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Zhang M, Yang J, Yuan Y, Zhou Y, Wang Y, Cui R, Maliu Y, Xu F, Wu X. Recruitment or activation of mast cells in the liver aggravates the accumulation of fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury. Mol Immunol 2024; 170:60-75. [PMID: 38626622 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases caused by viral infections, alcoholism, drugs, or chemical poisons are a significant health problem: Liver diseases are a leading contributor to mortality, with approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide. Liver fibrosis, as a common liver disease characterized by excessive collagen deposition, is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and there is no effective treatment. Numerous studies have shown that the accumulation of mast cells (MCs) in the liver is closely associated with liver injury caused by a variety of factors. This study investigated the relationship between MCs and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats and the effects of the MC stabilizers sodium cromoglycate (SGC) and ketotifen (KET) on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The results showed that MCs were recruited or activated during CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Coadministration of SCG or KET alleviated the liver fibrosis by decreasing SCF/c-kit expression, inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway, depressing the HIF-1a/VEGF pathway, activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and increasing the hepatic levels of GSH, GSH-Px, and GR, thereby reducing hepatic oxidative stress. Collectively, recruitment or activation of MCs is linked to liver fibrosis and the stabilization of MCs may provide a new approach to the prevention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Jinru Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yufan Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yazhi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Ruirui Cui
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Yimai Maliu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Fen Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China
| | - Xin'an Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; Engineering Research Centre of Prevention and Control for Clinical Medication Risk, Gansu Province, China.
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Huang C, Yu X, Shi C, Wang M, Li A, Wang F. Pyrroloquinoline quinone supplementation attenuates inflammatory liver injury by STAT3/TGF-β1 pathway in weaned piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide. Br J Nutr 2024; 131:1352-1361. [PMID: 38155410 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523002970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
This study is aimed to evaluate the effect and underling mechanism of dietary supplementation with pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) disodium on improving inflammatory liver injury in piglets challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). A total of seventy-two crossbred barrows were allotted into four groups as follows: the CTRL group (basal diet + saline injection); the PQQ group (3 mg/kg PQQ diet + saline injection); the CTRL + LPS group (basal diet + LPS injection) and the PQQ + LPS group (3 mg/kg PQQ diet + LPS injection). On days 7, 11 and 14, piglets were challenged with LPS or saline. Blood was sampled at 4 h after the last LPS injection (day 14), and then the piglets were slaughtered and liver tissue was harvested. The results showed that the hepatic morphology was improved in the PQQ + LPS group compared with the CTRL + LPS group. PQQ supplementation decreased the level of serum inflammatory factors, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase, and increased the HDL-cholesterol concentration in piglets challenged with LPS; piglets in the PQQ + LPS group had lower liver mRNA level of inflammatory factors and protein level of α-smooth muscle actin than in the CTRL + LPS group. Besides, mRNA expression of STAT3/TGF-β1 pathway and protein level of p-STAT3(Tyr 705) were decreased, and mRNA level of PPARα and protein expression of p-AMPK in liver were increased in the PQQ + LPS group compared with the CTRL + LPS group (P < 0·05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PQQ alleviated inflammatory liver injury might partly via inhibition of the STAT3/TGF-β1 pathway in piglets challenged with LPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyun Huang
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuanci Yu
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenyu Shi
- State Key Lab of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science & Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengshi Wang
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Ang Li
- College of Animal Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou350002, People's Republic of China
| | - Fenglai Wang
- State Key Lab of Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Science & Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing100193, People's Republic of China
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Mavila N, Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah M, Kennedy J. Ductular Reactions in Liver Injury, Regeneration, and Disease Progression-An Overview. Cells 2024; 13:579. [PMID: 38607018 PMCID: PMC11011399 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Ductular reaction (DR) is a complex cellular response that occurs in the liver during chronic injuries. DR mainly consists of hyper-proliferative or reactive cholangiocytes and, to a lesser extent, de-differentiated hepatocytes and liver progenitors presenting a close spatial interaction with periportal mesenchyme and immune cells. The underlying pathology of DRs leads to extensive tissue remodeling in chronic liver diseases. DR initiates as a tissue-regeneration mechanism in the liver; however, its close association with progressive fibrosis and inflammation in many chronic liver diseases makes it a more complicated pathological response than a simple regenerative process. An in-depth understanding of the cellular physiology of DRs and their contribution to tissue repair, inflammation, and progressive fibrosis can help scientists develop cell-type specific targeted therapies to manage liver fibrosis and chronic liver diseases effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmala Mavila
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
- Division of Applied Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Mallikarjuna Siraganahalli Eshwaraiah
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
| | - Jaquelene Kennedy
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (M.S.E.); (J.K.)
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Marakovits C, Francis H. Unraveling the complexities of fibrosis and ductular reaction in liver disease: pathogenesis, mechanisms, and therapeutic insights. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C698-C706. [PMID: 38105754 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00486.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Ductular reaction and fibrosis are hallmarks of many liver diseases including primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cholangitis, biliary atresia, alcoholic liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Liver fibrosis is the accumulation of extracellular matrix often caused by excess collagen deposition by myofibroblasts. Ductular reaction is the proliferation of bile ducts (which are composed of cholangiocytes) during liver injury. Many other cells including hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, hepatic progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and immune cells contribute to ductular reaction and fibrosis by either directly or indirectly interacting with myofibroblasts and cholangiocytes. This review summarizes the recent findings in cellular links between ductular reaction and fibrosis in numerous liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinn Marakovits
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
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Retraction: Mast cells induce ductular reaction mimicking liver injury in mice through mast cell-derived transforming growth factor beta 1 signaling. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00767. [PMID: 38377369 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
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Zhao L, Xing E, Bai T, Cao T, Wang G, Banie L, Lin G, Tang Y, Lue T. Age-Related Changes in Urethral Structure and Responds to Injury: Single-Cell Atlas of a Rat Model of Vaginal Birth Injury induced Stress Urinary Incontinence. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3901406. [PMID: 38410468 PMCID: PMC10896383 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3901406/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) greatly affects the daily life of numerous women and is closely related to a history of vaginal delivery and aging. We used vaginal balloon dilation to simulate vaginal birth injury in young and middle-aged rats to produce a SUI animal model, and found that young rats restored urethral structure and function well, but not the middle-aged rats. To identify the characteristics of cellular and molecular changes in the urethral microenvironment during the repair process of SUI. We profiled 51,690 individual female rat urethra cells from 24 and 48 weeks old, with or without simulated vaginal birth injury. Cell interaction analysis showed that signal networks during repair process changed from resting to active, and aging altered the distribution but not the overall level of cell interaction in the repair process. Similarity analysis showed that muscle, fibroblasts, and immune cells underwent large transcriptional changes during aging and repair. In middle-aged rats, cell senescence occurs mainly in the superficial and middle urothelium due to cellular death and shedding, and the basal urothelium expressed many Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) genes. In conclusion, we established the aging and vaginal balloon dilation (VBD) model of female urethral cell anatomy and the signal network landscape, which provides an insight into the normal or disordered urethra repair process and the scientific basis for developing novel SUI therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tom Lue
- University of California San Francisco
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Li Z, Zhu J, Ouyang H. Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in improving hepatic fibrosis based on inhibiting pathological angiogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1303012. [PMID: 38155904 PMCID: PMC10754536 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1303012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the formation of scar tissue in the liver. This scar tissue replaces healthy liver tissue and can lead to liver dysfunction and failure if left untreated. It is usually caused by chronic liver disease, such as hepatitis B or C, alcohol abuse, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Pathological angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of hepatic fibrosis by promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the liver. These new vessels increase blood flow to the damaged areas of the liver, which triggers the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). HSCs are responsible for producing excess collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to the development of fibrosis. Pathological angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the development of hepatic fibrosis by promoting the growth of new blood vessels in the liver. These new vessels increase blood flow to the damaged areas of the liver, which triggers the activation of HSCs. HSCs are responsible for producing excess collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins that contribute to the development of fibrosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been found to target pathological angiogenesis, thereby providing a potential treatment option for hepatic fibrosis. Several studies have demonstrated that TCM exhibits anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting the production of pro-angiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin-2, and by reducing the proliferation of endothelial cells. Reviewing and highlighting the unique TCM recognition of treating hepatic fibrosis by targeting pathological angiogenesis may shed light on future hepatic fibrosis research.
