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Zhang Y, Tian T, Liang C, Wang J, Zhang J, Tian S, Xie R, Yang T, Han B. Lysine specific demethylase 1 inhibits sodium arsenite activation of HSCs by regulating SESN2/AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway activity. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:3563-3577. [PMID: 38477077 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Lysine specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is a histone demethylase that specifically catalyzes the demethylation of histone H3K4 (H3K4me1/2) and regulates gene expression. In addition, it can mediate the process of autophagy through its demethylase activity. Sestrin2 (SESN2) is a stress-induced protein and a positive regulator of autophagy. In NaAsO2-induced mouse fibrotic livers and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), LSD1 expression is decreased, SESN2 expression is increased, and autophagy levels are also increased. Overexpression of LSD1 and silencing of SESN2 decreased the level of autophagy and attenuated the activation of HSCs induced by NaAsO2. LSD1 promoted SESN2 gene transcription by increasing H3K4me1/2 in the SESN2 promoter region. 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine were used to inhibit autophagy of HSCs, and the degree of activation was also alleviated. Taken together, LSD1 positively regulates SESN2 by increasing H3K4me1/2 enrichment in the SESN2 promoter region, which in turn increases the level of autophagy and promotes the activation of HSCs. Our results may provide new evidence for the importance of LSD1 in the process of autophagy and activation of HSCs induced by arsenic poisoning. Increasing the expression and activity of LSD1 is expected to be an effective way to reverse the autophagy and activation of HSCs induced by arsenic poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Eugenic Genetics, Guiyang Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Cai Liang
- Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junli Wang
- The Second People's Hospital of Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiayuan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shanshan Tian
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Rujia Xie
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Drug Research on Common Chronic Diseases, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Jiang S, Xu L, Chen Y, Shu Z, Lv L, Zhao Y, Bi K, Yang S, Wang Q, Li L. Longitudinal gut fungal alterations and potential fungal biomarkers for the progression of primary liver disease. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2024; 67:1183-1198. [PMID: 38413553 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-023-2458-1] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Liver disease, a major health concern worldwide, is a serious and progressive disorder. Herein, we not only established a mouse model of DEN+CCl4-induced primary liver disease but also collected clinical human samples to investigate longitudinal alterations in the gut mycobiome. As liver disease advanced, gut integrity was disrupted, and the mycobiota was disturbed in the mouse models. The metabolites associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) differed from those associated with the cirrhotic phase as follows: levels of stercobilin and aflatoxin B1 dialcohol were reduced, while levels of triterpenoids, bafilomycin A1, and DHEA were increased in the HCC group. The abundance of the phylum Chytridiomycota increased as the chronic liver disease progressed and was then replaced by the phylum Ascomycota in HCC. Based on the results from clinical human samples, the genus Candida (Ascomycota) (in humans) and the genus Kazachstania (Ascomycota) (in mice) occupied a dominant position in the HCC group, while other fungi were depleted. The increased abundance of C. albicans and depletion of S. cerevisiae may be hallmarks of the progression of liver cirrhosis to early HCC. Moreover, the administration of C. albicans and S. cerevisiae in the LC-HCC progression could accelerate or retard the progression of HCC. Therefore, gut fungi have the potential to serve as a noninvasive clinical biomarker and even a treatment method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiman Jiang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Lvwan Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yanfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Zheyue Shu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Longxian Lv
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Kefan Bi
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Sisi Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Qiangqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, China.
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3
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Horn P, Tacke F. Metabolic reprogramming in liver fibrosis. Cell Metab 2024:S1550-4131(24)00179-7. [PMID: 38823393 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases, primarily metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), harmful use of alcohol, or viral hepatitis, may result in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Hepatic fibrogenesis is a complex process with interactions between different resident and non-resident heterogeneous liver cell populations, ultimately leading to deposition of extracellular matrix and organ failure. Shifts in cell phenotypes and functions involve pronounced transcriptional and protein synthesis changes that require metabolic adaptations in cellular substrate metabolism, including glucose and lipid metabolism, resembling changes associated with the Warburg effect in cancer cells. Cell activation and metabolic changes are regulated by metabolic stress responses, including the unfolded protein response, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, ferroptosis, and nuclear receptor signaling. These metabolic adaptations are crucial for inflammatory and fibrogenic activation of macrophages, lymphoid cells, and hepatic stellate cells. Modulation of these pathways, therefore, offers opportunities for novel therapeutic approaches to halt or even reverse liver fibrosis progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Horn
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
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Huang BH, Guo ZW, Lv BH, Zhao X, Li YB, Lv WL. A role for curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1396834. [PMID: 38855740 PMCID: PMC11157132 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1396834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animal models. Methods A systematic search was conducted on studies published from establishment to November 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and other databases. The methodological quality was assessed using Sycle's RoB tool. An analysis of sensitivity and subgroups were performed when high heterogeneity was observed. A funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. Results This meta-analysis included 24 studies involving 440 animals with methodological quality scores ranging from 4 to 6. The results demonstrated that curcumin treatment significantly improved Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [standard mean difference (SMD) = -3.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-4.96, -2.83), p < 0.01, I2 = 85.9%], Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)[SMD = - 4.40, 95% CI (-5.40, -3.40), p < 0.01, I2 = 81.2%]. Sensitivity analysis of AST and ALT confirmed the stability and reliability of the results obtained. However, the funnel plot exhibited asymmetry. Subgroup analysis based on species and animal models revealed statistically significant differences among subgroups. Furthermore, curcumin therapy improved fibrosis degree, oxidative stress level, inflammation level, and liver synthesis function in animal models of liver fibrosis. Conclusion Curcumin intervention not only mitigates liver fibrosis but also enhances liver function, while concurrently modulating inflammatory responses and antioxidant capacity in animal models. This result provided a strong basis for further large-scale animal studies as well as clinical trials in humans in the future. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024502671.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Hao Huang
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Wei Guo
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo-Han Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Bo Li
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Liang Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Shen W, Yang M, Chen H, He C, Li H, Yang X, Zhuo J, Lin Z, Hu Z, Lu D, Xu X. FGF21-mediated autophagy: Remodeling the homeostasis in response to stress in liver diseases. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101027. [PMID: 38292187 PMCID: PMC10825283 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.05.019] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are worldwide problems closely associated with various stresses, such as endoplasmic reticulum stress. The exact interplay between stress and liver diseases remains unclear. Autophagy plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis, and recent studies indicate tight crosstalk between stress and autophagy in liver diseases. Once the balance between damage and autophagy is broken, autophagy can no longer resist injury or maintain homeostasis. In recent years, FGF21 (fibroblast growth factor 21)-induced autophagy has attracted much attention. FGF21 is regarded as a stress hormone and can be up-regulated by an abundance of signaling pathways in response to stress. Also, increased FGF21 activates autophagy by a complicated signaling network in which mTOR plays a pivotal role. This review summarizes the mechanism of FGF21-mediated autophagy and its derived application in the defense of stress in liver diseases and offers a glimpse into its promising prospect in future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shen
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Modan Yang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Chiyu He
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Huigang Li
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Jianyong Zhuo
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Zuyuan Lin
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Zhihang Hu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Di Lu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Oncology and Intelligent Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
- The Institute for Organ Repair and Regenerative Medicine of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, China
- Institute of Organ Transplantation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Liver Transplant, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
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Li S, Ren QJ, Xie CH, Cui Y, Xu LT, Wang YD, Li S, Liang XQ, Wen B, Liang MK, Zhao XF. Taurine attenuates activation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting autophagy and inducing ferroptosis. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2143-2154. [PMID: 38681990 PMCID: PMC11045481 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i15.2143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a compensatory response during the tissue repair process in chronic liver injury, and finally leads to liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis is associated with the progressive accumulation of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which can transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts to produce an excess of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Myofibroblasts are the main source of the excessive ECM responsible for hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), the principal ECM producing cells in the injured liver, are a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. AIM To explore the effect of taurine on aHSC proliferation and the mechanisms involved. METHODS Human HSCs (LX-2) were randomly divided into five groups: Normal control group, platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) (20 ng/mL) treated group, and low, medium, and high dosage of taurine (10 mmol/L, 50 mmol/L, and 100 mmol/L, respectively) with PDGF-BB (20 ng/mL) treated group. Cell Counting Kit-8 method was performed to evaluate the effect of taurine on the viability of aHSCs. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to estimate the effect of taurine on the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde, glutathione, and iron concentration. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the effect of taurine on the autophagosomes and ferroptosis features in aHSCs. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were performed to detect the effect of taurine on the expression of α-SMA, Collagen I, Fibronectin 1, LC3B, ATG5, Beclin 1, PTGS2, SLC7A11, and p62. RESULTS Taurine promoted the death of aHSCs and reduced the deposition of the ECM. Treatment with taurine could alleviate autophagy in HSCs to inhibit their activation, by decreasing autophagosome formation, downregulating LC3B and Beclin 1 protein expression, and upregulating p62 protein expression. Meanwhile, treatment with taurine triggered ferroptosis and ferritinophagy to eliminate aHSCs characterized by iron overload, lipid ROS accumulation, glutathione depletion, and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that taurine had a direct targeting effect on nuclear receptor coactivator 4, exhibiting the best average binding affinity of -20.99 kcal/mol. CONCLUSION Taurine exerts therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis via mechanisms that involve inhibition of autophagy and trigger of ferroptosis and ferritinophagy in HSCs to eliminate aHSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sen Li
- Department of Basic Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Qian-Jun Ren
- Department of Basic Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Can-Hao Xie
- Department of Basic Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yang Cui
- Department of Basic Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Li-Tao Xu
- Department of Basic Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi-Dan Wang
- Department of Basic Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Su Li
- Department of Basic Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xing-Qiu Liang
- Department of Science and Technology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Bin Wen
- Department of Science and Technology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ming-Kun Liang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialty Office, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Zhao
- Department of Science and Technology, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 541100, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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7
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Xie Z, Li Y, Xiao P, Ke S. GATA3 promotes the autophagy and activation of hepatic stellate cell in hepatic fibrosis via regulating miR-370/HMGB1 pathway. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2024; 47:219-229. [PMID: 37207965 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2023.05.005] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a common result of the repair process of various chronic liver diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is the central link in the occurrence of HF. METHODS ELISA and histological analysis were performed to detect the pathological changes of liver tissues. In vitro, HSCs were treated with TGF-β1 as HF cell model. Combination of GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) and miR-370 gene promoter was ensured by ChIP and luciferase reporter assay. Autophagy was monitored by observing the GFP-LC3 puncta formation. The interaction between miR-370 and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) was verified by luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS CCl4-induced HF mice exhibited an increase of ALT and AST, and severe damage and fibrosis of liver tissues. GATA3 and HMGB1 were up-regulated, and miR-370 was down-regulated in CCl4-induced HF mice and activated HSCs. GATA3 enhanced expression of the autophagy-related proteins and activation markers in the activated HSCs. Inhibition of autophagy partly reversed GATA3-induced activation of HSCs and the promotion of GATA3 to hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, GATA3 suppressed miR-370 expression via binding with its promotor, and enhanced HMGB1 expression in HSCs. Increasing of miR-370 inhibited HMGB1 expression by directly targeting its mRNA 3'-UTR. The promotion of GATA3 to TGF-β1-induced HSCs autophagy and activation was abrogated by miR-370 up-regulation or HMGB1 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS This work demonstrates that GATA3 promotes autophagy and activation of HSCs by regulating miR-370/HMGB1 signaling pathway, which contributes to accelerate HF. Thus, this work suggests that GATA3 may be a potential target for prevention and treatment of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyuan Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China.
