTF. TGF-beta 1 caused an upregulation of procollagen I mRNA levels with a peak increase after 3-6 h of stimulation. This effect was followed by an increase in both the cell associated and the extracellular levels of the corresponding protein, with a peak effect at 9-12 h after the addition of TGF-beta 1. Co-incubation with PTF slightly but consistently reduced basal as well as stimulated procollagen I mRNA levels, with negligible effects on the cell-associated expression of the corresponding protein. Conversely, PTF dose-dependently reduced procollagen type I levels detected in supernatants from unstimulated and stimulated cells. 3. Pulse-chase experiments employing L-[3H]-proline revealed that PTF was able to induce significantly the degradation of procollagen, mainly in the extracellular compartment. We next analysed the effect of PTF on the major pathway involved in type I collagen degradation. PTF did not affect the expression of metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) mRNA both in basal and stimulated conditions, whereas it markedly reduced the expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) mRNA. Accordingly incubation with PTF increased the levels of 'activated MMP-1' in cell supernatants in both basal and stimulated conditions. 4. These results suggest that the antifibrogenic action of PTF on human HSCs is mainly mediated by extracellular collagen degradation rather than by a reduction of collagen synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R G Romanelli
- Istituto di Medicina Interna-Centro Interuniversitario di Fisiopatologia Epatica, Università di Firenze, Italy
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Glaser SS, Rodgers RE, Phinizy JL, Robertson WE, Lasater J, Caligiuri A, Tretjak Z, LeSage GD, Alpini G. Gastrin inhibits secretin-induced ductal secretion by interaction with specific receptors on rat cholangiocytes. Am J Physiol 1997; 273:G1061-70. [PMID: 9374703 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.1997.273.5.g1061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the effect of gastrin on ductal secretion in normal and bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats. The effect of gastrin on ductal secretion was examined in the presence of proglumide, a specific antagonist for gastrin receptor (GR). We isolated pure cholangiocytes from normal and BDL rats and assessed gastrin effects on secretin receptor (SR) gene expression and intracellular adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels. We examined the presence of GR mRNA in cholangiocytes by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In normal or BDL rats, gastrin produced no changes in spontaneous bile secretion. Simultaneous infusion of gastrin inhibited secretin-induced choleresis and bicarbonate output in BDL rats. In the presence of proglumide gastrin did not inhibit secretin-induced choleresis in BDL rats. Gastrin decreased in cholangiocytes from BDL rats 1) SR gene expression and 2) secretin-induced cAMP levels. With the use of RT-PCR, GR mRNA was detected in cholangiocytes. Similar to what is shown for secretin and somatostatin, we propose that the opposing effects of secretin and gastrin on cholangiocyte secretory activity regulate ductal secretion in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Glaser
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scott and White Hospital, Temple, Texas 76508, USA
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43
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Alpini G, Glaser SS, Rodgers R, Phinizy JL, Robertson WE, Lasater J, Caligiuri A, Tretjak Z, LeSage GD. Functional expression of the apical Na+-dependent bile acid transporter in large but not small rat cholangiocytes. Gastroenterology 1997; 113:1734-40. [PMID: 9352879 DOI: 10.1053/gast.1997.v113.pm9352879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Bile acids interact with cholangiocytes, resulting in cholangiocyte proliferation and increases in ductal bile secretion in large but not small cholangiocytes. It was proposed that for bile acids to exert these effects on cholangiocytes, a specific uptake mechanism must be present in cholangiocytes. The aim of this study was to show the expression of a bile acid transporter in cholangiocytes. METHODS Small and large cholangiocytes or intrahepatic bile duct units (IBDUs) were isolated from normal rats, and gene expression for the apical Na+-dependent bile acid transporter (ABAT) and the 14-kilodalton ileal cytosolic binding protein (IBABP) was assessed by ribonuclease-protection assays. Tissue and subcellular distribution of bile acid transporters was also studied. [14C]-Taurocholate uptake into cholangiocytes was determined. RESULTS Both ABAT and IBABP messenger RNAs were detected in large but not small cholangiocytes. By immunohistochemistry, ABAT was present in large but not small cholangiocytes. Immunofluorescence showed ABAT to be present in the apical membrane of large IBDUs. A Na+-dependent saturable uptake of taurocholate was present in large but not small cholangiocytes. CONCLUSIONS These proteins may mediate bile acid uptake from the duct lumen in large ducts, resulting in modification of canalicular bile secretion and modulation of ductal bile secretion and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Alpini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scott & White Hospital and Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple 76508, USA