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Dong Y, Wang X, Xu L, Li X, Dai H, Mao X, Chu Y, Yuan X, Liu H. Development of a Chimeric Protein BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII for Improving the Anti-Fibrotic Activity in Vivo by Targeting Fibrotic Liver and Dual Inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway. Protein J 2023; 42:753-765. [PMID: 37690089 DOI: 10.1007/s10930-023-10147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Excessive production of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) promotes liver fibrosis by activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Thus, specifically inhibiting the pro-fibrotic activity of TGF-β1 in aHSCs is an ideal strategy for treating liver fibrosis. Overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR) has been demonstrated on the surface of aHSCs relative to normal cells in liver fibrosis. Interferon-gamma peptidomimetic (mIFNγ) and truncated TGF-β receptor type II (tTβRII) inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by different mechanisms. In this study, we designed a chimeric protein by the conjugation of (1) mIFNγ and tTβRII coupled via plasma protease-cleavable linker sequences (FNPKTP) to (2) PDGFβR-recognizing peptide (BiPPB), namely BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII. This novel protein BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII was effectively prepared using Escherichia coli expression system. The active components BiPPB-mIFNγ and tTβRII were slowly released from BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII by hydrolysis using the plasma protease thrombin in vitro. Moreover, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII highly targeted to fibrotic liver tissues, markedly ameliorated liver morphology and fibrotic responses in chronic liver fibrosis mice by both inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and inducing the expression of Smad7. Meanwhile, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII markedly reduced the deposition of collagen fibrils and expression of fibrosis-related proteins in acute liver fibrosis mice. Furthermore, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII showed a good safety performance in both liver fibrosis mice. Taken together, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII improved the in vivo anti-liver fibrotic activity due to its high fibrotic liver-targeting potential and the dual inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, which may be a potential candidate for targeting therapy on liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixin Dong
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Liming Xu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Hongqi Hospital Affiliated to Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Haibing Dai
- Department of Biology, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Xu Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Yanhui Chu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China
| | - Xiaohuan Yuan
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China.
| | - Haifeng Liu
- Heilongjiang Province Key Laboratory for Anti-fibrosis Biotherapy, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China.
- Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Mudanjiang Medical University, 157011, Mudanjiang, PR China.
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Shu G, Sun H, Zhang T, Zhu A, Lei X, Wang C, Song A, Deng X. Theaflavine inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation by modulating the PKA/LKB1/AMPK/GSK3β cascade and subsequently enhancing Nrf2 signaling. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 956:175964. [PMID: 37549726 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) constitutes a crucial etiological factor leading to liver fibrosis. Theaflavine (TF) is a characteristic bioactive compound in fermented tea. Here, we found that TF attenuated the activation of LX-2 HSCs induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). TF potentiated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related Factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Knockdown of Nrf2 abrogated TF-mediated resistance to TGF-β1. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1), AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) are upstream regulators of Nrf2. TF modulated the LKB1/AMPK/GSK3β axis. Inhibition of AMPK or knockdown of LKB1 crippled TF-mediated potentiation of Nrf2. Protein kinase A (PKA) catalyzes LKB1 phosphorylation. In LX-2 cells, TF increased the LKB1/PKA interaction without affecting their contents. Inhibition of PKA abolished TF-mediated potentiation of LKB1/Nrf2 and abrogated the inhibitory effects of TF on their activation. TF also enhanced direct binding between purified catalytic subunit α of PKA (PKA-Cα) and LKB1 proteins in vitro. Molecular docking indicated that TF showed binding activity with both LKB1 and PKA-Cα proteins. In mouse primary HSCs, TF elevated LKB1/PKA-Cα binding, boosted LKB1 phosphorylation, potentiated Nrf2 and suppressed their spontaneous activation. PKA inhibition or LKB1 knockdown eliminated TF-mediated induction of Nrf2 and suppression of HSC activation. Furthermore, TF considerably alleviated CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis. In mouse livers, TF increased the LKB1/PKA-Cα interaction, upregulated LKB1 phosphorylation and modulated its downstream AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 cascade. Our findings collectively indicated that TF suppresses HSC activation. Mechanistically, TF elevated the LKB1/PKA interaction in HSCs, which increased LKB1 phosphorylation and subsequently modulated the downstream AMPK/GSK3β/Nrf2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Anqi Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao Lei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chuo Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Anning Song
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xukun Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Xie L, Qiu S, Lu C, Gu C, Wang J, Lv J, Fang L, Chen Z, Li Y, Jiang T, Xia Y, Wang W, Li B, Xu Z. Gastric cancer-derived LBP promotes liver metastasis by driving intrahepatic fibrotic pre-metastatic niche formation. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:258. [PMID: 37789385 PMCID: PMC10546721 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02833-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver metastasis (LM) is one of the most common distant metastases of gastric cancer (GC). However, the mechanisms underlying the LM of GC (GC-LM) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the tumour-secreted protein associated with GC-LM and to investigate the mechanisms by which this secreted protein remodels the liver microenvironment to promote GC-LM. METHODS Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS), mRNA expression microarray, quantitative real-time PCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed to identify and validate the GC-secreted proteins associated with GC-LM. A modified intrasplenic injection mouse model of LM was used to evaluate the progression and tumour burden of LM in vivo. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence (IF), western blots (WB) and IHC were performed to validate the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation in the pre-modelling mouse models. mRNA sequencing of PMA-treated THP-1 cells with or without lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) treatment was used to identify the functional target genes of LBP in macrophages. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), WB, ELISA, IF and Transwell assays were performed to explore the underlying mechanism of LBP in inducing intrahepatic PMN formation. RESULTS LBP was identified as a critical secreted protein associated with GC-LM and correlated with a worse prognosis in patients with GC. LBP activated the TLR4/NF-κB pathway to promote TGF-β1 secretion in intrahepatic macrophages, which, in turn, activated hepatic satellite cells (HSCs) to direct intrahepatic fibrotic PMN formation. Additionally, TGF-β1 enhanced the migration and invasion of incoming metastatic GC cells in the liver. Consequently, selective targeting of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway with galunisertib demonstrated its efficacy in effectively preventing GC-LM in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide compelling evidence that serological LBP can serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for the early detection of GC-LM. Mechanistically, GC-derived LBP mediates the crosstalk between primary GC cells and the intrahepatic microenvironment by promoting TGF-β1 secretion in intrahepatic macrophages, which induces intrahepatic fibrotic PMN formation to promote GC-LM. Importantly, selectively targeting the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway with galunisertib represents a promising preventive and therapeutic strategy for GC-LM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xie
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Shengkui Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, Nantong First People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Chen Lu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Chao Gu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Jihuan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Jialun Lv
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Lang Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Zetian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Tianlu Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Yiwen Xia
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Weizhi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
| | - Zekuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, 211166, China.
