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ten Hove M, Smyris A, Booijink R, Wachsmuth L, Hansen U, Alic L, Faber C, Hӧltke C, Bansal R. Engineered SPIONs functionalized with endothelin a receptor antagonist ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation. Bioact Mater 2024; 39:406-426. [PMID: 38855059 PMCID: PMC11157122 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Endothelin-1/endothelin A receptor (ET-1/ETAR) pathway plays an important role in the progression of liver fibrosis by activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) - a key cell type involved in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Inactivating HSCs by blocking the ET-1/ETAR pathway using a selective ETAR antagonist (ERA) represents a promising therapeutic approach for liver fibrosis. Unfortunately, small-molecule ERAs possess limited clinical potential due to poor bioavailability, short half-life, and rapid renal clearance. To improve the clinical applicability, we conjugated ERA to superparamagnetic iron-oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and investigated the therapeutic efficacy of ERA and ERA-SPIONs in vitro and in vivo and analyzed liver uptake by in vivo and ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), HSCs-specific localization, and ET-1/ETAR-pathway antagonism in vivo. In murine and human liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, we observed overexpression of ET-1 and ETAR that correlated with HSC activation, and HSC-specific localization of ETAR. ERA and successfully synthesized ERA-SPIONs demonstrated significant attenuation in TGFβ-induced HSC activation, ECM production, migration, and contractility. In an acute CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model, ERA-SPIONs exhibited higher liver uptake, HSC-specific localization, and ET-1/ETAR pathway antagonism. This resulted in significantly reduced liver-to-body weight ratio, plasma ALT levels, and α-SMA and collagen-I expression, indicating attenuation of liver fibrosis. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the delivery of ERA using SPIONs enhances the therapeutic efficacy of ERA in vivo. This approach holds promise as a theranostic strategy for the MRI-based diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marit ten Hove
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Smyris
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Richell Booijink
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Lydia Wachsmuth
- Clinic of Radiology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Uwe Hansen
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lejla Alic
- Department of Magnetic Detection and Imaging, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelius Faber
- Clinic of Radiology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Carsten Hӧltke
- Clinic of Radiology, University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Personalized Diagnostics and Therapeutics, Department of Bioengineering Technologies, Technical Medical Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
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Chen H, Wang X, Zhang J, Xie D, Pu Y. Exploration of TCM syndrome types of the material basis and risk prediction of Wilson disease liver fibrosis based on 1H NMR metabolomics. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 245:116167. [PMID: 38663257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116167] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by abnormal copper metabolism. The accumulation of copper in the liver can progress to liver fibrosis and, ultimately, cirrhosis, which is a primary cause of death in WD patients. Metabonomic technology offers an effective approach to investigate the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome types of WD-related liver fibrosis by monitoring the alterations in small molecule metabolites within the body. In this study, we employed 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) metabonomics to assess the metabolic profiles associated with five TCM syndrome types of WD-related liver fibrosis and analyzed the diagnostic and predictive capabilities of various metabolites. The study found a variety of metabolites, each with varying levels of diagnostic and predictive capabilities. Furthermore, the discerned differential metabolic pathways were primarily associated with various pathways involving carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. This study has identified various characteristic metabolic markers and pathways associated with different TCM syndromes of liver fibrosis in WD, providing a substantial foundation for investigating the mechanisms underlying these TCM syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Xie Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.
| | - Daojun Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yue Pu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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Xue Y, Zhu W, Qiao F, Yang Y, Qiu J, Zou C, Gao Y, Zhang X, Li M, Shang Z, Gao Y, Huang L. Ba-Qi-Rougan formula alleviates hepatic fibrosis by suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation via the MSMP/CCR2/PI3K pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 329:118169. [PMID: 38621463 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118169] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Ba-Qi-Rougan formula (BQRGF) is a traditional and effective compound prescription from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilized in treating hepatic fibrosis (HF). AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BQRGF on HF and explore the underlying mechanisms of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology was employed to identify the material basis of BQRGF. Mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF received BQRGF at three doses (3.87, 7.74, and 15.48 g/kg per day). We examined serum and liver biochemical indicators and liver histology to assess the therapeutic impact. Primary mouse cells were isolated and utilized for experimental analysis. MSMP expression levels were examined in vitro and in vivo experimental models, including human and mouse tissue. Furthermore, lentivirus and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfections were employed to manipulate microseminoprotein (MSMP) expression in LO2 cells (human normal liver cells). These manipulated LO2 cells were then co-cultured with LX2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Through the modulation of MSMP expression in co-cultured cells, administering recombinant MSMP (rMSMP) with or without BQRGF-medicated serum, and using specific pathway inhibitors or agonists in LX2 cells, we elucidated the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS A total of 48 compounds were identified from BQRGF, with 12 compounds being absorbed into the bloodstream and 9 compounds being absorbed into the liver. Four weeks of BQRGF treatment in the HF mouse model led to significant improvements in biochemical and molecular assays and histopathology, particularly in the medium and high-dose groups. These improvements included a reduction in the level of liver injury and fibrosis-related factors. MSMP levels were elevated in human and mouse fibrotic liver tissues, and this increase was mitigated in HF mice treated with BQRGF. Moreover, primary cells and co-culture studies revealed that BQRGF reduced MSMP expression, decreased the expression of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers, and suppressed critical phosphorylated protein levels in the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings were further validated using CCR2/PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitors and agonists in MSMP-activated LX2 cells. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results suggest that BQRGF combats HF by diminishing MSMP levels and inhibiting MSMP-induced HSC activation through the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xue
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Wanchun Zhu
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Fengjie Qiao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yilan Yang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Jiaohao Qiu
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Chen Zou
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yating Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Xin Zhang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Man Li
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhi Shang
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Institute of Infectious Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Yueqiu Gao
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunity, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Institute of Infectious Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Lingying Huang
- Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Ma Z, Tian X, Yu S, Shu W, Zhang C, Zhang L, Wang F. Liver Fibrosis Amelioration by Macrophage-Biomimetic Polydopamine Nanoparticles via Synergistically Alleviating Inflammation and Scavenging ROS. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:3040-3052. [PMID: 38767388 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00249] [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: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
The progression of liver fibrosis is determined by the interaction of damaged hepatocytes, active hepatic stellate cells, and macrophages, contributing to the development of oxidative stress and inflammatory environments within the liver. Unfortunately, the current pharmacological treatment for liver fibrosis is limited by its inability to regulate inflammation and oxidative stress concurrently. In this study, we developed a cell membrane biomaterial for the treatment of liver fibrosis, which we designated as PM. PM is a biomimetic nanomaterial constructed by encapsulating polydopamine (PDA) with a macrophage membrane (MM). It is hypothesized that PM nanoparticles (NPs) can successfully target the site of inflammation, simultaneously inhibit inflammation, and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vitro experiments demonstrated that PM NPs exhibited strong antioxidant properties and the ability to neutralize pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). Moreover, the capacity of PM NPs to safeguard cells from oxidative stress and their anti-inflammatory efficacy in an inflammatory model were validated in subsequent cellular experiments. Additionally, PM NPs exhibited a high biocompatibility. In a mouse model of hepatic fibrosis, PM NPs were observed to aggregate efficiently in the fibrotic liver, displaying excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Notably, PM NPs exhibited superior targeting, anti-inflammatory, and ROS scavenging abilities in inflamed tissues compared to MM, PDA, or erythrocyte membrane-encapsulated PDA. Under the synergistic effect of anti-inflammation and antioxidant, PM NPs produced significant therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis in mice. In conclusion, the synergistic alleviation of inflammation and ROS scavenging by this specially designed nanomaterial, PM NPs, provides valuable insights for the treatment of liver fibrosis and other inflammatory- or oxidative stress-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ma
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xiaojie Tian
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Shijiang Yu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Wenjie Shu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Chuanxian Zhang
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, China
| | - Fu Wang
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710000, China
- Xianyang Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Drug Synthesis, School of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of International Trade & Commerce, Xianyang 712046, Shaanxi, China
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Xu AL, Han L, Yan J, Liu D, Wang W. Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Extracellular Vesicles on Inhibition of Hepatic Fibrosis by Delivering miR-200a. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2024; 21:609-624. [PMID: 38568409 PMCID: PMC11087440 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-024-00631-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a common pathological feature of chronic hepatic diseases. We aimed to illuminate the significance of amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs)-derived extracellular vesicles (AMSCs-EVs) in HF. METHODS Human AMSCs-EVs were isolated and identified. HF mice were constructed and treated with EVs. The fibrosis was observed by staining experiments and Western blot (WB) assay. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBIL), and hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp) were detected to confirm liver function. For the in vitro experiments, human hepatic stellate cells were induced with transforming growth factor-β and treated with EVs. To measure the degree of HF, the expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Collagen I was detected by WB assay, and cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit 8 assay. The levels of miR-200a, Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), and phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 3 (PIK3R3) were detected by WB and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The binding of ZEB1 to PIK3R3 and miR-200a to ZEB1 was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and dual luciferase assays to validate their relationships. RESULTS Human AMSCs and AMSCs-EVs were obtained. Serum ALT, AST, TBIL, and hepatic Hyp were increased, implying the fibrosis degree was aggravated in HF mice, which was decreased again after EV treatment. EVs inhibited HF degree by reducing α-SMA and Collagen I and promoting cell proliferation. AMSCs-EVs delivered miR-200a into hepatocytes, which up-regulated miR-200a expression, inhibited ZEB1 expression, and reduced its enrichment on the PIK3R3 promoter, therefore inhibiting PIK3R3 expression and alleviating HF. Overexpression of ZEB1 or PIK3R3 attenuated the anti-fibrotic effect of AMSCs-EVs. CONCLUSION Human AMSCs-derived EVs mediated miR-200a delivery and inhibition of intracellular ZEB1/PIK3R3 axis to exert anti-fibrosis effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Lei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Long Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hunan Aerospace Hospital, 189 Fenglin 3rd Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, 410205, Hunan, China.
