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Migulina N, de Hilster RHJ, Bartel S, Vedder RHJ, van den Berge M, Nagelkerke A, Timens W, Harmsen MC, Hylkema MN, Brandsma CA, Burgess JK. 3-D culture of human lung fibroblasts decreases proliferative and increases extracellular matrix remodeling genes. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C177-C193. [PMID: 37955339 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00374.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblasts are the main producers of extracellular matrix (ECM) responsible for ECM maintenance and repair, a process often disrupted in chronic lung diseases. The accompanying mechanical changes adversely affect resident cells and overall lung function. Numerous models have been used to elucidate fibroblast behavior that are now evolving toward complex three-dimensional (3-D) models incorporating ECM, aiming to replicate the cells' native environment. Little is known about the cellular changes that occur when moving from two-dimensional (2-D) to 3-D cell culture. This study compared the gene expression profiles of primary human lung fibroblasts from seven subjects with normal lung function, that were cultured for 24 h on 2-D collagen I-coated tissue culture plastic and in 3-D collagen I hydrogels, which are commonly used to mimic ECM in various models, from contraction assays to intricate organ-on-a-chip models. Comparing 3-D with 2-D cell culture, 6,771 differentially expressed genes (2,896 up, 3,875 down) were found; enriched gene sets within the downregulated genes, identified through Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis, were involved in the initiation of DNA replication which implied downregulation of fibroblast proliferation in 3-D. Observation of cells for 72 h in 2-D and 3-D environments confirmed the reduced progression through the cell cycle in 3-D. A focused analysis, examining the Hippo pathway and ECM-associated genes, showed differential patterns of gene expression in the 3-D versus 2-D culture. Altogether, the transcriptional response of fibroblasts cultured in 3-D indicated inhibition of proliferation, and alterations in Hippo and ECM pathways indicating a complete switch from proliferation to ECM remodeling.NEW & NOTEWORTHY With the introduction of complex three-dimensional (3-D) lung models, comes a need for understanding cellular behavior in these models. We compared gene expression profiles of human lung fibroblasts grown on two-dimensional (2-D) collagen I-coated surfaces with those in 3-D collagen I hydrogels. RNA sequencing and subsequent pathway analyses showed decreased proliferation, increased extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and altered Hippo signaling and ECM deposition-related gene signatures. These findings highlight unique responses of fibroblasts in 3-D models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya Migulina
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roderick H J de Hilster
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Bartel
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rolf H J Vedder
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten van den Berge
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anika Nagelkerke
- Pharmaceutical Analysis, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin C Harmsen
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Machteld N Hylkema
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Corry-Anke Brandsma
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette K Burgess
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Groningen Research Institute for Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- W.J. Kolff Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science-FB41, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Mahli A, Thasler WE, Biendl M, Hellerbrand C. Hop-derived Humulinones Reveal Protective Effects in in vitro Models of Hepatic Steatosis, Inflammation and Fibrosis. PLANTA MEDICA 2023; 89:1138-1146. [PMID: 37343573 DOI: 10.1055/a-2103-3230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Specific pharmacologic therapy for NAFLD is a major unmet medical need. Recently, iso-alpha acids, hop-derived bitter compounds in beer, have been shown to beneficially affect NAFLD pathology. Humulinones are further hop derived bitter acids particularly found in modern styles of beer. So far, biological effects of humulinones have been unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of humulinones in in vitro models for hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Humulinones dose-dependently inhibited fatty acid induced lipid accumulation in primary human hepatocytes. Humulinones reduced the expression of fatty acid uptake transporter CD36 and key enzymes of (de novo) lipid synthesis. Conversely, humulinones increased the expression of FABP1, CPT1 and ACOX1, indicative for increased lipid combustion. Furthermore, humulinones ameliorated steatosis induced pro-inflammatory gene expression. Furthermore, humulinones significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrogenic factors in control as well as lipopolysaccharide treated activated hepatic stellate cells, which play a key role in hepatic fibrosis. In conclusion, humulinones beneficially affect different pathophysiological steps of NAFLD. Our data suggest humulinones as promising therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdo Mahli
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman, Jordan
| | - Wolfgang E Thasler
- Human Tissue and Cell Research-Services GmbH, Planegg/Martinsried, Germany
| | - Martin Biendl
- Hopsteiner, Hallertauer Hopfenveredelung GmbH, Mainburg, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Balta C, Herman H, Ciceu A, Mladin B, Rosu M, Sasu A, Peteu VE, Voicu SN, Balas M, Gherghiceanu M, Dinischiotu A, Olah NK, Hermenean A. Phytochemical Profiling and Anti-Fibrotic Activities of the Gemmotherapy Bud Extract of Corylus avellana in a Model of Liver Fibrosis on Diabetic Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1771. [PMID: 37371866 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061771] [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] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to explore the hepatoprotective effects of the gemmotherapy bud extract of Corylus avellana in a model of liver fibrosis on diabetic mice. An evaluation of total flavonoids and polyphenols contents and LC/MS analyses were performed. Experimental fibrosis was induced with CCl4 (2 mL/kg by i.p. injections twice a week for 7 weeks) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Our results showed a content of 6-7% flavonoids, while hyperoside and chlorogenic acids were highlighted in the bud extract. Toxic administration of CCl4 increased oxidative stress, mRNA expression of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad 2/3, and reduced Smad 7 expression. Furthermore, up-regulation of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) revealed an activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), while collagen I (Col I) up-regulation and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) unbalance led to an altered extracellular matrix enriched in collagen, confirmed as well by a trichrome stain and electron microscopy analysis. Treatment with gemmotherapy extract significantly restored the liver architecture and the antioxidant balance, and significantly decreased collagen deposits in the liver and improved the liver function. Our results suggest that Corylus avellana gemmotherapy extract may have anti-fibrotic effects and could be useful in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. The hepatoprotective mechanism is based on HSC inhibition, a reduction in oxidative stress and liver damage, a downregulation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and a MMPs/TIMP rebalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornel Balta
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Alina Ciceu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Bianca Mladin
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Alciona Sasu
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | | | - Sorina Nicoleta Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Balas
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Gherghiceanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Neli Kinga Olah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- "Aurel Ardelean" Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University, 86 Rebreanu, 310414 Arad, Romania
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Hepatoprotective Efficacy of Cycloastragenol Alleviated the Progression of Liver Fibrosis in Carbon-Tetrachloride-Treated Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010231. [PMID: 36672739 PMCID: PMC9855659 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010231] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous death of hepatocytes induced by various etiologies leads to an aberrant tissue healing process and promotes the progression of liver fibrosis and ultimately chronic liver diseases. To date, effective treatments to delay this harmful process remain an unmet clinical need. Cycloastragenol is an active phytochemical substance isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine to protect the liver. Therefore, our study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of cycloastragenol on carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. We found that cycloastragenol at 200 mg/kg dosage exhibited anti-fibrotic efficacy as demonstrated by a decrease in collagen deposition, downregulation of mRNA expression of collagen type 1, and a reduction in the content of total collagens. In addition, cycloastragenol further augmented the levels of anti-fibrotic matrix metalloproteinases (Mmps), that is, Mmp8, proMmp9, and Mmp12, which play a pivotal role in fibrosis resolution. According to histological analysis and serum markers of hepatotoxicity, cycloastragenol protected the livers from damage and mitigated the increment of serum alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin implicating hepatoprotective efficacy against CCl4. Moreover, cycloastragenol upregulated the mRNA expression of interleukin 6, a pleiotropic cytokine plays a vital role in the promotion of hepatocyte regeneration. In conclusion, cycloastragenol alleviated the progression of liver fibrosis in CCl4-treated mice and its anti-fibrotic efficacy was mainly due to the hepatoprotective efficacy.
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Saifi MA, Bansod S, Godugu C. COVID-19 and fibrosis: Mechanisms, clinical relevance, and future perspectives. Drug Discov Today 2022; 27:103345. [PMID: 36075378 PMCID: PMC9444298 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had significant impacts worldwide since its emergence in December, 2019. Despite a high recovery rate, there is a growing concern over its residual, long-term effects. However, because of a lack of long-term data, we are still far from establishing a consensus on post-COVID-19 complications. The deposition of excessive extracellular matrix (ECM), known as fibrosis, has been observed in numerous survivors of COVID-19. Given the exceptionally high number of individuals affected, there is an urgent need to address the emergence of fibrosis post-COVID-19. In this review, we discuss the clinical relevance of COVID-19-associated fibrosis, the current status of antifibrotic agents, novel antifibrotic targets, and challenges to its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Aslam Saifi
- Department of Biological Sciences (Regulatory Toxicology), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500 037, India
| | - Sapana Bansod
- Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology Division, Washington University, School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Biological Sciences (Regulatory Toxicology), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500 037, India.