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11
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He YH, Pan JX, Xu LM, Gu T, Chen YW. Ductular reaction in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: When Macbeth is perverted. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:725-740. [PMID: 37397935 PMCID: PMC10308290 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i6.725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease is the leading cause of chronic liver diseases defined as a disease spectrum comprising hepatic steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatic carcinoma. NASH, characterized by hepatocyte injury, steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, is associated with NAFLD prognosis. Ductular reaction (DR) is a common compensatory reaction associated with liver injury, which involves the hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs), hepatic stellate cells, myofibroblasts, inflammatory cells (such as macrophages), and their secreted substances. Recently, several studies have shown that the extent of DR parallels the stage of NASH and fibrosis. This review summarizes previous research on the correlation between DR and NASH, the potential interplay mechanism driving HPC differentiation, and NASH progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang-Huan He
- Department of Gastroenterology and Department of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Jia-Xing Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lei-Ming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ting Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Yuan-Wen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Department of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
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Owen T, Carpino G, Chen L, Kundu D, Wills P, Ekser B, Onori P, Gaudio E, Alpini G, Francis H, Kennedy L. Endothelin Receptor-A Inhibition Decreases Ductular Reaction, Liver Fibrosis, and Angiogenesis in a Model of Cholangitis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:513-540. [PMID: 37336290 PMCID: PMC10462792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) leads to ductular reaction and fibrosis and is complicated by vascular dysfunction. Cholangiocyte and endothelial cell crosstalk modulates their proliferation in cholestatic models. Endothelin (ET)-1 and ET-2 bind to their receptor, ET-A, and cholangiocytes are a key source of ET-1 after bile duct ligation. We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of ET-A inhibition in PSC and biliary-endothelial crosstalk mediated by this pathway. METHODS Wild-type and multidrug resistance 2 knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice at 12 weeks of age were treated with vehicle or Ambrisentan (ET-A antagonist) for 1 week by daily intraperitoneal injections. Human control and PSC samples were used. RESULTS Mdr2-/- mice at 4, 8, and 12 weeks displayed angiogenesis that peaked at 12 weeks. Mdr2-/- mice at 12 weeks had enhanced biliary ET-1/ET-2/ET-A expression and secretion, whereas human PSC had enhanced ET-1/ET-A expression and secretion. Ambrisentan reduced biliary damage, immune cell infiltration, and fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice. Mdr2-/- mice had squamous cholangiocytes with blunted microvilli and dilated arterioles lacking cilia; however, Ambrisentan reversed these alterations. Ambrisentan decreased cholangiocyte expression of pro-angiogenic factors, specifically midkine, through the regulation of cFOS. In vitro, ET-1/ET-A caused cholangiocyte senescence, endothelial cell angiogenesis, and macrophage inflammation. In vitro, human PSC cholangiocyte supernatants increased endothelial cell migration, which was blocked with Ambrisentan treatment. CONCLUSIONS ET-A inhibition reduced biliary and liver damage in Mdr2-/- mice. ET-A promotes biliary angiocrine signaling that may, in turn, enhance angiogenesis. Targeting ET-A may prove therapeutic for PSC, specifically patients displaying vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis Owen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Payton Wills
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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13
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Li Z, Ouyang H, Zhu J. Traditional Chinese medicines and natural products targeting immune cells in the treatment of metabolic-related fatty liver disease. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1195146. [PMID: 37361209 PMCID: PMC10289001 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1195146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
MAFLD stands for metabolic-related fatty liver disease, which is a prevalent liver disease affecting one-third of adults worldwide, and is strongly associated with obesity, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. It encompasses a broad spectrum of conditions ranging from simple liver fat accumulation to advanced stages like chronic inflammation, tissue damage, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. With limited approved drugs for MAFLD, identifying promising drug targets and developing effective treatment strategies is essential. The liver plays a critical role in regulating human immunity, and enriching innate and adaptive immune cells in the liver can significantly improve the pathological state of MAFLD. In the modern era of drug discovery, there is increasing evidence that traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, natural products and herb components can effectively treat MAFLD. Our study aims to review the current evidence supporting the potential benefits of such treatments, specifically targeting immune cells that are responsible for the pathogenesis of MAFLD. By providing new insights into the development of traditional drugs for the treatment of MAFLD, our findings may pave the way for more effective and targeted therapeutic approaches.