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Zhang L, Tao M, Zhang H, Zhang S, Hou X, Zong C, Sun G, Feng S, Yan H, Lu Y, Yang X, Wei L, Zhang L. Lipopolysaccharide modification enhances the inhibitory effect of clodronate liposomes on hepatic fibrosis by depletion of macrophages and hepatic stellate cells. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 395:111015. [PMID: 38663797 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a complex chronic liver disease in which both macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play important roles. Many studies have shown that clodronate liposomes (CLD-lipos) effectively deplete macrophages. However, no liposomes have been developed that target both HSCs and macrophages. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of lipopolysaccharide-coupled clodronate liposomes (LPS-CLD-lipos) and the effects of liposomes size on hepatic fibrosis. Three rat models of hepatic fibrosis were established in vivo; diethylnitrosamine (DEN), bile duct ligation (BDL), and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Hematoxylin and eosin staining and serological liver function indices were used to analyze pathological liver damage. Masson's trichrome and Sirius red staining were used to evaluate the effect of liposomes on liver collagen fibers. The hydroxyproline content in liver tissues was determined. In vitro cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and immunofluorescence assays were used to further explore the effects of LPS modification and liposomes size on the killing of macrophages and HSCs. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that 200 nm LPS-CLD-lipos significantly inhibited hepatic fibrosis and the abnormal deposition of collagen fibers in the liver and improved the related indicators of liver function. Further results showed that 200 nm LPS-CLD-lipos increased the clearance of macrophages and induced apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells, significantly. The present study demonstrated that 200 nm LPS-CLD-lipos could significantly inhibit hepatic fibrosis and improve liver function-related indices and this study may provide novel ideas and directions for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Clinical Research Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Tao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Clinical Research Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hengyan Zhang
- Clinical Research Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shichao Zhang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojuan Hou
- The National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China; Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zong
- The National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China; Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gangqi Sun
- Molecular Pathology Center, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyao Feng
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haixin Yan
- Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Yang
- The National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China; Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lixin Wei
- The National Center for Liver Cancer, Shanghai, China; Tumor Immunology and Gene Therapy Center, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Clinical Research Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Samuvel DJ, Lemasters JJ, Chou CJ, Zhong Z. LP340, a novel histone deacetylase inhibitor, decreases liver injury and fibrosis in mice: role of oxidative stress and microRNA-23a. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1386238. [PMID: 38828459 PMCID: PMC11140137 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1386238] [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: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective therapy for liver fibrosis is lacking. Here, we examined whether LP340, the lead candidate of a new-generation of hydrazide-based HDAC1,2,3 inhibitors (HDACi), decreases liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCl4 treatment and bile duct ligation (BDL) in mice. At 6 weeks after CCl4, serum alanine aminotransferase increased, and necrotic cell death and leukocyte infiltration occurred in the liver. Tumor necrosis factor-α and myeloperoxidase markedly increased, indicating inflammation. After 6 weeks, α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and collagen-1 expression increased by 80% and 575%, respectively, indicating hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and fibrogenesis. Fibrosis detected by trichrome and Sirius-red staining occurred primarily in pericentral regions with some bridging fibrosis in liver sections. 4-Hydroxynonenal adducts (indicator of oxidative stress), profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ), and TGFβ downstream signaling molecules phospho-Smad2/3 also markedly increased. LP340 attenuated indices of liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis markedly. Moreover, Ski-related novel protein-N (SnoN), an endogenous inhibitor of TGFβ signaling, decreased, whereas SnoN expression suppressor microRNA-23a (miR23a) increased markedly. LP340 (0.05 mg/kg, ig., daily during the last 2 weeks of CCl4 treatment) decreased 4-hydroxynonenal adducts and miR23a production, blunted SnoN decreases, and inhibited the TGFβ/Smad signaling. By contrast, LP340 had no effect on matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression. LP340 increased histone-3 acetylation but not tubulin acetylation, indicating that LP340 inhibited Class-I but not Class-II HDAC in vivo. After BDL, focal necrosis, inflammation, ductular reactions, and portal and bridging fibrosis occurred at 2 weeks, and αSMA and collagen-1 expression increased by 256% and 560%, respectively. LP340 attenuated liver injury, ductular reactions, inflammation, and liver fibrosis. LP340 also decreased 4-hydroxynonenal adducts and miR23a production, prevented SnoN decreases, and inhibited the TGFβ/Smad signaling after BDL. In vitro, LP340 inhibited immortal human hepatic stellate cells (hTERT-HSC) activation in culture (αSMA and collagen-1 expression) as well as miR23a production, demonstrating its direct inhibitory effects on HSC. In conclusions, LP340 is a promising therapy for both portal and pericentral liver fibrosis, and it works by inhibiting oxidative stress and decreasing miR23a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devadoss J. Samuvel
- Departments of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - John J. Lemasters
- Departments of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Charleston, SC, United States
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - C. James Chou
- Departments of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Charleston, SC, United States
- Lydex Pharmaceuticals, Mount Pleasant, SC, United States
| | - Zhi Zhong
- Departments of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, Charleston, SC, United States
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8
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Mao Y, Wu C, Wang X, Zhang F, Qi X, Li X, Li P, Tang B. Fluorescence imaging sheds light on the immune evasion mechanisms of hepatic stellate cells mediated by superoxide anion. Commun Biol 2024; 7:558. [PMID: 38730013 PMCID: PMC11087649 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06245-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Whether and how the reactive oxygen species generated by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) promote immune evasion of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains mysterious. Therefore, investigating the function of superoxide anion (O2•-), the firstly generated reactive oxygen species, during the immune evasion become necessary. In this work, we establish a novel in situ imaging method for visualization of O2•- changes in HSCs based on a new two-photon fluorescence probe TPH. TPH comprises recognition group for O2•- and HSCs targeting peptides. We observe that O2•- in HSCs gradually rose, impairing the infiltration of CD8+ T cells in HCC mice. Further studies reveal that the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 is deactivated by O2•-, and then cause the up-regulation of PD-L1. Our work provides molecular insights into HSC-mediated immune evasion of HCC, which may represent potential targets for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuantao Mao
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Chuanchen Wu
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Fanghui Zhang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Xinru Qi
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China
| | - Xia Li
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China.
| | - Ping Li
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Functionalized Probes for Chemical Imaging in Universities of Shandong, Key Laboratory of Molecular and Nano Probes, Ministry of Education, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250014, China.
- Laoshan Laboratory, 168 Wenhai Middle Rd, Aoshanwei Jimo, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, China.