| | - Yangyang Li
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Peiguang Xiao
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Shanmiao Ke
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
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8
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Sun YD, Zhang H, Li YM, Han JJ. Abnormal metabolism in hepatic stellate cells: Pandora's box of MAFLD related hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189086. [PMID: 38342420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189086] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as key mediators in liver injury response, are believed to play a crucial role in the repair process of liver injury. However, in MAFLD patients, the normal metabolic and immunoregulatory mechanisms of HSCs become disrupted, leading to disturbances in the local microenvironment. Abnormally activated HSCs are heavily involved in the initiation and progression of HCC. The metabolic disorders and abnormal activation of HSCs not only initiate liver fibrosis but also contribute to carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the relationship between the abnormal metabolism of HSCs and the local immune system in the liver, elucidating the mechanisms of immune imbalance caused by abnormally activated HSCs in MAFLD patients. Based on this understanding, we discuss the potential and challenges of metabolic-based and immunology-based mechanisms in the treatment of MAFLD-related HCC, with a specific focus on the role of HSCs in HCC progression and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapy. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the importance of HSCs in maintaining normal liver function and highlights the significance of HSCs in the progression of MAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Dong Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yuan-Min Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Jian-Jun Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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Huang Y, Luo W, Yang Z, Lan T, Wei X, Wu H. Machine learning and experimental validation identified autophagy signature in hepatic fibrosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1337105. [PMID: 38481992 PMCID: PMC10933073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1337105] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The molecular mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis (HF), closely related to autophagy, remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate autophagy characteristics in HF. Methods Gene expression profiles (GSE6764, GSE49541 and GSE84044) were downloaded, normalized, and merged. Autophagy-related differentially expressed genes (ARDEGs) were determined using the limma R package and the Wilcoxon rank sum test and then analyzed by GO, KEGG, GSEA and GSVA. The infiltration of immune cells, molecular subtypes and immune types of healthy control (HC) and HF were analyzed. Machine learning was carried out with two methods, by which, core genes were obtained. Models of liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro were constructed to verify the expression of core genes and corresponding immune cells. Results A total of 69 ARDEGs were identified. Series functional cluster analysis showed that ARDEGs were significantly enriched in autophagy and immunity. Activated CD4 T cells, CD56bright natural killer cells, CD56dim natural killer cells, eosinophils, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, and type 17 T helper (Th17) cells showed significant differences in infiltration between HC and HF groups. Among ARDEGs, three core genes were identified, that were ATG5, RB1CC1, and PARK2. Considerable changes in the infiltration of immune cells were observed at different expression levels of the three core genes, among which the expression of RB1CC1 was significantly associated with the infiltration of macrophage, Th17 cell, natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell. In the mouse liver fibrosis experiment, ATG5, RB1CC1, and PARK2 were at higher levels in HF group than those in HC group. Compared with HC group, HF group showed low positive area in F4/80, IL-17 and CD56, indicating decreased expression of macrophage, Th17 cell, natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell. Meanwhile, knocking down RB1CC1 was found to inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells and alleviate liver fibrosis. Conclusion ATG5, RB1CC1, and PARK2 are promising autophagy-related therapeutic biomarkers for HF. This is the first study to identify RB1CC1 in HF, which may promote the progression of liver fibrosis by regulating macrophage, Th17 cell, natural killer cell and CD56dim natural killer cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushen Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Wen Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhijie Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Tian Lan
- Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaomou Wei
- Department of Scientific Research, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
| | - Hongwen Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Liuzhou Workers Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
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Ren Q, Sun Q, Fu J. Dysfunction of autophagy in high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Autophagy 2024; 20:221-241. [PMID: 37700498 PMCID: PMC10813589 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2254191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
ABBREVIATIONS ACOX1: acyl-CoA oxidase 1; ADH5: alcohol dehydrogenase 5 (class III), chi polypeptide; ADIPOQ: adiponectin, C1Q and collagen domain containing; ATG: autophagy related; BECN1: beclin 1; CRTC2: CREB regulated transcription coactivator 2; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; F2RL1: F2R like trypsin receptor 1; FA: fatty acid; FOXO1: forkhead box O1; GLP1R: glucagon like peptide 1 receptor; GRK2: G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2; GTPase: guanosine triphosphatase; HFD: high-fat diet; HSCs: hepatic stellate cells; HTRA2: HtrA serine peptidase 2; IRGM: immunity related GTPase M; KD: knockdown; KDM6B: lysine demethylase 6B; KO: knockout; LAMP2: lysosomal associated membrane protein 2; LAP: LC3-associated phagocytosis; LDs: lipid droplets; Li KO: liver-specific knockout; LSECs: liver sinusoidal endothelial cells; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MAP3K5: mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 5; MED1: mediator complex subunit 1; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MTORC1: mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1; NAFLD: non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; NASH: non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; NFE2L2: NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2; NOS3: nitric oxide synthase 3; NR1H3: nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group H member 3; OA: oleic acid; OE: overexpression; OSBPL8: oxysterol binding protein like 8; PA: palmitic acid; RUBCNL: rubicon like autophagy enhancer; PLIN2: perilipin 2; PLIN3: perilipin 3; PPARA: peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha; PRKAA2/AMPK: protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 2; RAB: member RAS oncogene family; RPTOR: regulatory associated protein of MTOR complex 1; SCD: stearoyl-CoA desaturase; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; SIRT3: sirtuin 3; SNARE: soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; SREBF1: sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1;SREBF2: sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 2; STING1: stimulator of interferon response cGAMP interactor 1; STX17: syntaxin 17; TAGs: triacylglycerols; TFEB: transcription factor EB; TP53/p53: tumor protein p53; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; VMP1: vacuole membrane protein 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiannan Ren
- Department of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiming Sun
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Biochemistry, and Department of Cardiology of Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junfen Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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Peng ML, Zhang LJ, Luo Y, Xu SY, Long XM, Ao JL, Liao SG, Zhu QF, He X, Xu GB. Phomopsterone B Alleviates Liver Fibrosis through mTOR-Mediated Autophagy and Apoptosis Pathway. Molecules 2024; 29:417. [PMID: 38257331 PMCID: PMC10820960 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29020417] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the initial pathological process of many chronic liver diseases. Targeting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is an available strategy for the therapy of liver fibrosis. We aimed to explore the anti-liver fibrosis activity and potential mechanism of phomopsterone B (PB) in human HSCs. The results showed that PB effectively attenuated the proliferation of TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner at doses of 1, 2, and 4 μM. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot assays displayed that PB significantly reduced the expression levels of α-SMA and collagen I/III. AO/EB and Hoechst33342 staining and flow cytometry assays exhibited that PB promoted the cells' apoptosis. Meanwhile, PB diminished the number of autophagic vesicles and vacuolated structures, and the LC3B fluorescent spots indicated that PB could effectively inhibit the accretion of autophagosomes in LX-2 cells. Moreover, rapamycin and MHY1485 were utilized to further investigate the effect of mTOR in autophagy and apoptosis. The results demonstrated that PB regulated autophagy and apoptosis via the mTOR-dependent pathway in LX-2 cells. In summary, this is the first evidence that PB effectively alleviates liver fibrosis in TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 cells, and PB may be a promising candidate for the prevention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Lin Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
- University Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases by Authentic Medicinal Materials in Guizhou Province, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
- Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Li-Jie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
| | - Yan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
| | - Shi-Ying Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
| | - Xing-Mei Long
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
| | - Jun-Li Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
- Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Shang-Gao Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
- University Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases by Authentic Medicinal Materials in Guizhou Province, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
- Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550004, China
| | - Qin-Feng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
- University Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases by Authentic Medicinal Materials in Guizhou Province, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Xun He
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
- University Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases by Authentic Medicinal Materials in Guizhou Province, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Guo-Bo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants & School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guian New District, Guiyang 550004, China; (M.-L.P.); (L.-J.Z.); (Y.L.); (S.-Y.X.); (X.-M.L.); (J.-L.A.); (S.-G.L.); (Q.-F.Z.)
