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Yu W, Zhang Y, Sun L, Huang W, Li X, Xia N, Chen X, Wikana LP, Xiao Y, Chen M, Han S, Wang Z, Pu L. Myeloid Trem2 ameliorates the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease by regulating macrophage pyroptosis and inflammation resolution. Metabolism 2024; 155:155911. [PMID: 38609037 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing year by year and has become one of the leading causes of end-stage liver disease worldwide. Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 (Trem2) has been confirmed to play an essential role in the progression of MASLD, but its specific mechanism still needs to be clarified. This study aims to explore the role and mechanism of Trem2 in MASLD. METHODS Human liver tissues were obtained from patients with MASLD and controls. Myeloid-specific knockout mice (Trem2mKO) and myeloid-specific overexpression mice (Trem2TdT) were fed a high-fat diet, either AMLN or CDAHFD, to establish the MASLD model. Relevant signaling molecules were assessed through lipidomics and RNA-seq analyses after that. RESULTS Trem2 is upregulated in human MASLD/MASH-associated macrophages and is associated with hepatic steatosis and inflammation progression. Hepatic steatosis and inflammatory responses are exacerbated with the knockout of myeloid Trem2 in MASLD mice, while mice overexpressing Trem2 exhibit the opposite phenomenon. Mechanistically, Trem2mKO can aggravate macrophage pyroptosis through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and amplify the resulting inflammatory response. At the same time, Trem2 promotes the inflammation resolution phenotype transformation of macrophages through TGFβ1, thereby promoting tissue repair. CONCLUSIONS Myeloid Trem2 ameliorates the progression of Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease by regulating macrophage pyroptosis and inflammation resolution. We believe targeting myeloid Trem2 could represent a potential avenue for treating MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Yu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Linfeng Sun
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of General Surgery, The Friendship Hospital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Ili & Jiangsu Joint Institute of Health, Ili, China
| | - Xiangdong Li
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Nan Xia
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xuejiao Chen
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Likalamu Pascalia Wikana
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yuhao Xiao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Minhao Chen
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Sheng Han
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Liyong Pu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Hepatobiliary cancers, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Grøndal SM, Tutusaus A, Boix L, Reig M, Blø M, Hodneland L, Gausdal G, Jackson A, Garcia de Frutos P, Lorens JB, Morales A, Marí M. Dynamic changes in immune cell populations by AXL kinase targeting diminish liver inflammation and fibrosis in experimental MASH. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1400553. [PMID: 38817615 PMCID: PMC11137289 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1400553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a significant health concern with limited treatment options. AXL, a receptor tyrosine kinase activated by the GAS6 ligand, promotes MASH through activation of hepatic stellate cells and inflammatory macrophages. This study identified cell subsets affected by MASH progression and the effect of AXL inhibition. Methods Mice were fed chow or different fat-enriched diets to induce MASH, and small molecule AXL kinase inhibition with bemcentinib was evaluated. Gene expression was measured by qPCR. Time-of-flight mass cytometry (CyTOF) used single cells from dissociated livers, acquired on the Fluidigm Helios, and cell populations were studied using machine learning. Results In mice fed different fat-enriched diets, liver steatosis alone was insufficient to elevate plasma soluble AXL (sAXL) levels. However, in conjunction with inflammation, sAXL increases, serving as an early indicator of steatohepatitis progression. Bemcentinib, an AXL inhibitor, effectively reduced proinflammatory responses in MASH models, even before fibrosis appearance. Utilizing CyTOF analysis, we detected a decreased population of Kupffer cells during MASH while promoting infiltration of monocytes/macrophages and CD8+ T cells. Bemcentinib partially restored Kupffer cells, reduced pDCs and GzmB- NK cells, and increased GzmB+CD8+ T cells and LSECs. Additionally, AXL inhibition enhanced a subtype of GzmB+CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells characterized by CX3CR1 expression. Furthermore, bemcentinib altered the transcriptomic landscape associated with MASH progression, particularly in TLR signaling and inflammatory response, exhibiting differential cytokine expression in the plasma, consistent with liver repair and decreased inflammation. Conclusion Our findings highlight sAXL as a biomarker for monitoring MASH progression and demonstrate that AXL targeting shifted liver macrophages and CD8+ T-cell subsets away from an inflammatory phenotype toward fibrotic resolution and organ healing, presenting a promising strategy for MASH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sturla Magnus Grøndal
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Tutusaus
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Loreto Boix
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Reig
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Pablo Garcia de Frutos
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Unidad Asociada (IMIM), Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - James Bradley Lorens
- Department of Biomedicine, Centre for Cancer Biomarkers, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- BerGenBio ASA, Bergen, Norway
| | - Albert Morales
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC), Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Center (BCLC), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
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Su X, Chen W, Fu Y, Wu B, Mao F, Zhao Y, Yang Q, Lan D. Protective Role of MerTK in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy via Inhibition of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024. [PMID: 38588709 DOI: 10.1055/a-2301-3970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) impacts patient quality of life. In such patients, increased expression of mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) has been demonstrated; however, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In this study, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and DPN models were established in Sprague Dawley rats via low-dose streptozotocin and a high-fat diet and the mode of action of MerTK was examined. METHODS MerTK-specific inhibitors were administered by gavage once daily for 2 weeks. Sciatic nerve conduction velocity and nerve structure were measured. The levels of MerTK, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and relevant biochemical indexes were detected. RESULTS The study revealed upregulation of MerTK expression in T2DM and more so in DPN groups. Inhibiting MerTK led to reduced nerve conduction velocity and further deterioration of sciatic nerve structure, as evidenced by structural morphology. Concurrently, serum levels of total cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, and triglyceride significantly increased. Moreover, levels of NF-κB increased in both serum and nerve tissue, alongside a significant rise in TNF-α and IL-1β expressions. MerTK could bind to the inhibitor of kappa B kinase beta (Ikbkb) in Schwann cells, establishing Ikbkb as a precursor to NF-κB activation. DISCUSSION Inhibition of MerTK exacerbates neuropathy, indicating its protective role in DPN by suppressing the NF-κB pathway, highlighting a potential new target for its diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyang Su
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Wenting Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Yidan Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Bian Wu
- Department of General Surgery II, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Innovative Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Fugang Mao
- Department of Ultrasound, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Qiuping Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
| | - Danfeng Lan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Digestive Disease Clinical Medical Center, Kunming 650032, Yunnan, China
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Xie L, Zang D, Yang J, Xue F, Sui W, Zhang Y. Combination of ADAM17 knockdown with eplerenone is more effective than single therapy in ameliorating diabetic cardiomyopathy. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1364827. [PMID: 38799171 PMCID: PMC11122002 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1364827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) members, especially Ang II and aldosterone, play key roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin-receptor blockers combined with aldosterone receptor antagonists (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) have substantially improved clinical outcomes in patients with DCM. However, the use of the combination has been limited due to its high risk of inducing hyperkalemia. Methods Type 1 diabetes was induced in 8-week-old male C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 55 mg/kg for 5 consecutive days. Adeno-associated virus 9-mediated short-hairpin RNA (shRNA) was used to knock down the expression of ADAM17 in mice hearts. Eplerenone was administered via gavage at 200 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks. Primary cardiac fibroblasts were exposed to high glucose (HG) in vitro for 24 h to examine the cardiac fibroblasts to myofibroblasts transformation (CMT). Results Cardiac collagen deposition and CMT increased in diabetic mice, leading to cardiac fibrosis and dysfunction. In addition, ADAM17 expression and activity increased in the hearts of diabetic mice. ADAM17 inhibition and eplerenone treatment both improved diabetes-induced cardiac fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction, ADAM17 deficiency combined with eplerenone further reduced the effects of cardiac fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction compared with single therapy in vivo. High-glucose stimulation promotes CMT in vitro and leads to increased ADAM17 expression and activity. ADAM17 knockdown and eplerenone pretreatment can reduce the CMT of fibroblasts that is induced by high glucose levels by inhibiting TGFβ1/Smad3 activation; the combination of the two can further reduce CMT compared with single therapy in vitro. Conclusion Our findings indicated that ADAM17 knockout could improve diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction and remodeling through the inhibition of RAAS overactivation when combined with eplerenone treatment, which reduced TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway activation-mediated CMT. The combined intervention of ADAM17 deficiency and eplerenone therapy provided additional cardiac protection compared with a single therapy alone without disturbing potassium level. Therefore, the combination of ADAM17 inhibition and eplerenone is a potential therapeutic strategy for human DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Xie
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dejin Zang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jianmin Yang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fei Xue
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenhai Sui
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- National Key Laboratory for Innovation and Transformation of Luobing Theory, The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chinese National Health Commission and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Department of Cardiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Center of Shandong First Medical University, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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Lahey KC, Varsanyi C, Wang Z, Aquib A, Gadiyar V, Rodrigues AA, Pulica R, Desind S, Davra V, Calianese DC, Liu D, Cho JH, Kotenko SV, De Lorenzo MS, Birge RB. Regulation of Mertk Surface Expression via ADAM17 and γ-Secretase Proteolytic Processing. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4404. [PMID: 38673989 PMCID: PMC11050108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mertk, a type I receptor tyrosine kinase and member of the TAM family of receptors, has important functions in promoting efferocytosis and resolving inflammation under physiological conditions. In recent years, Mertk has also been linked to pathophysiological roles in cancer, whereby, in several cancer types, including solid cancers and leukemia/lymphomas. Mertk contributes to oncogenic features of proliferation and cell survival as an oncogenic tyrosine kinase. In addition, Mertk expressed on macrophages, including tumor-associated macrophages, promotes immune evasion in cancer and is suggested to act akin to a myeloid checkpoint inhibitor that skews macrophages towards inhibitory phenotypes that suppress host T-cell anti-tumor immunity. In the present study, to better understand the post-translational regulation mechanisms controlling Mertk expression in monocytes/macrophages, we used a PMA-differentiated THP-1 cell model to interrogate the regulation of Mertk expression and developed a novel Mertk reporter cell line to study the intracellular trafficking of Mertk. We show that PMA treatment potently up-regulates Mertk as well as components of the ectodomain proteolytic processing platform ADAM17, whereas PMA differentially regulates the canonical Mertk ligands Gas6 and Pros1 (Gas6 is down-regulated and Pros1 is up-regulated). Under non-stimulated homeostatic conditions, Mertk in PMA-differentiated THP1 cells shows active constitutive proteolytic cleavage by the sequential activities of ADAM17 and the Presenilin/γ-secretase complex, indicating that Mertk is cleaved homeostatically by the combined sequential action of ADAM17 and γ-secretase, after which the cleaved intracellular fragment of Mertk is degraded in a proteasome-dependent mechanism. Using chimeric Flag-Mertk-EGFP-Myc reporter receptors, we confirm that inhibitors of γ-secretase and MG132, which inhibits the 26S proteasome, stabilize the intracellular fragment of Mertk without evidence of nuclear translocation. Finally, the treatment of cells with active γ-carboxylated Gas6, but not inactive Warfarin-treated non-γ-carboxylated Gas6, regulates a distinct proteolytic itinerary-involved receptor clearance and lysosomal proteolysis. Together, these results indicate that pleotropic and complex proteolytic activities regulate Mertk ectodomain cleavage as a homeostatic negative regulatory event to safeguard against the overactivation of Mertk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C. Lahey
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Christopher Varsanyi
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Ziren Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Ahmed Aquib
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Varsha Gadiyar
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Alcina A. Rodrigues
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Rachael Pulica
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Samuel Desind
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Viralkumar Davra
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - David C. Calianese
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA; (D.L.); (J.-H.C.)
| | - Jong-Hyun Cho
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Center for Immunity and Inflammation, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, USA; (D.L.); (J.-H.C.)
| | - Sergei V. Kotenko
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Mariana S. De Lorenzo
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA;
| | - Raymond B. Birge
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Center for Cell Signaling, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, 205 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (K.C.L.); (C.V.); (Z.W.); (A.A.); (A.A.R.); (R.P.); (S.D.); (V.D.); (D.C.C.); (S.V.K.)