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9
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Wang L, Zhou J, Wang J, Wang X, Dong H, Zhao L, Wu J, Peng J. Hepatic Stellate Cell-Targeting Micelle Nanomedicine for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Liver Fibrosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303710. [PMID: 38293743 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303710] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Diagnosing and treating liver fibrosis is a challenging yet crucial endeavor due to its complex pathogenesis and risk of deteriorating into cirrhosis, liver failure, and even hepatic cancer. Herein, a silica cross-linked micelles (SCLMs) based nano-system is developed for both diagnosing and treating liver fibrosis. The SCLMs are first modified with peptide CTCE9908 (CT-SCLMs) and can actively target CXCR4, which is overexpressed in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). To enable diagnosis, an ONOO--responded near-infrared fluorescent probe NOF2 is loaded into the CT-SCLMs. This nano-system can target the aHSCs and diagnose the liver fibrosis particularly in CCl4-induced liver damage, by monitoring the reactive nitrogen species. Furthermore, a step is taken toward treatment by co-encapsulating two anti-fibrosis drugs, silibinin and sorafenib, within the CT-SCLMs. This combined approach results in a significant alleviation of liver injury. Symptoms associated with liver fibrosis, such as deposition of collagen, expression of hydroxyproline, and raised serological indicators show notable improvement. In summary, the CXCR4-targeted nano-system can serve as a promising theragnostic system of early warning and diagnosis for liver fibrosis, offering hope against progression of this serious liver condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Jieying Zhou
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Xiaotang Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Haijuan Dong
- The Public Laboratory Platform, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, China
| | - Lingzhi Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Junchen Wu
- Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
| | - Juanjuan Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Basic Medical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China
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10
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Ciofoaia V, Chen W, Tarek BW, Gay M, Shivapurkar N, Smith JP. The Role of a Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonist in the Management of Chronic Pancreatitis: A Phase 1 Trial. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:611. [PMID: 38794273 PMCID: PMC11125239 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050611] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a rare but debilitating condition with an 8-fold increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. In addition to the symptoms that come from the loss of endocrine and exocrine function in CP, the management of chronic pain is problematic. We previously showed that the CCK-receptor antagonist called proglumide could decrease inflammation, acinar-ductal metaplasia, and fibrosis in murine models of CP. We hypothesized that proglumide would be safe and diminish pain caused by CP. A Phase 1 open-labeled safety study was performed in subjects with clinical and radiographic evidence of CP with moderate to severe pain. After a 4-week observation period, the subjects were treated with proglumide in 400 mg capsules three times daily (1200 mg per day) by mouth for 12 weeks, and then subjects returned for a safety visit 4 weeks after the discontinuation of the study medication. The results of three pain surveys (Numeric Rating Scale, COMPAT-SF, and NIH PROMIS) showed that the patients had significantly less pain after 12 weeks of proglumide compared to the pre-treatment observation phase. Of the eight subjects in this study, two experienced nausea and diarrhea with proglumide. These side effects resolved in one subject with doses reduced to 800 mg per day. No abnormalities were noted in the blood chemistries. A blood microRNA blood biomarker panel that corresponded to pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis showed significant improvement. We conclude that proglumide is safe and well tolerated in most subjects with CP at a dose of 1200 mg per day. Furthermore, proglumide therapy may have a beneficial effect by decreasing pain associated with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ciofoaia
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA; (V.C.); (B.W.T.)
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (W.C.); (M.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Bakain W. Tarek
- Departments of Gastroenterology and Medicine, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC 20010, USA; (V.C.); (B.W.T.)
| | - Martha Gay
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (W.C.); (M.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Narayan Shivapurkar
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (W.C.); (M.G.); (N.S.)
| | - Jill P. Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20007, USA; (W.C.); (M.G.); (N.S.)
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11
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Jiang S, Tian S, Wang P, Liu J, Sun K, Zhou X, Han Y, Shang Y. Native and engineered extracellular vesicles: novel tools for treating liver disease. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3840-3856. [PMID: 38532706 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01921g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases are classified as acute liver damage and chronic liver disease, with recurring liver damage causing liver fibrosis and progression to cirrhosis and hepatoma. Liver transplantation is the only effective treatment for end-stage liver diseases; therefore, novel therapies are required. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are endogenous nanocarriers involved in cell-to-cell communication that play important roles in immune regulation, tissue repair and regeneration. Native EVs can potentially be used for various liver diseases owing to their high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity and tissue permeability and engineered EVs with surface modification or cargo loading could further optimize therapeutic effects. In this review, we firstly introduced the mechanisms and effects of native EVs derived from different cells and tissues to treat liver diseases of different etiologies. Additionally, we summarized the possible methods to facilitate liver targeting and improve cargo-loading efficiency. In the treatment of liver disease, the detailed engineered methods and the latest delivery strategies were also discussed. Finally, we pointed out the limitations and challenges of EVs for future development and applications. We hope that this review could provide a useful reference for the development of EVs and promote the clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Siyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Punan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Jingyi Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Keshuai Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Air Force Hospital From Eastern Theater of PLA, Nanjing, 210002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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12
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Min K, Yenilmez B, Kelly M, Echeverria D, Elleby M, Lifshitz LM, Raymond N, Tsagkaraki E, Harney SM, DiMarzio C, Wang H, McHugh N, Bramato B, Morrison B, Rothstein JD, Khvorova A, Czech MP. Lactate transporter MCT1 in hepatic stellate cells promotes fibrotic collagen expression in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. eLife 2024; 12:RP89136. [PMID: 38564479 PMCID: PMC10987092 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89136] [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: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating lactate is a fuel source for liver metabolism but may exacerbate metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Indeed, haploinsufficiency of lactate transporter monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in mice reportedly promotes resistance to hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Here, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver thyroxin binding globulin (TBG)-Cre or lecithin-retinol acyltransferase (Lrat)-Cre to MCT1fl/fl mice on a choline-deficient, high-fat NASH diet to deplete hepatocyte or stellate cell MCT1, respectively. Stellate cell MCT1KO (AAV-Lrat-Cre) attenuated liver type 1 collagen protein expression and caused a downward trend in trichrome staining. MCT1 depletion in cultured human LX2 stellate cells also diminished collagen 1 protein expression. Tetra-ethylenglycol-cholesterol (Chol)-conjugated siRNAs, which enter all hepatic cell types, and hepatocyte-selective tri-N-acetyl galactosamine (GN)-conjugated siRNAs were then used to evaluate MCT1 function in a genetically obese NASH mouse model. MCT1 silencing by Chol-siRNA decreased liver collagen 1 levels, while hepatocyte-selective MCT1 depletion by AAV-TBG-Cre or by GN-siRNA unexpectedly increased collagen 1 and total fibrosis without effect on triglyceride accumulation. These findings demonstrate that stellate cell lactate transporter MCT1 significantly contributes to liver fibrosis through increased collagen 1 protein expression in vitro and in vivo, while hepatocyte MCT1 appears not to be an attractive therapeutic target for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyounghee Min
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Batuhan Yenilmez
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Mark Kelly
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Michael Elleby
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Naideline Raymond
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Emmanouela Tsagkaraki
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Shauna M Harney
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Chloe DiMarzio
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Hui Wang
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Brett Morrison
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Jeffery D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Michael P Czech
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
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13
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Zhang LF, Deng WQ, Huang QW, Zhang JJ, Wang Y, Zhou TJ, Xing L, Jiang HL. Vicious Cycle-Breaking Lipid Nanoparticles Remodeling Multicellular Crosstalk to Reverse Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2311474. [PMID: 38194906 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202311474] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
During liver fibrogenesis, the reciprocal crosstalk among capillarized liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and dysfunctional hepatocytes constructs a self-amplifying vicious cycle, greatly exacerbating the disease condition and weakening therapeutic effect. Limited by the malignant cellular interactions, the previous single-cell centric treatment approaches show unsatisfactory efficacy and fail to meet clinical demand. Herein, a vicious cycle-breaking strategy is proposed to target and repair pathological cells separately to terminate the malignant progression of liver fibrosis. Chondroitin sulfate-modified and vismodegib-loaded nanoparticles (CS-NPs/VDG) are designed to efficiently normalize the fenestrae phenotype of LSECs and restore HSCs to quiescent state by inhibiting Hedgehog signaling pathway. In addition, glycyrrhetinic acid-modified and silybin-loaded nanoparticles (GA-NPs/SIB) are prepared to restore hepatocytes function by relieving oxidative stress. The results show successful interruption of vicious cycle as well as distinct fibrosis resolution in two animal models through multiregulation of the pathological cells. This work not only highlights the significance of modulating cellular crosstalk but also provides a promising avenue for developing antifibrotic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Wen-Qi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qing-Wen Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Tian-Jiao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Lei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Hu-Lin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Druggability of Biopharmaceuticals, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
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14
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Zaid A, Ariel A. Harnessing anti-inflammatory pathways and macrophage nano delivery to treat inflammatory and fibrotic disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115204. [PMID: 38342241 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115204] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Targeting specific organs and cell types using nanotechnology and sophisticated delivery methods has been at the forefront of applicative biomedical sciences lately. Macrophages are an appealing target for immunomodulation by nanodelivery as they are heavily involved in various aspects of many diseases and are highly plastic in their nature. Their continuum of functional "polarization" states has been a research focus for many years yielding a profound understanding of various aspects of these cells. The ability of monocyte-derived macrophages to metamorphose from pro-inflammatory to reparative and consequently to pro-resolving effectors has raised significant interest in its therapeutic potential. Here, we briefly survey macrophages' ontogeny and various polarization phenotypes, highlighting their function in the inflammation-resolution shift. We review their inducing mediators, signaling pathways, and biological programs with emphasis on the nucleic acid sensing-IFN-I axis. We also portray the polarization spectrum of macrophages and the characteristics of their transition between different subtypes. Finally, we highlighted different current drug delivery methods for targeting macrophages with emphasis on nanotargeting that might lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of wound healing, bone regeneration, autoimmune, and fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Zaid
- Department of Biology and Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838 Israel
| | - Amiram Ariel
- Department of Biology and Human Biology, University of Haifa, Haifa, 3498838 Israel.