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14
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Qiu J, Wu S, Wang P, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Sun Y, Jiang C. miR-488-5p mitigates hepatic stellate cell activation and hepatic fibrosis via suppressing TET3 expression. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:463-475. [PMID: 36001230 PMCID: PMC10119239 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10404-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Numerous studies have demonstrated that hepatic fibrosis, a progressive condition as an endpoint of multiple chronic hepatic diseases, is largely characterized with the extensive activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The precise effect of miR-488-5p in HSCs during hepatic fibrosis has not been elucidated. METHODS In our study, qRT-PCR was applied to assess the level of miR-488-5p in activated HSCs stimulated by TGF-β1. We built murine liver fibrosis models with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), high-fat diet (HFD) and bile duct ligation (BDL). In vitro, the effects of miR-488-5p in HSCs were examined through cell proliferation assay and apoptosis. Luciferase reporter assay was applied to identify the underlying target of miR-488-5p. In vivo, the effects of miR-488-5p were explored through mouse liver fibrosis models. RESULTS The reduction of miR-488-5p in the activated HSCs induced by TGF-β1 and three mouse hepatic fibrosis models were identified. The in vitro functional experimentations verified that miR-488-5p restrained expression of fibrosis-related markers and proliferative capacity in HSCs. Mechanically, we identified that miR-488-5p inhibited tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 3 (TET3) expression via straightly binding onto the 3' UTR of its mRNA, which sequentially restrained the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway. TET3 inhibition induced by the overexpression of miR-488-5p reduced extracellular matrix deposition, which contributed to mitigating mouse liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION We highlight that miR-488-5p restrains the activation of HSCs and hepatic fibrosis via targeting TET3 which is involved in the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. Collectively, miR-488-5p is identified as a potential therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiannan Qiu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Shasha Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jiangsu College of Nursing, Huai'an, 223005, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Drum Tower Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongxia Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yong Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Huaian No. 1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, 223001, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chunping Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Lu R, Xu H, Deng X, Wang Y, He Z, Xu S, Liang S, Huang X, You H, Guo F, Cheng P, Chen AM. Physalin A alleviates intervertebral disc degeneration via anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. J Orthop Translat 2023; 39:74-87. [PMID: 36788965 PMCID: PMC9898579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The incidence of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a common degenerative disease with inflammation, decreased autophagy, and progression of fibrosis as its possible pathogenesis. Physalin A (PA) is a widely studied anti-inflammatory drug. However, its therapeutic effects on IVDD remain unexplored. Therefore, we aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of PA in IVDD progression. Materials and methods In vivo, we investigated PA bioactivity using a puncture-induced IVDD rat model. IVDD signals and height changes were detected using X-ray, micro-CT, and MRI, and structural and molecular lesions using histological staining and immunohistochemistry of intervertebral disc sections. In vivo, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and TGF-β1 were employed to establish inflammation fibrotic nucleus pulposus (NP) cells. The PA effect duration, concentration, influence pathways, and pathological changes in IVDD treatment were elucidated using western blotting, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence. Results PA exerted significant effects on IVDD remission due to anti-inflammation, fibrosis reduction, and autophagy enhancement. In vitro, PA improved inflammation by blocking the NF-κB and MAPK pathways, whereas it promoted autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and affected fibrotic progression by regulating the SMAD2/3 pathway. Moreover, PA improved the disc degeneration process in IVDD model. Conclusions PA exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects and improved autophagy in vivo and in vitro IVDD models, thus effectively relieving IVDD progression, indicating it is a promising agent for IVDD treatment. The translational potential of this article This study successfully reveals that PA, a natural bioactive withanolide, effectively relieved IVDD progression via inflammation inhibition, fibrosis reduction, and autophagy enhancement, indicating it is a promising agent for IVDD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Haoran Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaofeng Deng
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yingguang Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhiyi He
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shimeng Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaojian Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hongbo You
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Fengjing Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Peng Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China,Corresponding author. Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
| | - An-min Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China,Corresponding author. Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei Province, China.
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Meadows V, Marakovits C, Ekser B, Kundu D, Zhou T, Kyritsi K, Pham L, Chen L, Kennedy L, Ceci L, Wu N, Carpino G, Zhang W, Isidan A, Meyer A, Owen T, Gaudio E, Onori P, Alpini G, Francis H. Loss of apical sodium bile acid transporter alters bile acid circulation and reduces biliary damage in cholangitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 324:G60-G77. [PMID: 36410025 PMCID: PMC9799145 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00112.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterized by increased ductular reaction (DR), liver fibrosis, hepatic total bile acid (TBA) levels, and mast cell (MC) infiltration. Apical sodium BA transporter (ASBT) expression increases in cholestasis, and ileal inhibition reduces PSC phenotypes. FVB/NJ and multidrug-resistant 2 knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice were treated with control or ASBT Vivo-Morpholino (VM). We measured 1) ASBT expression and MC presence in liver/ileum; 2) liver damage/DR; 3) hepatic fibrosis/inflammation; 4) biliary inflammation/histamine serum content; and 5) gut barrier integrity/hepatic bacterial translocation. TBA/BA composition was measured in cholangiocyte/hepatocyte supernatants, intestine, liver, serum, and feces. Shotgun analysis was performed to ascertain microbiome changes. In vitro, cholangiocytes were treated with BAs ± ASBT VM, and histamine content and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) signaling were determined. Treated cholangiocytes were cocultured with MCs, and FXR signaling, inflammation, and MC activation were measured. Human patients were evaluated for ASBT/MC expression and histamine/TBA content in bile. Control patient- and PSC patient-derived three-dimensional (3-D) organoids were generated; ASBT, chymase, histamine, and fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF19) were evaluated. ASBT VM in Mdr2-/- mice decreased 1) biliary ASBT expression, 2) PSC phenotypes, 3) hepatic TBA, and 4) gut barrier integrity compared with control. We found alterations between wild-type (WT) and Mdr2-/- mouse microbiome, and ASBT/MC and bile histamine content increased in cholestatic patients. BA-stimulated cholangiocytes increased MC activation/FXR signaling via ASBT, and human PSC-derived 3-D organoids secrete histamine/FGF19. Inhibition of hepatic ASBT ameliorates cholestatic phenotypes by reducing cholehepatic BA signaling, biliary inflammation, and histamine levels. ASBT regulation of hepatic BA signaling offers a therapeutic avenue for PSC.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We evaluated knockdown of the apical sodium bile acid transporter (ASBT) using Vivo-Morpholino in Mdr2KO mice. ASBT inhibition decreases primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) pathogenesis by reducing hepatic mast cell infiltration, altering bile acid species/cholehepatic shunt, and regulating gut inflammation/dysbiosis. Since a large cohort of PSC patients present with IBD, this study is clinically important. We validated findings in human PSC and PSC-IBD along with studies in novel human 3-D organoids formed from human PSC livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vik Meadows
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Corinn Marakovits
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Linh Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Richard L. Roudebush Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico," Rome, Italy
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Abdulkadir Isidan
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Alison Meyer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Travis Owen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Richard L. Roudebush Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Richard L. Roudebush Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
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17
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Mast cells inhibit colorectal cancer development by inducing ER stress through secreting Cystatin C. Oncogene 2023; 42:209-223. [PMID: 36402931 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are abundantly distributed in the human intestinal mucosa and submucosa. However, their roles and mechanisms in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) are still unclear. In the present research, we found that the infiltration density of MCs in CRC tissues was positively correlated with improved patients' prognoses. Moreover, MCs suppressed the growth and induced the apoptosis of CRC cells in vitro and in vivo but had no effect on normal colonic epithelial cells. The present study revealed that MCs specifically induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and activated the unfolded protein response (UPR) in CRC cells but not in normal cells, which led to the suppression of CRC development in vivo. Furthermore, we found that the secreted Cystatin C protein was the key factor for the MC-induced ERS in CRC cells. This work is of significance for uncovering the antitumor function of MCs in CRC progression and identifying the potential of CRC to respond to MC-targeted immunotherapy.