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6
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Kurt-Celep İ, Nihan Kilinc A, Griffin M, Telci D. Nitrosylation of Tissue Transglutaminase enhances fibroblast migration and regulates MMP activation. Matrix Biol 2021; 105:1-16. [PMID: 34763097 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In wound healing, the TG2 enzyme plays a dual functional role. TG2 has been shown to regulate extracellular matrix (ECM) stabilization by its transamidase activity while increasing cell migration by acting as a cell adhesion molecule. In this process, nitric oxide (NO) plays a particularly important role by nitrosylation of free cysteine residues on TG2, leading to the irreversible inactivation of the catalytic activity. In this study, transfected fibroblasts expressing TG2 under the control of the tetracycline-off promoter were treated with NO donor s-nitroso-n-acetyl penicillamine (SNAP) to analyze the interplay between NO and TG2 in the regulation of cell migration/invasion as well as TGF-β1-dependent MMP activation. Our results demonstrated that inhibition of TG2 cross-linking activity by SNAP promoted the migration and invasion capacity of fibroblasts by hindering TG2-mediated TGF-β1 activation. While the inhibition of TG2 activity by NO downregulated the biosynthesis and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, that of MMP-1a and MMP-13 shown to be upregulated in a TGF-β1-dependent manner under the same conditions. In the presence of SNAP, interaction of TG2 with its cell surface binding partners Integrin-β1 and Syndecan-4 was reduced, which was paralleled by an increase in TG2 and PDGF association. These findings suggests that migratory phenotype of fibroblasts can be regulated by the interplay between nitric oxide and TG2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- İnci Kurt-Celep
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe University, 26 August Campus, Kayisdagi, Atasehir, Istanbul 34755, Turkey
| | - Ayse Nihan Kilinc
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe University, 26 August Campus, Kayisdagi, Atasehir, Istanbul 34755, Turkey; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Martin Griffin
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Dilek Telci
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Yeditepe University, 26 August Campus, Kayisdagi, Atasehir, Istanbul 34755, Turkey.
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Li X, Chen R, Kemper S, Brigstock DR. Extracellular Vesicles From Hepatocytes Are Therapeutic for Toxin-Mediated Fibrosis and Gene Expression in the Liver. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 7:368. [PMID: 31998720 PMCID: PMC6966099 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane-limited organelles that are liberated from their producer cells, traverse the intercellular space, and may interact with other cells resulting in the uptake of the EV molecular payload by the recipient cells which may become functionally reprogramed as a result. Previous in vitro studies showed that EVs purified from normal mouse AML12 hepatocytes ("EVNorm") attenuate the pro-fibrogenic activities of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a principal fibrosis-producing cell type in the liver. In a 10-day CCl4 injury model, liver fibrogenesis, expression of hepatic cellular communication network factor 2 [CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)] or alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) was dose-dependently blocked during concurrent administration of EVNorm. Hepatic inflammation and expression of inflammatory cytokines were also reduced by EVNorm. In a 5-week CCl4 fibrosis model in mice, interstitial collagen deposition and mRNA and/or protein for collagen 1a1, αSMA or CCN2 were suppressed following administration of EVNorm over the last 2 weeks. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that EVNorm therapy of mice receiving CCl4 for 5 weeks resulted in significant differences [false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05] in expression of 233 CCl4-regulated hepatic genes and these were principally associated with fibrosis, cell cycle, cell division, signal transduction, extracellular matrix (ECM), heat shock, cytochromes, drug detoxification, adaptive immunity, and membrane trafficking. Selected gene candidates from these groups were verified by qRT-PCR as targets of EVNorm in CCl4-injured livers. Additionally, EVNorm administration resulted in reduced activation of p53, a predicted upstream regulator of 40% of the genes for which expression was altered by EVNorm following CCl4 liver injury. In vitro, EVs from human HepG2 hepatocytes suppressed fibrogenic gene expression in activated mouse HSC and reversed the reduced viability or proliferation of HepG2 cells or AML12 cells exposed to CCl4. Similarly, EVs produced by primary human hepatocytes (PHH) protected PHH or human LX2 HSC from CCl4-mediated changes in cell number or gene expression in vitro. These findings show that EVs from human or mouse hepatocytes regulate toxin-associated gene expression leading to therapeutic outcomes including suppression of fibrogenesis, hepatocyte damage, and/or inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlei Li
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ruju Chen
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Sherri Kemper
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - David R. Brigstock
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Surgery, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Phaosri M, Jantrapirom S, Na Takuathung M, Soonthornchareonnon N, Sireeratawong S, Buacheen P, Pitchakarn P, Nimlamool W, Potikanond S. Salacia chinensis L. Stem Extract Exerts Antifibrotic Effects on Human Hepatic Stellate Cells Through the Inhibition of the TGF-β1-Induced SMAD2/3 Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246314. [PMID: 31847284 PMCID: PMC6940887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Salacia chinensis L. (SC) stems have been used as an ingredient in Thai traditional medicine for treating patients with hepatic fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the antifibrotic effects of SC extract. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the antifibrotic activity of SC stem extract in human hepatic stellate cell-line called LX-2. We found that upon TGF-β1 stimulation, LX-2 cells transformed to a myofibroblast-like phenotype with a noticeable increase in α-SMA and collagen type I production. Interestingly, cells treated with SC extract significantly suppressed α-SMA and collagen type I production and reversed the myofibroblast-like characteristics back to normal. Additionally, TGF-β1 also influenced the development of fibrogenesis by upregulation of MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 and related cellular signaling, such as pSmad2/3, pErk1/2, and pJNK. Surprisingly, SC possesses antifibrotic activity through the suppression of TGF-β1-mediated production of collagen type 1, α-SMA, and the phosphorylation status of Smad2/3, Erk1/2, and JNK. Taken together, the present study provides accumulated information demonstrating the antifibrotic effects of SC stem extract and revealing its potential for development for hepatic fibrosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattareeyapar Phaosri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (M.P.); (S.J.); (M.N.T.); (S.S.); (W.N.)
- Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Salinee Jantrapirom
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (M.P.); (S.J.); (M.N.T.); (S.S.); (W.N.)
| | - Mingkwan Na Takuathung
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (M.P.); (S.J.); (M.N.T.); (S.S.); (W.N.)
- Research Center of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Noppamas Soonthornchareonnon
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Thung Phaya Thai, Rajathevi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand;
| | - Seewaboon Sireeratawong
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (M.P.); (S.J.); (M.N.T.); (S.S.); (W.N.)
| | - Pensiri Buacheen
- Graduate School, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Pornsiri Pitchakarn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Wutigri Nimlamool
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (M.P.); (S.J.); (M.N.T.); (S.S.); (W.N.)
- Research Center of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Saranyapin Potikanond
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (M.P.); (S.J.); (M.N.T.); (S.S.); (W.N.)
- Research Center of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Correspondence: or
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9
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Zakiyanov O, Kalousová M, Zima T, Tesař V. Matrix Metalloproteinases in Renal Diseases: A Critical Appraisal. Kidney Blood Press Res 2019; 44:298-330. [PMID: 31185475 DOI: 10.1159/000499876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases within the metzincin protein family that not only cleave extracellular matrix (ECM) components, but also process the non-ECM molecules, including various growth factors and their binding proteins. MMPs participate in cell to ECM interactions, and MMPs are known to be involved in cell proliferation mechanisms and most probably apoptosis. These proteinases are grouped into six classes: collagenases, gelatinases, stromelysins, matrilysins, membrane type MMPs, and other MMPs. Various mechanisms regulate the activity of MMPs, inhibition by tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases being the most important. In the kidney, intrinsic glomerular cells and tubular epithelial cells synthesize several MMPs. The measurement of circulating MMPs can provide valuable information in patients with kidney diseases. They play an important role in many renal diseases, both acute and chronic. This review attempts to summarize the current knowledge of MMPs in the kidney and discusses recent data from patient and animal studies with reference to specific diseases. A better understanding of the MMPs' role in renal remodeling may open the way to new interventions favoring deleterious renal changes in a number of kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Zakiyanov
- Department of Nephrology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia,
| | - Marta Kalousová
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Tomáš Zima
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Vladimír Tesař
- Department of Nephrology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czechia
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10
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Lindén D, Ahnmark A, Pingitore P, Ciociola E, Ahlstedt I, Andréasson AC, Sasidharan K, Madeyski-Bengtson K, Zurek M, Mancina RM, Lindblom A, Bjursell M, Böttcher G, Ståhlman M, Bohlooly-Y M, Haynes WG, Carlsson B, Graham M, Lee R, Murray S, Valenti L, Bhanot S, Åkerblad P, Romeo S. Pnpla3 silencing with antisense oligonucleotides ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis in Pnpla3 I148M knock-in mice. Mol Metab 2019; 22:49-61. [PMID: 30772256 PMCID: PMC6437635 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a leading cause of advanced chronic liver disease. The progression of NAFLD, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has a strong genetic component, and the most robust contributor is the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 encoding the 148M protein sequence variant. We hypothesized that suppressing the expression of the PNPLA3 148M mutant protein would exert a beneficial effect on the entire spectrum of NAFLD. Methods We examined the effects of liver-targeted GalNAc3-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide (ASO)-mediated silencing of Pnpla3 in a knock-in mouse model in which we introduced the human PNPLA3 I148M mutation. Results ASO-mediated silencing of Pnpla3 reduced liver steatosis (p = 0.038) in homozygous Pnpla3 148M/M knock-in mutant mice but not in wild-type littermates fed a steatogenic high-sucrose diet. In mice fed a NASH-inducing diet, ASO-mediated silencing of Pnpla3 reduced liver steatosis score and NAFLD activity score independent of the Pnpla3 genotype, while reductions in liver inflammation score (p = 0.018) and fibrosis stage (p = 0.031) were observed only in the Pnpla3 knock-in 148M/M mutant mice. These responses were accompanied by reduced liver levels of Mcp1 (p = 0.026) and Timp2 (p = 0.007) specifically in the mutant knock-in mice. This may reduce levels of chemokine attracting inflammatory cells and increase the collagenolytic activity during tissue regeneration. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that a Pnpla3 ASO therapy can improve all features of NAFLD, including liver fibrosis, and suppress the expression of a strong innate genetic risk factor, Pnpla3 148M, which may open up a precision medicine approach in NASH. ASO-mediated silencing of Pnpla3 reduced liver steatosis specifically in homozygous Pnpla3 148M/M mice fed a high-sucrose diet. In mice fed a NASH-inducing diet this treatment reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis specifically in the Pnpla3 148M/M mutant mice. This is the first proof of concept of a NASH precision medicine treatment exploiting an innate genetic risk variant for the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lindén