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15
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Fu X, Luo X, Xiao P, Guo N. Yin Yang 1 facilitates the activation, inflammation, and extracellular matrix deposition of hepatic stellate cells in hepatic fibrosis. Pathol Int 2024; 74:197-209. [PMID: 38353379 DOI: 10.1111/pin.13410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatic diseases often involve fibrosis as a pivotal factor in their progression. This study investigates the regulatory mechanisms of Yin Yang 1 (YY1) in hepatic fibrosis. Our data reveal that YY1 binds to the prolyl hydroxylase domain 1 (PHD1) promoter. Rats treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) display heightened fibrosis in liver tissues, accompanied by increased levels of YY1, PHD1, and the fibrosis marker alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Elevated levels of YY1, PHD1, and α-SMA are observed in the liver tissues of CCl4-treated rats, primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from fibrotic liver tissues, and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1)-induced HSCs. The human HSC cell line LX-2, upon YY1 overexpression, exhibits enhanced TGF-β1-induced activation, leading to increased expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-related proteins and inflammatory cytokines. YY1 silencing produces the opposite effect. YY1 exerts a positive regulatory effect on the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and PHD1 expression. PHD1 silencing rescues the promotion of YY1 in cell activation, ECM-related protein expression, and inflammatory cytokine production in TGF-β1-treated LX-2 cells. Overall, our findings propose a model wherein YY1 facilitates TGF-β1-induced HSC activation, ECM-related protein expression, and inflammatory cytokine production by promoting PHD1 expression and activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study positions YY1 as a promising therapeutic target for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Fu
- General Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Luo
- General Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Xiao
- General Medicine Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ninghong Guo
- Clinical Trial Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, People's Republic of China
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16
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Lan T, Chen B, Hu X, Cao J, Chen S, Ding X, Li S, Fu Y, Liu H, Luo D, Rong X, Guo J. Tianhuang formula ameliorates liver fibrosis by inhibiting CCL2-CCR2 axis and MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 321:117516. [PMID: 38042390 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117516] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In the progression of chronic liver diseases, liver fibrosis is a reversible pathophysiologic event for liver diseases prognosis and risk of cirrhosis. Liver injury factors of different etiologies mediate this process. There is still a lack of effective medications for treating liver fibrosis. Additionally, the ameliorative effects of traditional herbs on liver fibrosis have been commonly reported. Tianhuang formula (THF) is a drug combination consisting of 2 traditional Chinese herbs, which has been showing significant improvement in metabolic liver diseases. However, the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of THF in ameliorating liver fibrosis are still unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effects of THF on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced and methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced liver fibrosis model and to reveal the potential mechanisms. It can provide experimental evidence for THF as a therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, CCl4-induced mice were treated with THF (80 mg/kg, 160 mg/kg) or Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY) capsules (4.8 g/kg) for 6 weeks. MCD-induced mice received the same doses of THF or FZHY for 4 weeks. FZHY is used as a comparative study in these two models. Following that, using kit reagents detected changes in relevant serum and liver biochemical indicators. Histological changes in mouse liver were measured by staining of H&E and Sirius Red. The markers expression of liver fibrosis and inflammation were detected using qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical staining analysis. The potential regulatory mechanism of THF to ameliorate liver fibrosis was performed by RNA-sequencing analysis. Finally, the analysis results were verified by immunofluorescence co-staining, qRT-PCR and western blotting. RESULTS Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels in CCl4 and MCD-induced liver fibrosis mice were significantly improved after THF treatment. Meanwhile, the expression of fibrosis and inflammation markers were significantly suppressed. Furthermore, THF downregulated the expression of the macrophage marker CD68. According to RNA-sequencing analysis, we found the CCL2-CCR2 axis and MAPK/NF-κB as the potential signaling pathway for THF against liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION This study revealed that THF ameliorated liver injury, inflammation and fibrotic process by inhibiting CCL2-CCR2 axis and its downstream MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lan
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Bo Chen
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xianzhe Hu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jiafan Cao
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Shiyun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xin Ding
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Shengwen Li
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Yanfang Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Huanle Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Duosheng Luo
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Xianglu Rong
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - Jiao Guo
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Key Laboratory of Glucolipid Metabolic Disorder, Ministry of Education, Guangdong TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Center, Institute of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, 280 Wai Huan Dong Road, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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17
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Gay MD, Drda JC, Chen W, Huang Y, Yassin AA, Duka T, Fang H, Shivapurkar N, Smith JP. Implicating the cholecystokinin B receptor in liver stem cell oncogenesis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2024; 326:G291-G309. [PMID: 38252699 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00208.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fastest-growing cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis are the greatest risk factors for the development of HCC. Although the cell of origin for HCC is uncertain, many theories believe this cancer may arise from liver progenitor cells or stem cells. Here, we describe the activation of hepatic stem cells that overexpress the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR) after liver injury with either a DDC diet (0.1% 3, 5-diethoxy-carbonyl 1,4-dihydrocollidine) or a NASH-inducing CDE diet (choline-deficient ethionine) in murine models. Pharmacologic blockade of the CCK-BR with a receptor antagonist proglumide or knockout of the CCK-BR in genetically engineered mice during the injury diet reduces the expression of hepatic stem cells and prevents the formation of three-dimensional tumorspheres in culture. RNA sequencing of livers from DDC-fed mice treated with proglumide or DDC-fed CCK-BR knockout mice showed downregulation of differentially expressed genes involved in cell proliferation and oncogenesis and upregulation of tumor suppressor genes compared with controls. Inhibition of the CCK-BR decreases hepatic transaminases, fibrosis, cytokine expression, and alters the hepatic immune cell signature rendering the liver microenvironment less oncogenic. Furthermore, proglumide hastened recovery after liver injury by reversing fibrosis and improving markers of synthetic function. Proglumide is an older drug that is orally bioavailable and being repurposed for liver conditions. These findings support a promising therapeutic intervention applicable to patients to prevent the development of HCC and decrease hepatic fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This investigation identified a novel pathway involving the activation of hepatic stem cells and liver oncogenesis. Receptor blockade or genetic disruption of the cholecystokinin-B receptor (CCK-BR) signaling pathway decreased the activation and proliferation of hepatic stem cells after liver injury without eliminating the regenerative capacity of healthy hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha D Gay
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Jack C Drda
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Wenqiang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Yimeng Huang
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Amal A Yassin
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Tetyana Duka
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Hongbin Fang
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Narayan Shivapurkar
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
| | - Jill P Smith
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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Li M, Zhou Y, Zhu H, Xu LM, Ping J. Danhongqing formula alleviates cholestatic liver fibrosis by downregulating long non-coding RNA H19 derived from cholangiocytes and inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2024; 22:188-198. [PMID: 38472011 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.03.006] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explores the mechanism of action of Danhongqing formula (DHQ), a compound-based Chinese medicine formula, in the treatment of cholestatic liver fibrosis. METHODS In vivo experiments were conducted using 8-week-old multidrug resistance protein 2 knockout (Mdr2-/-) mice as an animal model of cholestatic liver fibrosis. DHQ was administered orally for 8 weeks, and its impact on cholestatic liver fibrosis was evaluated by assessing liver function, liver histopathology, and the expression of liver fibrosis-related proteins. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry and other methods were used to observe the effects of DHQ on long non-coding RNA H19 (H19) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation in the liver tissue of Mdr2-/- mice. In addition, cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were cultured in vitro to measure the effects of bile acids on cholangiocyte injury and H19 expression. Cholangiocytes overexpressing H19 were constructed, and a conditioned medium containing H19 was collected to measure its effects on STAT3 protein expression and cell activation. The intervention effect of DHQ on these processes was also investigated. HSCs overexpressing H19 were constructed to measure the impact of H19 on cell activation and assess the intervention effect of DHQ. RESULTS DHQ alleviated liver injury, ductular reaction, and fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice, and inhibited H19 expression, STAT3 expression and STAT3 phosphorylation. This formula also reduced hydrophobic bile acid-induced cholangiocyte injury and the upregulation of H19, inhibited the activation of HSCs induced by cholangiocyte-derived conditioned medium, and decreased the expression of activation markers in HSCs. The overexpression of H19 in a human HSC line confirmed that H19 promoted STAT3 phosphorylation and HSC activation, and DHQ was able to successfully inhibit these effects. CONCLUSION DHQ effectively alleviated spontaneous cholestatic liver fibrosis in Mdr2-/- mice by inhibiting H19 upregulation in cholangiocytes and preventing the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation in HSC, thereby suppressing cell activation. Please cite this article as: Li M, Zhou Y, Zhu H, Xu LM, Ping J. Danhongqing formula alleviates cholestatic liver fibrosis by downregulating long non-coding RNA H19 derived from cholangiocytes and inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(2): 188-198.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Li
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Preventive Treatment Center, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Suzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lie-Ming Xu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Jian Ping
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai 201203, China.