- University Engineering Research Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Diseases by Authentic Medicinal Materials in Guizhou Province, Guian New District, Guiyang 550025, China
- Engineering Research Center for the Development and Application of Ethnic Medicine and TCM, Ministry of Education, Guiyang 550004, China
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Jiang Y, Hou L, Dou J, Xuan M, Cui Z, Lian L, Nan J, Wu Y. Sesamol as a potential candidate for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis, based on its regulation of FXR/LXR axis-mediated inhibition of autophagy through crosstalk between hepatic cells and macrophage. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155145. [PMID: 37976698 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155145] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sesamol (SEM), a natural lignan compound isolated from sesame, has strong anti-oxidant property, regulating lipid metabolism, decreasing cholesterol and hepatoprotection. However, its anti-hepatic fibrosis effect and mechanisms have not been comprehensively elucidated. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE This study aims to investigate the anti-hepatic fibrosis of SEM and its underlying mechanisms. METHOD C57BL/6 mice with hepatic fibrosis were induced by TAA, then administrated with SEM or curcumin, respectively. HSCs were stimulated by TGF-β or conditioned medium, and then cultured with SEM, GW4064, GW3965, Rapamycin (RA) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA), respectively. Mice with hepatic fibrosis also were administrated with SEM, RA or 3-MA to estimate the effect of SEM on autophagy. RESULTS In vitro, SEM significantly inhibited extracellular matrix deposition, P2 × 7r-NLRP3, and inflammatory cytokines. SEM increased FXR and LXRα/β expressions and decreased MAPLC3α/β and P62 expressions, functioning as 3-MA (autophagy inhibitor). In vivo, SEM reduced serum transaminase, histopathology changes, fibrogenesis, autophagy markers and inflammatory cytokines caused by TAA. LX-2 were activated with conditioned medium from LPS-primed THP-1, which resulted in significant enhance of autophagy markers and inflammatory cytokines and decrease of FXR and LXRα/β expressions. SEM could reverse above these changes and function as 3-MA, GW4064, or GW3965. Deficiency of FXR or LXR attenuated the regulation of SEM on α-SMA, MAPLC3α/β, P62 and IL-1β in activated LX-2. In activated THP-1, deficiency of FXR could decrease the expression of LXR, and vice versa. Deficiency of FXR or LXR in activated MΦ decreased the expressions of FXR and LXR in activated LX-2. Deficiency FXR or LXR in activated MΦ also attenuated the regulation of SEM on α-SMA, MAPLC3α/β, P62, caspase-1 and IL-1β. In vivo, SEM significantly reversed hepatic fibrosis via FXR/LXR and autophagy. CONCLUSION SEM could regulate hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting fibrogenesis, autophagy and inflammation. FXR/LXR axis-mediated inhibition of autophagy contributed to the regulation of SEM against hepatic fibrosis, especially based on involving in the crosstalk of HSCs-macrophage. SEM might be a prospective therapeutic candidate, and its mechanism would be a new direction or strategy for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- YuChen Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - LiShuang Hou
- Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - JiaYi Dou
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - MeiYan Xuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University, Sakado, Saitama, Japan
| | - ZhenYu Cui
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - LiHua Lian
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China
| | - JiXing Nan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
| | - YanLing Wu
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain (Yanbian University), Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for Traditional Chinese Korean Medicine Research (Yanbian University), State Ethnic Affairs, College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin Province 133002, China.
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Raza S, Rajak S, Singh R, Zhou J, Sinha RA, Goel A. Cell-type specific role of autophagy in the liver and its implications in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1272-1283. [PMID: 38192406 PMCID: PMC7615497 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i12.1272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, a cellular degradative process, has emerged as a key regulator of cellular energy production and stress mitigation. Dysregulated autophagy is a common phenomenon observed in several human diseases, and its restoration offers curative advantage. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), more recently renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, is a major metabolic liver disease affecting almost 30% of the world population. Unfortunately, NAFLD has no pharmacological therapies available to date. Autophagy regulates several hepatic processes including lipid metabolism, inflammation, cellular integrity and cellular plasticity in both parenchymal (hepatocytes) and non-parenchymal cells (Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells) with a profound impact on NAFLD progression. Understanding cell type-specific autophagy in the liver is essential in order to develop targeted treatments for liver diseases such as NAFLD. Modulating autophagy in specific cell types can have varying effects on liver function and pathology, making it a promising area of research for liver-related disorders. This review aims to summarize our present understanding of cell-type specific effects of autophagy and their implications in developing autophagy centric therapies for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Raza
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Sangam Rajak
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Rajani Singh
- Department of Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Jin Zhou
- CVMD, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Rohit A Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226014, India
| | - Amit Goel
- Department of Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 226014, India.
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Aghajanzadeh T, Talkhabi M, Zali MR, Hatami B, Baghaei K. Diagnostic potential and pathogenic performance of circulating miR-146b, miR-194, and miR-214 in liver fibrosis. Noncoding RNA Res 2023; 8:471-480. [PMID: 37434946 PMCID: PMC10331815 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Due to the lack of an accurate test for an early diagnosis of liver fibrosis and the invasiveness of the liver biopsy procedure, there is an urgent need for effective non-invasive biomarkers for screening the patients. we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of circulating miRNAs (miR-146b, -194, -214) and their related mechanisms in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. The expression levels of miR-146b, -194, and -214 were quantified in whole blood samples from NAFLD patients using real-time PCR. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed and a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed for HSC activation-related genes. Also, the transcription factor (TF)-miR co-regulatory network and the survival plot for three miRNAs and core genes were illustrated. The qPCR results showed that the relative expression of miR-146b and miR-214 significantly increased in NAFLD patients, while miR-194 showed significant down-regulation. The ceRNA network analysis implicated NEAT1 and XIST as sponge candidates for these miRNAs. The GSEA results identified 15 core genes involved in HSC activation, primarily enriched in NF-κB activation and autophagy pathways. STAT3, TCF3, RELA, and RUNX1 were considered potential transcription factors connected to miRNAs in the TF-miR network. Our study elucidated three candidate circulating miRNAs differentially expressed in NAFLD that could serve as a promising non-invasive diagnostic tool for early detection strategies. Also, NF-κB activation, autophagy, and negative regulation of the apoptotic process are the main potential underlying mechanisms regulated by these miRNAs in liver fibrosis pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taha Aghajanzadeh
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmood Talkhabi
- Department of Animal Sciences and Marine Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Shu Y, He Y, Ye G, Liu X, Huang J, Zhang Q, Tian D, Wang T, Shu J. Curcumin inhibits the activity and induces apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cell by suppressing autophagy. J Cell Biochem 2023; 124:1764-1778. [PMID: 37909649 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Curcumin, a kind of natural compound, has been previously proven to inhibit the autophagy in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and induce their apoptosis. However, it is not clear whether the enhanced apoptosis of activated HSCs (aHSCs) caused by curcumin depends on autophagy inhibition. We aim to verify this hypothesis and explore the potential mechanisms in this study. Immortalized human HSC line LX-2 was used as an experimental specimen and pretreated with transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) for 24 h to activate it before drug application. The levels of autophagy, apoptosis, cell activity, lipid metabolism, and the activity of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway were evaluated by multiple methods, such as Western blotting, mcherry-EGFP-LC3B adenoviruses transfection, immunofluorescence, Nile Red staining, flow cytometry among others. Our results showed that rapamycin, an autophagy activator, could partly offset the effects of curcumin on autophagy and apoptosis of LX-2 cells, while 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor, could enhance these effects. Furthermore, curcumin could promote the activity of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway in LX-2 cells, while PI3K inhibitor could partly offset this effect and increase the autophagy level. Overall, we demonstrated that curcumin could inhibit the activity and promote LX-2 cells apoptosis by suppressing autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal pathway. In addition, lipid recovery and energy deprivation due to autophagy inhibition may be the exact mechanism by which curcumin attenuates the pro-fibrotic activity of LX-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajun He
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guorong Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuyou Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiahuang Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Da Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tengyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianchang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Zhang YW, Hou LS, Xing JH, Zhang TR, Zhou SY, Zhang BL. Two-Membrane Hybrid Nanobiomimetic Delivery System for Targeted Autophagy Inhibition of Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells To Synergistically Treat Liver Fibrosis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37899504 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c11046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the most common and highly prevalent chronic liver diseases caused by multiple pathogenic factors, and there is still no effective therapeutic drugs up to now. The activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the main executor in liver fibrosis, and the autophagy plays a key role in the proliferation and differentiation of aHSCs, which promotes the development of liver fibrosis. However, autophagy has the opposite effect on the different kinds of liver cells in the development of liver fibrosis, and the clinical treatment has been limited by the poor selectivity and inefficient drug delivery to aHSCs. Therefore, in this study, a liposome (Lip) and exosome (Exo) two-membrane hybrid nanobiomimetic delivery system HCQ@VA-Lip-Exo was designed, which was modified by vitamin A (VA) to target the aHSCs and carried the autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). The experimental results in vitro and in vivo revealed that the constructed aHSC-targeted hybrid delivery system HCQ@VA-Lip-Exo combined with the benefits of HCQ and exosomes derived from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. HCQ@VA-Lip-Exo had good aHSC-targeted delivery ability, effective autophagy inhibition, and synergistical anti-liver fibrosis performance, thus reducing the production and deposition of the extracellular matrix to inhibit the liver fibrosis. This combined strategy provided a potential idea for the construction and clinical application of a two-membrane hybrid delivery system as an effective targeted therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Shuang Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Hua Xing
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Tang-Rui Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710032, People's Republic of China
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17