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Enderlin J, Rieu Q, Réty S, Vanoni EM, Roux S, Dégardin J, César Q, Augustin S, Nous C, Cai B, Fontaine V, Sennlaub F, Nandrot EF. Retinal atrophy, inflammation, phagocytic and metabolic disruptions develop in the MerTK-cleavage-resistant mouse model. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1256522. [PMID: 38680449 PMCID: PMC11047123 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1256522] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In the eye, cells from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) facing the neurosensory retina exert several functions that are all crucial for long-term survival of photoreceptors (PRs) and vision. Among those, RPE cells phagocytose under a circadian rhythm photoreceptor outer segment (POS) tips that are constantly subjected to light rays and oxidative attacks. The MerTK tyrosine kinase receptor is a key element of this phagocytic machinery required for POS internalization. Recently, we showed that MerTK is subjected to the cleavage of its extracellular domain to finely control its function. In addition, monocytes in retinal blood vessels can migrate inside the inner retina and differentiate into macrophages expressing MerTK, but their role in this context has not been studied yet. We thus investigated the ocular phenotype of MerTK cleavage-resistant (MerTKCR) mice to understand the relevance of this characteristic on retinal homeostasis at the RPE and macrophage levels. MerTKCR retinae appear to develop and function normally, as observed in retinal sections, by electroretinogram recordings and optokinetic behavioral tests. Monitoring of MerTKCR and control mice between the ages of 3 and 18 months showed the development of large degenerative areas in the central retina as early as 4 months when followed monthly by optical coherence tomography (OCT) plus fundus photography (FP)/autofluorescence (AF) detection but not by OCT alone. The degenerative areas were associated with AF, which seems to be due to infiltrated macrophages, as observed by OCT and histology. MerTKCR RPE primary cultures phagocytosed less POS in vitro, while in vivo, the circadian rhythm of POS phagocytosis was deregulated. Mitochondrial function and energy production were reduced in freshly dissected RPE/choroid tissues at all ages, thus showing a metabolic impairment not present in macrophages. RPE anomalies were detected by electron microscopy, including phagosomes retained in the apical area and vacuoles. Altogether, this new mouse model displays a novel phenotype that could prove useful to understanding the interplay between RPE and PRs in inflammatory retinal degenerations and highlights new roles for MerTK in the regulation of the energetic metabolism and the maintenance of the immune privilege in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Enderlin
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Quentin Rieu
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Salomé Réty
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Elora M. Vanoni
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Solène Roux
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Julie Dégardin
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Quénol César
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Augustin
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Nous
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Bishuang Cai
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Valérie Fontaine
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Florian Sennlaub
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Emeline F. Nandrot
- INSERM, CNRS, Institut de la Vision, Therapeutics Department, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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7
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Gong P, Ding Y, Li W, Yang J, Su X, Tian R, Zhou Y, Wang T, Jiang J, Liu R, Fang J, Feng C, Shao C, Shi Y, Li P. Neutrophil-Driven M2-Like Macrophages Are Critical for Skin Fibrosis in a Systemic Sclerosis Model. J Invest Dermatol 2024:S0022-202X(24)00274-4. [PMID: 38580106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.03.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a challenging autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis affecting the skin and internal organs. Despite the known infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, their precise contributions to SSc pathogenesis remain elusive. In this study, we elucidated that CD206hiMHCIIlo M2-like macrophages constitute the predominant pathogenic immune cell population in the fibrotic skin of a bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model. These cells emerged as pivotal contributors to the profibrotic response by orchestrating the production of TGF-β1 through a MerTK signaling-dependent manner. Notably, we observed that neutrophil infiltration was a prerequisite for accumulation of M2-like macrophages. Strategies such as neutrophil depletion or inhibition of CXCR1/2 were proven effective in reducing M2-like macrophages, subsequently mitigating SSc progression. Detailed investigations revealed that in fibrotic skin, neutrophil-released neutrophil extracellular traps were responsible for the differentiation of M2-like macrophages. Our findings illuminate the significant involvement of the neutrophil-macrophage-fibrosis axis in SSc pathogenesis, offering critical information for the development of potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pixia Gong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, NHC Key Laboratory of Thrombosis and Hemostasis, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yayun Ding
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiao Su
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ruifeng Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yipeng Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Junjie Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Rui Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiankai Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chao Feng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Changshun Shao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yufang Shi
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Peishan Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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8
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Pan Z, El Sharkway R, Bayoumi A, Metwally M, Gloss BS, Brink R, Lu DB, Liddle C, Alqahtani SA, Yu J, O'Connell PJ, George J, Eslam M. Inhibition of MERTK reduces organ fibrosis in mouse models of fibrotic disease. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadj0133. [PMID: 38569018 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adj0133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) drives fibrosis and disease progression in a number of chronic disorders, but targeting this ubiquitously expressed cytokine may not yield a viable and safe antifibrotic therapy. Here, we sought to identify alternative ways to inhibit TGFβ signaling using human hepatic stellate cells and macrophages from humans and mice in vitro, as well as mouse models of liver, kidney, and lung fibrosis. We identified Mer tyrosine kinase (MERTK) as a TGFβ-inducible effector of fibrosis that was up-regulated during fibrosis in multiple organs in three mouse models. We confirmed these findings in liver biopsy samples from patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). MERTK also induced TGFβ expression and drove TGFβ signaling resulting in a positive feedback loop that promoted fibrosis in cultured cells. MERTK regulated both canonical and noncanonical TGFβ signaling in both mouse and human cells in vitro. MERTK increased transcription of genes regulating fibrosis by modulating chromatin accessibility and RNA polymerase II activity. In each of the three mouse models, disrupting the fibrosis-promoting signaling loop by reducing MERTK expression reduced organ fibrosis. Pharmacological inhibition of MERTK reduced fibrosis in these mouse models either when initiated immediately after injury or when initiated after fibrosis was established. Together, these data suggest that MERTK plays a role in modulating organ fibrosis and may be a potential target for treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Pan
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Rasha El Sharkway
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Ali Bayoumi
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Mayada Metwally
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Brian S Gloss
- Westmead Research Hub, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Robert Brink
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent's Healthcare Clinical Campus, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - David Bo Lu
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Christopher Liddle
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Saleh A Alqahtani
- Organ Transplant Centre of Excellence, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11564, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK-Shenzhen Research Institute, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, PR China
| | - Philip J O'Connell
- Centre for Transplant and Renal Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia
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9
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Mladenić K, Lenartić M, Marinović S, Polić B, Wensveen FM. The "Domino effect" in MASLD: The inflammatory cascade of steatohepatitis. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2149641. [PMID: 38314819 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149641] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is an increasingly common complication of obesity, affecting over a quarter of the global adult population. A key event in the pathophysiology of MASLD is the development of metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which greatly increases the chances of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The underlying cause of MASH is multifactorial, but accumulating evidence indicates that the inflammatory process in the hepatic microenvironment typically follows a pattern that can be roughly divided into three stages: (1) Detection of hepatocyte stress by tissue-resident immune cells including γδ T cells and CD4-CD8- double-negative T cells, followed by their secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, most notably IL-17A. (2) Recruitment of pro-inflammatory cells, mostly of the myeloid lineage, and initiation of inflammation through secretion of effector-type cytokines such as TNF, TGF-β, and IL-1β. (3) Escalation of the inflammatory response by recruitment of lymphocytes including Th17, CD8 T, and B cells leading to chronic inflammation, hepatic stellate cell activation, and fibrosis. Here we will discuss these three stages and how they are consecutively linked like falling domino tiles to the pathophysiology of MASH. Moreover, we will highlight the clinical potential of inflammation as a biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karlo Mladenić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Maja Lenartić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Sonja Marinović
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Personalized Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bojan Polić
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Felix M Wensveen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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10
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Lozinski BM, Ghorbani S, Yong VW. Biology of neurofibrosis with focus on multiple sclerosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1370107. [PMID: 38596673 PMCID: PMC11002094 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1370107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Tissue damage elicits a wound healing response of inflammation and remodeling aimed at restoring homeostasis. Dysregulation of wound healing leads to accumulation of effector cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, collectively termed fibrosis, which impairs organ functions. Fibrosis of the central nervous system, neurofibrosis, is a major contributor to the lack of neural regeneration and it involves fibroblasts, microglia/macrophages and astrocytes, and their deposited ECM. Neurofibrosis occurs commonly across neurological conditions. This review describes processes of wound healing and fibrosis in tissues in general, and in multiple sclerosis in particular, and considers approaches to ameliorate neurofibrosis to enhance neural recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - V. Wee Yong
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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11
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Soldano S, Smith V, Montagna P, Gotelli E, Campitiello R, Pizzorni C, Paolino S, Sulli A, Cere A, Cutolo M. Nintedanib downregulates the profibrotic M2 phenotype in cultured monocyte-derived macrophages obtained from systemic sclerosis patients affected by interstitial lung disease. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:74. [PMID: 38509595 PMCID: PMC10953168 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03308-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by vasculopathy and progressive fibrosis of skin and several internal organs, including lungs. Macrophages are the main cells involved in the immune-inflammatory damage of skin and lungs, and alternatively activated (M2) macrophages seem to have a profibrotic role through the release of profibrotic cytokines (IL10) and growth factors (TGFβ1). Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting several fibrotic mediators and it is approved for the treatment of SSc-related interstitial lung disease (ILD). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of nintedanib in downregulating the profibrotic M2 phenotype in cultured monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) obtained from SSc-ILD patients. METHODS Fourteen SSc patients, fulfilling the 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria for SSc, 10 SSc patients affected by ILD (SSc-ILD pts), 4 SSc patients non affected by ILD (SSc pts no-ILD), and 5 voluntary healthy subjects (HSs), were recruited at the Division of Clinical Rheumatology-University of Genova, after obtaining Ethical Committee approval and patients' informed consent. Monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood, differentiated into MDMs, and then maintained in growth medium without any treatment (untreated cells), or treated with nintedanib (0.1 and 1µM) for 3, 16, and 24 h. Gene expression of macrophage scavenger receptors (CD204, CD163), mannose receptor-1 (CD206), Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK), identifying M2 macrophages, together with TGFβ1 and IL10, were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein synthesis was investigated by Western blotting and the level of active TGFβ1 was evaluated by ELISA. Statistical analysis was carried out using non-parametric Wilcoxon test. RESULTS Cultured untreated SSc-ILD MDMs showed a significant increased protein synthesis of CD206 (p < 0.05), CD204, and MerTK (p < 0.01), together with a significant upregulation of the gene expression of MerTK and TGFβ1 (p < 0.05; p < 0.01) compared to HS-MDMs. Moreover, the protein synthesis of CD206 and MerTK and the gene expression of TGFβ1 were significantly higher in cultured untreated MDMs from SSc-ILD pts compared to MDMs without ILD (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). In cultured SSc-ILD MDMs, nintedanib 0.1 and 1µM significantly downregulated the gene expression and protein synthesis of CD204, CD206, CD163 (p < 0.05), and MerTK (p < 0.01) compared to untreated cells after 24 h of treatment. Limited to MerTK and IL10, both nintedanib concentrations significantly downregulated their gene expression already after 16 h of treatment (p < 0.05). In cultured SSc-ILD MDMs, nintedanib 0.1 and 1µM significantly reduced the release of active TGFβ1 after 24 h of treatment (p < 0.05 vs. untreated cells). CONCLUSIONS In cultured MDMs from SSc-ILD pts, nintedanib seems to downregulate the profibrotic M2 phenotype through the significant reduction of gene expression and protein synthesis of M2 cell surface markers, together with the significant reduction of TGFβ1 release, and notably MerTK, a tyrosine kinase receptor involved in lung fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Soldano
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paola Montagna
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuele Gotelli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosanna Campitiello
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carmen Pizzorni
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Paolino
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Sulli
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Cere