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19
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Wang J, Zhang H, Chen L, Fu K, Yan Y, Liu Z. CircDCBLD2 alleviates liver fibrosis by regulating ferroptosis via facilitating STUB1-mediated PARK7 ubiquitination degradation. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:229-249. [PMID: 38310161 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02068-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis and hepatic carcinoma without treatment. CircDCBLD2 was found to be downregulated in liver fibrosis. However, the precise underlying mechanism requires further investigation. METHODS qRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry assays were used to detect the related molecule levels. HE, Masson's trichrome, and Sirius Red staining were used to assess the pathological changes in mice's liver tissues. Flow cytometric analysis and commercial kit were used to assess the levels of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonaldehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and iron. Cell viability was assessed by MTT. Immunoprecipitation was used to study the ubiquitination of PARK7. Mitophagy was determined by immunostaining and confocal imaging. RIP and Co-IP assays were used to assess the interactions of circDCBLD2/HuR, HuR/STUB1, and STUB1/PARK7. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the co-localization of circDCBLD2 and HuR. RESULTS CircDCBLD2 was downregulated, whereas PARK7 was upregulated in liver fibrosis. Ferroptosis activators increased circDCBLD2 while decreasing PARK7 in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and mice with liver fibrosis. CircDCBLD2 overexpression reduced cell viability and GSH, PARK7, and GPX4 expression in erastin-treated HSCs while increasing MDA and iron levels, whereas circDCBLD2 knockdown had the opposite effect. CircDCBLD2 overexpression increased STUB1-mediated PARK7 ubiquitination by promoting HuR-STUB1 binding and thus increasing STUB1 mRNA stability. PARK7 overexpression or HuR knockdown reversed the effects of circDCBLD2 overexpression on HSC activation and ferroptosis. CircDCBLD2 reduced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting PARK7. CONCLUSION CircDCBLD2 overexpression increased PARK7 ubiquitination degradation by upregulating STUB1 through its interaction with HuR, inhibiting HSC activation and promoting HSC ferroptosis, ultimately enhancing liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Haoye Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Limin Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Kangkang Fu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410013, China.
- Changsha & Hunan Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hunan, 410008, China.
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20
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Pydyn N, Ferenc A, Trzos K, Pospiech E, Wilamowski M, Mucha O, Major P, Kadluczka J, Rodrigues PM, Banales JM, Herranz JM, Avila MA, Hutsch T, Malczak P, Radkowiak D, Budzynski A, Jura J, Kotlinowski J. MCPIP1 Inhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation in Autocrine and Paracrine Manners, Preventing Liver Fibrosis. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:887-906. [PMID: 38311169 PMCID: PMC11026697 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.021] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatic fibrosis is characterized by enhanced deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), which results from the wound healing response to chronic, repeated injury of any etiology. Upon injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activate and secrete ECM proteins, forming scar tissue, which leads to liver dysfunction. Monocyte-chemoattractant protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) possesses anti-inflammatory activity, and its overexpression reduces liver injury in septic mice. In addition, mice with liver-specific deletion of Zc3h12a develop features of primary biliary cholangitis. In this study, we investigated the role of MCPIP1 in liver fibrosis and HSC activation. METHODS We analyzed MCPIP1 levels in patients' fibrotic livers and hepatic cells isolated from fibrotic murine livers. In vitro experiments were conducted on primary HSCs, cholangiocytes, hepatocytes, and LX-2 cells with MCPIP1 overexpression or silencing. RESULTS MCPIP1 levels are induced in patients' fibrotic livers compared with their nonfibrotic counterparts. Murine models of fibrosis revealed that its level is increased in HSCs and hepatocytes. Moreover, hepatocytes with Mcpip1 deletion trigger HSC activation via the release of connective tissue growth factor. Overexpression of MCPIP1 in LX-2 cells inhibits their activation through the regulation of TGFB1 expression, and this phenotype is reversed upon MCPIP1 silencing. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that MCPIP1 is induced in human fibrotic livers and regulates the activation of HSCs in both autocrine and paracrine manners. Our results indicate that MCPIP1 could have a potential role in the development of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Pydyn
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Anna Ferenc
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Trzos
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Pospiech
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Mateusz Wilamowski
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland
| | - Olga Mucha
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland
| | - Piotr Major
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, 2nd Department of General Surgery, Krakow, Poland
| | - Justyna Kadluczka
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Pedro M Rodrigues
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute-Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jesus M Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute-Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian, Spain; National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, "Instituto de Salud Carlos III"), San Sebastian-Donostia, Spain; IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose M Herranz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matias A Avila
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Hepatology Program, Liver Unit, Instituto de Investigación de Navarra (IdisNA), Clínica Universidad de Navarra and Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Tomasz Hutsch
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory ALAB Bioscience, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Malczak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Dorota Radkowiak
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Budzynski
- Malopolska Centre of Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jolanta Jura
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy Kotlinowski
- Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Department of General Biochemistry, Krakow, Poland.