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Geng Y, Wang J, Serna-Salas SA, Villanueva AH, Buist-Homan M, Arrese M, Olinga P, Blokzijl H, Moshage H. Hepatic stellate cells induce an inflammatory phenotype in Kupffer cells via the release of extracellular vesicles. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:2293-2303. [PMID: 37555553 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the response of the liver to chronic liver inflammation. The communication between the resident liver macrophages (Kupffer cells [KCs]) and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has been mainly viewed as one-directional: from KCs to HSCs with KCs promoting fibrogenesis. However, recent studies indicated that HSCs may function as a hub of intercellular communications. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the role of HSCs on the inflammatory phenotype of KCs. Primary rat HSCs and KCs were isolated from male Wistar rats. HSCs-derived conditioned medium (CM) was harvested from different time intervals (Day 0-2: CM-D2 and Day 5-7: CM-D7) during the activation of HSCs. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) were isolated from CM by ultracentrifugation and evaluated by nanoparticle tracking analysis and western blot analysis. M1 and M2 markers of inflammation were measured by quantitative PCR and macrophage function by assessing phagocytic capacity. CM-D2 significantly induced the inflammatory phenotype in KCs, but not CM-D7. Neither CM-D2 nor CM-D7 affected the phagocytosis of KCs. Importantly, the proinflammatory effect of HSCs-derived CM is mediated via EVs released from HSCs since EVs isolated from CM mimicked the effect of CM, whereas EV-depleted CM lost its ability to induce a proinflammatory phenotype in KCs. In addition, when the activation of HSCs was inhibited, HSCs produced less EVs. Furthermore, the proinflammatory effects of CM and EVs are related to activating Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in KCs. In conclusion, HSCs at an early stage of activation induce a proinflammatory phenotype in KCs via the release of EVs. This effect is absent in CM derived from HSCs at a later stage of activation and is dependent on the activation of TLR4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yana Geng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Junyu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Alejandra Serna-Salas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandra Hernández Villanueva
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Manon Buist-Homan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marco Arrese
- Department of Gastroenterology, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Peter Olinga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Blokzijl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Han Moshage
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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18
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Tao H, Liu Q, Zeng A, Song L. Unlocking the potential of Mesenchymal stem cells in liver Fibrosis: Insights into the impact of autophagy and aging. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 121:110497. [PMID: 37329808 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110497] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by extracellular matrix protein accumulation, potentially leading to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver cell damage, inflammatory responses, and apoptosis due to various reasons induce liver fibrosis. Although several treatments, such as antiviral drugs and immunosuppressive therapies, are available for liver fibrosis, they only provide limited efficacy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have become a promising therapeutic option for liver fibrosis, because they can modulate the immune response, promote liver regeneration, and inhibit the activation of hepatic stellate cells that contribute to disease development. Recent studies have suggested that the mechanisms through which MSCs gain their antifibrotic properties involve autophagy and senescence. Autophagy, a vital cellular self-degradation process, is critical for maintaining homeostasis and protecting against nutritional, metabolic, and infection-mediated stress. The therapeutic effects of MSCs depend on appropriate autophagy levels, which can improve the fibrotic process. Nonetheless, aging-related autophagic damage is associated with a decline in MSC number and function, which play a crucial role in liver fibrosis development. This review summarizes the recent advancements in the understanding of autophagy and senescence in MSC-based liver fibrosis treatment, presenting the key findings from relevant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Tao
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Qianglin Liu
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China
| | - Anqi Zeng
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology and Clinical Application, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, PR China.
| | - Linjiang Song
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, PR China.
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19
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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Chen T, Lin Y, Gong J, Xu Q, Wang J, Li J, Meng Y, Li Y, Li X. Caveolin-1 depletion attenuates hepatic fibrosis via promoting SQSTM1-mediated PFKL degradation in HSCs. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 204:95-107. [PMID: 37116593 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
The key glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK) is responsible for maintaining glycolytic stability and an important energy source for activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, its regulation in activated HSCs remains unclear. Caveolin-1 (Cav1), a major constituent of caveolae, has emerged as a key target for triggering glycolysis. However, the relationship between Cav1 and glycolysis during HSC activation is not well established. In this study, Cav1 was upregulated in mouse and human fibrotic liver tissues. We concluded that HSC-specific Cav1 knockdown markedly alleviates liver injury and fibrosis. Mechanistically, Cav1 was elevated during primary mouse HSC activation, competing with SQSTM1 for the regulatory subunit of PFK liver type and inhibiting the SQSTM1-mediated autophagy-independent lysosomal degradation pathway to sustain HSC activation. We also identified the heptapeptide alamandine as a promising therapeutic agent that downregulates Cav1 protein levels via proteasomal degradation and may impair glycolysis. Our study provides evidence of the crucial role and mechanism of Cav1 in the glucose metabolic network in HSCs and highlights Cav1 as a critical therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiacheng Gong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qihan Xu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jierui Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
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20
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Yenilmez B, Harney S, DiMarzio C, Kelly M, Min K, Echeverria D, Bramato BM, Jackson SO, Reddig K, Kim JK, Khvorova A, Czech MP. Dual targeting of hepatocyte DGAT2 and stellate cell FASN alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.05.547848. [PMID: 37461560 PMCID: PMC10350091 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.05.547848] [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: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a malady of multiple cell types associated with hepatocyte triglyceride (TG) accumulation, macrophage inflammation, and stellate cell-induced fibrosis, with no approved therapeutics yet available. Here, we report that stellate cell fatty acid synthase (FASN) in de novo lipogenesis drives the autophagic flux that is required for stellate cell activation and fibrotic collagen production. Further, we employ a dual targeting approach to NASH that selectively depletes collagen through selective stellate cell knockout of FASN (using AAV9-LRAT Cre in FASNfl/fl mice), while lowering hepatocyte triglyceride by depleting DGAT2 with a GalNac-conjugated, fully chemically modified siRNA. DGAT2 silencing in hepatocytes alone or in combination with stellate cell FASNKO reduced liver TG accumulation in a choline-deficient NASH mouse model, while FASNKO in hepatocytes alone (using AAV8-TBG Cre in FASNfl/fl mice) did not. Neither hepatocyte DGAT2 silencing alone nor FASNKO in stellate cells alone decreased fibrosis (total collagen), while loss of both DGAT2 plus FASN caused a highly significant attenuation of NASH. These data establish proof of concept that dual targeting of DGAT2 plus FASN alleviates NASH progression in mice far greater than targeting either gene product alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batuhan Yenilmez
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Shauna Harney
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Chloe DiMarzio
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Mark Kelly
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Kyounghee Min
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Brianna M. Bramato
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Samuel O. Jackson
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Keith Reddig
- Department of Radiology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jason K. Kim
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Michael P. Czech
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
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21
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Wang Y, Xiong L, Dong Z, Ran K, Bai W, Mo Z, Huang K, Ye Y, Tao Y, Yin S, Li M, He Q. Autophagy-Interfering Nanoboat Drifting along CD44-Golgi-ER Flow as RNAi Therapeutics for Hepatic Fibrosis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023. [PMID: 37290012 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c03416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The upregulated autophagy fuels the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to promote hepatic fibrosis. However, the lack of specific inhibitors targeting autophagy and high requirements for cell targeting impede the application of antifibrotic therapy that targets autophagy. RNA interference (RNAi)-based short interfering RNA (siRNA) provides an approach to specifically inhibit autophagy. The therapeutic potential of siRNA, however, is far from being exploited due to the lack of safe and effective delivery vehicles. The cytoplasmic delivery of siRNA is essential for RNAi, and the intracellular trafficking pathway of vehicles determines the fate of siRNA. Unfortunately, the lysosomal degradation pathway, the intracellular fate of most gene vehicles, impedes RNAi efficiency. Inspired by the trafficking pathway of some viruses infecting cells, KDEL-grafted chondroitin sulfate (CK) was designed to alter the intracellular delivery fate of siRNA. The well-designed CD44-Golgi-ER trafficking pathway of CK was realized by triple cascade targeting including (1) CD44 targeting mediated by chondroitin sulfate, (2) Golgi apparatus targeting mediated by the caveolin-mediated endocytic pathway, and (3) endoplasmic reticulum (ER) targeting mediated by coat protein I (COP I) vesicles. CK was adsorbed on the complex of cationic liposomes (Lip) encapsulating siRNA targeting autophagy-related gene 7 (siATG7) to afford Lip/siATG7/CK. Lip/siATG7/CK functions as a drifting boat that follows the CD44-Golgi-ER flow and travels downstream to its destination (ER), bypassing the lysosomal degradation pathway and endowing HSCs with excellent RNAi efficiency. The efficient downregulation of ATG7 leads to an excellent antifibrotic effect both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyan Dong
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixin Ran
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing Bai
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Ziyi Mo
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Kexin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxia Ye
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Tao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Sheng Yin
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Man Li
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin He
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Med-X Center for Materials, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China
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22