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Laboratory of Experimental Rheumatology, Division of Clinical Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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12
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Tutusaus A, Morales A, García de Frutos P, Marí M. GAS6/TAM Axis as Therapeutic Target in Liver Diseases. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:99-114. [PMID: 38395061 PMCID: PMC11027478 DOI: 10.1055/a-2275-0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
TAM (TYRO3, AXL, and MERTK) protein tyrosine kinase membrane receptors and their vitamin K-dependent ligands GAS6 and protein S (PROS) are well-known players in tumor biology and autoimmune diseases. In contrast, TAM regulation of fibrogenesis and the inflammation mechanisms underlying metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), cirrhosis, and, ultimately, liver cancer has recently been revealed. GAS6 and PROS binding to phosphatidylserine exposed in outer membranes of apoptotic cells links TAMs, particularly MERTK, with hepatocellular damage. In addition, AXL and MERTK regulate the development of liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic liver diseases. Acute hepatic injury is also mediated by the TAM system, as recent data regarding acetaminophen toxicity and acute-on-chronic liver failure have uncovered. Soluble TAM-related proteins, mainly released from activated macrophages and hepatic stellate cells after hepatic deterioration, are proposed as early serum markers for disease progression. In conclusion, the TAM system is becoming an interesting pharmacological target in liver pathology and a focus of future biomedical research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tutusaus
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Albert Morales
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo García de Frutos
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Barcelona, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain
| | - Montserrat Marí
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, IIBB-CSIC, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
- Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Group, Barcelona, Spain
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13
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Parola M, Pinzani M. Liver fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH: from pathophysiology towards diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 95:101231. [PMID: 38056058 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, as an excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, results from chronic liver injury as well as persistent activation of inflammatory response and of fibrogenesis. Liver fibrosis is a major determinant for chronic liver disease (CLD) progression and in the last two decades our understanding on the major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the fibrogenic progression of CLD has dramatically improved, boosting pre-clinical studies and clinical trials designed to find novel therapeutic approaches. From these studies several critical concepts have emerged, starting to reveal the complexity of the pro-fibrotic microenvironment which involves very complex, dynamic and interrelated interactions between different hepatic and extrahepatic cell populations. This review will offer first a recapitulation of established and novel pathophysiological basic principles and concepts by intentionally focus the attention on NAFLD/NASH, a metabolic-related form of CLD with a high impact on the general population and emerging as a leading cause of CLD worldwide. NAFLD/NASH-related pro-inflammatory and profibrogenic mechanisms will be analysed as well as novel information on cells, mediators and signalling pathways which have taken advantage from novel methodological approaches and techniques (single cell genomics, imaging mass cytometry, novel in vitro two- and three-dimensional models, etc.). We will next offer an overview on recent advancement in diagnostic and prognostic tools, including serum biomarkers and polygenic scores, to support the analysis of liver biopsies. Finally, this review will provide an analysis of current and emerging therapies for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Parola
- Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy.
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine - Royal Free Hospital, London, NW32PF, United Kingdom.
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14
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Apostolo D, Ferreira LL, Vincenzi F, Vercellino N, Minisini R, Latini F, Ferrari B, Burlone ME, Pirisi M, Bellan M. From MASH to HCC: the role of Gas6/TAM receptors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1332818. [PMID: 38298195 PMCID: PMC10827955 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1332818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the replacement term for what used to be called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is characterized by inflammation and injury of the liver in the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors and may eventually result in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer. Several pathogenic mechanisms are involved in the transition from MASH to HCC, encompassing metabolic injury, inflammation, immune dysregulation and fibrosis. In this context, Gas6 (Growth Arrest-Specific 6) and TAM (Tyro3, Axl, and MerTK) receptors may play important roles. The Gas6/TAM family is involved in the modulation of inflammation, lipid metabolism, fibrosis, tumor progression and metastasis, processes which play an important role in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic liver diseases. In this review, we discuss MASH-associated HCC and the potential involvement of the Gas6/TAM system in disease development and progression. In addition, since therapeutic strategies for MASH and HCC are limited, we also speculate regarding possible future treatments involving the targeting of Gas6 or TAM receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Apostolo
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Luciana L Ferreira
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicole Vercellino
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Federico Latini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Barbara Ferrari
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Michela E Burlone
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Mattia Bellan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Maggiore Della Carità, Novara, Italy
- Center on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
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15
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Martínez-Ramos S, Rafael-Vidal C, Malvar-Fernández B, Pérez N, Mouriño C, Pérez SG, Maceiras Pan FJ, Conde C, Pego-Reigosa JM, García S. Semaphorin3B promotes an anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving phenotype in macrophages from rheumatoid arthritis patients in a MerTK-dependent manner. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1268144. [PMID: 38283352 PMCID: PMC10811190 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous works from our group show that Semaphorin3B (Sema3B) is reduced in RA and plays a protective role in a mouse arthritis model. In turn, MerTK plays a protective function in murine arthritis models, is expressed by synovial tissue macrophages and is linked to remission in patients with RA. In this study, we examined the role of Sema3B in the phenotypic characteristics of RA macrophages and the implication of MerTK. Peripheral blood monocytes from RA patients were differentiated into IFN-γ (RA MØIFN-γ) or M-CSF (RA MØM-CSF) macrophages and stimulated with LPS, Sema3B or their combination. Alternatively, RA fibroblast like synoviocytes (FLS) were stimulated with RA MØIFN-γ and RA MØM-CSF supernatants. Gene expression was determined by qPCR and protein expression and activation by flow cytometry, ELISA and western blot. Sema3B down-regulated the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators, in both RA MØIFN-γ and RA MØM-CSF. We observed a similar reduction in RA FLS stimulated with the supernatant of Sema3B-treated RA MØIFN-γ and RA MØM-CSF. Sema3B also modulated cell surface markers in macrophages towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Besides, MerTK expression and activation was up-regulated by Sema3B, just as GAS6 expression, Resolvin D1 secretion and the phagocytic activity of macrophages. Importantly, the inhibition of MerTK and neuropilins 1 and 2 abrogated the anti-inflammatory effect of Sema3B. Our data demonstrate that Sema3B modulates the macrophage characteristics in RA, inducing a skewing towards an anti-inflammatory/pro-resolving phenotype in a MerTK-dependant manner. Therefore, here we identify a new mechanism supporting the protective role of Sema3B in RA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Martínez-Ramos
- Rheumatology and Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Carlos Rafael-Vidal
- Rheumatology and Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Beatriz Malvar-Fernández
- Rheumatology and Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Nair Pérez
- Rheumatology and Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Coral Mouriño
- Rheumatology and Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Sara García Pérez
- Rheumatology and Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Maceiras Pan
- Rheumatology and Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Carmen Conde
- Laboratorio de Reumatologia Experimental y Observacional y Servicio de Reumatologia, Instituto de Investigacion Sanitaria de Santiago (IDIS), Hospital Clinico Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Servizo Galego de Saude (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jose María Pego-Reigosa
- Rheumatology and Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
| | - Samuel García
- Rheumatology and Immuno-mediated Diseases Research Group (IRIDIS), Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Complex of Vigo, Vigo, Spain
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16
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Adams VR, Collins LB, Williams TI, Holmes J, Hess P, Atkins HM, Scheidemantle G, Liu X, Lodge M, Johnson AJ, Kennedy A. Myeloid cell MHC I expression drives CD8 + T cell activation in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1302006. [PMID: 38274832 PMCID: PMC10808415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1302006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & aims Activated CD8+ T cells are elevated in Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and are important for driving fibrosis and inflammation. Despite this, mechanisms of CD8+ T cell activation in NASH are largely limited. Specific CD8+ T cell subsets may become activated through metabolic signals or cytokines. However, studies in NASH have not evaluated the impact of antigen presentation or the involvement of specific antigens. Therefore, we determined if activated CD8+ T cells are dependent on MHC class I expression in NASH to regulate fibrosis and inflammation. Methods We used H2Kb and H2Db deficient (MHC I KO), Kb transgenic mice, and myeloid cell Kb deficient mice (LysM Kb KO) to investigate how MHC class I impacts CD8+ T cell function and NASH. Flow cytometry, gene expression, and histology were used to examine hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. The hepatic class I immunopeptidome was evaluated by mass spectrometry. Results In NASH, MHC class I isoform H2Kb was upregulated in myeloid cells. MHC I KO demonstrated protective effects against NASH-induced inflammation and fibrosis. Kb mice exhibited increased fibrosis in the absence of H2Db while LysM Kb KO mice showed protection against fibrosis but not inflammation. H2Kb restricted peptides identified a unique NASH peptide Ncf2 capable of CD8+ T cell activation in vitro. The Ncf2 peptide was not detected during fibrosis resolution. Conclusion These results suggest that activated hepatic CD8+ T cells are dependent on myeloid cell MHC class I expression in diet induced NASH to promote inflammation and fibrosis. Additionally, our studies suggest a role of NADPH oxidase in the production of Ncf2 peptide generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria R. Adams
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Leonard B. Collins
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Taufika Islam Williams
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center (METRIC), NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Department of Chemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Jennifer Holmes
- College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Paul Hess
- College of Veterinary Medicine, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Hannah M. Atkins
- Center for Human Health and Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- Division of Comparative Medicine, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Grace Scheidemantle
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Xiaojing Liu
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Mareca Lodge
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
| | - Aaron J. Johnson
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Arion Kennedy
- Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
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17
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Peng K, Chen X, Pei K, Wang X, Ma X, Liang C, Dong Q, Liu Z, Han M, Liu G, Yang H, Zheng M, Liu G, Gao M. Lipodystrophic gene Agpat2 deficiency aggravates hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in Ldlr -/- mice. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166850. [PMID: 37591406 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Dysfunction of adipose tissue increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. It was well established that obesity aggravates atherosclerosis, but the effect of adipose tissue loss on atherosclerosis has been less studied. AGPAT2 is the first causative gene of congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL), but the role of AGPAT2 on atherosclerosis has not been reported. Hypertriglyceridemia is one of the clinical manifestations of CGL patients, but it is usually absent in CGL mouse model on a normal diet. This study will investigate the effect of Agpat2 on hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, Agpat2 knockout (Agpat2-/-) mice were generated using CRISPR/Cas system, which showed severe loss of adipose tissue and fatty liver, consistent with previous reports. Agpat2-/- mice were then crossed with hypercholesterolemic and atherosclerotic prone LDL receptor knockout (Ldlr-/-) mice to obtain double knockout mouse model (Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/-). Plasma lipid profile, insulin resistance, fatty liver, and atherosclerotic lesions were observed after 12 weeks of the atherogenic high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. We found that compared with Ldlr-/- mice, Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/- mice showed significantly higher plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides after HFD feeding. Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/- mice also developed hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, with increased pancreatic islet area. The liver weight of Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/- mice was about 4 times higher than that of Ldlr-/- mice. The liver lipid deposition was severe and Sirius red staining showed liver fibrosis. In addition, in Agpat2-/-Ldlr-/- mice, the area of atherosclerotic lesions in aortic arch and aortic root was significantly increased. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that Agpat2 deficiency led to more severe hyperlipidemia, liver fibrosis and aggravation of atherosclerosis in Ldlr-/- mice. This study provided additional insights into the role of adipose tissue in hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenan Peng
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China; Laboratory Department of Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050051, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China; Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050031, China
| | - Kexin Pei
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050031, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Xindi Ma
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Chenxi Liang
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Qianqian Dong
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China; Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, China
| | - Ziwei Liu
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - Mei Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China
| | - George Liu
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyuan Yang
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, the University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Mingqi Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050031, China.