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden; Division of Endocrinology, Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Andrea Ahnmark
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Piero Pingitore
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ester Ciociola
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingela Ahlstedt
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Kavitha Sasidharan
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katja Madeyski-Bengtson
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magdalena Zurek
- Drug Safety & Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Rosellina M Mancina
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Lindblom
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mikael Bjursell
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Böttcher
- Drug Safety & Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlman
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mohammad Bohlooly-Y
- Translational Genomics, Discovery Sciences, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - William G Haynes
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Björn Carlsson
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism Translational Medicine Unit, Early Clinical Development, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Luca Valenti
- Internal Medicine and Metabolic Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Peter Åkerblad
- Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism, IMED Biotech Unit, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy; Cardiology Department, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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11
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Lin IY, Chiou YS, Wu LC, Tsai CY, Chen CT, Chuang WC, Lee MC, Lin CC, Lin TT, Chen SC, Pan MH, Ma N. CCM111 prevents hepatic fibrosis via cooperative inhibition of TGF-β, Wnt and STAT3 signaling pathways. J Food Drug Anal 2019; 27:184-194. [PMID: 30648571 PMCID: PMC9298635 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfda.2018.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- In-Yu Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shiou Chiou
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
| | - Li-Ching Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Tsai
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Tong Chen
- Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli,
Taiwan
| | | | - Ming-Chung Lee
- Brion Research Institute of Taiwan, New Taipei City,
Taiwan
| | - Ching-Che Lin
- Brion Research Institute of Taiwan, New Taipei City,
Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ting Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Ssu-Ching Chen
- Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
| | - Min-Hsiung Pan
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei,
Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung 40402,
Taiwan
- Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung,
Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Institute of Food Science and Technology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. E-mail addresses: (M.-H. Pan), (N. Ma)
| | - Nianhan Ma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Institute of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, National Central University, Taoyuan,
Taiwan
- Corresponding author. Department of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, College of Health Sciences and Technology, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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12
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The P2X4 purinergic receptor regulates hepatic myofibroblast activation during liver fibrogenesis. J Hepatol 2018; 69:644-653. [PMID: 29802948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 04/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Liver fibrosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix produced by hepatic myofibroblasts (hMF), the activation of which is critical to the fibrogenic process. Extracellular ATP, released by dying or stressed cells, and its purinergic receptors, constitute a powerful signaling network after injury. Although the purinergic receptor P2X4 (P2RX4) is highly expressed in the liver, its functions in hMF had never been investigated during liver fibrogenesis. METHODS In vivo, bile duct ligation was performed and methionine- and choline-deficient diet administered in wild-type and P2x4 knock-out (P2x4-KO) mice. In vitro, hMF were isolated from mouse (wild-type and P2x4-KO) and human liver. P2X4 pharmacological inhibition (in vitro and in vivo) and P2X4 siRNAs (in vitro) were used. Histological, biochemical and cell culture analysis allowed us to study P2X4 expression and its involvement in the regulation of fibrogenic and fibrolytic factors, as well as of hMF activation markers and properties. RESULTS P2X4 genetic invalidation or pharmacological inhibition protected mice from liver fibrosis and hMF accumulation after bile duct ligation or methionine- and choline-deficient diet. Human and mouse hMFs expressed P2X4, mainly in lysosomes. Invalidation of P2X4 in human and mouse hMFs blunted their activation marker expression and their fibrogenic properties. Finally, we showed that P2X4 regulates calcium entry and lysosomal exocytosis in hMF, impacting on ATP release, profibrogenic secretory profile, and transcription factor activation. CONCLUSION P2X4 expression and activation is critical for hMF to sustain their activated and fibrogenic phenotype. Therefore, the inactivation of P2X4 may be of therapeutic interest during liver fibrotic diseases. LAY SUMMARY During chronic injury, the liver often repairs with fibrotic tissue, which impairs liver function, and for which there is currently no treatment. We found that a previously unexplored pathway involving the purinergic receptor P2X4, can modulate fibrotic liver repair. Therefore, this receptor could be of interest in the development of novel therapies for fibrotic liver diseases.
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13
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Gharbia S, Balta C, Herman H, Rosu M, Váradi J, Bácskay I, Vecsernyés M, Gyöngyösi S, Fenyvesi F, Voicu SN, Stan MS, Cristian RE, Dinischiotu A, Hermenean A. Enhancement of Silymarin Anti-fibrotic Effects by Complexation With Hydroxypropyl (HPBCD) and Randomly Methylated (RAMEB) β-Cyclodextrins in a Mouse Model of Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:883. [PMID: 30150935 PMCID: PMC6099081 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Silymarin (Sy) shows limited water solubility and poor oral bioavailability. Water-soluble hydroxypropyl (HPBCD) and randomly methylated (RAMEB) β-cyclodextrins were designed to enhance anti-fibrotic efficiency of silymarin in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Experimental fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection with 2 ml/kg CCl4 (20% v/v) twice a week, for 7 weeks. Mice were orally treated with 50 mg/kg of Sy-HPBCD, Sy-RAMEB and free silymarin. For assessment of the spontaneous reversion of fibrosis, CCl4 treated animals were investigated after 2 weeks of recovery time. The CCl4 administration increased hepatic oxidative stress, augmented the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad 2/3, and decreased Smad 7 expression. Furthermore, increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression indicated activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), while up-regulation of collagen I (Col I) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) expression led to an altered extracellular matrix enriched in collagen, confirmed as well by trichrome staining and electron microscopy analysis. Treatment with Sy-HPBCD and Sy-RAMEB significantly reduced liver injury, attenuating oxidative stress, restoring antioxidant balance in the hepatic tissue, and significantly decreasing collagen deposits in the liver. The levels of pro-fibrogenic markers' expression were also significantly down-regulated, whereas in the group for spontaneous regression of fibrosis, they remained significantly higher, even at 2 weeks after CCl4 administration was discontinued. The recovery was significantly lower for free silymarin group compared to silymarin/β cyclodextrins co-treatments. Sy-HPBCD was found to be the most potent anti-fibrotic complex. We demonstrated that Sy-HPBCD and Sy-RAMEB complexes decreased extracellular matrix accumulation by inhibiting HSC activation and diminished the oxidative damage. This might occur via the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad signal transduction and MMP/tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP) rebalance, by blocking the synthesis of Col I and decreasing collagen deposition. These results suggest that complexation of silymarin with HPBCD or RAMEB represent viable options for the its oral delivery, of the flavonoid as a potential therapeutic entity candidate, with applications in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Gharbia
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Cornel Balta
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Hildegard Herman
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Marcel Rosu
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Judit Váradi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Bácskay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Miklós Vecsernyés
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Gyöngyösi
- Department of Solid State Physics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fenyvesi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Sorina N Voicu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Miruna S Stan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana E Cristian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Dinischiotu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- The Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Vasile Goldis Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
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14