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Li ZB, Jiang L, Ni JD, Xu YH, Liu F, Liu WM, Wang SG, Liu ZQ, Wang CY. Salvianolic acid B suppresses hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting ceramide glucosyltransferase in hepatic stellate cells. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1191-1205. [PMID: 36627345 PMCID: PMC10203340 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-01044-9] [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: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) is the first key enzyme in glycosphingolipid (GSL) metabolism that produces glucosylceramide (GlcCer). Increased UGCG synthesis is associated with cell proliferation, invasion and multidrug resistance in human cancers. In this study we investigated the role of UGCG in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. We first found that UGCG was over-expressed in fibrotic livers and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In human HSC-LX2 cells, inhibition of UGCG with PDMP or knockdown of UGCG suppressed the expression of the biomarkers of HSC activation (α-SMA and collagen I). Furthermore, pretreatment with PDMP (40 μM) impaired lysosomal homeostasis and blocked the process of autophagy, leading to activation of retinoic acid signaling pathway and accumulation of lipid droplets. After exploring the structure and key catalytic residues of UGCG in the activation of HSCs, we conducted virtual screening, molecular interaction and molecular docking experiments, and demonstrated salvianolic acid B (SAB) from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia miltiorrhiza as an UGCG inhibitor with an IC50 value of 159 μM. In CCl4-induced mouse liver fibrosis, intraperitoneal administration of SAB (30 mg · kg-1 · d-1, for 4 weeks) significantly alleviated hepatic fibrogenesis by inhibiting the activation of HSCs and collagen deposition. In addition, SAB displayed better anti-inflammatory effects in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. These results suggest that UGCG may represent a therapeutic target for liver fibrosis; SAB could act as an inhibitor of UGCG, which is expected to be a candidate drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Bo Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jia-Dong Ni
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuan-Hang Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Fang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wen-Ming Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shao-Gui Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Zhong-Qiu Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Cai-Yan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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23
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Yum YJ, Yoo J, Bang K, Jun JE, Jeong IK, Ahn KJ, Chung HY, Hwang YC. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ activation ameliorates liver fibrosis-differential action of transcription factor EB and autophagy on hepatocytes and stellate cells. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0154. [PMID: 37204406 PMCID: PMC10538880 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activation suppresses HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Moreover, autophagy is implicated in hepatic lipid metabolism. Here, we determined whether PPARγ activation ameliorates HSC activation by downregulating transcription factor EB (TFEB)-mediated autophagy. METHODS AND RESULTS Atg7 or Tfeb knockdown in human HSC line LX-2 cells downregulated the expression of fibrogenic markers including α smooth muscle actin, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and collagen type 1. Conversely, Atg7 or Tfeb overexpression upregulated fibrogenic marker expression. Rosiglitazone (RGZ)-mediated PPARγ activation and/or overexpression in LX-2 cells and primary HSCs decreased autophagy, as indicated by LC3B conversion, total and nuclear-TFEB contents, mRFP-LC3 and BODIPY 493/503 colocalization, and GFP-LC3 and LysoTracker colocalization. RGZ treatment decreased liver fat content, liver enzyme levels, and fibrogenic marker expression in high-fat high-cholesterol diet-fed mice. Electron microscopy showed that RGZ treatment restored the high-fat high-cholesterol diet-mediated lipid droplet decrease and autophagic vesicle induction in primary HSCs and liver tissues. However, TFEB overexpression in LX-2 cells offset the aforementioned effects of RGZ on autophagic flux, lipid droplets, and fibrogenic marker expression. CONCLUSIONS Activation of PPARγ with RGZ ameliorated liver fibrosis and downregulation of TFEB and autophagy in HSCs may be important for the antifibrotic effects of PPARγ activation.
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24
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Kitsugi K, Noritake H, Matsumoto M, Hanaoka T, Umemura M, Yamashita M, Takatori S, Ito J, Ohta K, Chida T, Suda T, Kawata K. Simvastatin inhibits hepatic stellate cells activation by regulating the ferroptosis signaling pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023:166750. [PMID: 37268254 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166750] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ferroptosis is a form of regulated cell death and its promotion in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) attenuates liver fibrosis. Statins, which are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, may induce ferroptosis via the downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) by inhibiting the mevalonate pathway. However, little evidence is available regarding the association between statins and ferroptosis. Therefore, we investigated the association between statins and ferroptosis in HSCs. METHODS Two human HSC cell lines, LX-2 and TWNT-1, were treated with simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Mevalonic acid (MVA), farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP), and geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) were used to determine the involvement of the mevalonate pathway. We performed a detailed analysis of the ferroptosis signaling pathway. We also investigated human liver tissue samples from patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis to clarify the effect of statins on GPX4 expression. RESULTS Simvastatin reduced cell mortality and inhibited HSCs activation, accompanied by iron accumulation, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and reduced GPX4 protein expression. These results indicate that simvastatin inhibits HSCs activation by promoting ferroptosis. Furthermore, treatment with MVA, FPP, or GGPP attenuated simvastatin-induced ferroptosis. These results suggest that simvastatin promotes ferroptosis in HSCs by inhibiting the mevalonate pathway. In human liver tissue samples, statins downregulated the expression of GPX4 in HSCs without affecting hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Simvastatin inhibits the activation of HSCs by regulating the ferroptosis signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Kitsugi
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan.
| | - Hidenao Noritake
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Moe Matsumoto
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Hanaoka
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masahiro Umemura
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Maho Yamashita
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Shingo Takatori
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Jun Ito
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Ohta
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Chida
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Suda
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhito Kawata
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
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25
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Gilgenkrantz H, Paradis V, Lotersztajn S. Cell metabolism-based therapy for liver fibrosis, repair, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00454. [PMID: 37212145 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000479] [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] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Progression of chronic liver injury to fibrosis, abnormal liver regeneration, and HCC is driven by a dysregulated dialog between epithelial cells and their microenvironment, in particular immune, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. There is currently no antifibrogenic therapy, and drug treatment of HCC is limited to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy targeting the tumor microenvironment. Metabolic reprogramming of epithelial and nonparenchymal cells is critical at each stage of disease progression, suggesting that targeting specific metabolic pathways could constitute an interesting therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss how modulating intrinsic metabolism of key effector liver cells might disrupt the pathogenic sequence from chronic liver injury to fibrosis/cirrhosis, regeneration, and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Gilgenkrantz
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Paradis
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
- Pathology Department, Beaujon Hospital APHP, Paris-Cité University, Clichy, France
| | - Sophie Lotersztajn
- Paris-Cité University, INSERM, Center for Research on Inflammation, Paris, France
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26
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Brichkina A, Polo P, Sharma SD, Visestamkul N, Lauth M. A Quick Guide to CAF Subtypes in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092614. [PMID: 37174079 PMCID: PMC10177377 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092614] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most desmoplastic malignancies and is characterized by an extensive deposition of extracellular matrix. The latter is provided by activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), which are abundant cells in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. Many recent studies have made it clear that CAFs are not a singular cellular entity but represent a multitude of potentially dynamic subgroups that affect tumor biology at several levels. As mentioned before, CAFs significantly contribute to the fibrotic reaction and the biomechanical properties of the tumor, but they can also modulate the local immune environment and the response to targeted, chemo or radiotherapy. As the number of known and emerging CAF subgroups is steadily increasing, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep up with these developments and to clearly discriminate the cellular subsets identified so far. This review aims to provide a helpful overview that enables readers to quickly familiarize themselves with field of CAF heterogeneity and to grasp the phenotypic, functional and therapeutic distinctions of the various stromal subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brichkina
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Pierfrancesco Polo
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Shrey Dharamvir Sharma
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Nico Visestamkul
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology, Clinics for Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
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27
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Tan Y, Li C, Zhou J, Deng F, Liu Y. Berberine attenuates liver fibrosis by autophagy inhibition triggering apoptosis via the miR-30a-5p/ATG5 axis. Exp Cell Res 2023; 427:113600. [PMID: 37062521 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113600] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is an effective drug against liver fibrosis (LF). Autophagy is involved in the pathogenesis of LF; however, the mechanism linking BBR to autophagy in LF remains unresolved. To explore the underlying mechanism, we assessed the effects of BBR on autophagy and apoptosis of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and in a murine model of fibrosis. The decreased expression of the autophagy activation marker ATG5, autophagosome formation, and autophagy flux in the HSC model confirmed that BBR inhibited autophagy in activated HSCs and in mice with liver fibrosis. Moreover, ATG5 was necessary for inducing autophagy and HSC activation. BBR suppressed ATG5 expression by upregulating miR-30a-5p expression, which affected the stability of ATG5 mRNA by binding to its 3'-untranslated region, an effect that was attenuated by treatment with a miR-30a-5p inhibitor. BBR also markedly induced HSC apoptosis, as indicated by the upregulated expression of the pro-apoptosis markers p53, BAX, and cleaved PARP and the downregulated expression of the anti-apoptosis marker BCL-2, effects that were reversed by ATG5 overexpression. In vivo, BBR improved mouse LF by decreasing collagen deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and expression of fibrosis markers hydroxyproline, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type 1-A1 and the autophagy marker LC3. BBR had a protective effect on mouse fibrotic livers and reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. Collectively, these results reveal a novel mechanism of BBR-induced autophagy inhibition triggering apoptosis in HSCs, providing a reliable experimental and theoretical basis for developing BBR-based candidate drugs for LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehao Tan
- Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, 610100, China
| | - Can Li
- Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China
| | - Jiali Zhou
- Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, 610100, China
| | - Fengmei Deng
- School of Basic Medical Science, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China.
| | - Yilun Liu
- Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, 610500, China; People's Hospital of Mingshan District, Ya'an, Sichuan, 625100, China.