| | - Gang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050031, China.
| | - Mingming Gao
- Laboratory of Lipid Metabolism, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Medical Biotechnology of Hebei Province, Cardiovascular Medical Science Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, China.
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18
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Shi H, Moore MP, Wang X, Tabas I. Efferocytosis in liver disease. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100960. [PMID: 38234410 PMCID: PMC10792655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The process of dead cell clearance by phagocytic cells, called efferocytosis, prevents inflammatory cell necrosis and promotes resolution and repair. Defective efferocytosis contributes to the progression of numerous diseases in which cell death is prominent, including liver disease. Many gaps remain in our understanding of how hepatic macrophages carry out efferocytosis and how this process goes awry in various types of liver diseases. Thus far, studies have suggested that, upon liver injury, liver-resident Kupffer cells and infiltrating monocyte-derived macrophages clear dead cells, limit inflammation, and, through macrophage reprogramming, repair liver damage. However, in unusual settings, efferocytosis can promote liver disease. In this review, we will focus on efferocytosis in various types of acute and chronic liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Understanding the mechanisms and consequences of efferocytosis by hepatic macrophages has the potential to shed new light on liver disease pathophysiology and to guide new treatment strategies to prevent disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxue Shi
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Mary P. Moore
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ira Tabas
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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19
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Li ZH, Chen JF, Zhang J, Lei ZY, Wu LL, Meng SB, Wang JL, Xiong J, Lin DN, Wang JY, Gao ZL, Lin BL. Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promote Polarization of M2 Macrophages in Mice with Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure via Mertk/JAK1/STAT6 Signaling. Stem Cells 2023; 41:1171-1184. [PMID: 37659098 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxad069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe disease with a high mortality. Macrophage-related inflammation plays a crucial role in ACLF development. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) treatment was demonstrated to be beneficial in ACLF in our previous study; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Therefore, mouse bone marrow-derived MSCs were used to treat an ACLF mouse model or cocultured with RAW264.7/J774A.1 macrophages that were stimulated with LPS. Histological and serological parameters and survival were analyzed to evaluate efficacy. We detected changes of Mer tyrosine kinase (Mertk), JAK1/STAT6, inflammatory cytokines, and markers of macrophage polarization in vitro and in vivo. In ACLF mice, MSCs improved liver function and 48-h survival of ACLF mice and alleviated inflammatory injury by promoting M2 macrophage polarization and elevated Mertk expression levels in macrophages. This is significant, as Mertk regulates M2 macrophage polarization via the JAK1/STAT6 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hui Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Feng Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zi-Ying Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Li Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Bo Meng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Lei Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Xiong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Deng-Na Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Yi Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Liang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing-Liang Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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20
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Shalaby S, Ronzoni L, Hernandez-Gea V, Valenti L. The genetics of portal hypertension: Recent developments and the road ahead. Liver Int 2023; 43:2592-2603. [PMID: 37718732 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH), defined as a pathological increase in the portal vein pressure, has different aetiologies and causes. Intrahepatic PH is mostly secondary to the presence of underlying liver disease leading to cirrhosis, characterized by parenchymal changes with deregulated accumulation of extracellular matrix and vascular abnormalities; liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells are key players in PH progression, able to influence each other. However, PH may also develop independently of parenchymal damage, as occur in portosinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD), a group of clinical and histological entities characterized by portal vasculature dysfunctions. In this particular group of disorders, the pathophysiology of PH is still poorly understood. In the last years, several genetic studies, based on genome-wide association studies or whole-exome sequencing analysis, have highlighted the importance of genetic heritability in PH pathogenesis, both in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic cases. The common PNPLA3 p.I148M variant, one of the main determinants of the susceptibility to steatotic liver disease, has also been associated with decompensation in patients with PH. Genetic variations at loci influencing coagulation, mainly the ABO locus, may directly contribute to the pathogenesis of PH. Rare genetic variants have been associated with familiar cases of progressive PSVD. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledges on genetic variants predisposing to PH development, contributing to better understand the role of genetic factors in PH pathogenesis.
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Grants
- Commissioner for Universities and Research from the Department of Economy and Knowledge" of the "Generalitat de Catalunya" (AGAUR SGR2017_517) (VHG)
- Fondazione Patrimonio Ca' Granda, "Liver BIBLE" (PR-0361) (LV)
- Gilead_IN-IT-989-5790 (LV)
- Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 joint undertaking of European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA European Union (EU) Programme Horizon 2020 (under grant agreement No. 777377) for the project LITMUS (LV)
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III" FIS PI20/00569 FEDER from the European Union (Fondos FEDER, "Una manera de hacer Europa") (VHG)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Ricerca Corrente (LV)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), Rete Cardiologica "CV-PREVITAL" (LV)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute), Ricerca Finalizzata 2016, RF-2016-02364358 ("Impact of whole exome sequencing on the clinical management of patients with advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver and cryptogenic liver disease"), Ricerca Finalizzata 2021 RF-2021-12373889, Italian Ministry of Health, Ricerca Finalizzata PNRR 2022 "RATIONAL: Risk strAtificaTIon Of Nonalcoholic fAtty Liver" PNRR-MAD-2022-12375656 (LV)
- Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute). PNRR PNC-E3-2022-23683266 PNC-HLS-DA, INNOVA (LV)
- The European Union, H2020-ICT-2018-20/H2020-ICT-2020-2 programme "Photonics" under grant agreement No. 101016726 - REVEAL (LV)
- The European Union, HORIZON-MISS-2021-CANCER-02-03 programme "Genial" under grant agreement "101096312" (LV)
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shalaby
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, CIBEREHD, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Padua, Italy
| | - Luisa Ronzoni
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center Unit, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginia Hernandez-Gea
- Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut de Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, CIBEREHD, Health Care Provider of the European Reference Network on Rare Liver Disorders (ERN-Liver), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luca Valenti
- Precision Medicine Lab, Biological Resource Center Unit, Department of Transfusion Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Milano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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21
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Liang W, Huang X, Shi J. Macrophages Serve as Bidirectional Regulators and Potential Therapeutic Targets for Liver Fibrosis. Cell Biochem Biophys 2023; 81:659-671. [PMID: 37695501 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-023-01173-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological process in which the structure and function of the liver abnormally change due to long-term complex inflammatory reactions and chronic liver injury caused by multiple internal and external factors. Previous studies believed that the activation of hepatic stellate cells is a critical part of the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. However, an increasing number of studies have indicated that the macrophage plays an important role as a central regulator in liver fibrosis, and it directly affects the development and recovery of liver fibrosis. Studies of macrophages and liver fibrosis in the recent 10 years will be reviewed in this paper. This review will not only clarify the molecular mechanism of liver fibrosis regulated by macrophages but also provide new strategies and methods for ameliorating and treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530007, Guangxi, China.