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Al-Humadi H, Alhumadi A, Al-Saigh R, Strilakou A, Lazaris AC, Gazouli M, Liapi C. "Extracellular matrix remodelling in the liver of rats subjected to dietary choline deprivation and/or thioacetamide administration". Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2018; 45:1245-1256. [PMID: 30019784 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Choline deprivation is a recognized experimental approach to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, while thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis resembles alcoholic liver fibrogenesis. In order to elucidate the effect of TAA on liver extracellular matrix composition under choline deprivation due to choline-deficient diet (CDD) administration, we evaluated the transcriptional and immunohistochemical (IHC) pattern of major hepatic matrix metalloproteinases (namely, MMP-2, -9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1, -2) in adult male albino Wistar rats at 30, 60 and 90 days. In the CDD+TAA group, IHC showed an early progressive increase in MMP-2 expression, while MMP-9 initially exhibited a significant increase followed by a gradual decrease; TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 IHC expressions showed gradual increase throughout the experiment. The MMPs-TIMPs regulation at the transcriptional level was found to be increased in all groups throughout the experiment. The increased MMP-2/TIMP-2 and suppressed MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios in IHC and in real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) seemed to correlate with the degree of liver fibrosis. These results support the important role of MMPs and TIMPs in controlling the hepatic pathogenesis and shed more light on the recently described experimental approach to liver disease (steatohepatitis) under the impact of two insults (TAA and CDD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussam Al-Humadi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Ahmed Alhumadi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rafal Al-Saigh
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Clinical & Laboratory Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Babylon, Babylon, Iraq
| | - Athina Strilakou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas C Lazaris
- 1st Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gazouli
- Department of Basic Medical Science/Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charis Liapi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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15
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Karimi-Sales E, Mohaddes G, Alipour MR. Chalcones as putative hepatoprotective agents: Preclinical evidence and molecular mechanisms. Pharmacol Res 2018; 129:177-187. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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16
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Giménez A, Duch P, Puig M, Gabasa M, Xaubet A, Alcaraz J. Dysregulated Collagen Homeostasis by Matrix Stiffening and TGF-β1 in Fibroblasts from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients: Role of FAK/Akt. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18112431. [PMID: 29144435 PMCID: PMC5713399 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an aggressive disease in which normal lung parenchyma is replaced by a stiff dysfunctional scar rich in activated fibroblasts and collagen-I. We examined how the mechanochemical pro-fibrotic microenvironment provided by matrix stiffening and TGF-β1 cooperates in the transcriptional control of collagen homeostasis in normal and fibrotic conditions. For this purpose we cultured fibroblasts from IPF patients or control donors on hydrogels with tunable elasticity, including 3D collagen-I gels and 2D polyacrylamide (PAA) gels. We found that TGF-β1 consistently increased COL1A1 while decreasing MMP1 mRNA levels in hydrogels exhibiting pre-fibrotic or fibrotic-like rigidities concomitantly with an enhanced activation of the FAK/Akt pathway, whereas FAK depletion was sufficient to abrogate these effects. We also demonstrate a synergy between matrix stiffening and TGF-β1 that was positive for COL1A1 and negative for MMP1. Remarkably, the COL1A1 expression upregulation elicited by TGF-β1 alone or synergistically with matrix stiffening were higher in IPF-fibroblasts compared to control fibroblasts in association with larger FAK and Akt activities in the former cells. These findings provide new insights on how matrix stiffening and TGF-β1 cooperate to elicit excessive collagen-I deposition in IPF, and support a major role of the FAK/Akt pathway in this cooperation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alícia Giménez
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Paula Duch
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marta Puig
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Marta Gabasa
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Antoni Xaubet
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
- Pneumology Service, Hospital Clínic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Jordi Alcaraz
- Unit of Biophysics and Bioengineering, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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17
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Romualdo GR, Grassi TF, Goto RL, Tablas MB, Bidinotto LT, Fernandes AAH, Cogliati B, Barbisan LF. An integrative analysis of chemically-induced cirrhosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis: Histological, biochemical and molecular features. Toxicol Lett 2017; 281:84-94. [PMID: 28943392 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed the integrative characterization of morphological, biochemical and molecular features of chemically-induced cirrhosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, male Wistar rats were submitted to a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)/thioacetamide (TAA)-induced model. Liver tissue was processed for global gene expression, histopathological and collagen evaluations; as well as immunohistochemical and oxidative stress analysis. Gene Ontology and functional analysis showed the upregulation of extracellular matrix deposition genes, such as collagen type I alpha 1 and 2 (Col1α1 and Col1α2) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and 2 genes (Timp1 and Timp2). In agreement these findings, animals presented extensive liver cirrhosis with increased collagen deposition (Sirius red). Besides, the animals developed many glutathione S-transferase pi (GST-P)-positive preneoplastic lesions showing high cell proliferation (Ki-67), in keeping with the Gstp1 and Gstp2 increased gene expression. DEN/TAA-treated rats also showed the upregulation of tumorigenesis-related annexin A2 gene (Anxa2) and few neoplastic lesions (hepatocellular adenomas, carcinomas, and cholangiocarcinoma). In contrast, gene expression and activity of antioxidant enzymes were decreased (glutathione peroxidase, total glutathione-S-transferase, and catalase). The model featured remarkable similarities to human hepatocarcinogenesis. Our findings could bring up new molecular insights into cirrhosis-associated hepatocarcinogenesis, and provide a suitable animal model for the establishment of further diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu - SP, Brazil
| | - Tony Fernando Grassi
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu - SP, Brazil
| | - Renata Leme Goto
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu - SP, Brazil
| | - Mariana Baptista Tablas
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu - SP, Brazil
| | - Lucas Tadeu Bidinotto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos - SP, Brazil; Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata - FACISB, Barretos - SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Angélica Henrique Fernandes
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu - SP, Brazil
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo University (USP), São Paulo - SP, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Morphology, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu - SP, Brazil.
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18
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Pingitore P, Dongiovanni P, Motta BM, Meroni M, Lepore SM, Mancina RM, Pelusi S, Russo C, Caddeo A, Rossi G, Montalcini T, Pujia A, Wiklund O, Valenti L, Romeo S. PNPLA3 overexpression results in reduction of proteins predisposing to fibrosis. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 25:5212-5222. [PMID: 27742777 PMCID: PMC5886043 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological scarring response to chronic hepatocellular injury and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key players in this process. PNPLA3 I148M is a common variant robustly associated with liver fibrosis but the mechanisms underlying this association are unknown. We aimed to examine a) the effect of fibrogenic and proliferative stimuli on PNPLA3 levels in HSCs and b) the role of wild type and mutant PNPLA3 overexpression on markers of HSC activation and fibrosis. Here, we show that PNPLA3 is upregulated by the fibrogenic cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), but not by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and is involved in the TGF-β-induced reduction in lipid droplets in primary human HSCs. Furthermore, we show that retinol release from human HSCs ex vivo is lower in cells with the loss-of-function PNPLA3 148M compared with 148I wild type protein. Stable overexpression of PNPLA3 148I wild type, but not 148M mutant, in human HSCs (LX-2 cells) induces a reduction in the secretion of matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and 2 (TIMP1 and TIMP2), which is mediated by retinoid metabolism. In conclusion, we show a role for PNPLA3 in HSC activation in response to fibrogenic stimuli. Moreover, we provide evidence to indicate that PNPLA3-mediated retinol release may protect against liver fibrosis by inducing a specific signature of proteins involved in extracellular matrix remodelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Pingitore
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paola Dongiovanni
- Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marica Meroni
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Saverio Massimo Lepore
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Serena Pelusi
- Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Russo
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrea Caddeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Giorgio Rossi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Liver Surgery and Transplant Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Montalcini
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Arturo Pujia
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Olov Wiklund
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Cardiology Department, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Luca Valenti
- Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University, Catanzaro, Italy.,Cardiology Department, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Lipopolysaccharides induce Smad2 phosphorylation through PI3K/Akt and MAPK cascades in HSC-T6 hepatic stellate cells. Life Sci 2017; 184:37-46. [PMID: 28689803 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Endotoxemia and its pro-fibrogenic signaling play a significant role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. This study investigated whether lipopolysaccharide (LPS) directly activate cultured HSC-T6 hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) through triggering Smad-dependent pro-fibrogenic signaling pathway. MAIN METHODS Direct cell counting and assays for cell proliferation and migration were used to measure the effects of LPS on HSC behaviors. Quantitative PCR, Western blot, and gelatin zymography were used to quantify the molecular effects of LPS on expression of HSC activation markers and signaling activity. KEY FINDINGS Long-term exposure to LPS exhibited moderately stimulatory effect on HSC cell growth. A wound-healing cell migration assay showed that LPS suppressed HSC-T6 cell migration. qPCR and Western blotting detection indicated that LPS treatment induced upregulation of type I and IV collagens, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Gelatin zymography confirmed that LPS elevated MMP-9, but not MMP-2 gelatinolytic activity. Moreover, LPS immediately stimulated Akt, EKR1/2, JNK, p38 MAPK, and Smad2 hyperphosphorylation, supporting that LPS directly triggers pro-fibrogenic Smad signaling cascade without TGF-β1 stimulation. Kinase blockade experiments demonstrated the involvement of PI3K/Akt, JNK, p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2 signaling activation in the LPS-elicited Smad2 phosphorylation as well as the overexpression of type I collagen and α-SMA in HSC-T6 cells. SIGNIFICANCE These findings demonstrate that LPS exerts pro-fibrogenic effect through activation and transformation of HSCs. The tissue-remodeling effect of LPS may be attributable to its ability to activate non-canonical Smad pathway through PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling cascades.