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Alpini G, Glaser S, Robertson W, Phinizy JL, Rodgers RE, Caligiuri A, LeSage G. Bile acids stimulate proliferative and secretory events in large but not small cholangiocytes. Am J Physiol 1997; 273:G518-29. [PMID: 9277433 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.1997.273.2.g518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Accumulation of bile acids (BA) and cholangiocyte proliferation occur in cholestasis, but BA effects on the proliferative and secretory capacity of cholangiocytes are undefined. Cholangiocyte proliferation coupled with increased expression of H3 histone and secretin receptor (SR) genes and secretin-stimulated adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels is limited to large cholangiocytes. We isolated pooled small and large cholangiocytes and studied the effect of taurocholic (TC) and taurolithocholic (TLC) acids on proliferation, by measurement of H3 histone gene expression, and secretion, by measurement of SR gene expression, cAMP levels, and Cl-/HCO3- exchanger activity. In pooled cholangiocytes, TC and TLC increased H3 histone (12-fold) and SR (3-fold) gene expression and both spontaneous (1.4-fold) and secretin-induced (4-fold) cAMP response. TC and TLC increased H3 histone (10-fold) and SR (2-fold) gene expression and secretin-induced cAMP response and Cl-/HCO3- exchanger activity (3-fold) only in large cholangiocytes. In large cholangiocytes, BA may have a signaling function in the modulation of ductal secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Alpini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scott and White Hospital, Temple, Texas, USA
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Casini A, Ceni E, Salzano R, Biondi P, Parola M, Galli A, Foschi M, Caligiuri A, Pinzani M, Surrenti C. Neutrophil-derived superoxide anion induces lipid peroxidation and stimulates collagen synthesis in human hepatic stellate cells: role of nitric oxide. Hepatology 1997; 25:361-7. [PMID: 9021948 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.1997.v25.pm0009021948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Experimental evidence indicates that the lipid peroxidation of biological membranes is often associated with the development of liver fibrosis. We have studied the effect of neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) on collagen synthesis by human hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the major source of collagen in the liver, in a coculture system. Lipid peroxidation in the cocultures was evaluated in terms of either malondialdehyde (MDA) production or the formation of MDA/4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts. The expression of cellular messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was evaluated by either Northern blotting or RNAse protection assay. Nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity in cells was measured by [3H]citrulline formation from [3H]arginine. In vitro exposure of HSC to ROS resulted in the early induction of lipid peroxidation and was associated with a marked increase (threefold) of procollagen I mRNA expression and synthesis. The addition of antioxidants, such as vitamin E or superoxide dismutase (SOD), impaired this stimulation. The inhibition of neutrophil NO formation by N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine made the ROS-induced stimulation of procollagen I more evident. The addition of xanthine/xanthine oxidase X/XO, a superoxide anion donor, to HSC cultures strongly increased procollagen I synthesis. This stimulation was hampered by the addition of both SOD and sodium nitroprusside (an NO donor). The contribution of HSC to the production of NO in our coculture system was negligible, because inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA was almost undetectable in these cells, and also because the amount of NO produced by HSC stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was 500 times less than that synthesized by neutrophils. In conclusion, these results indicate that neutrophil-derived ROS may contribute to the development of hepatic fibrosis associated with alcoholic hepatitis. NO produced by neutrophils may exert a "protective" antioxidant effect by operating as a scavenger of superoxide anion.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Casini
- Alcohol Research Center and Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Clinical Pathophysiology, University of Florence, Italy