| | - Xianing Huang
- Guangxi International Travel Healthcare Centre (Port Clinic of Nanning Customs District), Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Colorectal Cancer, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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22
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Rodríguez-Morales P, Franklin RA. Macrophage phenotypes and functions: resolving inflammation and restoring homeostasis. Trends Immunol 2023; 44:986-998. [PMID: 37940394 PMCID: PMC10841626 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation must be tightly regulated to both defend against pathogens and restore tissue homeostasis. The resolution of inflammatory responses is a dynamic process orchestrated by cells of the immune system. Macrophages, tissue-resident innate immune cells, are key players in modulating inflammation. Here, we review recent work highlighting the importance of macrophages in tissue resolution and the return to homeostasis. We propose that enhancing macrophage pro-resolution functions represents a novel and widely applicable therapeutic strategy to dampen inflammation, promote repair, and restore tissue integrity and function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth A Franklin
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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23
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Qin MC, Li JJ, Zheng YT, Li YJ, Zhang YX, Ou RX, He WY, Zhao JM, Liu ST, Liu MH, Lin HY, Gao L. Naringin ameliorates liver fibrosis in zebrafish by modulating IDO1-mediated lipid metabolism and inflammatory infiltration. Food Funct 2023; 14:10347-10361. [PMID: 37930368 DOI: 10.1039/d3fo03858k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is an important reparative process in response to acute or chronic hepatic injury, which has the potential to advance towards cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Dietary naringin consumption contributes to protection against LF in animal studies, while the exact protective mechanism of naringin remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind the potential protective effect of naringin against TAA-induced LF in zebrafish. In this study, we utilized zebrafish to create the LF model and investigate the therapeutic mechanism of naringin. Firstly, we evaluated the changes in hepatic fibrosis and lipid accumulation in the liver following naringin treatment with oil red O, Nile red, and Sirius red and immunohistochemistry. In addition, we employed an ROS probe to directly measure oxidative stress and monitor inflammatory cell migration in a zebrafish transgenic line. Morpholino was used in the knockdown of IDO1 in order to verify its vital role in LF. Our findings demonstrated that naringin exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic action in conjunction with a reversal in lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and suppression of macrophage infiltration and activation of hepatic stellate cells. Furthermore, the results showed that the antifibrotic effect of naringin was removed upon IDO1 knockdown, proving that naringin exerts a protective effect by regulating IDO1. Naringin demonstrates remarkable protective effects against LF, effectively counteracting inflammation and hepatic steatosis in zebrafish liver. These findings suggest that naringin may function as an effective IDO1 inhibitor, holding the potential for clinical translation as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Chen Qin
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Jie Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Tao Zheng
- Emergency Department, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yun-Jia Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu-Xue Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rou-Xuan Ou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei-Yi He
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Min Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Su-Tong Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Ming-Hao Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Hai-Yan Lin
- Shenzhen Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Lei Gao
- Emergency Department, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Barrow F, Wang H, Fredrickson G, Florczak K, Ciske E, Khanal S, Parthiban P, Nguyen H, Rios E, Kostallari E, Revelo XS. Pyruvate Oxidation Sustains B Cell Antigen-Specific Activation to Exacerbate MASH. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.13.566832. [PMID: 38014163 PMCID: PMC10680643 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.13.566832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
B cells play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of steatotic liver disease that if persistent can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and cancer. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are key features of MASH that determine disease progression and outcomes. Recent advances have revealed that pathogenic B cell-derived cytokines and antibodies promote the development of MASH. However, the mechanisms through which B cells promote fibrosis and the metabolic adaptations underlying their pathogenic responses remain unclear. Here, we report that a subset of mature B cells with heightened cytokine responses accumulate in the liver and promote inflammation in MASH. To meet the increased energetic demand of effector responses, B cells increase their ATP production via oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) fueled by pyruvate oxidation in a B cell receptor (BCR)-specific manner. Blocking pyruvate oxidation completely abrogated the inflammatory capacity of MASH B cells. Accordingly, the restriction of the BCR led to MASH attenuation, including reductions in steatosis, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis. Mechanistically, BCR restriction decreased B cell maturation, activation, and effector responses in the liver, accompanied by decreased T cell- and macrophage-mediated inflammation. Notably, attenuated liver fibrosis in BCR-restricted mice was associated with lower IgG production and decreased expression of Fc-gamma receptors on hepatic stellate cells. Together, these findings indicate a key role for B cell antigen-specific responses in promoting steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis during MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanta Barrow
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Haiguang Wang
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Gavin Fredrickson
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Kira Florczak
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Erin Ciske
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Shalil Khanal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Preethy Parthiban
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Huy Nguyen
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Enrique Rios
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
| | - Enis Kostallari
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Xavier S. Revelo
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis MN 55455, USA
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25
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Hong R, Tian X, Ma H, Ni H, Yang J, Bu W, Li T, Yang S, Li D, Liu M, Tan Y. Primary cilium-mediated signaling cascade suppresses age-related biliary fibrosis. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2600-2611. [PMID: 37683035 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31113] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The primary cilium is increasingly recognized as a crucial player in the physiology of biliary epithelial cells (BECs). However, the precise role of primary cilia in the development of age-related biliary fibrosis remains unclear. Herein, using cilium-deficient mice, we demonstrate that disruption of ciliary homeostasis in BECs in aged mice leads to significant bile duct proliferation, augmented biliary fibrosis, and heightened indicators of liver injury. Our RNA-sequencing data revealed a dysregulation in genes associated with various biological processes such as bile secretion, fatty acid metabolism, and inflammation. Loss of primary cilia also significantly enhanced signaling pathways driving the development of biliary fibrosis. Our findings collectively suggest that loss of primary cilia in the BECs of aged mice initiates a cascade of signaling events that contribute to biliary fibrosis, highlighting the primary cilium as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of fibrosing cholangiopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renjie Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Tian
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongbo Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hua Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Weiwen Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Te Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Song Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dengwen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Liu
- Laboratory of Tissue Homeostasis, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanjie Tan
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, China
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26
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Pourteymour S, Drevon CA, Dalen KT, Norheim FA. Mechanisms Behind NAFLD: a System Genetics Perspective. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023; 25:869-878. [PMID: 37812367 DOI: 10.1007/s11883-023-01158-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the key factors contributing to the onset and progress of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and put them in a system genetics context. We particularly focus on how genetic regulation of hepatic lipids contributes to NAFLD. RECENT FINDINGS NAFLD is characterized by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. This can progress to steatohepatitis (inflammation and hepatocyte injury) and eventually, cirrhosis. The severity of NAFLD is determined by a combination of factors including obesity, insulin resistance, and lipotoxic lipids, along with genetic susceptibility. Numerous studies have been conducted on large human cohorts and mouse panels, to identify key determinants in the genome, transcriptome, proteome, lipidome, microbiome and different environmental conditions contributing to NAFLD. We review common factors contributing to NAFLD and put them in a systems genetics context. In particular, we describe how genetic regulation of liver lipids contributes to NAFLD. The combination of an unhealthy lifestyle and genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of accumulating lipotoxic specie lipids that may be one of the driving forces behind developing severe forms of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Pourteymour
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1046, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian A Drevon
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1046, 0317, Oslo, Norway
- Vitas Ltd. Oslo Science Park, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut Tomas Dalen
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1046, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Frode A Norheim
- Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Blindern, PO Box 1046, 0317, Oslo, Norway.
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27
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Zhang W, Dong E, Zhang J, Zhang Y. CaMKII, 'jack of all trades' in inflammation during cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2023; 184:48-60. [PMID: 37813179 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction and revascularization cause cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury featuring cardiomyocyte death and inflammation. The Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) family are serine/ threonine protein kinases that are involved in I/R injury. CaMKII exists in four different isoforms, α, β, γ, and δ. In the heart, CaMKII-δ is the predominant isoform,with multiple splicing variants, such as δB, δC and δ9. During I/R, elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and reactive oxygen species activate CaMKII. In this review, we summarized the regulation and function of CaMKII in multiple cell types including cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and macrophages during I/R. We conclude that CaMKII mediates inflammation in the microenvironment of the myocardium, resulting in cell dysfunction, elevated inflammation, and cell death. However, different CaMKII-δ variants exhibit distinct or even opposite functions. Therefore, reagents/approaches that selectively target specific CaMKII isoforms and variants are needed for evaluating and counteracting the exact role of CaMKII in I/R injury and developing effective treatments against I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Erdan Dong
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing 100191, China; Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Junxia Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing 100191, China; Department of Cardiology and Institute of Vascular Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, NHC Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Molecular Biology and Regulatory Peptides, Beijing 100191, China; Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing 100191, China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Receptors Research, Beijing 100191, China.
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28
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Wang S, Friedman SL. Found in translation-Fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadi0759. [PMID: 37792957 PMCID: PMC10671253 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi0759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a severe form of liver disease that poses a global health threat because of its potential to progress to advanced fibrosis, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Recent advances in single-cell methodologies, refined disease models, and genetic and epigenetic insights have provided a nuanced understanding of MASH fibrogenesis, with substantial cellular heterogeneity in MASH livers providing potentially targetable cell-cell interactions and behavior. Unlike fibrogenesis, mechanisms underlying fibrosis regression in MASH are still inadequately understood, although antifibrotic targets have been recently identified. A refined antifibrotic treatment framework could lead to noninvasive assessment and targeted therapies that preserve hepatocellular function and restore the liver's architectural integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
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29
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Mooring M, Yeung GA, Luukkonen P, Liu S, Akbar MW, Zhang GJ, Balogun O, Yu X, Mo R, Nejak-Bowen K, Poyurovsky MV, Booth CJ, Konnikova L, Shulman GI, Yimlamai D. Hepatocyte CYR61 polarizes profibrotic macrophages to orchestrate NASH fibrosis. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eade3157. [PMID: 37756381 PMCID: PMC10874639 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.ade3157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is increasing worldwide and leads to a multitude of metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (CYR61) is associated with the progression of NASH, but it has been described to have anti- and proinflammatory properties. We sought to examine the role of liver CYR61 in NASH progression. CYR61 liver-specific knockout mice on a NASH diet showed improved glucose tolerance, decreased liver inflammation, and reduced fibrosis. CYR61 polarized infiltrating monocytes promoting a proinflammatory/profibrotic phenotype through an IRAK4/SYK/NF-κB signaling cascade. In vitro, CYR61 activated a profibrotic program, including PDGFa/PDGFb expression in macrophages, in an IRAK4/SYK/NF-κB-dependent manner. Furthermore, targeted-antibody blockade reduced CYR61-driven signaling in macrophages in vitro and in vivo, reducing fibrotic development. This study demonstrates that CYR61 is a key driver of liver inflammation and fibrosis in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Mooring
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Grace A. Yeung
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Panu Luukkonen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
| | - Silvia Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Muhammad Waqas Akbar
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
| | - Gary J. Zhang
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
| | - Oluwashanu Balogun
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
| | - Xuemei Yu
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC; 450 East 29th Street, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Rigen Mo
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC; 450 East 29th Street, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Kari Nejak-Bowen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
| | - Masha V. Poyurovsky
- Kadmon Corporation, LLC; 450 East 29th Street, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Carmen J. Booth
- Department of Comparative Medicine; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
| | - Liza Konnikova
- Section of Neonatology; Department of Pediatrics; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
| | - Gerald I. Shulman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
| | - Dean Yimlamai
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
- Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics; Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261, USA
- The Yale Liver Center, Yale School of Medicine; New Haven, Connecticut 06514, USA
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30
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Hassan GS, Flores Molina M, Shoukry NH. The multifaceted role of macrophages during acute liver injury. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1237042. [PMID: 37736102 PMCID: PMC10510203 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1237042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is situated at the interface of the gut and circulation where it acts as a filter for blood-borne and gut-derived microbes and biological molecules, promoting tolerance of non-invasive antigens while driving immune responses against pathogenic ones. Liver resident immune cells such as Kupffer cells (KCs), a subset of macrophages, maintain homeostasis under physiological conditions. However, upon liver injury, these cells and others recruited from circulation participate in the response to injury and the repair of tissue damage. Such response is thus spatially and temporally regulated and implicates interconnected cells of immune and non-immune nature. This review will describe the hepatic immune environment during acute liver injury and the subsequent wound healing process. In its early stages, the wound healing immune response involves a necroinflammatory process characterized by partial depletion of resident KCs and lymphocytes and a significant infiltration of myeloid cells including monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) complemented by a wave of pro-inflammatory mediators. The subsequent repair stage includes restoring KCs, initiating angiogenesis, renewing extracellular matrix and enhancing proliferation/activation of resident parenchymal and mesenchymal cells. This review will focus on the multifaceted role of hepatic macrophages, including KCs and MoMFs, and their spatial distribution and roles during acute liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada S. Hassan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Manuel Flores Molina
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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31
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Zizzo G, Cohen PL. Editorial: The key role of Mer receptor tyrosine kinase: where inflammation ends and fibrosis begins. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1251577. [PMID: 37529052 PMCID: PMC10390068 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1251577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gaetano Zizzo
- Temple Autoimmunity Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Ovest Milanese, Milan, Italy
| | - Philip L. Cohen
- Temple Autoimmunity Center, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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32
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Hu H, Cheng X, Li F, Guan Z, Xu J, Wu D, Gao Y, Zhan X, Wang P, Zhou H, Rao Z, Cheng F. Defective efferocytosis by aged macrophages promotes STING signaling mediated inflammatory liver injury. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:236. [PMID: 37422464 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01497-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Aged livers have shown aggravated liver ischemia and reperfusion (IR) injury. Timely efferocytosis of apoptotic cells is a key mechanism for avoiding excessive inflammation and tissue injury. Here, we investigated the alteration of efferocytosis by aged macrophages and its role in regulating macrophage STING (stimulator of interferon genes) signaling and liver IR injury. Aged and young mice were subjected to liver partial IR model. Liver injury and inflammation were measured. Efferocytosis by aged macrophages and the underlying regulatory mechanism were analyzed as well. Aged macrophages exhibited impaired efferocytosis with decreased MerTK (c-mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase) activation, which was reversed by treatment of the MerTK CRISPR activation plasmid. Increased MerTK cleavage by ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17) due to enhanced ROS (reactive oxygen species) levels contributed to defective efferocytosis by aged macrophages. MerTK activation by suppressing ADAM17 or ROS improved aged macrophage efferocytosis, leading to reduced inflammatory liver injury. Moreover, increased apoptotic hepatocytes, DNA accumulation, and macrophage STING activation were observed in aged ischemic livers. Improvement in efferocytosis by aged macrophages via MerTK activation suppressed STING activation and inflammatory liver injury. Our study demonstrates that aging suppresses MerTK- mediated macrophage efferocytosis to promote macrophage STING activation and inflammatory liver IR injury, suggesting a new mechanism and potential therapy to promote inflammation resolution and efferocytosis in aged livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Hu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xuyu Cheng
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhu Guan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dongming Wu
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yiyun Gao
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xinyu Zhan
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haoming Zhou
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Zhuqing Rao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Feng Cheng
- Hepatobiliary Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University; Key Laboratory of Liver Transplantation, Research Unit of Liver Transplantation and Transplant Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; NHC Key Laboratory of Living Donor Liver Transplantation (Nanjing Medical University), 210029, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China.