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18
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Aljobaily N, Krutsinger K, Viereckl MJ, Joly R, Menlove B, Cone B, Suppes A, Han Y. Low-Dose Administration of Cannabigerol Attenuates Inflammation and Fibrosis Associated with Methionine/Choline Deficient Diet-Induced NASH Model via Modulation of Cannabinoid Receptor. Nutrients 2022; 15:nu15010178. [PMID: 36615835 PMCID: PMC9823433 DOI: 10.3390/nu15010178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). NASH is distinguished by severe hepatic fibrosis and inflammation. The plant-derived, non-psychotropic compound cannabigerol (CBG) has potential anti-inflammatory effects similar to other cannabinoids. However, the impact of CBG on NASH pathology is still unknown. This study demonstrated the therapeutic potential of CBG in reducing hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation. METHODS 8-week-old C57BL/6 male mice were fed with methionine/choline deficient (MCD) diet or control (CTR) diets for five weeks. At the beginning of week 4, mice were divided into three sub-groups and injected with either a vehicle, a low or high dose of CBG for two weeks. Overall health of the mice, Hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation were evaluated. RESULTS Increased liver-to-body weight ratio was observed in mice fed with MCD diet, while a low dose of CBG treatment rescued the liver-to-body weight ratio. Hepatic ballooning and leukocyte infiltration were decreased in MCD mice with a low dose of CBG treatment, whereas the CBG treatment did not change the hepatic steatosis. The high dose CBG administration increased inflammation and fibrosis. Similarly, the expression of cannabinoid receptor (CB)1 and CB2 showed decreased expression with the low CBG dose but not with the high CBG dose intervention in the MCD group and were co-localized with mast cells. Additionally, the decreased mast cells were accompanied by decreased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the low dose of CBG alleviated hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in MCD-induced NASH, however, the high dose of CBG treatment showed enhanced liver damage when compared to MCD only group. These results will provide pre-clinical data to guide future intervention studies in humans addressing the potential uses of CBG for inflammatory liver pathologies, as well as open the door for further investigation into systemic inflammatory pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouf Aljobaily
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kelsey Krutsinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Michael J. Viereckl
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Raznin Joly
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Bridger Menlove
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Brexton Cone
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Ailaina Suppes
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
| | - Yuyan Han
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO 80639, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-970-351-2004
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19
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Li C, Yin Z, Xiao R, Huang B, Cui Y, Wang H, Xiang Y, Wang L, Lei L, Ye J, Li T, Zhong Y, Guo F, Xia Y, Fang P, Liang K. G-quadruplexes sense natural porphyrin metabolites for regulation of gene transcription and chromatin landscapes. Genome Biol 2022; 23:259. [PMID: 36522639 PMCID: PMC9753424 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-022-02830-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND G-quadruplexes (G4s) are unique noncanonical nucleic acid secondary structures, which have been proposed to physically interact with transcription factors and chromatin remodelers to regulate cell type-specific transcriptome and shape chromatin landscapes. RESULTS Based on the direct interaction between G4 and natural porphyrins, we establish genome-wide approaches to profile where the iron-liganded porphyrin hemin can bind in the chromatin. Hemin promotes genome-wide G4 formation, impairs transcription initiation, and alters chromatin landscapes, including decreased H3K27ac and H3K4me3 modifications at promoters. Interestingly, G4 status is not involved in the canonical hemin-BACH1-NRF2-mediated enhancer activation process, highlighting an unprecedented G4-dependent mechanism for metabolic regulation of transcription. Furthermore, hemin treatment induces specific gene expression profiles in hepatocytes, underscoring the in vivo potential for metabolic control of gene transcription by porphyrins. CONCLUSIONS These studies demonstrate that G4 functions as a sensor for natural porphyrin metabolites in cells, revealing a G4-dependent mechanism for metabolic regulation of gene transcription and chromatin landscapes, which will deepen our knowledge of G4 biology and the contribution of cellular metabolites to gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conghui Li
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Zhinang Yin
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Ruijing Xiao
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Beili Huang
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Yali Cui
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Honghong Wang
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Ying Xiang
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Lingrui Wang
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Lingyu Lei
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Jiaqin Ye
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Tianyu Li
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Youquan Zhong
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Fangteng Guo
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Yuchen Xia
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China ,grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China ,grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Pingping Fang
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
| | - Kaiwei Liang
- grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China ,grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153TaiKang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, TaiKang Medical School, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China ,grid.49470.3e0000 0001 2331 6153Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071 China
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20
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The Role of TGFβ and Other Cytokines in Regulating Mast Cell Functions in Allergic Inflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810864. [PMID: 36142776 PMCID: PMC9503477 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MC) are a key effector cell in multiple types of immune responses, including atopic conditions. Allergic diseases have been steadily rising across the globe, creating a growing public health problem. IgE-mediated activation of MCs leads to the release of potent mediators that can have dire clinical consequences. Current therapeutic options to inhibit MC activation and degranulation are limited; thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate MC effector functions in allergic inflammation are necessary in order to develop effective treatment options with minimal side effects. Several cytokines have been identified that play multifaceted roles in regulating MC activation, including TGFβ, IL-10, and IL-33, and others that appear to serve primarily anti-inflammatory functions, including IL-35 and IL-37. Here, we review the literature examining cytokines that regulate MC-mediated allergic immune responses.