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Pinzani M, Marra F, Caligiuri A, DeFranco R, Gentilini A, Failli P, Gentilini P. Inhibition by pentoxifylline of extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation by platelet-derived growth factor in hepatic stellate cells. Br J Pharmacol 1996; 119:1117-24. [PMID: 8937713 PMCID: PMC1915894 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.1996.tb16012.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
1. It has been proposed that pentoxifylline (PTF) acts an antifibrogenic agent by reducing the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, and this possibility has been confirmed in animal models of hepatic fibrosis. In this study the effects of PTF on the proliferation of extracellular matrix producing cells induced by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were evaluated. The study was performed on hepatic stellate cells, currently indicated as the major source of extracellular matrix in fibrotic liver. 2. PTF caused a dose-dependent reduction of PDGF-induced mitogenesis with an IC50 of 170 microM, identical to the EC50 for the increase in intracellular cyclic AMP levels. Preincubation with PTF did not affect either PDGF-receptor autophosphorylation or phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase activity, whereas it markedly reduced PDGF-stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity and ERK isoform phosphorylation. PTF also reduced PDGF-induced c-fos mRNA expression, which is dependent on activation of the RAS/ERK pathway. In addition, the PDGF-induced increase in cytsolic-free calcium was almost completely prevented by pretreating the cells with PTF. 3. The results of the present study indicate that PTF, in addition to its effect on collagen deposition and degradation, may exert an antifibrogenic effect by reducing the PDGF-induced proliferation of extracellular matrix producing cells. This effect appears to be mediated by a reduction of PDGF-stimulated ERK activity as well as of other intracellular signalling pathways such as the PDGF-induced elevation of cytosolic-free calcium.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pinzani
- Istituto di Medicina Interna-Centro Interuniversitario di Fisiopatologia Epatica, Firenze, Italy
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Parola M, Pinzani M, Casini A, Leonarduzzi G, Marra F, Caligiuri A, Ceni E, Biondi P, Poli G, Dianzani MU. Induction of procollagen type I gene expression and synthesis in human hepatic stellate cells by 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal and other 4-hydroxy-2,3-alkenals is related to their molecular structure. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1996; 222:261-4. [PMID: 8670193 DOI: 10.1006/bbrc.1996.0732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
4-Hydroxy-2,3-nonenal (HNE) has been shown to induce procollagen type I gene expression and synthesis in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), i.e. the cells responsible for deposition of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins in fibrotic liver. Here we report that the stimulatory effect of HNE mostly depends on the contemporary presence of the hydroxyl group in position C4 and of the double bond between position C2 and C3 since equimolar concentrations of 2,3-nonenal as well as of nonenal did not procollagen type I synthesis either at mRNA or at protein levels. Accordingly to this concept, all the other 4-hydroxy-2,3-alkenals of different chain length tested on cultured human HSC (4-hydroxy-2,3-hexenal, 4-hydroxy-2,3-octenal and 4-hydroxy-2,3-undecenal) strongly induced procollagen type I gene expression and synthesis. The stimulatory effect of 4-hydroxy-2,3-alkenals may depend on the well known ability of these aldehydes to react with either SH-groups or NH2-groups of functional proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Parola
- Dip. Medicina ed Oncologia Sperimentale, Universitià di Torino, Italy
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48
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Pinzani M, Milani S, Herbst H, DeFranco R, Grappone C, Gentilini A, Caligiuri A, Pellegrini G, Ngo DV, Romanelli RG, Gentilini P. Expression of platelet-derived growth factor and its receptors in normal human liver and during active hepatic fibrogenesis. Am J Pathol 1996; 148:785-800. [PMID: 8774134 PMCID: PMC1861723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor (R) subunits was evaluated in normal human liver and in cirrhotic liver tissue by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. In normal liver, PDGF and PDGF-R subunit expression was limited to a few mesenchymal cells of the portal tract stroma and vessels. In cirrhotic liver, PDGF-A and -B chain mRNA expression was markedly increased and was co-distributed with immunoreactivity for PDGF-AA and -BB in infiltrating inflammatory cells and along vascular structures within fibrous septa. These aspects were paralleled by a marked overexpression of