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Prestigiacomo V, Weston A, Messner S, Lampart F, Suter-Dick L. Pro-fibrotic compounds induce stellate cell activation, ECM-remodelling and Nrf2 activation in a human 3D-multicellular model of liver fibrosis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179995. [PMID: 28665955 PMCID: PMC5493342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Currently most liver fibrosis research is performed in vivo, since suitable alternative in vitro systems which are able to recapitulate the cellular events leading to liver fibrosis are lacking. Here we aimed at generating a system containing cells representing the three key players of liver fibrosis (hepatocyte, Kupffer cells and stellate cells) and assess their response to pro-fibrotic compounds such as TGF-β1, methotrexate (MTX) and thioacetamide (TAA). Methods Human cell lines representing hepatocytes (HepaRG), Kupffer cell (THP-1 macrophages) and stellate cells (hTERT-HSC) were co-cultured using the InSphero hanging drop technology to generate scaffold-free 3D microtissues, that were treated with pro-fibrotic compounds (TGF-β1, MTX, TAA) for up to 14 days. The response of the microtissues was evaluated by determining the expression of cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β1 and IL6), the deposition and secretion of ECM proteins and induction of gene expression of fibrosis biomarkers (e.g. αSMA). Induction of Nrf2 and Keap1, as key player of defence mechanism, was also evaluated. Results We could demonstrate that the multicellular 3D microtissue cultures could be maintained in a non-activated status, based on the low expression levels of activation markers. Macrophages were activated by stimulation with LPS and hTERT-HSC showed activation by TGF-β1. In addition, MTX and TAA elicited a fibrotic phenotype, as assessed by gene-expression and protein-deposition of ECM proteins such as collagens and fibronectin. An involvement of the antioxidant pathway upon stimulation with pro-fibrotic compounds was also observed. Conclusion Here, for the first time, we demonstrate the in vitro recapitulation of key molecular and cellular events leading to liver fibrosis: hepatocellular injury, antioxidant defence response, activation of Kupffer cells and activation of HSC leading to deposition of ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Prestigiacomo
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Weston
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Simon Messner
- InSphero AG, Schlieren, Canton of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Lampart
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Laura Suter-Dick
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
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21
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Andrews RN, Metheny-Barlow LJ, Peiffer AM, Hanbury DB, Tooze JA, Bourland JD, Hampson RE, Deadwyler SA, Cline JM. Cerebrovascular Remodeling and Neuroinflammation is a Late Effect of Radiation-Induced Brain Injury in Non-Human Primates. Radiat Res 2017; 187:599-611. [PMID: 28398880 DOI: 10.1667/rr14616.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Fractionated whole-brain irradiation (fWBI) is a mainstay of treatment for patients with intracranial neoplasia; however late-delayed radiation-induced normal tissue injury remains a major adverse consequence of treatment, with deleterious effects on quality of life for affected patients. We hypothesize that cerebrovascular injury and remodeling after fWBI results in ischemic injury to dependent white matter, which contributes to the observed cognitive dysfunction. To evaluate molecular effectors of radiation-induced brain injury (RIBI), real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed on the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC, Brodmann area 46), hippocampus and temporal white matter of 4 male Rhesus macaques (age 6-11 years), which had received 40 Gray (Gy) fWBI (8 fractions of 5 Gy each, twice per week), and 3 control comparators. All fWBI animals developed neurologic impairment; humane euthanasia was elected at a median of 6 months. Radiation-induced brain injury was confirmed histopathologically in all animals, characterized by white matter degeneration and necrosis, and multifocal cerebrovascular injury consisting of perivascular edema, abnormal angiogenesis and perivascular extracellular matrix deposition. Herein we demonstrate that RIBI is associated with white matter-specific up-regulation of hypoxia-associated lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and that increased gene expression of fibronectin 1 (FN1), SERPINE1 and matrix metalloprotease 2 (MMP2) may contribute to cerebrovascular remodeling in late-delayed RIBI. Additionally, vascular stability and maturation associated tumor necrosis super family member 15 (TNFSF15) and vascular endothelial growth factor beta (VEGFB) mRNAs were increased within temporal white matter. We also demonstrate that radiation-induced brain injury is associated with decreases in white matter-specific expression of neurotransmitter receptors SYP, GRIN2A and GRIA4. We additionally provide evidence that macrophage/microglial mediated neuroinflammation may contribute to RIBI through increased gene expression of the macrophage chemoattractant CCL2 and macrophage/microglia associated CD68. Global patterns in cerebral gene expression varied significantly between regions examined (P < 0.0001, Friedman's test), with effects most prominent within cerebral white matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N Andrews
- a Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Linda J Metheny-Barlow
- b Department of Radiation Oncology; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157.,c Brain Tumor Center of Excellence; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Ann M Peiffer
- b Department of Radiation Oncology; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157.,c Brain Tumor Center of Excellence; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - David B Hanbury
- f Department of Psychology, Averett University, Danville, Virginia 24541
| | - Janet A Tooze
- d Department of Biostatistical Sciences; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - J Daniel Bourland
- b Department of Radiation Oncology; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157.,c Brain Tumor Center of Excellence; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Robert E Hampson
- e Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - Samuel A Deadwyler
- e Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
| | - J Mark Cline
- a Department of Pathology, Section on Comparative Medicine; Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157
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Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation by TCDD Modulates Expression of Extracellular Matrix Remodeling Genes during Experimental Liver Fibrosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:5309328. [PMID: 27672655 PMCID: PMC5031815 DOI: 10.1155/2016/5309328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Revised: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a soluble, ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Increasing evidence implicates the AhR in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. We recently reported that TCDD increased necroinflammation and myofibroblast activation during liver injury elicited by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). However, TCDD did not increase collagen deposition or exacerbate fibrosis in CCl4-treated mice, which raises the possibility that TCDD may enhance ECM turnover. The goal of this study was to determine how TCDD impacts ECM remodeling gene expression in the liver. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated for 8 weeks with 0.5 mL/kg CCl4, and TCDD (20 μg/kg) was administered during the last two weeks. Results indicate that TCDD increased mRNA levels of procollagen types I, III, IV, and VI and the collagen processing molecules HSP47 and lysyl oxidase. TCDD also increased gelatinase activity and mRNA levels of matrix metalloproteinase- (MMP-) 3, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13. Furthermore, TCDD modulated expression of genes in the plasminogen activator/plasmin system, which regulates MMP activation, and it also increased TIMP1 gene expression. These findings support the notion that AhR activation by TCDD dysregulates ECM remodeling gene expression and may facilitate ECM metabolism despite increased liver injury.
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Peterová E, Mrkvicová A, Podmolíková L, Řezáčová M, Kanta J. The role of cytokines TGF-beta1 and FGF-1 in the expression of characteristic markers of rat liver myofibroblasts cultured in three-dimensional collagen gel. Physiol Res 2016; 65:661-672. [PMID: 27429124 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rat liver myofibroblasts (MFB) are the key cells involved in the deposition of extracellular matrix in fibrotic liver. They were isolated by repeated passaging of non-parenchymal cell fraction and cultured in 3-dimensional (3D) collagen gel mimicking tissue. The transfer of MFB from plastic dishes to collagen resulted in the change in their shape from large and spread to slender with long extensions. The expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) and of MFB markers, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and cellular fibronectin (EDA-FN), on protein level was significantly decreased in collagen gel. The gel did not change the expression of metalloproteinase MMP-2 but activated the proenzyme. The experiments with inhibitors of metabolic pathways showed that EDA-FN and alpha-SMA were differently regulated. The expression of EDA-FN required functional TGF-beta1 receptors and was also dependent on the activity of protein kinases MEK1 and MEK2. alpha-SMA expression was primarily determined by the 3D environment. Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) in combination with heparin decreased the expression of alpha-SMA and increased the expression of EDA-FN in the cells on plastic. The cellular environment may influence the cells per se and may modify the action of other agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Peterová
- Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
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24
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Loss of Raf kinase inhibitor protein is associated with malignant progression in hepatic fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 82:669-76. [PMID: 27470410 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP), besides regulating important intracellular signaling cascades, was described to be associated with progression, metastasis and prognosis in several human neoplasms. But its role in hepatic fibrogenesis remains unclear. In the present study, we found that the absence of RKIP expression significantly enhanced the proliferation of HSC-T6 cells. Reduced RKIP expression promoted the activation of HSCs and the accumulation of collagen, as evidenced by the increases in the levels of collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin. Moreover, down-regulating RKIP expression led to severe histopathological changes and collagen accumulation in hepatic tissues of rats with liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the absence of RKIP promoted the activation of ERK/MAPK pathway in vitro and in vivo. Our findings clearly demonstrate an inverse correlation between RKIP level and the degree of the liver injury and fibrosis. Loss of RKIP may be associated with malignant progression in hepatic fibrosis.