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21
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Huang S, Wu H, Luo F, Zhang B, Li T, Yang Z, Ren B, Yin W, Wu D, Tai S. Exploring the role of mast cells in the progression of liver disease. Front Physiol 2022; 13:964887. [PMID: 36176778 PMCID: PMC9513450 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.964887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to being associated with allergic diseases, parasites, bacteria, and venoms, a growing body of research indicates that mast cells and their mediators can regulate liver disease progression. When mast cells are activated, they degranulate and release many mediators, such as histamine, tryptase, chymase, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor–α(TNF-α), interleukins cytokines, and other substances that mediate the progression of liver disease. This article reviews the role of mast cells and their secretory mediators in developing hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their essential role in immunotherapy. Targeting MC infiltration may be a novel therapeutic option for improving liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dehai Wu
- *Correspondence: Sheng Tai, ; Dehai Wu,
| | - Sheng Tai
- *Correspondence: Sheng Tai, ; Dehai Wu,
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22
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Ma Y, Lu L, Tan K, Li Z, Guo T, Wu Y, Wu W, Zheng L, Fan F, Mo J, Gong Z. Reduced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and bile acid nuclear receptor NR1H4/FXR may affect the hepatic immune microenvironment of biliary atresia. Front Immunol 2022; 13:875593. [PMID: 36090996 PMCID: PMC9454303 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.875593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biliary atresia (BA) is a childhood liver disease characterized by fibrous obstruction and obstruction of the extrahepatic biliary system and is one of the most common and serious biliary disorders in infants. Significant inflammation and fibrosis of the liver and biliary tract are the most prominent features, regardless of the initial damage to the BA. Abnormalities in innate or adaptive immunity have been found in human patients and mouse models of BA. We previously reported that children with BA had abnormal lipid metabolism, including free serum carnitine. Objective To study gene and protein expression levels of the hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPARα) signaling pathway and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in BA and BA fibrosis, and assess their clinical values. Methods Low expression of PPARα and NR1H4 (FXR) in BA were validated in the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Functional differences were determined by gene set enrichment analysis based on of PPARα and NR1H4 expression. BA patients from GSE46960 were divided into two clusters by using consensus clustering according to PPARα, NR1H4, and SMAD3 expression levels, and immunoinfiltration analysis was performed. Finally, 58 cases treated in our hospital were used for experimental verification. (IHC: 10 Biliary atresia, 10 choledochal cysts; PCR: 10 Biliary atresia, 14 choledochal cysts; WB: 10 Biliary atresia, 4 choledochal cysts). Results Bioinformatics analysis showed that the expression of PPARα, CYP7A1 and NR1H4 (FXR) in the biliary atresia group was significantly lower than in the control group. More BA-specific pathways, including TGFβ signaling pathway, P53 signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway, etc., are enriched in BA patients with low PPARα and NR1H4 expression. In addition, low NR1H4 expression is abundant in inflammatory responses, IL6/STAT3 signaling pathways, early estrogen responses, IL2 STAT5 signaling pathways, and TGFβ signaling pathways. The TGFβ signaling pathway was significant in both groups. According to the expression of PPARα, NR1H4 and SMAD3, a key node in TGFβ pathway, BA patients were divided into two clusters using consensus clustering. In cluster 2, SMAD3 expression was high, and PPARα and NR1H4 expression were low. In contrast to cluster 1, immune cell infiltration was higher in cluster 2, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA and protein levels of PPARα and NR1H4 in BA patients were lower than in the control group by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis and real-time PCR. Conclusions The downregulation of PPARα and NR1H4 (FXR) signaling pathway may be closely related to biliary atresia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxuan Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Lu
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kezhe Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Pathology Department, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lulu Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feilong Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayu Mo
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenhua Gong
- Department of General Surgery, Children's Hospital of Shanghai, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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23
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Zhou T, Meadows V, Kundu D, Kyritsi K, Owen T, Ceci L, Carpino G, Onori P, Gaudio E, Wu N, Glaser S, Ekser B, Alpini G, Kennedy L, Francis H. Mast cells selectively target large cholangiocytes during biliary injury via H2HR-mediated cAMP/pERK1/2 signaling. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:2715-2731. [PMID: 35799467 PMCID: PMC9512472 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile ducts are heterogenous in structure and function, and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) damages specific bile ducts leading to ductular reaction (DR), mast cell (MC) infiltration, increased histamine release, inflammation, and fibrosis. Bile duct ligation (BDL) induces large duct damage via cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/extracellular signal-related protein kinase (ERK) signaling, and large cholangiocytes express H2 histamine receptor (H2HR). We evaluated how MCs interact with large cholangiocytes during cholestasis. Male wild-type (WT) and MC-deficient (KitW-sh ) mice 10-12 weeks of age were subjected to BDL for 7 days. Select KitW-sh mice were injected with MCs pretreated with control or H2HR antagonist (ranitidine, 25 μm, 48 h) via tail vein injection. In vitro, MC migration toward small mouse cholangiocytes (SMCCs) and large mouse cholangiocytes (LMCCs) treated with lipopolysaccharide or histamine (±ranitidine) was measured. LMCCs were stimulated with MC supernatants pretreated with control, α-methyl-dl-histidine (to block histamine release), or ranitidine. Liver damage, large duct DR/senescence, inflammation, fibrosis, and cAMP/ERK immunoreactivity increased in BDL WT and KitW-sh +MC mice but decreased in BDL KitW-sh and KitW-sh +MC-H2HR mice. In vitro, MCs migrate toward damaged LMCCs (but not SMCCs) blocked by inhibition of H2HR. Loss of MC histamine or MC-H2HR decreases LMCC proliferation, senescence, H2HR, and cAMP/ERK levels. Human PSC livers have increased MC number found near DR, senescent ducts, and H2HR-positive ducts. Conclusion: Infiltrating MCs preferentially interact with large ducts via H2HR signaling promoting biliary and liver damage. Mediation of MCs may be a therapeutic strategy for PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Vik Meadows
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Travis Owen
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of MovementHuman and Health SciencesUniversity of Rome “Foro Italico”RomeItaly
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of Anatomical, HistologicalForensic Medicine and Orthopedics SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Anatomical, HistologicalForensic Medicine and Orthopedics SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M UniversityBryanTexasUSA
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryIndiana University School of MedicineIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of MedicineIndiana University School of Medicine ResearchIndianapolisIndianaUSA,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisIndianaUSA
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24
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Interplay between Mast Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Immune-Mediated Cholangiopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115872. [PMID: 35682552 PMCID: PMC9180565 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune-mediated cholangiopathies are characterised by the destruction of small and large bile ducts causing bile acid stasis, which leads to subsequent inflammation, fibrosis, and eventual cirrhosis of the liver tissue. A breakdown of peripheral hepatic immune tolerance is a key feature of these diseases. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a major anti-inflammatory immune cell subset, and their quantities and functional capacity are impaired in autoimmune liver diseases. Tregs can undergo phenotypic reprogramming towards pro-inflammatory Th1 and Th17 profiles. The inflamed hepatic microenvironment influences and can impede normal Treg suppressive functions. Mast cell (MC) infiltration increases during liver inflammation, and active MCs have been shown to be an important source of pro-inflammatory mediators, thus driving pathogenesis. By influencing the microenvironment, MCs can indirectly manipulate Treg functions and inhibit their suppressive and proliferative activity. In addition, direct cell-to-cell interactions have been identified between MCs and Tregs. It is critical to consider the effects of MCs on the inflammatory milieu of the liver and their influence on Treg functions. This review will focus on the roles and crosstalk of Tregs and MCs during autoimmune cholangiopathy pathogenesis progression.