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Wang JL, Li J, Wang WQ, Lv X, Zhu RH, Yuan T, Zhang ZW, Zhang EL, Huang ZY. Portal vein velocity predicts portal vein system thrombosis after splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization. Surg Endosc 2024; 38:648-658. [PMID: 38012440 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10566-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Portal vein system thrombosis (PVST) is a potentially fatal complication after splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization (SED) in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension. However, the impact of portal vein velocity (PVV) on PVST after SED remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore this issue. METHODS Consecutive cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who underwent SED at Tongji Hospital between January 2010 and June 2022 were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of PVST, which was assessed using ultrasound or computed tomography after the operation. PVV was measured by duplex Doppler ultrasound within one week before surgery. The independent risk factors for PVST were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. A nomogram based on these variables was developed and internally validated using 1000 bootstrap resamples. RESULTS A total of 562 cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension who underwent SED were included, and PVST occurred in 185 patients (32.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PVV was the strongest independent risk factor for PVST. The incidence of PVST was significantly higher in patients with PVV ≤ 16.5 cm/s than in those with PVV > 16.5 cm/s (76.2% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.0001). The PVV-based nomogram was internally validated and showed good performance (optimism-corrected c-statistic = 0.907). Decision curve and clinical impact curve analyses indicated that the nomogram provided a high clinical benefit. CONCLUSION A nomogram based on PVV provided an excellent preoperative prediction of PVST after splenectomy with esophagogastric devascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Lin Wang
- Hepatic Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian Li
- Hepatic Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Wang
- Hepatic Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing Lv
- Hepatic Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Rong-Hua Zhu
- Hepatic Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tong Yuan
- Hepatic Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Er-Lei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Zhi-Yong Huang
- Hepatic Surgical Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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22
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Kabiri-Arani S, Motallebi M, Taheri MA, Kheiripour N, Ardjmand A, Aghadavod E, Shahaboddin ME. The Effect of Heat-Killed Lactobacillus plantarum on Oxidative Stress and Liver Damage in Rats with Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis. Probiotics Antimicrob Proteins 2024; 16:196-211. [PMID: 36522610 DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10033-7] [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] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of heat-killed Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) on cholestatic liver injury induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. Rats in the first group were healthy (normal control) and in the second group underwent abdominal incision (sham control). Rats in the third and fourth groups underwent common bile duct ligation and were treated with either oral distilled water (BDL control group) or heat-killed L. plantarum (BDL + L. plantarum) for 28 days. Finally, rats were sacrificed, blood samples were analyzed through biochemical methods, liver and ileum tissue tissues were histologically assessed, and the expression of the αSMA, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 genes in the liver and ZO-1 gene in ileum tissues were assessed through real-time PCR. The levels of bilirubin, liver function enzymes, NO, MDA, and carbonyl protein in the BDL + L. plantarum group were significantly lower than in the BDL control group (P ≤ 0.05). SOD and CAT activity in BDL + L. plantarum group was significantly greater than the BDL control group 1.4 and 3.0 times, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). Moreover, in the BDL + L. plantarum group, the expression of the α-SMA, TNF-α, and IL-6 genes was significantly lower (3.1, 2.9, and 2.5 times), and IL-10 and ZO-1 genes were significantly greater than the BDL control group by 2.1 and 3.6 times, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). The histological assessment also confirmed the greater effectiveness of heat-killed L. plantarum in improving the morphology and parenchymal structure of the liver. Taken together, our results suggest that heat-killed L. plantarum strains are potential therapeutic agents for hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Kabiri-Arani
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Pezeshk Blvd, Qotbe Ravandi Blvd, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mitra Motallebi
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Maryam Akhavan Taheri
- Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Nejat Kheiripour
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Abolfazl Ardjmand
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Esmat Aghadavod
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Pezeshk Blvd, Qotbe Ravandi Blvd, Kashan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Esmaeil Shahaboddin
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Pezeshk Blvd, Qotbe Ravandi Blvd, Kashan, Iran.
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
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Chen T, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Ning Z, Xu Q, Lin Y, Gong J, Li J, Chen Z, Meng Y, Li Y, Li X. Autophagic degradation of MVBs in LSECs promotes Aldosterone induced-HSCs activation. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:273-288. [PMID: 37330971 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10559-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The important role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in liver fibrosis has been confirmed. However, EVs derived from liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver fibrosis is still unclear. Our previous work demonstrated that Aldosterone (Aldo) may have the potential to regulate EVs from LSECs via autophagy pathway. Thus, we aim to investigate the role of Aldo in the regulation of EVs derived from LSECs. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using an Aldo-continuous pumping rat model, we observed that Aldo-induced liver fibrosis and capillarization of LSECs. In vitro, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that stimulation of Aldo led to the upregulation of autophagy and degradation of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) in LSECs. Mechanistically, Aldo upregulated ATP6V0A2, which promoted lysosomal acidification and subsequent autophagy in LSECs. Inhibiting autophagy with si-ATG5 adeno-associated virus (AAV) in LSECs effectively mitigated Aldo-induced liver fibrosis in rats. RNA sequencing and nanoparticle tracking (NTA) analyses of EVs derived from LSECs indicated that Aldo result in a decrease in both the quantity and quality of EVs. We also observed a reduction in the protective miRNA-342-5P in EVs derived from Aldo-treated LSECs, which may play a critical role in HSCs activation. Target knockdown of EV secretion with si-RAB27a AAV in LSECs led to the development of liver fibrosis and HSC activation in rats. CONCLUSION Aldo-induced Autophagic degradation of MVBs in LSECs promotes a decrease in the quantity and quality of EVs derived from LSECs, resulting in the activation of HSCs and liver fibrosis under hyperaldosteronism. Modulating the autophagy level of LSECs and their EV secretion may represent a promising therapeutic approach for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zuowei Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Qihan Xu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jiacheng Gong
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jierui Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhuoer Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ying Meng
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1838, North of Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, China.
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Parola M, Pinzani M. Liver fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH: from pathophysiology towards diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 95:101231. [PMID: 38056058 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2023.101231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, as an excess deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) components, results from chronic liver injury as well as persistent activation of inflammatory response and of fibrogenesis. Liver fibrosis is a major determinant for chronic liver disease (CLD) progression and in the last two decades our understanding on the major molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the fibrogenic progression of CLD has dramatically improved, boosting pre-clinical studies and clinical trials designed to find novel therapeutic approaches. From these studies several critical concepts have emerged, starting to reveal the complexity of the pro-fibrotic microenvironment which involves very complex, dynamic and interrelated interactions between different hepatic and extrahepatic cell populations. This review will offer first a recapitulation of established and novel pathophysiological basic principles and concepts by intentionally focus the attention on NAFLD/NASH, a metabolic-related form of CLD with a high impact on the general population and emerging as a leading cause of CLD worldwide. NAFLD/NASH-related pro-inflammatory and profibrogenic mechanisms will be analysed as well as novel information on cells, mediators and signalling pathways which have taken advantage from novel methodological approaches and techniques (single cell genomics, imaging mass cytometry, novel in vitro two- and three-dimensional models, etc.). We will next offer an overview on recent advancement in diagnostic and prognostic tools, including serum biomarkers and polygenic scores, to support the analysis of liver biopsies. Finally, this review will provide an analysis of current and emerging therapies for the treatment of NAFLD/NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Parola
- Dept. Clinical and Biological Sciences, Unit of Experimental Medicine and Clinical Pathology, University of Torino, Corso Raffaello 30, 10125, Torino, Italy.
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine - Royal Free Hospital, London, NW32PF, United Kingdom.