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33
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Yang Y, Jia X, Qu M, Yang X, Fang Y, Ying X, Zhang M, Wei J, Pan Y. Exploring the potential of treating chronic liver disease targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway and polarization mechanism of macrophages. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17116. [PMID: 37484431 PMCID: PMC10361319 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease is a significant public health issue that can lead to considerable morbidity and mortality, imposing an enormous burden on healthcare resources. Understanding the mechanisms underlying chronic liver disease pathogenesis and developing effective treatment strategies are urgently needed. In this regard, the activation of liver resident macrophages, namely Kupffer cells, plays a vital role in liver inflammation and fibrosis. Macrophages display remarkable plasticity and can polarize into different phenotypes according to diverse microenvironmental stimuli. The polarization of macrophages into M1 pro-inflammatory or M2 anti-inflammatory phenotypes is regulated by complex signaling pathways such as the PI3K/Akt pathway. This review focuses on investigating the potential of using plant chemicals targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway for treating chronic liver disease while elucidating the polarization mechanism of macrophages under different microenvironments. Studies have demonstrated that inhibiting M1-type macrophage polarization or promoting M2-type polarization can effectively combat chronic liver diseases such as alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver fibrosis. The PI3K/Akt pathway acts as a pivotal modulator of macrophage survival, migration, proliferation, and their responses to metabolism and inflammatory signals. Activating the PI3K/Akt pathway induces anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, resulting in the promotion of M2-like phenotype to facilitate tissue repair and resolution of inflammation. Conversely, inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling could enhance the M1-like phenotype, which exacerbates liver damage. Targeting the PI3K/Akt pathway has tremendous potential as a therapeutic strategy for regulating macrophage polarization and activity to treat chronic liver diseases with plant chemicals, providing new avenues for liver disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Xiaotao Jia
- Department of Neurology, The Affifiliated Xi'an Central Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710003, PR China
| | - Mengyang Qu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Xinmao Yang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Yan Fang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Xiaoping Ying
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Meiqian Zhang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
| | - Yanfang Pan
- Department of Basic Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China
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Mehal W. Mechanisms of liver fibrosis in metabolic syndrome. EGASTROENTEROLOGY 2023; 1:e100015. [PMID: 37946713 PMCID: PMC10634657 DOI: 10.1136/egastro-2023-100015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis has been dominated by models in which chronic hepatocellular injury is the initiating step as is seen with viral infections. The increased prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, and the increases in liver fibrosis due to metabolic syndrome driven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has made it a priority to understand how this type of liver fibrosis is similar to, and different from, pure hepatocellular injury driven liver fibrosis. Both types of liver fibrosis have the transformation of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) into a myofibroblast as a key step. In metabolic syndrome, there is little evidence that metabolite changes such as high levels of glucose and free fatty acids are directly inducing HSC transdifferentiation, however, metabolite changes may lead to reductions in immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective molecules such as lipoxins, resolvins and Interleukin (IL)-22. Cells of the innate immune system are known to be important intermediaries between hepatocellular damage and HSC transdifferentiation, primarily by producing cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and platelet derived growth factor (PDGF). Resident and infiltrating macrophages are the dominant innate immune cells, but others (dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killer T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells) also have important roles in inducing and resolving liver fibrosis. CD8+ and CD4+ T cells of the adaptive immune system have been identified to have greater profibrotic roles than previously realised by inducing hepatocyte death (auto-aggressive CD8+T) cells and cytokines producing (TH17 producing CD4+T) cells. Finally, the cellular networks present in NASH fibrosis are being identified and suggest that once fibrosis has developed cell-to-cell communication is dominated by myofibroblasts autocrine signalling followed by communication with cholangiocytes and endothelial cells, with myofibroblast-hepatocyte, and myofibroblast-macrophage signalling having minor roles. Such information is essential to the development of antifibrotic strategies for different stages of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wajahat Mehal
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Li Q, Liu X, Du Y, Zhang X, Xiang P, Chen G, Ling W, Wang D. Protocatechuic acid boosts continual efferocytosis in macrophages by derepressing KLF4 to transcriptionally activate MerTK. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eabn1372. [PMID: 37220181 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abn1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages clear apoptotic cells through a process called continual efferocytosis. We found that protocatechuic acid (PCA), a polyphenolic compound abundant in fruits and vegetables, increased the continual efferocytic capacity of macrophages and inhibited the progression of advanced atherosclerosis. PCA reduced the intracellular amounts of microRNA-10b (miR-10b) by promoting its secretion in extracellular vesicles, which led to an increase in the abundance of the miR-10b target Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4). In turn, KLF4 transcriptionally induced the gene encoding Mer proto-oncogene tyrosine kinase (MerTK), an efferocytic receptor for the recognition of apoptotic cells, resulting in increased continual efferocytic capacity. However, in naive macrophages, the PCA-induced secretion of miR-10b did not affect KLF4 and MerTK protein abundance or efferocytic capacity. In mice, oral administration of PCA increased continual efferocytosis in macrophages residing in the peritoneal cavities, thymi, and advanced atherosclerotic plaques through the miR-10b-KLF4-MerTK pathway. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of miR-10b with antagomiR-10b also increased the efferocytic capacity of efferocytic but not naive macrophages in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data describe a pathway that promotes continual efferocytosis in macrophages through miR-10b secretion and a KLF4-dependent increase in MerTK abundance, which can be activated by dietary PCA and which has implications for understanding the regulation of continual efferocytosis in macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Li
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University (Northern Campus), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiuping Liu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University (Northern Campus), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yushi Du
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University (Northern Campus), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University (Northern Campus), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Panyin Xiang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University (Northern Campus), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Guanyu Chen
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University (Northern Campus), Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wenhua Ling
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University (Northern Campus), Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Dongliang Wang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University (Northern Campus), Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Chen L, Wang Y. Interdisciplinary advances reshape the delivery tools for effective NASH treatment. Mol Metab 2023; 73:101730. [PMID: 37142161 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe systemic and inflammatory subtype of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, eventually develops into cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma with few options for effective treatment. Currently potent small molecules identified in preclinical studies are confronted with adverse effects and long-term ineffectiveness in clinical trials. Nevertheless, highly specific delivery tools designed from interdisciplinary concepts may address the significant challenges by either effectively increasing the concentrations of drugs in target cell types, or selectively manipulating the gene expression in liver to resolve NASH. SCOPE OF REVIEW We focus on dissecting the detailed principles of the latest interdisciplinary advances and concepts that direct the design of future delivery tools to enhance the efficacy. Recent advances have indicated that cell and organelle-specific vehicles, non-coding RNA research (e.g. saRNA, hybrid miRNA) improve the specificity, while small extracellular vesicles and coacervates increase the cellular uptake of therapeutics. Moreover, strategies based on interdisciplinary advances drastically elevate drug loading capacity and delivery efficiency and ameliorate NASH and other liver diseases. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The latest concepts and advances in chemistry, biochemistry and machine learning technology provide the framework and strategies for the design of more effective tools to treat NASH, other pivotal liver diseases and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linshan Chen
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yibing Wang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health.