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25
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Lan T, Qian S, Tang C, Gao J. Role of Immune Cells in Biliary Repair. Front Immunol 2022; 13:866040. [PMID: 35432349 PMCID: PMC9005827 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.866040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The biliary system is comprised of cholangiocytes and plays an important role in maintaining liver function. Under normal conditions, cholangiocytes remain in the stationary phase and maintain a very low turnover rate. However, the robust biliary repair is initiated in disease conditions, and different repair mechanisms can be activated depending on the pathological changes. During biliary disease, immune cells including monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and mast cells are recruited to the liver. The cellular interactions between cholangiocytes and these recruited immune cells as well as hepatic resident immune cells, including Kupffer cells, determine disease outcomes. However, the role of immune cells in the initiation, regulation, and suspension of biliary repair remains elusive. The cellular processes of cholangiocyte proliferation, progenitor cell differentiation, and hepatocyte-cholangiocyte transdifferentiation during biliary diseases are reviewed to manifest the underlying mechanism of biliary repair. Furthermore, the potential role of immune cells in crucial biliary repair mechanisms is highlighted. The mechanisms of biliary repair in immune-mediated cholangiopathies, inherited cholangiopathies, obstructive cholangiopathies, and cholangiocarcinoma are also summarized. Additionally, novel techniques that could clarify the underlying mechanisms of biliary repair are displayed. Collectively, this review aims to deepen the understanding of the mechanisms of biliary repair and contributes potential novel therapeutic methods for treating biliary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lan
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuaijie Qian
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengwei Tang
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhang Gao
- Lab of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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26
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Wu N, Carpino G, Ceci L, Baiocchi L, Francis H, Kennedy L, Zhou T, Chen L, Sato K, Kyritsi K, Meadows V, Ekser B, Franchitto A, Mancinelli R, Onori P, Gaudio E, Glaser S, Alpini G. Melatonin receptor 1A, but not 1B, knockout decreases biliary damage and liver fibrosis during cholestatic liver injury. Hepatology 2022; 75:797-813. [PMID: 34743371 PMCID: PMC8930565 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Melatonin reduces biliary damage and liver fibrosis in cholestatic models by interaction with melatonin receptors 1A (MT1) and 1B (MT2). MT1 and MT2 can form heterodimers and homodimers, but MT1 and MT2 can heterodimerize with the orphan receptor G protein-coupled receptor 50 (GPR50). MT1/GPR50 dimerization blocks melatonin binding, but MT2/GPR50 dimerization does not affect melatonin binding. GPR50 can dimerize with TGFβ receptor type I (TGFβRI) to activate this receptor. We aimed to determine the differential roles of MT1 and MT2 during cholestasis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Wild-type (WT), MT1 knockout (KO), MT2KO, and MT1/MT2 double KO (DKO) mice underwent sham or bile duct ligation (BDL); these mice were also treated with melatonin. BDL WT and multidrug resistance 2 KO (Mdr2-/- ) mice received mismatch, MT1, or MT2 Vivo-Morpholino. Biliary expression of MT1 and GPR50 increases in cholestatic rodents and human primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) samples. Loss of MT1 in BDL and Mdr2-/- mice ameliorated biliary and liver damage, whereas these parameters were enhanced following loss of MT2 and in DKO mice. Interestingly, melatonin treatment alleviated BDL-induced biliary and liver injury in BDL WT and BDL MT2KO mice but not in BDL MT1KO or BDL DKO mice, demonstrating melatonin's interaction with MT1. Loss of MT2 or DKO mice exhibited enhanced GPR50/TGFβR1 signaling, which was reduced by loss of MT1. CONCLUSIONS Melatonin ameliorates liver phenotypes through MT1, whereas down-regulation of MT2 promotes liver damage through GPR50/TGFβR1 activation. Blocking GPR50/TGFβR1 binding through modulation of melatonin signaling may be a therapeutic approach for PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Wu
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Guido Carpino
- Department of MovementHuman and Health SciencesDivision of Health SciencesUniversity of Rome "Foro Italico,"RomeItaly
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | | | - Heather Francis
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Lixian Chen
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Vik Meadows
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA
| | - Antonio Franchitto
- Department of AnatomicalHistologicalForensic Medicine and Orthopedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Romina Mancinelli
- Department of AnatomicalHistologicalForensic Medicine and Orthopedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Paolo Onori
- Department of AnatomicalHistologicalForensic Medicine and Orthopedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of AnatomicalHistologicalForensic Medicine and Orthopedic SciencesSapienza University of RomeRomeItaly
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical PhysiologyTexas A&M University College of MedicineBryanTexasUSA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, MedicineIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndianaUSA.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical CenterIndianapolisIndianaUSA
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27
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Meadows V, Baiocchi L, Kundu D, Sato K, Fuentes Y, Wu C, Chakraborty S, Glaser S, Alpini G, Kennedy L, Francis H. Biliary Epithelial Senescence in Liver Disease: There Will Be SASP. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 8:803098. [PMID: 34993234 PMCID: PMC8724525 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.803098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a pathophysiological phenomenon in which proliferative cells enter cell cycle arrest following DNA damage and other stress signals. Natural, permanent DNA damage can occur after repetitive cell division; however, acute stress or other injuries can push cells into premature senescence and eventually a senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). In recent years, there has been increased evidence for the role of premature senescence in disease progression including diabetes, cardiac diseases, and end-stage liver diseases including cholestasis. Liver size and function change with aging, and presumably with increasing cellular senescence, so it is important to understand the mechanisms by which cellular senescence affects the functional nature of the liver in health and disease. As well, cells in a SASP state secrete a multitude of inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic factors that modulate the microenvironment. Cellular SASP and the associated, secreted factors have been implicated in the progression of liver diseases, such as cholestatic injury that target the biliary epithelial cells (i.e., cholangiocytes) lining the bile ducts. Indeed, cholangiocyte senescence/SASP is proposed to be a driver of disease phenotypes in a variety of liver injuries. Within this review, we will discuss the impact of cholangiocyte senescence and SASP in the pathogenesis of cholestatic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vik Meadows
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | | | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Yessenia Fuentes
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, STEM GEHCS Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Chaodong Wu
- Department of Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Sanjukta Chakraborty
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Heather Francis
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States.,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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28
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Pham L, Kennedy L, Baiocchi L, Meadows V, Ekser B, Kundu D, Zhou T, Sato K, Glaser S, Ceci L, Alpini G, Francis H. Mast cells in liver disease progression: An update on current studies and implications. Hepatology 2022; 75:213-218. [PMID: 34435373 PMCID: PMC9276201 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Linh Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA,Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University–Central Texas, Killeen, Texas, USA
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Vik Meadows
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Ludovica Ceci
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA,Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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29