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25
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Burza MA, Motta BM, Mancina RM, Pingitore P, Pirazzi C, Lepore SM, Spagnuolo R, Doldo P, Russo C, Lazzaro V, Fischer J, Berg T, Aghemo A, Cheroni C, De Francesco R, Fargion S, Colombo M, Datz C, Stickel F, Valenti L, Romeo S. DEPDC5 variants increase fibrosis progression in Europeans with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Hepatology 2016; 63:418-27. [PMID: 26517016 PMCID: PMC4737289 DOI: 10.1002/hep.28322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, two genetic variants, DEPDC5 rs1012068 and MICA rs2596542, were associated with the onset of HCC in Asian subjects with chronic HCV infection. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether DEPDC5 and MICA genetic variants were associated with liver disease progression in European subjects with chronic HCV infection. In a Northern Italian discovery cohort (n = 477), neither DEPDC5 rs1012068 nor MICA rs2596542 were associated with HCC (n = 150). However, DEPDC5 rs1012068 was independently associated with cirrhosis (n = 300; P = 0.049). The association of rs1012068 with moderate to severe fibrosis was confirmed in an independent cross-sectional German cohort (n = 415; P = 0.006). Furthermore, DEPDC5 rs1012068 predicted faster fibrosis progression in a prospective cohort (n = 247; P = 0.027). Next, we examined the distribution of nonsynonymous DEPDC5 variants in the overall cross-sectional cohort (n = 912). The presence of at least one variant increased the risk of moderate/severe fibrosis by 54% (P = 0.040). To understand the molecular mechanism underlying the genetic association of DEPDC5 variants with fibrosis progression, we performed in vitro studies on immortalized hepatic stellate cells (LX-2). In these cells, down-regulation of DEPDC5 resulted in increased expression of β-catenin and production of its target matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), a secreted enzyme involved in fibrosis progression. CONCLUSION DEPDC5 variants increase fibrosis progression in European subjects with chronic HCV infection. Our findings suggest that DEPDC5 down-regulation may contribute to HCV-related fibrosis by increasing MMP2 synthesis through the β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonella Burza
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Benedetta Maria Motta
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | | | - Piero Pingitore
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Carlo Pirazzi
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Saverio Massimo Lepore
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesMagna Graecia UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Rocco Spagnuolo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMagna Graecia UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Patrizia Doldo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMagna Graecia UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Cristina Russo
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesMagna Graecia UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Veronica Lazzaro
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesMagna Graecia UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Janett Fischer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Section of HepatologyUniversity HospitalLeipzigGermany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Section of HepatologyUniversity HospitalLeipzigGermany
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Department of GastroenterologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Cristina Cheroni
- Virology ProgramINGM‐Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”MilanItaly
| | - Raffaele De Francesco
- Virology ProgramINGM‐Istituto Nazionale di Genetica Molecolare “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”MilanItaly
| | - Silvia Fargion
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Policlinico Milano, Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationMilanItaly
| | - Massimo Colombo
- Department of GastroenterologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Policlinico MilanoMilanItaly,Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Policlinico Milano, Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationMilanItaly
| | - Christian Datz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital OberndorfTeaching Hospital of the Paracelsus Private University of SalzburgOberndorfAustria
| | - Felix Stickel
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity Hospital of Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, CH‐8091ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Luca Valenti
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca'Granda Ospedale Policlinico Milano, Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationMilanItaly
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden,Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesMagna Graecia UniversityCatanzaroItaly,Department of CardiologySahlgrenska University HospitalGothenburgSweden
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Elshal M, Abu-Elsaad N, El-Karef A, Ibrahim TM. The multi-kinase inhibitor pazopanib targets hepatic stellate cell activation and apoptosis alleviating progression of liver fibrosis. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2015; 388:1293-304. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-015-1157-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Huang CY, Tseng KC, Lin MN, Tsai JP, Su CC. Plasma levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in male and female patients with cirrhosis of different aetiologies. J Clin Pathol 2015; 68:917-22. [PMID: 26246386 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2015-202932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis may be reversible in some circumstances. Reliable diagnostic tests are necessary for monitoring hepatic fibrogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 are two of the major MMPs in the circulation and may be most relevant to hepatic fibrosis. The behaviour of MMPs may be significantly different in men and women and may also differ in cases of cirrhosis of various aetiologies. AIMS To evaluate the manifestations of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in liver cirrhosis of different aetiologies in men and women and to compare these patterns with those of healthy controls. METHODS We measured MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels in plasma samples from 112 patients with cirrhosis and 112 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. We then correlated these MMP levels with gender and disease aetiology. RESULTS Plasma MMP-2 concentrations in patients showed a trend towards increasing values with cirrhosis severity and were markedly increased in patients regardless of gender and aetiology compared with healthy controls (p<0.0001). Plasma mean MMP-9 levels were comparable in patients with cirrhosis and controls, but increased with disease severity. They were significantly lower in patients (130.5 ng/mL), female patients (85.4 ng/mL) and male patients (150.4 ng/mL) with mild cirrhosis than in controls (163.2 ng/mL), female controls (162.5 ng/mL) and male controls (163.3 ng/mL) (p=0.001, 0.041 and 0.009, respectively). MMP-2 and MMP-9 concentrations were not significantly different between genders among controls and among various patient subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Plasma MMP-2 level may be a useful diagnostic marker for monitoring hepatic fibrogenesis in patients with disease of different aetiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Yang Huang
- Graduate Institutes of Basic and Chinese Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan Department of Health and Nutrition Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chih Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Nan Lin
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan Department of Family Medicine, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Pi Tsai
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan Department of Nephrology, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chuan Su
- Departments of Clinical Pathology and Anatomic Pathology, Buddhist Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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28
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Sobers CJ, Wood SE, Mrksich M. A gene expression-based comparison of cell adhesion to extracellular matrix and RGD-terminated monolayers. Biomaterials 2015; 52:385-94. [PMID: 25818445 PMCID: PMC4379455 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This work uses global gene expression analysis to compare the extent to which model substrates presenting peptide adhesion motifs mimic the use of conventional extracellular matrix protein coated substrates for cell culture. We compared the transcriptional activities of genes in cells that were cultured on matrix-coated substrates with those cultured on self-assembled monolayers presenting either a linear or cyclic RGD peptide. Cells adherent to cyclic RGD were most similar to those cultured on native ECM, while cells cultured on monolayers presenting the linear RGD peptide had transcriptional activities that were more similar to cells cultured on the uncoated substrates. This study suggests that biomaterials presenting the cyclic RGD peptide are substantially better mimics of extracellular matrix than are uncoated materials or materials presenting the common linear RGD peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney J Sobers
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Sarah E Wood
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA
| | - Milan Mrksich
- Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, USA.
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Abstract
Type I collagen is a fibrillar protein, a member of a large family of collagen proteins. It is present in most body tissues, usually in combination with other collagens and other components of extracellular matrix. Its synthesis is increased in various pathological situations, in healing wounds, in fibrotic tissues and in many tumors. After extraction from collagen-rich tissues it is widely used in studies of cell behavior, especially those of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. Cells cultured in a classical way, on planar plastic dishes, lack the third dimension that is characteristic of body tissues. Collagen I forms gel at neutral pH and may become a basis of a 3D matrix that better mimics conditions in tissue than plastic dishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiří Kanta
- a Department of Medical Biochemistry; Medical Faculty in Hradec Králové; Charles University ; Prague , Czech Republic
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30
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Wang J, Tang L, White J, Fang J. Inhibitory effect of gallic acid on CCl4-mediated liver fibrosis in mice. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 69:21-6. [PMID: 24096707 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-013-9761-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gallic acid (GA) on liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal control group (group A), CCl4-induced liver injury control group (group B), and CCl4 induction with GA of low dose (5 mg/kg) and high dose (15 mg/kg) treatment group (group C and group D). GA was intra-gastric given for mice once a day after 2 weeks of CCl4 induction. Animals were killed at the eighth week. Degrees of fibrosis and collagen percentage were measured. Hyaluronic acid (HA), type IV collagen (cIV), malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) were determined. Expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) mRNA levels were examined by RT-PCR. Western blotting was carried out to evaluate the changes of MMP-2 protein. HE and VG stainings showed GA in a dose-dependent manner improved significantly the fibrosis condition in CCl4-injured mice (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Also, the concentrations of HA, cIV, and MDA, as well as the serum levels of ALT, AST, and γ-GT were markedly reduced by GA (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), and decreases in MMP-2, TIMP-1 mRNA, and MMP-2 protein were observed as well (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). GA could exert protective effect on liver injury and reduce liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice, which might be through the inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, 130118, China
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Rybinski B, Franco-Barraza J, Cukierman E. The wound healing, chronic fibrosis, and cancer progression triad. Physiol Genomics 2014; 46:223-44. [PMID: 24520152 PMCID: PMC4035661 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00158.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades tumors have been recognized as "wounds that do not heal." Besides the commonalities that tumors and wounded tissues share, the process of wound healing also portrays similar characteristics with chronic fibrosis. In this review, we suggest a tight interrelationship, which is governed as a concurrence of cellular and microenvironmental reactivity among wound healing, chronic fibrosis, and cancer development/progression (i.e., the WHFC triad). It is clear that the same cell types, as well as soluble and matrix elements that drive wound healing (including regeneration) via distinct signaling pathways, also fuel chronic fibrosis and tumor progression. Hence, here we review the relationship between fibrosis and cancer through the lens of wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Rybinski
- Cancer Biology Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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The expression of HIV-1 Vpu in monocytes causes increased secretion of TGF-β that activates profibrogenic genes in hepatic stellate cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88934. [PMID: 24551192 PMCID: PMC3923874 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
There is faster progression to fibrosis in persons with liver injury who are also infected with HIV. Other reports have suggested that HIV can directly infect and activate stellate cells, and the viral Tat and gp160 proteins also induce profibrogenic factors from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We tested the role of HIV-1 Vpu accessory protein in promoting profibrogenic activation of hepatic stellate cells. Human stellate LX2 cells were cocultured with human monocytic U937 cells stably expressing the Vpu protein or latently infected U1 cells knocked down for Vpu expression, LX2 cells were also cultured with the supernatants from these cells. The expression of profibrogenic markers was evaluated in LX2 cells usingquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR),western blotting, immunofluorescence,flow cytometry and ELISA were used to confirm and quantitate protein expression. Monocytic cells expressing Vpu increased the expression of profibrogenic markers in LX2 cells. The culture supernatants of these cells contained increased levels of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), which correlated with increased activity of the AP-1 transcription factor. Antibodies against TGF-β or a TGF-β receptor inhibitor (SB431452) reversed Vpu-mediated profibrogenic activation of LX2 cells, suggesting that TGF-β mediated these effects. The cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) attenuated Vpu-mediated TGF-β secretion and profibrogenic effects on LX2 cells. Besides its other roles in pathogenesis, Vpu is likely to contribute to hepatic fibrosis through this hitherto unknown mechanism.