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Ye L, Ding X, Liu C, Ruan F, Zhong H, Lv R, Yu Y, He C, Zuo Z, Huang J. The hepatoprotective effects of Herbt Tea Essences on phenanthrene-induced liver damage in mice. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 256:114899. [PMID: 37060801 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Phenanthrene (Phe), one of the most frequently occurring pollutants in nature, can cause substantial damage to the human liver. Herbt Tea Essences (HTE), a kind of black tea extract with strong anti-inflammatory activity, can protect humans against disease. Currently, whether HTE can protect the liver from Phe-induced hepatotoxicity remains unclear. Herein, we explore the protective effects of HTE against Phe-induced hepatotoxicity. Our results showed that Phe exposure could significantly induce liver damage and increase serum hepatic enzyme levels in mice. HTE could prevent liver damage and recover the expression levels of inflammatory factors. Furthermore, we found that HTE suppressed the excessive activation of the nuclear transcription factor kappa-B and transforming growth factor-β/SMAD signaling pathways to alleviate Phe-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis. Overall, our data showed that HTE treatment could be a new preventive means for Phe-induced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingxiao Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Changqian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Fengkai Ruan
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Hongbin Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Rongfu Lv
- Xiamen Herbt Biotechnology Company Limited, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yi Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Chengyong He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhenghong Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
| | - Jiyi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Department of Nephrology, Fujian Clinical Research Center for Chronic Glomerular Disease, The Fifth Hospital of Xiamen, Xiang'an Branch of the First Affiliated Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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Hu Z, Chen G, Yan C, Li Z, Wu T, Li L, Zhang S. Autophagy affects hepatic fibrosis progression by regulating macrophage polarization and exosome secretion. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37186334 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, the role of autophagy in hepatic fibrosis and its effects on macrophage polarization and exosomes (EVs) were verified by establishing hepatic fibrosis model and co-culture model, providing evidence for treatment. METHODS In this study, CCL4 was used to establish hepatic fibrosis model. The morphology and purity of exosomes (EVs) were verified by transmission electron microscopy, western blotting (WB), and nanoparticle tracing analysis (NTA). Real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), WB and enzyme-linked immunoadsorption (ELISA) were used to detect hepatic fibrosis markers, macrophage polarization markers and liver injury markers. Histopathological assays were used to verify the liver injury morphology in different groups. The cell co-culture model and hepatic fibrosis model were constructed to verify the expression of miR-423-5p. RESULTS Hepatic fibrosis model showed that CCL4 promoted early autophagy increase but inhibited autophagy flux in liver. mRFP-GFP-LC3 detection showed that both LPS group and Baf group inhibited autophagy flux. This inhibitory effect was reversed by Rap combination therapy. The M1/M2 markers of macrophage polarization were further tested, and it was found that LPS and Baf could promote M1 polarization and inhibit M2 polarization. Rap processing reverses this phenomenon. These data suggest that autophagy can regulate the polarization process of liver macrophages. WB and NTA showed that LPS induced EVs generation. In addition, LPS-induced EVs could promote HSC proliferation, cell cycle, migration, and the expression of fibrosis markers. Macrophage-EVs could affect the fibrosis process of stellate cells through the secretion of miR-423a-5p expression. The hepatic fibrosis model was further established to verify the regulation of autophagy and EVs on the fibrosis process. CONCLUSION This study was showed that autophagy could regulate fibrosis by promoting HSC activation by regulating macrophage polarization and exosome secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongqiang Hu
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chuntao Yan
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Shengning Zhang
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, First People's Hospital of Kunming City, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- Department of Hepato-pancreato-biliary Surgery, The Calmette Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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Munteanu C, Schwartz B. The Effect of Bioactive Aliment Compounds and Micronutrients on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12040903. [PMID: 37107278 PMCID: PMC10136128 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12040903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the current review, we focused on identifying aliment compounds and micronutrients, as well as addressed promising bioactive nutrients that may interfere with NAFLD advance and ultimately affect this disease progress. In this regard, we targeted: 1. Potential bioactive nutrients that may interfere with NAFLD, specifically dark chocolate, cocoa butter, and peanut butter which may be involved in decreasing cholesterol concentrations. 2. The role of sweeteners used in coffee and other frequent beverages; in this sense, stevia has proven to be adequate for improving carbohydrate metabolism, liver steatosis, and liver fibrosis. 3. Additional compounds were shown to exert a beneficial action on NAFLD, namely glutathione, soy lecithin, silymarin, Aquamin, and cannabinoids which were shown to lower the serum concentration of triglycerides. 4. The effects of micronutrients, especially vitamins, on NAFLD. Even if most studies demonstrate the beneficial role of vitamins in this pathology, there are exceptions. 5. We provide information regarding the modulation of the activity of some enzymes related to NAFLD and their effect on this disease. We conclude that NAFLD can be prevented or improved by different factors through their involvement in the signaling, genetic, and biochemical pathways that underlie NAFLD. Therefore, exposing this vast knowledge to the public is particularly important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camelia Munteanu
- Department of Plant Culture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Betty Schwartz
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The School of Nutritional Sciences, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
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Guha Ray A, Odum OP, Wiseman D, Weinstock A. The diverse roles of macrophages in metabolic inflammation and its resolution. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1147434. [PMID: 36994095 PMCID: PMC10041730 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1147434] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are one of the most functionally diverse immune cells, indispensable to maintain tissue integrity and metabolic health. Macrophages perform a myriad of functions ranging from promoting inflammation, through inflammation resolution to restoring and maintaining tissue homeostasis. Metabolic diseases encompass a growing list of diseases which develop from a mix of genetics and environmental cues leading to metabolic dysregulation and subsequent inflammation. In this review, we summarize the contributions of macrophages to four metabolic conditions-insulin resistance and adipose tissue inflammation, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and neurodegeneration. The role of macrophages is complex, yet they hold great promise as potential therapies to address these growing health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ada Weinstock
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Chen L, Xia S, Wang S, Zhou Y, Wang F, Li Z, Li Y, Kong D, Zhang Z, Shao J, Xu X, Zhang F, Zheng S. Naringenin is a Potential Immunomodulator for Inhibiting Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting the cGAS-STING Pathway. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:26-37. [PMID: 36406329 PMCID: PMC9647116 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Naringenin is an anti-inflammatory flavonoid that has been studied in chronic liver disease. The mechanism specific to its antifibrosis activity needs further investigation This study was to focused on the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS) pathway in hepatic stellate cells and clarified the antifibrosis mechanism of naringenin. METHODS The relationship between the cGAS-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and liver fibrosis was analyzed using the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, fluorescence staining, Western blotting and polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess gene and protein expression levels associated with the cGAS pathway in clinical liver tissue samples and mouse livers. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the relationship between naringenin and cGAS, and western blotting was performed to study the expression of inflammatory factors downstream of cGAS in vitro. RESULTS Clinical database analyses showed that the cGAS-STING pathway is involved in the occurrence of chronic liver disease. Naringenin ameliorated liver injury and liver fibrosis, decreased collagen deposition and cGAS expression, and inhibited inflammation in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mice. Molecular docking found that cGAS may be a direct target of naringenin. Consistent with the in vivo results, we verified the inhibitory effect of naringenin on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). By using the cGAS-specific agonist double-stranded (ds)DNA, we showed that naringenin attenuated the activation of cGAS and its inflammatory factors affected by dsDNA. We verified that naringenin inhibited the cGAS-STING pathway, thereby reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors by HSCs to ameliorate liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Interrupting the cGAS-STING pathway helped reverse the fibrosis process. Naringenin has potential as an antihepatic fibrosis drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuqi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuefen Xu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Correspondence to: Shizhong Zheng and Feng Zhang, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4925-9390 (SZ). Tel/Fax: +86-25-85811246, E-mail: (SZ) and (FZ)
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Correspondence to: Shizhong Zheng and Feng Zhang, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210023, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4925-9390 (SZ). Tel/Fax: +86-25-85811246, E-mail: (SZ) and (FZ)
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Bai YM, Yang F, Luo P, Xie LL, Chen JH, Guan YD, Zhou HC, Xu TF, Hao HW, Chen B, Zhao JH, Liang CL, Dai LY, Geng QS, Wang JG. Single-cell transcriptomic dissection of the cellular and molecular events underlying the triclosan-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:7. [PMID: 36814339 PMCID: PMC9945401 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00441-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Triclosan [5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) phenol, TCS], a common antimicrobial additive in many personal care and health care products, is frequently detected in human blood and urine. Therefore, it has been considered an emerging and potentially toxic pollutant in recent years. Long-term exposure to TCS has been suggested to exert endocrine disruption effects, and promote liver fibrogenesis and tumorigenesis. This study was aimed at clarifying the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of hepatotoxicity effect of TCS at the initiation stage. METHODS C57BL/6 mice were exposed to different dosages of TCS for 2 weeks and the organ toxicity was evaluated by various measurements including complete blood count, histological analysis and TCS quantification. Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was then carried out on TCS- or mock-treated mouse livers to delineate the TCS-induced hepatotoxicity. The acquired single-cell transcriptomic data were analyzed from different aspects including differential gene expression, transcription factor (TF) regulatory network, pseudotime trajectory, and cellular communication, to systematically dissect the molecular and cellular events after TCS exposure. To verify the TCS-induced liver fibrosis, the expression levels of key fibrogenic proteins were examined by Western blotting, immunofluorescence, Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining. In addition, normal hepatocyte cell MIHA and hepatic stellate cell LX-2 were used as in vitro cell models to experimentally validate the effects of TCS by immunological, proteomic and metabolomic technologies. RESULTS We established a relatively short term TCS exposure murine model and found the TCS mainly accumulated in the liver. The scRNA-seq performed on the livers of the TCS-treated and control group profiled the gene expressions of > 76,000 cells belonging to 13 major cell types. Among these types, hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were significantly increased in TCS-treated group. We found that TCS promoted fibrosis-associated proliferation of hepatocytes, in which Gata2 and Mef2c are the key driving TFs. Our data also suggested that TCS induced the proliferation and activation of HSCs, which was experimentally verified in both liver tissue and cell model. In addition, other changes including the dysfunction and capillarization of endothelial cells, an increase of fibrotic characteristics in B plasma cells, and M2 phenotype-skewing of macrophage cells, were also deduced from the scRNA-seq analysis, and these changes are likely to contribute to the progression of liver fibrosis. Lastly, the key differential ligand-receptor pairs involved in cellular communications were identified and we confirmed the role of GAS6_AXL interaction-mediated cellular communication in promoting liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS TCS modulates the cellular activities and fates of several specific cell types (including hepatocytes, HSCs, endothelial cells, B cells, Kupffer cells and liver capsular macrophages) in the liver, and regulates the ligand-receptor interactions between these cells, thereby promoting the proliferation and activation of HSCs, leading to liver fibrosis. Overall, we provide the first comprehensive single-cell atlas of mouse livers in response to TCS and delineate the key cellular and molecular processes involved in TCS-induced hepatotoxicity and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Meng Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China.,Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Piao Luo
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Lu-Lin Xie
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Jun-Hui Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Yu-Dong Guan
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Hong-Chao Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Teng-Fei Xu
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Hui-Wen Hao
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Bing Chen
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China.,Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jia-Hui Zhao
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China.,Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Postdoctoral Research Station, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Cai-Ling Liang
- Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Ling-Yun Dai
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China. .,Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China.
| | - Qing-Shan Geng
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China. .,Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China.
| | - Ji-Gang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, and Shenzhen Clinical Research Centre for Geriatrics, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, China. .,Department of Urology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, the First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University Science and Technology, the Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China. .,Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Dongguan Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Southern Medical University, Dongguan, 523125, Guangdong, China.