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Li Y, Deng X, Tan X, Li Q, Yu Z, Wu W, Ma X, Zeng J, Wang X. Protective role of curcumin in disease progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1343193. [PMID: 38313314 PMCID: PMC10834658 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1343193] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Pathological progression from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to liver fibrosis (LF) to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common dynamic state in many patients. Curcumin, a dietary supplement derived from the turmeric family, is expected to specifically inhibit the development of this progression. However, there is a lack of convincing evidence. Methods: The studies published until June 2023 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases. The SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) approach was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. StataSE (version 15.1) and Origin 2021 software programs were used to analyze the critical indicators. Results: Fifty-two studies involving 792 animals were included, and three disease models were reported. Curcumin demonstrates a significant improvement in key indicators across the stages of NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and HCC. We conducted a detailed analysis of common inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, which traverse the entire disease process. The research results reveal that curcumin effectively hinders disease progression at each stage by suppressing inflammation. Curcumin exerted hepatoprotective effects in the dose range from 100 to 400 mg/kg and treatment duration from 4 to 10 weeks. The mechanistic analysis reveals that curcumin primarily exerts its hepatoprotective effects by modulating multiple signaling pathways, including TLR4/NF-κB, Keap1/Nrf2, Bax/Bcl-2/Caspase 3, and TGF-β/Smad3. Conclusion: In summary, curcumin has shown promising therapeutic effects during the overall progression of NAFLD-LF-HCC. It inhibited the pathological progression by synergistic mechanisms related to multiple pathways, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and apoptosis regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyu Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiyue Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qianrong Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhi Yu
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenbin Wu
- Health Care Office of the Service Bureau of Agency for Offices Administration of the Central Military Commission, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Shakour N, Karami S, Iranshahi M, Butler AE, Sahebkar A. Antifibrotic effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors: A comprehensive review. Diabetes Metab Syndr 2024; 18:102934. [PMID: 38154403 DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Scar tissue accumulation in organs is the underlying cause of many fibrotic diseases. Due to the extensive array of organs affected, the long-term nature of fibrotic processes and the large number of people who suffer from the negative impact of these diseases, they constitute a serious health problem for modern medicine and a huge economic burden on society. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a relatively new class of anti-diabetic pharmaceuticals that offer additional benefits over and above their glucose-lowering properties; these medications modulate a variety of diseases, including fibrosis. Herein, we have collated and analyzed all available research on SGLT2is and their effects on organ fibrosis, together with providing a proposed explanation as to the underlying mechanisms. METHODS PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Scopus were searched spanning the period from 2012 until April 2023 to find relevant articles describing the antifibrotic effects of SGLT2is. RESULTS The majority of reports have shown that SGLT2is are protective against lung, liver, heart and kidney fibrosis as well as arterial stiffness. According to the results of clinical trials and animal studies, many SGLT2 inhibitors are promising candidates for the treatment of fibrosis. Recent studies have demonstrated that SGLT2is affect an array of cellular processes, including hypoxia, inflammation, oxidative stress, the renin-angiotensin system and metabolic activities, all of which have been linked to fibrosis. CONCLUSION Extensive evidence indicates that SGLT2is are promising treatments for fibrosis, demonstrating protective effects in various organs and influencing key cellular processes linked to fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Shakour
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Shima Karami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Iranshahi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alexandra E Butler
- Research Department, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Adliya, Bahrain
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Li Y, Ma L, Xiong Y, Shi J, Zhang F, Chai Q, Hu G, Liu Y. Delivering Relaxin Plasmid by Polymeric Metformin Lipid Nanoparticles for Liver Fibrosis Treatment. Curr Drug Deliv 2024; 21:431-437. [PMID: 37032506 DOI: 10.2174/1567201820666230407135026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis usually progresses to liver cirrhosis and even results in hepatocellular carcinoma, which accounts for one million deaths annually worldwide. To date, anti-liver fibrosis drugs for clinical treatment have not yet been approved. Nowadays, as a natural regulator, Relaxin (RLX) has received increased attention because the expression of RLX could deactivate the activation of hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) and resolve liver fibrosis. However, its application in treatment is limited due to the short half-life in circulation and low accumulation within the target organ. METHODS To address these problems, a kind of polymeric metformin (PolyMet)-loaded relaxin plasmid (pRLX) core-membrane lipid nanoparticle (PolyMet-pRLX-LNPs, PRLNP) was prepared. Here, PolyMet was used as a carrier to replace the traditional polymer polyethylene diene (PEI), which is of higher toxicity, to prolong the circulation time of pRLX in vivo. Then, the antifibrotic ability of PRLNP to overcome liver fibrosis was carried out in C57BL/6 mice. It is worth mentioning that this is the first time to investigate the potential of PRLNP in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. RESULTS The results showed that PRLNP effectively downregulated fibrosis-related biomarkers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Meanwhile, histopathological examinations also showed low collagen accumulation, revealing that PRLNP could histologically and functionally alleviate liver fibrosis. In addition, no significant difference in serum biochemical value between the PRLNP and the normal group, suggesting the safety profile of PRLNP. CONCLUSION This research proposed a novel non-toxic treatment method for liver fibrosis with a nanosystem to effectively treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lisha Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jingbin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Academy of Chinese Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feifeng Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qian Chai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Gengshan Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
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Sharma N, Sistla R, Andugulapati SB. Yohimbine ameliorates liver inflammation and fibrosis by regulating oxidative stress and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155182. [PMID: 37952411 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic liver injury, caused by various aetiologies, causes recurrent tissue damage, culminating in decreased liver regenerative ability and resulting in fibrosis followed by cirrhosis. In this study, the anti-fibrotic activity of Yohimbine hydrochloride (YHC) was investigated using various in vitro models and in vivo models. METHODS To assess the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects of YHC, lipopolysaccharide or TGF-β induced differentiation or lipid-induced oxidative-stress models were employed using HLECs, HSC-LX2, and HepG2 cells. Further, thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatic inflammation/fibrosis models were utilized to validate the YHC's anti-fibrotic activity in rats. RESULTS Inflammation/differentiation experiments in HLECs and HSC-LX2 revealed that YHC treatment significantly (p < 0.001) mitigated the lipopolysaccharide or TGF-β induced upregulation of inflammatory and fibrotic markers expression respectively. In addition, YHC dose-dependently reduced the TGF-β induced migration and palmitic acid-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Further, TAA administration (5 weeks) in vivo rat model showed increased inflammatory marker levels/expression, oxidative stress, and pathological abnormalities. Additionally, TAA administration (9 weeks) elevated the fibrotic marker expression, collagen deposition in liver tissues, and shortened longevity in rats. Treatment with YHC dose-dependently mitigated the TAA-induced abnormalities in both inflammation and fibrosis models and improved the survival of the rats. Further mechanistic approaches revealed that TAA administration elevated the JNK, Wnt components and β-catenin expression in hepatic stellate cells and animal tissues. Further treatment with YHC significantly modulated the JNK/Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Moreover, the β-catenin nuclear translocation results showed that β-catenin levels were significantly elevated in the nuclear fraction of TAA control samples and reduced in YHC-treated samples. CONCLUSION Yohimbine treatment significantly improved inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting differentiation, oxidative stress, and collagen deposition by partly modulating the JNK/Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These results might serve as a foundation for proposing yohimbine as a potential lead compound for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Sharma
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh-201 002, India
| | - Ramakrishna Sistla
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh-201 002, India
| | - Sai Balaji Andugulapati
- Department of Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad-500 007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh-201 002, India.
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Bellanti F, Mangieri D, Vendemiale G. Redox Biology and Liver Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:410. [PMID: 38203581 PMCID: PMC10778611 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010410] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a complex process that develops in chronic liver diseases. Even though the initiation and progression of fibrosis rely on the underlying etiology, mutual mechanisms can be recognized and targeted for therapeutic purposes. Irrespective of the primary cause of liver disease, persistent damage to parenchymal cells triggers the overproduction of reactive species, with the consequent disruption of redox balance. Reactive species are important mediators for the homeostasis of both hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells. Indeed, other than acting as cytotoxic agents, reactive species are able to modulate specific signaling pathways that may be relevant to hepatic fibrogenesis. After a brief introduction to redox biology and the mechanisms of fibrogenesis, this review aims to summarize the current evidence of the involvement of redox-dependent pathways in liver fibrosis and focuses on possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Domenica Mangieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
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Yang P, Jin L, Liao J, Jin K, Shao X, Li C, Qian J, Cheng J, Yu D, Guo R, Xu X, Lu X, Fan X. Revealing spatial multimodal heterogeneity in tissues with SpaTrio. CELL GENOMICS 2023; 3:100446. [PMID: 38116121 PMCID: PMC10726534 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Capturing and depicting the multimodal tissue information of tissues at the spatial scale remains a significant challenge owing to technical limitations in single-cell multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics sequencing. Here, we developed a computational method called SpaTrio that can build spatial multi-omics data by integrating these two datasets through probabilistic alignment and enabling further analysis of gene regulation and cellular interactions. We benchmarked SpaTrio using simulation datasets and demonstrated its accuracy and robustness. Next, we evaluated SpaTrio on biological datasets and showed that it could detect topological patterns of cells and modalities. SpaTrio has also been applied to multiple sets of actual data to uncover spatially multimodal heterogeneity, understand the spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression, and resolve multimodal communication among cells. Our data demonstrated that SpaTrio could accurately map single cells and reconstruct the spatial distribution of various biomolecules, providing valuable multimodal insights into spatial biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314103, China
| | - Lijun Jin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314103, China
| | - Jie Liao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314103, China
| | - Kaiyu Jin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xin Shao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314103, China
| | - Chengyu Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314103, China
| | - Jingyang Qian
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314103, China
| | - Junyun Cheng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Dingyi Yu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Rongfang Guo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- 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 310006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321016 China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- National Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Modernization, Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta, Zhejiang University, Jiaxing 314103, China
- Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua 321016 China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, China
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Zhu L, Zhang Q, Hua C, Ci X. Melatonin alleviates particulate matter-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting ROS-mediated mitophagy and inflammation via Nrf2 activation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 268:115717. [PMID: 37992643 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115717] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a source of pollution worldwide, that causes inflammation and liver fibrosis. Melatonin, as the predominant hormone secreted by the pineal gland, can inhibit PM2.5-induced lung injury by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to inhibit ferroptosis. However, the possible role of melatonin in PM2.5-induced liver damage remains unclear. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH In vitro, the effects of melatonin on PM2.5-induced oxidative stress and LX-2 cell activation were examined. In vivo, a PM2.5-induced inflammation and liver fibrosis mouse model was used to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of melatonin. RESULTS In vitro, melatonin induced the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes and inhibited PM2.5-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial damage. Melatonin also ameliorated the PM2.5-induced oxidative stress and fibrogenic marker upregulation. However, the antifibrotic effect of melatonin was abolished in siNrf2-treated LX-2 cells. In vivo, we observed mitochondrial abnormalities and mitochondrial fragmentation, which were accompanied by increased PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin expression, in PM2.5-treated mouse hepatocytes. These changes were partially reversed by melatonin. In addition, melatonin activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway and protected against PM2.5-induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, melatonin alleviated inflammation and liver fibrosis. Moreover, Nrf2-KO mice exhibited more severe inflammation and liver fibrosis after PM2.5 exposure than wild-type mice, and the protective effect of melatonin on PM2.5- treated Nrf2-KO mice was greatly compromised. CONCLUSION These data suggest that melatonin effectively inhibits PM2.5-induced liver fibrosis by activating Nrf2 and inhibiting ROS-mediated mitophagy and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laiyu Zhu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130001, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130001, China
| | - Cong Hua
- Department of Surgical Neuro-oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130001, China
| | - Xinxin Ci
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130001, China.