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Chen X, Gan Y, Li W, Su J, Zhang Y, Huang Y, Roberts AI, Han Y, Li J, Wang Y, Shi Y. The interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and steroids during inflammation. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1009. [PMID: 24457953 PMCID: PMC4040685 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are believed to exert their regenerative effects through differentiation and modulation of inflammatory responses. However, the relationship between the severity of inflammation and stem cell-mediated tissue repair has not been formally investigated. In this study, we applied different concentrations of dexamethasone (Dex) to anti-CD3-activated splenocyte cultured with or without MSCs. As expected, Dex exhibited a classical dose-dependent inhibition of T-cell proliferation. Surprisingly, although MSCs also blocked T-cell proliferation, the presence of Dex unexpectedly showed a dose-dependent reversion of T-cell proliferation. This effect of Dex was found to be exerted through interfering STAT1 phosphorylation-prompted expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Interestingly, inflammation-induced chemokines in MSCs was unaffected. To test the role of inflammation severity in stem cell-mediated tissue repair, we employed mice with carbon tetrachloride-induced advanced liver fibrosis and found that although MSCs alone were effective, concurrent administration of Dex abrogated the therapeutic effects of MSCs on fibrin deposition, serum levels of bilirubin, albumin, and aminotransferases, as well as T-lymphocyte infiltration, especially IFN-γ(+)CD4(+) and IL-17A(+)CD4(+)T cells. Likewise, iNOS(-/-) MSCs, which produce chemokines but not nitric oxide under inflammatory conditions, are ineffective in treating advanced liver fibrosis. Therefore, inflammation has a critical role in MSC-mediated tissue repair. In addition, concomitant application of MSCs with steroids should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Chen
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Gan
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - W Li
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - J Su
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Huang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - A I Roberts
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Y Han
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - J Li
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Wang
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Y Shi
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Institute of Health Sciences, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences/Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School-Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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Li Y, Kilani RT, Rahmani-Neishaboor E, Jalili RB, Ghahary A. Kynurenine increases matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -3 expression in cultured dermal fibroblasts and improves scarring in vivo. J Invest Dermatol 2013; 134:643-650. [PMID: 23877570 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2013.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 06/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that the formation of hypertrophic scarring on the wounds of a rabbit ear fibrotic model was significantly reduced by grafting a bilayer skin substitute expressing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). Here, we hypothesize that the improved healing quality is due to extracellular matrix modulatory effect of IDO-mediated tryptophan metabolites. To test this hypothesis, a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted and the findings revealed a significant increase in the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) in fibroblasts either transduced with human IDO gene or cultured with conditioned media obtained from IDO-expressing cells. Consistent with this finding, kynurenine (Kyn) treatment markedly increased the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression through activation of the MEK (mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) kinase)-ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathway. On the other hand, Kyn significantly suppressed the expression of type I collagen in fibroblasts as compared with that of control. To test the anti-fibrogenic effect of Kyn in an in vivo model, rabbit ear fibrotic wounds were topically treated with cream containing 50 μg Kyn per l00 μl of cream per wound. The result showed a marked improvement in scar formation relative to the controls. These findings collectively suggest that Kyn can potentially be used as an anti-fibrogenic agent for treating hypertrophic scarring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyuan Li
- Department of Surgery, BC Professional Burn and Wound Healing Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ruhangiz T Kilani
- Department of Surgery, BC Professional Burn and Wound Healing Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elham Rahmani-Neishaboor
- Department of Surgery, BC Professional Burn and Wound Healing Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Reza B Jalili
- Department of Surgery, BC Professional Burn and Wound Healing Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aziz Ghahary
- Department of Surgery, BC Professional Burn and Wound Healing Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Huang CK, Lee SO, Lai KP, Ma WL, Lin TH, Tsai MY, Luo J, Chang C. Targeting androgen receptor in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells leads to better transplantation therapy efficacy in liver cirrhosis. Hepatology 2013; 57:1550-63. [PMID: 23150236 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) has been considered as an alternative therapy, replacing liver transplantation in clinical trials, to treat liver cirrhosis, an irreversible disease that may eventually lead to liver cancer development. However, low survival rate of the BM-MSCs leading to unsatisfactory efficacy remains a major concern. Gender differences have been suggested in BM-MSCs therapeutic application, but the effect of the androgen receptor (AR), a key factor in male sexual phenotype, in this application is not clear. Using two liver cirrhosis mouse models induced by CCl4 or thioacetamide, we showed that targeting AR in the BM-MSCs improved their self-renewal and migration potentials and increased paracrine effects to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic actions to enhance liver repair. Mechanism dissection studies suggested that knocking out AR in BM-MSCs led to improved self-renewal and migration by alteration of the signaling of epidermal growth factor receptor and matrix metalloproteinase 9 and resulted in suppression of infiltrating macrophages and hepatic stellate cell activation through modulation of interleukin (IL)1R/IL1Ra signaling. Therapeutic approaches using either AR/small interfering RNA or the AR degradation enhancer, ASC-J9, to target AR in BM-MSCs all led to increased efficacy for liver repair. CONCLUSION Targeting AR, a key factor in male sexual phenotype, in BM-MSCs improves transplantation therapeutic efficacy for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung-Kuei Huang
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Department of Pathology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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Penumathsa SV, Kode A, Rajagopalan R, Menon VP. Changes in Activities of MMP in Alcohol and Thermally Oxidized Sunflower Oil-Induced Liver Damage: NAC Antioxidant Therapy. Toxicol Mech Methods 2012; 16:267-74. [PMID: 20021024 DOI: 10.1080/15376520500194734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the result of imbalance between extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis and breakdown. Ethanol-induced increase in redox state is a sign of major change in hepatic metabolism and this inhibits tricarboxylic acid cycle activity and, fatty acid oxidation and increases fatty acid uptake, thus predisposing fatty liver. Fibrotic changes induced by alcohol are provoked by diets rich in PUFA. Heating of oils rich in PUFA produces toxic volatile and nonvolatile compounds, which aggravate liver damage. Hepatotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by administering alcohol (20%) and thermally oxidized sunflower oil (Delta PUFA) (15%). When N-acetyl cyteine (NAC) (150 mg/kg body weight), an ROS scavenger, was administered, there was a reversal of liver damage, which was demonstrated biochemically. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), being potential biochemical indicators of fibroproliferation, were estimated in the present study, which were found to be altered in alcohol, Delta PUFA, and alcohol + Delta PUFA. The altered activities of MMPs in these groups were effectively modulated by treatment with NAC. Thus, in this study, NAC was found to modulate the effect of alcohol and Delta PUFA-induced liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Varma Penumathsa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar608 002, India
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A nanofiber membrane maintains the quiescent phenotype of hepatic stellate cells. Dig Dis Sci 2012; 57:1152-62. [PMID: 22359192 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2084-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a major role in the progression of liver fibrosis. AIM The aim of our study was to investigate whether rat HSC cultured on a nanofiber membrane (NM) retain their quiescent phenotype during both short- and long-term culture and whether activated HSC revert to a quiescent form when re-cultured on NM. METHODS Rat HSC cultured for 1 day on plastic plates (PP) were used as quiescent HSC, while cells cultured for 1 week on PP were considered to be activated HSC. Quiescent or activated HSC were subsequently plated on PP or NM and cultured for an additional 4 days at which time their gene expression, stress fiber development, and growth factor production were determined. For long-term culture, HSC were grown on NM for 20 days and the cells then replated on PP and cultured for another 10 days. RESULTS Expression of marker genes for HSC activation, stress fiber development, and growth factor production were significantly lower in both quiescent and activated HSC cultured on NM than in those cultured on PP. After long-term culture on NM, activation marker gene expression and stress fiber development were still significantly lower in HSC than in PP, and HSC still retained the ability to activate when replated onto PP. CONCLUSIONS HSC cultured on NM retained quiescent characteristics after both short- and long-term culture while activated HSC reverted toward a quiescent state when cultured on NM. Cultures of HSC grown on NM are a useful in vitro model to investigate the mechanisms of activation and deactivation.
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Bona S, Filippin LI, Di Naso FC, de David C, Valiatti B, Isoppo Schaun M, Xavier RM, Marroni NP. Effect of antioxidant treatment on fibrogenesis in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis. ISRN GASTROENTEROLOGY 2012; 2012:762920. [PMID: 22577570 PMCID: PMC3335177 DOI: 10.5402/2012/762920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Aim. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant activity of quercetin (Q) in an experimental model of cirrhosis induced by CCl4 inhalation. Materials and Methods. We used 25 male Wistar rats (250 g) that were divided into 3 groups: control (CO), CCl4, and CCl4 + Q. The rats were subjected to CCl4 inhalation (2x/week) for 16 weeks, and they received phenobarbital in their drinking water at a dose of 0.3 g/dL as a P450 enzyme inducer. Q (50 mg/Kg) was initiated intraperitoneally at 10 weeks of inhalation and lasted until the end of the experiment. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA Student Newman-Keuls (mean ± SEM), and differences were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05. Results. After treatment with quercetin, we observed an improvement in liver complications, decreased fibrosis, as analyzed by picrosirius for the quantification of collagen, and decreased levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) compared with the CCl4 group. It also reduced oxidative stress, as confirmed by the decrease of substances reacting to thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes, and the reduced glutathione ratio and glutathione disulfide (GSH/GSSG). Conclusion. We suggest that the use of quercetin might be promising as an antioxidant therapy in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Bona
- Post-Graduation Medical Sciences Program, Medical School, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90035-903 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Chen YL, Yang SS, Peng HC, Hsieh YC, Chen JR, Yang SC. Folate and vitamin B12 improved alcohol-induced hyperhomocysteinemia in rats. Nutrition 2011; 27:1034-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2010.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2010] [Revised: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Noll C, Raaf L, Planque C, Benard L, Secardin L, Petit E, Dairou J, Paul JL, Samuel JL, Delcayre C, Rodrigues-Lima F, Janel N. Protection and reversal of hepatic fibrosis by red wine polyphenols in hyperhomocysteinemic mice. J Nutr Biochem 2011; 22:856-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2010.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Revised: 07/17/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Biochemical insights into the role of matrix metalloproteinases in regeneration: challenges and recent developments. Future Med Chem 2011; 1:1095-1111. [PMID: 20161478 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.09.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of proteases that belong to the metazincin family. These proteins consist of similar structures featuring a signaling peptide, a propeptide domain, a catalytic domain where the notable zinc ion binding site is found and a hinge region that binds to the C-terminal hemoplexin domain. MMPs can be produced by numerous cell types through secretion or localization to the cell membrane. While certain chemical compounds have been known to generally inhibit MMPs, naturally occurring proteins known as tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) effectively interact with MMPs to modify their biological roles. MMPs are very important enzymes that actively participate in remodeling the extracellular matrix by degrading certain constituents, along with promoting cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis and angiogenesis. In normal adult tissue, they are almost undetectable; however, when perturbed through injury, disease or pregnancy, they have elevated expression. The goal of this review is to identify new experimental findings that have provided further insight into the role of MMPs in skeletal muscle, nerve and dermal tissue, as well as in the liver, heart and kidneys. Increased expression of MMPs can improve the regeneration potential of wounds; however, an imbalance between MMP and TIMP expression can prove to be destructive for afflicted tissues.