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Guo Y, Zhu J, Xu X, Shen B, Shen Z, Li B, Li F, Gu T, Cai X, Dong H, Lu L. TGF-β/YB-1/Atg7 axis promotes the proliferation of hepatic progenitor cells and liver fibrogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166290. [PMID: 34662704 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and ductular reactions, manifested as the expansion of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). We previously reported that the Y-box binding protein 1 (YB-1) in HPCs is involved in chronic liver injury. In this study, we constructed YB-1f/f Foxl1-Cre mice and investigated the role of YB-1 in HPC expansion in murine choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented (CDE), and 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) models. Liver injury and fibrosis were measured using hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Masson, and Sirius Red staining. HPC proliferation was detected using EdU and immunofluorescence (IF). Autophagic flow was measured by mCherry-GFP-LC3B staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). YB-1 expression was measured by immunofluorescence and western blotting. CUT & Tag analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and RT-PCR were performed to explore the regulation of autophagy-related protein 7 (Atg7) transcription by YB-1. Our results indicated that liver injury was accompanied by high expression of YB-1, proliferative HPCs, and activated autophagy in the CDE and DDC models. YB-1f/f Cre+/- mice displayed less liver injury and fibrosis than YB-1f/f Cre-/- mice in the CDE and DDC models. YB-1 promoted proliferation and autophagy of HPCs in vitro and in vivo. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) induced YB-1 nuclear translocation and facilitated the proliferation and autophagy of HPCs. YB-1 nuclear translocation promoted the transcription of Atg7, which is essential for TGF-β/YB-1 mediated HPCs expansion in vitro and in vivo. In summary, YB-1 nuclear translocation induced by TGF-β in HPCs promotes the proliferation and autophagy of HPCs and Atg7 participates in YB-1-mediated HPC-expansion and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuecheng Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jumo Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Cardiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyang Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Binghang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianyi Gu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaobo Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Rohr-Udilova N, Tsuchiya K, Timelthaler G, Salzmann M, Meischl T, Wöran K, Stift J, Herac M, Schulte-Hermann R, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Sieghart W, Eferl R, Jensen-Jarolim E, Trauner M, Pinter M. Morphometric Analysis of Mast Cells in Tumor Predicts Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Liver Transplantation. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1939-1952. [PMID: 34558826 PMCID: PMC8557312 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells are relevant prognostic and immunotherapeutic targets in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Mast cells play a key role in allergic response but may also be involved in anticancer immunity. Digital morphometric analysis of patient tissue sections has become increasingly available for clinical routine and provides unbiased quantitative data. Here, we apply morphometric analysis of mast cells to retrospectively evaluate their relevance for HCC recurrence in patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). A total of 173 patients underwent OLT for HCC at the Medical University of Vienna (21 women, 152 men; 55.2 ± 7.9 years; 74 beyond Milan criteria, 49 beyond up-to-7 criteria for liver transplantation). Tissue arrays from tumors and corresponding surrounding tissues were immunohistochemically stained for mast cell tryptase. Mast cells were quantified by digital tissue morphometric analysis and correlated with HCC recurrence. Mast cells were detected in 93% of HCC tumors and in all available surrounding liver tissues. Tumor tissues revealed lower mast cell density than corresponding surrounding tissues (P < 0.0001). Patients lacking intratumoral mast cells (iMCs) displayed larger tumors and higher tumor recurrence rates both in the whole cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-6.93; P = 0.029) and in patients beyond transplant criteria (Milan HR, 2.81; 95% CI, 1.04-7.62; P = 0.01; up-to-7 HR, 3.58; 95% CI, 1.17-10.92; P = 0.02). Notably, high iMC identified additional patients at low risk classified outside the Milan and up-to-7 criteria, whereas low iMC identified additional patients at high risk classified within the alpha-fetoprotein French and Metroticket criteria. iMCs independently predicted tumor recurrence in a multivariate Cox regression analysis (Milan HR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.16-4.91; P = 0.019; up-to-7 HR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.05-4.62; P = 0.035). Conclusion: Hepatic mast cells might be implicated in antitumor immunity in HCC. Morphometric analysis of iMCs refines prognosis of HCC recurrence after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Rohr-Udilova
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Kaoru Tsuchiya
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria.,Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMusashino Red Cross HospitalTokyoJapan
| | - Gerald Timelthaler
- Institute of Cancer ResearchInternal Medicine IMedical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer CenterViennaAustria
| | - Martina Salzmann
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter of Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Tobias Meischl
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Katharina Wöran
- Clinical Institute of PathologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Judith Stift
- Clinical Institute of PathologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Merima Herac
- Clinical Institute of PathologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Rolf Schulte-Hermann
- Institute of Cancer ResearchInternal Medicine IMedical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer CenterViennaAustria
| | - Markus Peck-Radosavljevic
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Central Admission, and First AidPublic Hospital Klagenfurt am WoertherseeKlagenfurtAustria
| | | | - Robert Eferl
- Institute of Cancer ResearchInternal Medicine IMedical University of Vienna and Comprehensive Cancer CenterViennaAustria
| | - Erika Jensen-Jarolim
- Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy ResearchCenter of Pathophysiology, Infectiology, and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria.,Comparative MedicineInteruniversity Messerli Research Institute of the University of Veterinary Medicine ViennaMedical University of Vienna and University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyDepartment of Internal Medicine IIIMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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31
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Meadows V, Kennedy L, Ekser B, Kyritsi K, Kundu D, Zhou T, Chen L, Pham L, Wu N, Demieville J, Hargrove L, Glaser S, Alpini G, Francis H. Mast Cells Regulate Ductular Reaction and Intestinal Inflammation in Cholestasis Through Farnesoid X Receptor Signaling. Hepatology 2021; 74:2684-2698. [PMID: 34164827 PMCID: PMC9337218 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cholestasis is characterized by increased total bile acid (TBA) levels, which are regulated by farnesoid X receptor (FXR)/FGF15. Patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) typically present with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Mast cells (MCs) (i) express FXR and (ii) infiltrate the liver during cholestasis promoting liver fibrosis. In bile-duct-ligated (BDL) MC-deficient mice (B6.Cg-KitW-sh /HNihrJaeBsmJ [KitW-sh ]), ductular reaction (DR) and liver fibrosis decrease compared with BDL wild type, and MC injection exacerbates liver damage in normal mice. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this study, we demonstrated that MC-FXR regulates biliary FXR/FGF15, DR, and hepatic fibrosis and alters intestinal FXR/FGF15. We found increased MC number and biliary FXR expression in patients with liver injury compared with control. Histamine and FGF19 serum levels and small heterodimer partner expression increase in patients PSC and PSC-IBD compared with healthy controls. MC injection increased liver damage, DR, inflammation, biliary senescence/senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), fibrosis, and histamine in KitW-sh mice. Inhibition of MC-FXR before injection reduced these parameters. BDL and KitW-sh mice injected with MCs displayed increased TBA content, biliary FXR/FGF15, and intestinal inflammation, which decreased in BDL KitW-sh and KitW-sh mice injected with MC-FXR. MCs increased ileal FXR/FGF15 expression in KitW-sh mice that was reduced following FXR inhibition. BDL and multidrug resistance 2/ATP-binding cassette family 2 member 4 knockout (Mdr2-/- ) mice, models of PSC, displayed increased intestinal MC infiltration and FXR/FGF15 expression. These were reduced following MC stabilization with cromolyn sodium in Mdr2-/- mice. In vitro, MC-FXR inhibition decreased biliary proliferation/SASP/FGF and hepatic stellate cell activation. CONCLUSIONS Our studies demonstrate that MC-FXR plays a key role in liver damage and DR, including TBA regulation through alteration of intestinal and biliary FXR/FGF15 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vik Meadows
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Burcin Ekser
- Division of Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Konstantina Kyritsi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Debjyoti Kundu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lixian Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Linh Pham
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nan Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Jennifer Demieville
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Laura Hargrove
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Shannon Glaser
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX
| | - Gianfranco Alpini
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Heather Francis
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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