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Kohlhepp MS, Liu H, Tacke F, Guillot A. The contradictory roles of macrophages in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and primary liver cancer-Challenges and opportunities. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1129831. [PMID: 36845555 PMCID: PMC9950415 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1129831] [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: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases from varying etiologies generally lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Among them, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects roughly one-quarter of the world population, thus representing a major and increasing public health burden. Chronic hepatocyte injury, inflammation (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH) and liver fibrosis are recognized soils for primary liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), being the third most common cause for cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite recent advances in liver disease understanding, therapeutic options on pre-malignant and malignant stages remain limited. Thus, there is an urgent need to identify targetable liver disease-driving mechanisms for the development of novel therapeutics. Monocytes and macrophages comprise a central, yet versatile component of the inflammatory response, fueling chronic liver disease initiation and progression. Recent proteomic and transcriptomic studies performed at singular cell levels revealed a previously overlooked diversity of macrophage subpopulations and functions. Indeed, liver macrophages that encompass liver resident macrophages (also named Kupffer cells) and monocyte-derived macrophages, can acquire a variety of phenotypes depending on microenvironmental cues, and thus exert manifold and sometimes contradictory functions. Those functions range from modulating and exacerbating tissue inflammation to promoting and exaggerating tissue repair mechanisms (i.e., parenchymal regeneration, cancer cell proliferation, angiogenesis, fibrosis). Due to these central functions, liver macrophages represent an attractive target for the treatment of liver diseases. In this review, we discuss the multifaceted and contrary roles of macrophages in chronic liver diseases, with a particular focus on NAFLD/NASH and HCC. Moreover, we discuss potential therapeutic approaches targeting liver macrophages.
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Dehydrovomifoliol Alleviates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via the E2F1/AKT/mTOR Axis: Pharmacophore Modeling and Molecular Docking Study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 2023:9107598. [PMID: 36777627 PMCID: PMC9908351 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9107598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective Herbal medicine discovery is a complex and time-consuming process, while pharmacophore modeling and molecular docking methods enable simple and economic studies. The pharmacophore model provides an abstract description of essential intermolecular interactions between chemical structures, and the molecular docking technology can identify novel compounds of therapeutic interests and predict the ligand-target interaction at the molecular level. This study was based on the two methods to elucidate the mechanism of dehydrovomifoliol, an active ingredient extracted from Artemisia frigida willd, in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods Bioinformatics analysis was performed to screen target genes of dehydrovomifoliol in NAFLD treatment, which were thus intersected with NAFLD-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and NAFLD-related genes. Venn diagram was used to identify candidate DEGs. A pharmacophore model was then generated, and molecular docking was performed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify core genes, which were evaluated using GO and the KEGG enrichment analyses. Results Seven target genes of dehydrovomifoliol in NAFLD treatment were screened out, namely E2F1, MERTK, SOX17, MMP9, SULT2A1, VEGFA, and BLVRA. The pharmacophore model and molecular docking of candidate DEGs and dehydrovomifoliol were successfully constructed. E2F1 was identified as a core gene of dehydrovomifoliol in NAFLD treatment. Further enrichment analysis indicated the regulatory role of E2F1 in fat metabolism was associated with the regulation of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusion Overall, this study illustrates the anti-NAFLD mechanism of dehydrovomifoliol, which could be a useful compound for developing novel drugs in the treatment of NAFLD.
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Arai J, Otoyama Y, Nozawa H, Kato N, Yoshida H. The immunological role of ADAMs in the field of gastroenterological chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers: a review. Oncogene 2023; 42:549-558. [PMID: 36572816 PMCID: PMC9937921 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02583-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Metalloproteinases cleave transmembrane proteins that play critical roles in inflammation and cancers. Metalloproteinases include a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM), which we previously examined using a fluorescence assay system, and described their association with resistance to systemic therapy in cancer patients. There are also many reports on the relation between ADAM expression and the prognosis of patients with gastroenterological chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers. Inhibiting their immunomodulating activity in chronic inflammation restores innate immunity and potentially prevents the development of various cancers. Among the numerous critical immune system-related molecules, we focus on major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A (MICA), MICB, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, TNF-α, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), and Notch. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of ADAMs in gastroenterological diseases with regard to the immune system. Several Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved inhibitors of ADAMs have been identified, and potential therapies for targeting ADAMs in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers are discussed. Some ongoing clinical trials for cancers targeting ADAMs are also introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Arai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Yumi Otoyama
- grid.410714.70000 0000 8864 3422Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisako Nozawa
- grid.410714.70000 0000 8864 3422Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Kato
- grid.136304.30000 0004 0370 1101Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshida
- grid.410714.70000 0000 8864 3422Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Showa University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Zhen Q, Liang Q, Wang H, Zheng Y, Lu Z, Bian C, Zhao X, Guo X. Theabrownin ameliorates liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in MCD diet-fed C57BL/6J mice. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1118925. [PMID: 36742397 PMCID: PMC9889550 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1118925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also known as metabolic steatohepatitis, is a clinical syndrome with pathological changes like alcoholic hepatitis but without a history of excessive alcohol consumption. NASH is closely related to metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia. Its main characteristics are hepatocyte steatosis with hepatocyte injury and inflammation. In severe cases, it can develop into liver cirrhosis. At present, there is no special treatment for NASH. Theabrownin (TB) is the main pigment substance in fermented tea. Theabrownin has beneficial effects on lipid metabolism and intestinal flora. However, the effect of theabrownin on NASH has not been studied. METHODS This study was aimed at exploring the effects of theabrownin from Fuzhuan brick tea on NASH. 8-week-old mice were randomly assigned to three groups and fed with chow diet (CD), methionine and choline sufficient (MCS) diet (MCS Ctrl), which is a Methionine/choline deficient (MCD) control diet, and MCD diet. After 5 weeks of feeding, the MCD group mice were randomly divided into two groups and were gavaged with double distilled water (MCD Ctrl) or theabrownin (MCD TB) (200mg/kg body weight, dissolved in double distilled water) every day for another 4 weeks respectively, while continuing MCD diet feeding. RESULTS We found that theabrownin treatment could not improve liver mass loss and steatosis. However, theabrownin ameliorated liver injury and decreased liver inflammatory response. Theabrownin also alleviated liver oxidative stress and fibrosis. Furthermore, our results showed that theabrownin increased hepatic level of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and reduced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 in MCD diet-fed mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingcai Zhen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qijian Liang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Hongchun Wang
- Shandong Engineering Research Center of Biomarker and Artificial Intelligence Application, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhongting Lu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Chunyong Bian
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiulan Zhao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- *Correspondence: Xiulan Zhao, ; Xin Guo,
| | - Xin Guo
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- *Correspondence: Xiulan Zhao, ; Xin Guo,
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Yu W, Wang S, Wang Y, Chen H, Nie H, Liu L, Zou X, Gong Q, Zheng B. MicroRNA: role in macrophage polarization and the pathogenesis of the liver fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1147710. [PMID: 37138859 PMCID: PMC10149999 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages, as central components of innate immunity, feature significant heterogeneity. Numerus studies have revealed the pivotal roles of macrophages in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis induced by various factors. Hepatic macrophages function to trigger inflammation in response to injury. They induce liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and then inflammation and fibrosis are alleviated by the degradation of the extracellular matrix and release of anti-inflammatory cytokines. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding endogenous RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through translation repression or mRNA degradation, have distinct roles in modulating macrophage activation, polarization, tissue infiltration, and inflammation regression. Considering the complex etiology and pathogenesis of liver diseases, the role and mechanism of miRNAs and macrophages in liver fibrosis need to be further clarified. We first summarized the origin, phenotypes and functions of hepatic macrophages, then clarified the role of miRNAs in the polarization of macrophages. Finally, we comprehensively discussed the role of miRNAs and macrophages in the pathogenesis of liver fibrotic disease. Understanding the mechanism of hepatic macrophage heterogeneity in various types of liver fibrosis and the role of miRNAs on macrophage polarization provides a useful reference for further research on miRNA-mediated macrophage polarization in liver fibrosis, and also contributes to the development of new therapies targeting miRNA and macrophage subsets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Yu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Hao Nie
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Zou
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoting Zou, ; Quan Gong, ; Bing Zheng,
| | - Quan Gong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoting Zou, ; Quan Gong, ; Bing Zheng,
| | - Bing Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- Clinical Molecular Immunology Center, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoting Zou, ; Quan Gong, ; Bing Zheng,
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DUSP9 alleviates hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by restraining both mitogen-activated protein kinase and IKK in an apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1-dependent manner. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1811-1821. [PMID: 36789693 PMCID: PMC10157530 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury occurs frequently in various liver operations and diseases, but its effective treatment remains inadequate because the key switch that leads to hepatic explosive inflammation has not been well disclosed. Dual specificity phosphatase 9 (DUSP9) is widely involved in the innate immune response of solid organs and is sometimes regulated by ubiquitin. In the present study, we find that DUSP9 is reduced in mouse hepatic I/R injury. DUSP9 enrichment attenuates hepatic inflammation both in vivo and in vitro as revealed by western blot analysis and qRT-PCR. In contrast, DUSP9 depletion leads to more severe I/R injury. Mechanistically, DUSP9 inhibits the phosphorylation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) by directly binding to ASK1, thereby decreasing tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), K63 ubiquitin and the phosphorylation of p38/JNK1 instead of ERK1. The present study documents a novel role of DUSP9 in hepatic I/R injury and implies the potential of targeting the DUSP9/ASK1 axis towards mitogen-activated protein kinase and TRAF6/inhibitor of κB kinase pathways.
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Roh PR, Kim SM, Kang BY, Mun KD, Park JG, Kang MW, Hur W, Han JW, Nam H, Yoon SK, Sung PS. Tenofovir alafenamide alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice by blocking the phosphorylation of AKT in intrahepatic mononuclear phagocytes. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113952. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Huang H, Jiang J, Chen R, Lin Y, Chen H, Ling Q. The role of macrophage TAM receptor family in the acute-to-chronic progression of liver disease: From friend to foe? Liver Int 2022; 42:2620-2631. [PMID: 35900248 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic macrophages, the key cellular components of the liver, emerge as essential players in liver inflammation, tissue repair and subsequent fibrosis, as well as tumorigenesis. Recently, the TAM receptor tyrosine kinase family, consisting of Tyro3, Axl and MerTK, was found to be a pivotal modulator of macrophages. Activation of macrophage TAM receptor signalling promotes the efferocytosis of apoptotic cells and skews the polarization of macrophages. After briefly reviewing the mechanisms of TAM receptor signalling in macrophage polarization, we focus on their role in liver diseases from acute injury to chronic inflammation, fibrosis and then to tumorigenesis. Notably, macrophage TAM receptor signalling seems to be a two-edged sword for liver diseases. On one hand, the activation of TAM receptor signalling inhibits inflammation and facilitates tissue repair during acute liver injury. On the other hand, continuous activation of the signalling contributes to the process of chronic inflammation into fibrosis and tumorigenesis by evoking hepatic stellate cells and inhibiting anti-tumour immunity. Therefore, targeting macrophage TAM receptors and clarifying its downstream pathways will be exciting prospects for the precaution and treatment of liver diseases, particularly at different stages or statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Huang
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingyu Jiang
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruihan Chen
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yimou Lin
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Ling
- Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China.,Alibaba-Zhejiang University Joint Research Center of Future Digital Healthcare, Hangzhou, China
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