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28
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Tacke F, Puengel T, Loomba R, Friedman SL. An integrated view of anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic targets for the treatment of NASH. J Hepatol 2023:S0168-8278(23)00218-0. [PMID: 37061196 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Successful development of treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been challenging. Because NASH and fibrosis lead to NAFLD progression towards cirrhosis and to clinical outcomes, approaches have either sought to attenuate metabolic dysregulation and cell injury, or directly target the inflammation and fibrosis that ensue. Targets for reducing the activation of inflammatory cascades include nuclear receptor agonists (thyroid hormone receptor-beta, e.g. resmetirom, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor [PPAR], e.g. lanifibranor, farnesoid X receptor [FXR], e.g. obeticholic acid), modulators of lipotoxicity (e.g. aramchol, acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors) or modification of genetic variants (e.g. PNPLA3 gene silencing). Extrahepatic inflammatory signals from circulation, adipose tissue or gut are targets of hormonal agonists (e.g. glucagon-like peptide-1 [GLP-1] like semaglutide, fibroblast growth factor [FGF]-19 or FGF21), microbiota or lifestyle (weight loss, diet, exercise) interventions. Stress signals and hepatocyte death activate immune responses engaging innate (macrophages, lymphocytes) and adaptive (auto-aggressive T-cells) mechanisms. Therapies seek to blunt immune cell activation, recruitment (chemokine receptor inhibitors) and responses (e.g. galectin 3 inhibition, anti-platelet drugs). The disease-driving pathways of NASH converge to elicit fibrosis, which is reversible. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) into matrix-producing myofibroblasts can be inhibited by antagonizing soluble factors (e.g. integrins, cytokines), cellular crosstalk (e.g. with macrophages), and agonizing nuclear receptor signaling (e.g. FXR or PPAR agonists). In advanced fibrosis, cell therapy with restorative macrophages or reprogrammed T-cells (e.g., CAR T) may accelerate repair through HSC deactivation or killing, or by enhancing matrix degradation. Heterogeneity of disease - either due to genetics or divergent disease drivers - is an obstacle to defining effective drugs for all patients with NASH that will be incrementally overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Tobias Puengel
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States.
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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29
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Abeliovich H, Debnath J, Ding WX, Jackson WT, Kim DH, Klionsky DJ, Ktistakis N, Margeta M, Münz C, Petersen M, Sadoshima J, Vergne I. Where is the field of autophagy research heading? Autophagy 2023; 19:1049-1054. [PMID: 36628432 PMCID: PMC10012950 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2023.2166301] [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] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In this editors' corner, the section editors were asked to indicate where they see the autophagy field heading and to suggest what they consider to be key unanswered questions in their specialty area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagai Abeliovich
- Department of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jayanta Debnath
- Department of Pathology, USCF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wen-Xing Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - William T. Jackson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Do-Hyung Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn, USA
| | | | | | - Marta Margeta
- Department of Pathology, USCF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christian Münz
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Morten Petersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Junichi Sadoshima
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Isabelle Vergne
- Institute of Pharmacology and Structural Biology (IPBS), University of Toulouse, CNRS, University of Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
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30
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Wiering L, Subramanian P, Hammerich L. Hepatic Stellate Cells: Dictating Outcome in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1277-1292. [PMID: 36828280 PMCID: PMC10148161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a fast growing, chronic liver disease affecting ∼25% of the global population. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease severity ranges from the less severe simple hepatic steatosis to the more advanced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The presence of NASH predisposes individuals to liver fibrosis, which can further progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This makes hepatic fibrosis an important indicator of clinical outcomes in patients with NASH. Hepatic stellate cell activation dictates fibrosis development during NASH. Here, we discuss recent advances in the analysis of the profibrogenic pathways and mediators of hepatic stellate cell activation and inactivation, which ultimately determine the course of disease in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leke Wiering
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Junior Clinician Scientist Program, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pallavi Subramanian
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.
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31
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Molenaar MR, Haaker MW, Vaandrager AB, Houweling M, Helms JB. Lipidomic profiling of rat hepatic stellate cells during activation reveals a two-stage process accompanied by increased levels of lysosomal lipids. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:103042. [PMID: 36803964 PMCID: PMC10033282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.103042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are liver-resident cells best known for their role in vitamin A storage under physiological conditions. Upon liver injury, HSCs activate into myofibroblast-like cells, a key process in the onset of liver fibrosis. Lipids play an important role during HSC activation. Here, we provide a comprehensive characterization of the lipidomes of primary rat HSCs during 17 days of activation in vitro. For lipidomic data interpretation, we expanded our previously described Lipid Ontology (LION) and associated web application (LION/Web) with the LION-PCA heatmap module, which generates heatmaps of the most typical LION-signatures in lipidomic datasets. Furthermore, we used LION to perform pathway analysis to determine the significant metabolic conversions in lipid pathways. Together, we identify two distinct stages of HSC activation. In the first stage, we observe a decrease of saturated phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and phosphatidic acid and an increase in phosphatidylserine and polyunsaturated bis(monoacylglycero)phosphate (BMP), a lipid class typically localized at endosomes and lysosomes. In the second activation stage, BMPs, hexosylceramides, and ether-linked phosphatidylcholines are elevated, resembling a lysosomal lipid storage disease profile. The presence of isomeric structures of BMP in HSCs was confirmed ex vivo in MS-imaging datasets of steatosed liver sections. Finally, treatment with pharmaceuticals targeting the lysosomal integrity led to cell death in primary HSCs but not in HeLa cells. In summary, our combined data suggest that lysosomes play a critical role during a two-stage activation process of HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martijn R Molenaar
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maya W Haaker
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Bas Vaandrager
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Houweling
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Bernd Helms
- Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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32
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Meng YX, Zhao R, Huo LJ. Interleukin-22 alleviates alcohol-associated hepatic fibrosis, inhibits autophagy, and suppresses the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2023; 47:448-458. [PMID: 36799106 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15021] [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: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-associated hepatic fibrosis is a widespread liver disease with no effective treatment. Recent studies have indicated that interleukin-22 (IL-22) can ameliorate alcohol-associated liver disease. However, the mechanism underlying the role of IL-22 in alcohol-associated hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of IL-22 in a mouse model of alcohol-associated hepatic fibrosis and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Alcohol-associated hepatic fibrosis was induced by feeding male C57BL/6J mice with a Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing 4% ethyl alcohol for 8 weeks and injecting them with 5% tetrachloromethane (CCl4 ) intraperitoneally for the last 4 weeks. During the last 4 weeks, IL-22 was also administered. We investigated the role of IL-22 in autophagy and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway using a 3-methyladenine intraperitoneal injection in the mice treated with IL-22. The effects of IL-22 on alcohol-associated hepatic fibrosis, autophagy-related gene expression, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR activity were assessed using histopathology, biochemical analysis, transmission electron microscopy, quantitative real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. RESULTS Mice treated with ethanol and CCl4 displayed distinct liver injuries, including hepatocyte necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and hepatic fibrosis, which were substantially attenuated by IL-22 treatment. In addition, we found that IL-22 regulated the expression of autophagy-related genes and inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, as evidenced by the reduction in p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-mTOR expression after IL-22 treatment. CONCLUSIONS IL-22 exerts a marked protective effect against alcohol-associated hepatic fibrosis. Its effect may be partly related to the alteration of autophagy-related gene expression and inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xi Meng
- Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Taiyuan Central Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Li-Juan Huo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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33
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Wu Y, Tan HWS, Lin JY, Shen HM, Wang H, Lu G. Molecular mechanisms of autophagy and implications in liver diseases. LIVER RESEARCH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
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34
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How ginseng regulates autophagy: Insights from multistep process. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114139. [PMID: 36580724 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114139] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although autophagy is a recognized contributor to the pathogenesis of human diseases, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are the only two FDA-approved autophagy inhibitors to date. Emerging evidence has revealed the potential therapeutic benefits of various extracts and active compounds isolated from ginseng, especially ginsenosides and their derivatives, by mediating autophagy. Mechanistically, active components from ginseng mediate key regulators in the multistep processes of autophagy, namely, initiation, autophagosome biogenesis and cargo degradation. AIM OF REVIEW To date, a review that systematically described the relationship between ginseng and autophagy is still lacking. Breakthroughs in finding the key players in ginseng-autophagy regulation will be a promising research area, and will provide positive insights into the development of new drugs based on ginseng and autophagy. KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW Here, we comprehensively summarized the critical roles of ginseng-regulated autophagy in treating diseases, including cancers, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and neurotoxicity. The dual effects of the autophagy response in certain diseases are worthy of note; thus, we highlight the complex impacts of both ginseng-induced and ginseng-inhibited autophagy. Moreover, autophagy and apoptosis are controlled by multiple common upstream signals, cross-regulate each other and affect certain diseases, especially cancers. Therefore, this review also discusses the cross-signal transduction pathways underlying the molecular mechanisms and interaction between ginseng-regulated autophagy and apoptosis.