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Ra JE, Lee JK, Kim HJ. Simvastatin as a Modulator of Tissue Remodeling through Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) Release from Human Lung Fibroblasts. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2011. [DOI: 10.4046/trd.2011.71.3.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Eun Ra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Gunpo, Korea
| | - Ji Kyoung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Gunpo, Korea
| | - Hui Jung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital, Wonkwang University College of Medicine, Gunpo, Korea
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A Besheer T, M El-Bendary M, R Zalata K, E Zaghalol H. Evaluation of Fibrosis Progression by
Noninvasive Biochemical Markers in
Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B. Euroasian J Hepatogastroenterol 2011. [DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10018-1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
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Lee JH, Lee H, Joung YK, Jung KH, Choi JH, Lee DH, Park KD, Hong SS. The use of low molecular weight heparin-pluronic nanogels to impede liver fibrosis by inhibition the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Biomaterials 2010; 32:1438-45. [PMID: 21074845 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2010.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Low molecular weight heparin (LH) has been reported to have anti-fibrotic and anti-cancer effects. To enhance the efficacy and minimize adverse effects of LH, a low molecular weight heparin-pluronic nanogel (LHP) was synthesized by conjugating carboxylated pluronic F127 to LH. The LHP reduced anti-coagulant activity by about 33% of the innate activity. Liver fibrosis was induced by the injection of 1% dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats, and LH or LHP (1000 IU/kg body weight) was treated once daily for 4 weeks. LHP administration prevented DMN-mediated liver weight loss and decreased the values of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin. LHP markedly reduced the fibrotic area compared to LH. Also, LHP potently inhibited mRNA or protein expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen type I, matrix metalloproteinase-2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 compared to LH, in DMN-induced liver fibrosis. In addition, LHP decreased the expression of transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)), p-Smad 2, and p-Smad 3, which are all important molecules of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. The results support an LHP shows anti-fibrotic effect in the liver via inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad pathway as well as by the elimination of the extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Hee Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and NCEED, College of Medicine, Inha University, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
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Joseph DS, Malik M, Nurudeen S, Catherino WH. Myometrial cells undergo fibrotic transformation under the influence of transforming growth factor β-3. Fertil Steril 2010; 93:1500-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.01.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2008] [Revised: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 01/16/2009] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Lee Y, Friedman SL. Fibrosis in the Liver. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2010; 97:151-200. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385233-5.00006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Altadill A, Rodríguez M, González LO, Junquera S, Corte MD, González-Dieguez ML, Linares A, Barbón E, Fresno-Forcelledo M, Rodrigo L, Vizoso FJ. Liver expression of matrix metalloproteases and their inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma. Dig Liver Dis 2009; 41:740-8. [PMID: 19372066 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2009.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2008] [Revised: 01/20/2009] [Accepted: 01/27/2009] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have suggested the significance of some metalloproteases in the malignant behaviour of hepatocellular carcinoma. AIMS To evaluate the liver expression of MMPs and their tissular inhibitors in patients with HCC. METHODS An immunohistochemical study using tissue microarrays on samples obtained from 30 HCC patients, with antibodies against MMPs (1, 2, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 14) and TIMPs (1, 2 and 3) was performed. Results were correlated with various clinico-pathological findings and with overall survival. RESULTS MMP-1 is mainly expressed by stromal cells, and MMP-13, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 by inflammatory cells. A positive correlation between MMP-1 expression and larger size tumours (p<0.01) was found. Increased TIMP-2 expression was associated with higher preoperative serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein (p<0.01). Unsupervised hierarchical clustering for total score values designated two groups, one of them characterised by high MMPs and TIMPs expressions, including 21 cases (70%) for tumour cell clustering, 5 cases for fibroblasts (16.6%) and 6 cases for inflammatory cells (20%). All patients showing elevated MMPs and TIMPs expression in stromal cells presented a poor prognosis (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS High liver MMPs and TIMPs expressions in peritumour stromal cells are related to a poorer prognosis in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Altadill
- Unidad de Investigación, Hospital de Jove, Gijon, Spain
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48
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Bourd-Boittin K, Basset L, Bonnier D, L'helgoualc'h A, Samson M, Théret N. CX3CL1/fractalkine shedding by human hepatic stellate cells: contribution to chronic inflammation in the liver. J Cell Mol Med 2009; 13:1526-35. [PMID: 19432809 PMCID: PMC3828864 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2009.00787.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemokines are the inflammatory mediators that modulate liver fibrosis, a common feature of chronic inflammatory liver diseases. CX3CL1/fractalkine is a membrane-associated chemokine that requires step processing for chemotactic activity and has been recently implicated in liver disease. Here, we investigated the potential shedding activities involved in the release of the soluble chemotactic peptides from CX3CL1 in the injured liver. We showed an increased expression of the sheddases ADAM10 and ADAM17 in patients with chronic liver diseases that was associated with the severity of liver fibrosis. We demonstrated that hepatic stellate cells (HSC) were an important source of ADAM10 and ADAM17 and that treatment with the inflammatory cytokine inter-feron-γ induced the expression of CX3CL1 and release of soluble peptides. This release was inhibited by the metalloproteinase inhibitor batimastat; however, ADAM10/ADAM17 inhibitor GW280264X only partially affected shedding activity. By using selective tissue metalloprotease inhibitors and overexpression analyses, we showed that CX3CL1 was mainly processed by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, a metalloprotease highly expressed by HSC. We further demonstrated that the CX3CL1 soluble peptides released from stimulated HSC induced the activation of the CX3CR1-dependent signalling pathway and promoted chemoattraction of monocytes in vitro. We conclude that ADAM10, ADAM17 and MMP-2 synthesized by activated HSC mediate CX3CL1 shedding and release of chemotactic peptides, thereby facilitating recruitment of inflammatory cells and paracrine stimulation of HSC in chronic liver diseases.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) acquire an activated phenotype, migrate to the injured region in response to chemotactic factors, and produce extracellular matrix proteins including collagen. In this study, we investigated the effects of rhubarb (Rheum palmatum L.) on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1-induced expressions of alpha-smooth-muscle actin (SMA) and collagen, and the migration of HSCs. METHODS HSC-T6, a cell line of rat HSCs, was used in the in vitro experiments. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Sircol red assay were used to detect the expressions of alpha-SMA and collagen, respectively. HSC-T6 migration was assayed with a transwell apparatus. Phosphorylations of Smad2/3 and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38, and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), were analyzed with Western blotting. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity was examined by gelatin zymography. RESULTS The results revealed that a rhubarb extract concentration-dependently attenuated TGF-beta1-induced alpha-SMA and collagen expressions and migration of HSCs. The inhibitory effect of rhubarb was associated with (i) down-regulation of the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and JNK, and (ii) attenuation of MMP-2 activity. Within the working concentrations used, the rhubarb extract did not affect cell viability of HSCs. CONCLUSION The results suggest that rhubarb attenuated TGF-beta1-mediated migration of HSCs possibly by interfering with Smad2/3 phosphorylation, the MAPK pathway, and MMP-2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Lian Lin
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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50
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Liu J, Tan H, Sun Y, Zhou S, Cao J, Wang F. The preventive effects of heparin-superoxide dismutase on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver failure and hepatic fibrosis in mice. Mol Cell Biochem 2009; 327:219-28. [PMID: 19242656 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-009-0060-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 02/04/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the effects of heparin-superoxide dismutase conjugate (heparin-SOD) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver failure and hepatic fibrosis were evaluated. To investigate the effects of heparin-SOD on acute liver failure, heparin-SOD was administered to CCl4-treated mice by intravenous injection. Biochemical indicators, such as glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase/glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GOT/GPT), GSH (glutathione), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined 24 h after CCl4 treatment. The development of CCl4-induced acute liver failure altered the redox state with a decreased hepatic GSH and increased formation of lipid peroxidative products, which were partially normalized by treatment with heparin-SOD or heparin + SOD. Compared with other groups, the acute liver injury of heparin-SOD group was significantly lessened (reduced activities of GOT/GPT, MDA, and increased activities of GSH). To investigate the effects of heparin-SOD on hepatic fibrosis, heparin-SOD and CCl4 were co-administered by intraperitoneal injection twice a week for 12 weeks. Histological and hepatic hydroxyproline examination revealed that heparin-SOD could significantly prevent the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, real-time PCR was used to determine transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), fibronectin, and collagen-I expression. Significantly, greater fibrosis and TGF-beta1, MMP-2, fibronectin, and collagen-I expression were found in the liver of CCl4-induced mice at the end of 12th week. Heparin-SOD could markedly attenuate the mRNA expression of TGF-beta1, MMP-2, and collagen-I. Western blots of tissue homogenates revealed that the protein expression of TGF-beta1 was substantially reduce also by heparin-SOD treatment. These results demonstrate that administration of heparin-SOD may be useful in the treatment and prevention of acute liver failure and hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Liu
- Institute of Biochemical and Biotechnological Drug, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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