PDGF-R alpha- and beta-subunit mRNAs and of the relative immunoreactivities in a wide range of mesenchymal cells in fibrous septa and in perisinusoidal alpha-smooth-muscle-actin-positive cells. In general expression and distribution of PDGF-R subunits appeared to be related to the activation of different mesenchymal cell types involved in the fibroproliferative process. Therefore, we evaluated the expression of PDGF-R subunits in liver tissue specimens with increasing degrees of necroinflammatory activity. The results of this additional study confirmed that expression of PDGF-R subunits is highly correlated with the severity of histological lesions and collagen deposition. Our results, providing evidence for a functional involvement of PDGF/PDGF-R in liver fibrogenesis, greatly support the results of previous in vitro studies and direct attention toward pharmacological strategies able to affect the series of signaling events arising from the autophosphorylation of PDGF-R subunits.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pinzani
- Istituto di Medicina Interna-Centro Interuniversitario di Fisiopatologia Epatica, Università di Firenze, Italy
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Pinzani M, Milani S, De Franco R, Grappone C, Caligiuri A, Gentilini A, Tosti-Guerra C, Maggi M, Failli P, Ruocco C, Gentilini P. Endothelin 1 is overexpressed in human cirrhotic liver and exerts multiple effects on activated hepatic stellate cells. Gastroenterology 1996; 110:534-48. [PMID: 8566602 DOI: 10.1053/gast.1996.v110.pm8566602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 299] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Endothelin (ET) 1 could be involved in the regulation of hepatic microcirculation and in the development of portal hypertension. The expression and distribution of ET-1 in normal and cirrhotic liver tissue and its effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), liver-specific pericytes, were investigated. METHODS ET-1 expression in liver tissue was analyzed using in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Secretion of ET-1 by HSC was evaluated by radioimmunoassay. Changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and cell contraction were studied using digital video imaging. Specific binding of ET-1 was evaluated using self- and cross-displacement curves. RESULTS ET-1 expression was markedly enhanced in cirrhotic liver tissue, where activated HSCs were shown to be major sites of ET-1 synthesis, as confirmed by studies performed on cultured human HSC. ET-1 exerted several biological actions on HSC, including mitogenicity, activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase, and a rapid increase in intracellular Ca2+ coupled with reversible cell contraction. All these effects appeared to be mediated by ETA receptors. Finally, the relative prevalence of ETA and ETB binding sites changed with the progressive phenotypical modulation of HSC. CONCLUSIONS ET-1 may act as a paracrine and autocrine factor for activated HSC and contribute to the increased resistance to portal flow in cirrhotic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pinzani
- Istituto di Medicina Interna-Centro Interuniversitario di Fisiopatologia Epatica, Florence, Italy
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Failli P, Ruocco C, De Franco R, Caligiuri A, Gentilini A, Giotti A, Gentilini P, Pinzani M. The mitogenic effect of platelet-derived growth factor in human hepatic stellate cells requires calcium influx. Am J Physiol 1995; 269:C1133-9. [PMID: 7491901 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.1995.269.5.c1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) is a key mitogen for hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and has been shown to be implicated in liver tissue repair and fibrogenesis. In this study the relationship between PDGF-induced intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) increase and mitogenesis in cultured human HSC was evaluated. In high-density cell cultures (80-90% subconfluence), PDGF induced a significant increase in [Ca2+]i, characterized by a short-lasting peak phase, which was followed by a long-lasting plateau phase. The plateau phase was abolished in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. However, in low-density cell cultures (30-40% subconfluence), the plateau phase was absent or markedly less pronounced. In parallel sets of experiments, PDGF was significantly less effective in inducing mitogenesis in low-density cell cultures than in high-density cell cultures and was totally ineffective in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. These results suggest that 1) spatial and time dynamics of PDGF-induced [Ca2+]i increase are dependent on cell density and 2) PDGF-induced mitogenesis requires extracellular Ca2+ influx.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Failli
- Dipartimento di Farmacologia, Università di Firenze, Italy
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