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35
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Quiroz Reyes AG, Lozano Sepulveda SA, Martinez-Acuña N, Islas JF, Gonzalez PD, Heredia Torres TG, Perez JR, Garza Treviño EN. Cancer Stem Cell and Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2023; 22:15330338231163677. [PMID: 36938618 PMCID: PMC10028642 DOI: 10.1177/15330338231163677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver cancer. It is highly lethal and has high recurrence. Death among HCC patients occur mainly due to tumor progression, recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are cell subpopulations within the tumor that promote invasion, recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are important components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) responsible for primary secretory ECM proteins during liver injury and inflammation. These cells promote fibrogenesis, infiltrate the tumor stroma, and contribute to HCC development. Interactions between HSC and CSC and their microenvironment help promote carcinogenesis through different mechanisms. This review summarizes the roles of CSCs and HSCs in establishing the TME in primary liver tumors and describes their involvement in HCC chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana G Quiroz Reyes
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Sonia A Lozano Sepulveda
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Natalia Martinez-Acuña
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jose F Islas
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Paulina Delgado Gonzalez
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Tania Guadalupe Heredia Torres
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jorge Roacho Perez
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Elsa N Garza Treviño
- Facultad de Medicina, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, 27771Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico
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Zhang K, Zhang Q, Jia R, Xiang S, Xu L. A comprehensive review of the relationship between autophagy and sorafenib-resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma: ferroptosis is noteworthy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1156383. [PMID: 37181755 PMCID: PMC10172583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1156383] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) bear a heavy burden of disease and economic burden but have fewer treatment options. Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, is the only approved drug that can be used to limit the progression of inoperable or distant metastatic HCC. However, enhanced autophagy and other molecular mechanisms after sorafenib exposure further induce drug resistance in HCC patients. Sorafenib-associated autophagy also generates a series of biomarkers, which may represent that autophagy is a critical section of sorafenib-resistance in HCC. Furthermore, many classic signaling pathways have been found to be involved in sorafenib-associated autophagy, including the HIF/mTOR signaling pathway, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and sphingolipid signaling, among others. In turn, autophagy also provokes autophagic activity in components of the tumor microenvironment, including tumor cells and stem cells, further impacting sorafenib-resistance in HCC through a special autophagic cell death process called ferroptosis. In this review, we summarized the latest research progress and molecular mechanisms of sorafenib-resistance-associated autophagy in detail, providing new insights and ideas for unraveling the dilemma of sorafenib-resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangnan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qinghui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rongrong Jia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shihao Xiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shihao Xiang, ; Ling Xu,
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Shihao Xiang, ; Ling Xu,
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37
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Mak KM, Wu C, Cheng CP. Lipid droplets, the Holy Grail of hepatic stellate cells: In health and hepatic fibrosis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 306:983-1010. [PMID: 36516055 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25138] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are distinct morphological markers of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). They are composed of a core of predominantly retinyl esters and triacylglycerols surrounded by a phospholipid layer; the latter harbors perilipins 2, 3, and 5, which help control LD lipolysis. Electron microscopy distinguishes between Types I and II LDs. Type I LDs are surrounded by acid phosphatase-positive lysosomes, which likely digest LDs. LD count and retinoid concentration are modulated by vitamin A intake. Alcohol consumption depletes hepatic retinoids and HSC LDs, with concomitant transformation of HSCs to fibrogenic myofibroblast-like cells. LD loss and accompanying HSC activation occur in HSC cell culture models. Loss of LDs is a consequence of and not a prerequisite for HSC activation. LDs are endowed with enzymes for synthesizing retinyl esters and triacylglycerols as well as neutral lipases and lysosomal acid lipase for breaking down LDs. HSCs have two distinct metabolic LD pools: an "original" pool in quiescent HSCs and a "new" pool emerging in HSC activation; this two-pool model provides a platform for analyzing LD dynamics in HSC activation. Besides lipolysis, LDs are degraded by lipophagy; however, the coordination between and relative contributions of these two pathways to LD removal are unclear. While induction of autophagy accelerates LD loss in quiescent HSCs and promotes HSC activation, blocking autophagy impairs LD degradation and inhibits HSC activation and fibrosis. This article is a critique of five decades of investigations into the morphology, molecular structure, synthesis, and degradation of LDs associated with HSC activation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki M Mak
- Department of Medical Education and Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Catherine Wu
- Department of Medical Education and Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christopher P Cheng
- Department of Medical Education and Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Wu X, Liu XQ, Liu ZN, Xia GQ, Zhu H, Zhang MD, Wu BM, Lv XW. CD73 aggravates alcohol-related liver fibrosis by promoting autophagy mediated activation of hepatic stellate cells through AMPK/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Zhang Y, Hua L, Lin C, Yuan M, Xu W, Raj D. A, Venkidasamy B, Cespedes-Acuna CL, Nile SH, Yan G, Zheng H. Pien-Tze-Huang alleviates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through the inhibition of HSC autophagy and the TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:937484. [PMID: 36188553 PMCID: PMC9523731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.937484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pien-Tze-Huang (PZH)—a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compound—has been employed to treat various liver inflammation and tumors for over 10 decades. Interestingly, most of the pharmacological effects had been validated and explored toward liver ailment along with pro-inflammatory conditions and cancer at the cellular and molecular level to date. Aim of the study: The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of PZH on autophagy and TGF-β1 signaling pathways in rats with liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell line (HSC). Materials and methods: Male SD rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis were used as the animal model. Next, PZH treatment was given for 8 weeks. Afterward, the therapeutic effects of PZH were analyzed through a hepatic tissue structure by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Van Gieson (VG) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), activity of ALT and AST by enzyme-associated immunosorbent assay as well. Subsequently, mRNA and protein expression were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Then, the cell vitality of PZH-treated HSC and the expression of key molecules prevailing to autophagy were studied in vitro. Meanwhile, SM16 (a novel small molecular inhibitor which inhibits TGFβ-induced Smad2 phosphorylation) was employed to confirm PZH’s effects on the proliferation and autophagy of HSC. Results: PZH pharmacologically exerted anti-hepatic fibrosis effects as demonstrated by protecting hepatocytes and improving hepatic function. The results revealed the reduced production of extracellular collagen by adjusting the balance of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2, MMP9, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP1) in PZH-treated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Interestingly, PZH inhibited the activation of HSC by down-regulating TGF-β1 and phosphorylating Smad2. Furthermore, PZH down-regulated yeast Atg6 (Beclin-1) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) toward suppressing HSC autophagy, and PZH exhibited similar effects to that of SM16. Conclusion: To conclude, PZH alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis to reduce the production of extracellular collagen and inhibiting the activation of HSC. In addition, their pharmacological mechanisms related to autophagy and TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathways were revealed for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqin Zhang
- Pharmacy College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Liping Hua
- Pharmacy College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chunfeng Lin
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Mingzhou Yuan
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Pharmacy College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Anand Raj D.
- Department of Biotechnology, Karpagam Academy of Higher Education (Deemed to be University), Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Baskar Venkidasamy
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Carlos L. Cespedes-Acuna
- Plant Biochemistry and Phytochemical Ecology Lab, Basic Sciences Department University of Bio Bio, Chillan, Chile
| | - Shivraj Hariram Nile
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Shivraj Hariram Nile, ; Guohong Yan, ; Haiyin Zheng,
| | - Guohong Yan
- Affiliated People’s Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Shivraj Hariram Nile, ; Guohong Yan, ; Haiyin Zheng,
| | - Haiyin Zheng
- College of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- *Correspondence: Shivraj Hariram Nile, ; Guohong Yan, ; Haiyin Zheng,
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Exploration of the Potential Targets and Molecular Mechanism of Carthamus tinctorius L. for Liver Fibrosis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Strategy. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10091735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Carthamus tinctorius L. (Honghua, HH) is an herbal medicine and functional food widely used to treat chronic liver diseases, including liver fibrosis. By using network pharmacology and molecular docking experiments, the present study aims to determine the bioactive components, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of HH for treating liver fibrosis. The components of HH were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and literature, and the SwissTargetPrediction database was used to predict the treatment targets of HH. Genecards and DisGeNET databases contained targets for liver fibrosis, and the STRING database provided networks of protein–protein interactions. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Database of Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The protein–protein interactive network and drug–component–major target–pathway interactive network were visualized and analyzed by Cytoscape software. Finally, Autodock Vina and Discovery Studio software were used for molecular docking Validation. A total of 23 candidate bioactive compounds with 187 treatment targets of HH were acquired from the databases and literature. A total of 121 overlapping targets between HH and liver fibrosis were found to provide the molecular basis for HH on liver fibrosis. Quercetin, beta carotene, and lignan were identified as key components with targeting to ESR1, PIK3CA, and MTOR. HH is engaged in the intervention of various signaling cascades associated with liver fibrosis, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, MAPK pathway, and PPAR pathway. In conclusion, HH treats liver fibrosis through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms.
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Cassidy LD, Narita M. Autophagy at the intersection of aging, senescence, and cancer. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3259-3275. [PMID: 35689420 PMCID: PMC9490138 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved cellular process in which macromolecules undergo lysosomal degradation. It fulfills essential roles in quality controlling cellular constituents and in energy homeostasis. Basal autophagy is also widely accepted to provide a protective role in aging and aging-related disorders, and its decline with age might precipitate the onset of a variety of diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of basal autophagy in maintaining homeostasis, in part through the maintenance of stem cell populations and the prevention of cellular senescence. We also consider how stress-induced senescence, for example, during oncogene activation and in premalignant disease, might rely on autophagy, and the possibility that the age-associated decline in autophagy might promote tumour development through a variety of mechanisms. Ultimately, evidence suggests that autophagy is required for malignant cancer progression in a number of settings. Thus, autophagy appears to be tumour-suppressive during the early stages of tumorigenesis and tumour-promoting at later stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liam D. Cassidy
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge InstituteUniversity of CambridgeUK
| | - Masashi Narita
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge InstituteUniversity of CambridgeUK
- Tokyo Tech World Research Hub Initiative (WRHI), Institute of Innovative ResearchTokyo Institute of TechnologyYokohamaJapan
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Morishita H, Komatsu M. Role of autophagy in liver diseases. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2022.100594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Zhou Y, Long D, Zhao Y, Li S, Liang Y, Wan L, Zhang J, Xue F, Feng L. Oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial fission promotes hepatic stellate cell activation via stimulating oxidative phosphorylation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:689. [PMID: 35933403 PMCID: PMC9357036 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics in fibrotic livers and hepatocytes. Little is currently known about how mitochondrial dynamics are involved, nor is it clear how mitochondrial dynamics participate in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. In the present study, we investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamics in HSC activation and the underlying mechanisms. We verified that mitochondrial fission was enhanced in human and mouse fibrotic livers and active HSCs. Moreover, increased mitochondrial fission driven by fis1 overexpression could promote HSC activation. Inhibiting mitochondrial fission using mitochondrial fission inhibitor-1 (Mdivi-1) could inhibit activation and induce apoptosis of active HSCs, indicating that increased mitochondrial fission is essential for HSC activation. Mdivi-1 treatment also induced apoptosis in active HSCs in vivo and thus ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. We also found that oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) was increased in active HSCs, and OxPhos inhibitors inhibited activation and induced apoptosis in active HSCs. Moreover, increasing mitochondrial fission upregulated OxPhos, while inhibiting mitochondrial fission downregulated OxPhos, suggesting that mitochondrial fission stimulates OxPhos during HSC activation. Next, we found that inhibition of oxidative stress using mitoquinone mesylate (mitoQ) and Tempol inhibited mitochondrial fission and OxPhos and induced apoptosis in active HSCs, suggesting that oxidative stress contributes to excessive mitochondrial fission during HSC activation. In conclusion, our study revealed that oxidative stress contributes to enhanced mitochondrial fission, which triggers OxPhos during HSC activation. Importantly, inhibiting mitochondrial fission has huge prospects for alleviating liver fibrosis by eliminating active HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanni Zhou
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology of the Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Dan Long
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology of the Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Ying Zhao
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Shengfu Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Key Lab of Transplant Engineering and Immunology of the Ministry of Health, Laboratory of Transplant Immunology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Yan Liang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Research Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Lin Wan
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Jingyao Zhang
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Fulai Xue
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
| | - Li Feng
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Regeneration Medicine Research Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041 P. R. China
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Fibrogenic Pathways in Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23136996. [PMID: 35805998 PMCID: PMC9266719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23136996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently also re-defined as metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is rapidly increasing, affecting ~25% of the world population. MALFD/NAFLD represents a spectrum of liver pathologies including the more benign hepatic steatosis and the more advanced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH is associated with enhanced risk for liver fibrosis and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation underlies NASH-related fibrosis. Here, we discuss the profibrogenic pathways, which lead to HSC activation and fibrogenesis, with a particular focus on the intercellular hepatocyte–HSC and macrophage–HSC crosstalk.
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45
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Liang S, Wu YS, Li DY, Tang JX, Liu HF. Autophagy and Renal Fibrosis. Aging Dis 2022; 13:712-731. [PMID: 35656109 PMCID: PMC9116923 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.1027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is a common process of almost all the chronic kidney diseases progressing to end-stage kidney disease. As a highly conserved lysosomal protein degradation pathway, autophagy is responsible for degrading protein aggregates, damaged organelles, or invading pathogens to maintain intracellular homeostasis. Growing evidence reveals that autophagy is involved in the progression of renal fibrosis, both in the tubulointerstitial compartment and in the glomeruli. Nevertheless, the specific role of autophagy in renal fibrosis has still not been fully understood. Therefore, in this review we will describe the characteristics of autophagy and summarize the recent advances in understanding the functions of autophagy in renal fibrosis. Moreover, the problem existing in this field and the possibility of autophagy as the potential therapeutic target for renal fibrosis have also been discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Liang
- 1Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Yun-Shan Wu
- 1Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong-Yi Li
- 1Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Ji-Xin Tang
- 1Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China.,2Shunde Women and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University (Foshan Shunde Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Hua-Feng Liu
- 1Key Laboratory of Prevention and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease of Zhanjiang, Institute of Nephrology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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Hou LS, Zhang YW, Li H, Wang W, Huan ML, Zhou SY, Zhang BL. The regulatory role and mechanism of autophagy in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108117. [PMID: 35077761 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a key pathological process of chronic liver diseases, caused by alcohol, toxic and aberrant energy metabolism. It progresses to cirrhosis or even hepatic carcinoma without effective treatment. Studies have shown that autophagy has important regulatory effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) energy metabolism, and then affect the activation state of HSCs. Autophagy maintains hepatic energy homeostasis, and the dysregulation of autophagy can lead to the activation of HSCs and the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis. It is necessary to explore the mechanism of autophagy in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis. Herein, the current study summarizes the regulating mechanisms of autophagy through different targets and signal pathways in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis, and discusses the regulatory effect of autophagy by natural plant-derived, endogenous and synthetic compounds for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. A better comprehension of autophagy in hepatic stellate cells energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis may provide effective intervention of hepatic fibrosis, explore the potential clinical strategies and promote the drug treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shuang Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yao-Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Meng-Lei Huan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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Cao Y, Mai W, Li R, Deng S, Li L, Zhou Y, Qin Q, Zhang Y, Zhou X, Han M, Liang P, Yan Y, Hao Y, Xie W, Yan J, Zhu L. Macrophages evoke autophagy of hepatic stellate cells to promote liver fibrosis in NAFLD mice via the PGE2/EP4 pathway. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:303. [PMID: 35588334 PMCID: PMC11071853 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04319-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains unclear and the effective treatments have not been explored yet. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is considered as the most critical factor in the progression of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Autophagy has recently been identified as a new mechanism to regulate HSC activation. Here, we found that liver macrophages were polarized toward type 2 (M2) during the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and liver fibrosis in both patients and NAFLD mice. Using the methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet NAFLD murine model and the in vitro cell culture system, we identified that the M2 macrophages promoted HSC autophagy by secreting prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and binding its receptor EP4 on the surface of HSCs, which consequently enhanced HSC activation, extracellular matrix deposition, and liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, PGE2/EP4 signals enhanced HSC autophagy through the Erk pathway. A specific PGE2/EP4 antagonist E7046 significantly inhibited M2 macrophage-mediated HSC autophagy and improved liver fibrosis and histopathology in NAFLD mice. Our study provides novel mechanistic insights into the regulation of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. Our findings suggest that the PGE2/EP4 pathway is a promising therapeutic target to prevent NASH progression into cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cao
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Weili Mai
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, General Hospital of the Southern Theater of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, Guangzhou, 510030, China
| | - Rui Li
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Shuwei Deng
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Lan Li
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yanxi Zhou
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Qiushi Qin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- Institute of Infectious Diseases, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Xingang Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Ming Han
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Pu Liang
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yonghong Yan
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yu Hao
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
| | - Jie Yan
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
| | - Liuluan Zhu
- Beijing Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing, 100015, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
- National Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, China.
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Jie L, Hong RT, Zhang YJ, Sha LL, Chen W, Ren XF. Melatonin Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Inhibiting Autophagy. Curr Med Sci 2022; 42:498-504. [PMID: 35583587 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-022-2530-7] [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: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Melatonin has been reported to suppress inflammation and alleviate liver fibrosis, but its effect on autophagy in liver fibrosis has not been studied. This study investigated the effect of melatonin on autophagy in an animal model of liver fibrosis and the hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-T6 cell line. METHODS The model was established in rats through carbon tetrachloride treatment, and melatonin was administered at three doses (2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/kg). Haematoxylin and eosin staining and Van Gieson's staining were performed to examine the pathological changes of liver. The expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Beclin1 in liver tissues was detected by immunohistochemical staining. The protein levels of α-SMA, Beclin1 and LC3 in the animal model were detected by Western blot analysis, and gene levels of Beclin1 and LC3 were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in the animal model. HSC-T6 cells were activated by platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB). The expression of α-SMA, Beclin1 and collagen I was detected by Western blot analysis, and the gene expression of Beclin1 and LC3 was detected by qRT-PCR. RESULTS Melatonin reduced the expression of α-SMA, Beclin1 and LC3 in liver tissues. In addition, melatonin inhibited the activation of HSC-T6 cells and the expression of α-SMA, Beclin1 and LC3 in these cells. These results revealed that melatonin could inhibit autophagy and HSC activation. CONCLUSION Melatonin might ameliorate liver fibrosis by regulating autophagy, suggesting that melatonin is a potential therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Jie
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Ru-Tao Hong
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China.
| | - Yu-Jie Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Lu-Lin Sha
- Department of Critical Care Medicine of Cardiothoracic Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease of Anhui Province, Hefei, 230022, China
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Kong W, Liu Z, Sun M, Liu H, Kong C, Ma J, Wang R, Qian F. Synergistic autophagy blockade and VDR signaling activation enhance stellate cell reprogramming in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Lett 2022; 539:215718. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Potential Therapeutic Targets and Promising Agents for Combating NAFLD. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040901. [PMID: 35453652 PMCID: PMC9032837 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a growing cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide because of the global increases in obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Contrary to the advancements in therapies for viral hepatitis, effective treatments remain unestablished for patients with NAFLD. NAFLD, including NASH, is characterized by steatosis, inflammation, hepatic necrosis, and fibrosis. Despite our understanding of its pathophysiology, there are currently no effective treatments for NAFLD. In this review, we provide an update on the known pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the development of NAFLD and the role of hepatic stellate cells, and summarize the potential therapeutic agents, including natural products, for NAFLD.
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