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Wan L, Hu C, Wang F, Xu K, Li F, He B, Wu Z, Luo L, Wen Z. Evaluation of the efficacy of Biejia decoction pill combined with entecavir in the treatment of hepatitis B liver fibrosis/cirrhosis by VCTE. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19616. [PMID: 37949927 PMCID: PMC10638370 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46459-4] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE) technique was used to assess the effectiveness of a Biejia Decoction pill in combination with Entecavir in the treatment of hepatitis B liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. We randomly selected 120 patients to receive entecavir and 119 patients to receive both entecavir and Biejia Decoction Pill, which both with hepatitis B liver fibrosis/cirrhosis visited the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University between January 2019 and February 2022. The observation group got ETV (entecavir) and Biejia Decoction pills, whereas the control group received only standard ETV antiviral medication. Based on the grading of the VCTE detection value (LSM) initially diagnosed for patients with hepatitis B liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, we divided the patients into two subgroups of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In addition, patients with liver fibrosis were divided into mild and moderate subgroups according to their VCTE values. Patients were measured for liver hardness after three, six, nine, and twelve months of treatment with VCTE. Biejia Decoction Pill combined with ETV on HBV liver fibrosis/cirrhosis was evaluated by comparing patients' changes in liver hardness and HBV-DNA negative conversion rates before and after treatment in each group at the same baseline. The LSM (liver elasticity value) of the observation group and the control group after treatment was lower than that before treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.0001); The LSM of the observation group after treatment was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference was also statistically significant (P = 0.0005 < 0.05). In the subgroup of liver fibrosis, the number of patients with moderate and severe liver fibrosis who completely reversed liver fibrosis after treatment in the treatment group was far more than that in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 4.82 P = 0.028 < 0.05) 。 When the treatment course was more than 9 months, the negative conversion rate of patients in the observation group reached 87.4%, which was higher than that in the control group (70.8%), and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.002 < 0.05); After 12 months of treatment, the negative conversion rate of patients in the observation group was as high as 95%, which was significantly higher than 76.67% in the control group (P < 0.001). The degree of liver fibrosis was significantly improved when Biejia Decoction Pill was combined with ETV in patients with liver fibrosis/cirrhosis due to hepatitis B. The virological response rate to HBV-DNA increased with the prolongation of treatment, and the Biejia Decoction Pill assists with entecavir in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Wan
- Department of Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Chungen Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fenfen Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Kedong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bo He
- Department of Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhengqiang Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Linfei Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhili Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, 1 Minde Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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Borrello MT, Mann D. Chronic liver diseases: From development to novel pharmacological therapies: IUPHAR Review 37. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2880-2897. [PMID: 35393658 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15853] [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: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases comprise a broad spectrum of burdensome diseases that still lack effective pharmacological therapies. Our research group focuses on fibrosis, which is a major precursor of liver cirrhosis. Fibrosis consists in a progressive disturbance of liver sinusoidal architecture characterised by connective tissue deposition as a reparative response to tissue injury. Multifactorial events and several types of cells participate in fibrosis initiation and progression, and the process still needs to be completely understood. The development of experimental models of liver fibrosis alongside the identification of critical factors progressing fibrosis to cirrhosis will facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic approaches for such condition. This review provides an overlook of the main process leading to hepatic fibrosis and therapeutic approaches that have emerged from a deep knowledge of the molecular regulation of fibrogenesis in the liver. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Advances in Fibrosis as a Therapeutic Target. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v180.22/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Borrello
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Derek Mann
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Song Y, Wei J, Li R, Fu R, Han P, Wang H, Zhang G, Li S, Chen S, Liu Z, Zhao Y, Zhu C, Zhu J, Zhang S, Pei H, Cheng J, Wu J, Dong L, Song G, Shen X, Yao Q. Tyrosine kinase receptor B attenuates liver fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/SMAD signaling. Hepatology 2023; 78:1433-1447. [PMID: 36800849 PMCID: PMC10581422 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000319] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver fibrosis is a leading indicator for increased mortality and long-term comorbidity in NASH. Activation of HSCs and excessive extracellular matrix production are the hallmarks of liver fibrogenesis. Tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkB) is a multifunctional receptor that participates in neurodegenerative disorders. However, paucity of literature is available about TrkB function in liver fibrosis. Herein, the regulatory network and therapeutic potential of TrkB were explored in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. METHODS AND RESULTS The protein level of TrkB was decreased in mouse models of CDAHFD feeding or carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis. TrkB suppressed TGF-β-stimulated proliferation and activation of HSCs in 3-dimensional liver spheroids and significantly repressed TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathway either in HSCs or in hepatocytes. The cytokine, TGF-β, boosted Nedd4 family interacting protein-1 (Ndfip1) expression, promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of TrkB through E3 ligase Nedd4-2. Moreover, carbon tetrachloride intoxication-induced hepatic fibrosis in mouse models was reduced by adeno-associated virus vector serotype 6 (AAV6)-mediated TrkB overexpression in HSCs. In addition, in murine models of CDAHFD feeding and Gubra-Amylin NASH (GAN), fibrogenesis was reduced by adeno-associated virus vector serotype 8 (AAV8)-mediated TrkB overexpression in hepatocytes. CONCLUSION TGF-β stimulated TrkB degradation through E3 ligase Nedd4-2 in HSCs. TrkB overexpression inhibited the activation of TGF-β/SMAD signaling and alleviated the hepatic fibrosis both in vitro and in vivo . These findings demonstrate that TrkB could be a significant suppressor of hepatic fibrosis and confer a potential therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Song
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayi Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruifeng Fu
- Shanghai Key Lab of Cell Engineering, Translational Medicine Research Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Han
- Otsuka Shanghai Research Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Heming Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangcong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyu Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Sinuo Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Yicheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, Center for Pathogen Biology and Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Joint Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Puheng Technology, Suzhou, China
| | - Changfeng Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jimin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuncai Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Pei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiefei Cheng
- Otsuka Shanghai Research Institute, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
- MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangqi Song
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Joint Laboratory of Biomaterials and Translational Medicine, Puheng Technology, Suzhou, China
| | - Xizhong Shen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Qunyan Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai, China
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Min K, Yenilmez B, Kelly M, Echeverria D, Elleby M, Lifshitz LM, Raymond N, Tsagkaraki E, Harney SM, DiMarzio C, Wang H, McHugh N, Bramato B, Morrision B, Rothstein JD, Khvorova A, Czech MP. Lactate transporter MCT1 in hepatic stellate cells promotes fibrotic collagen expression in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539244. [PMID: 37205462 PMCID: PMC10187148 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Circulating lactate is a fuel source for liver metabolism but may exacerbate metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Indeed, haploinsufficiency of lactate transporter monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in mice reportedly promotes resistance to hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Here, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver thyroxin binding globulin (TBG)-Cre or lecithin-retinol acyltransferase (Lrat)-Cre to MCT1fl/fl mice on a choline deficient, high fat NASH diet to deplete hepatocyte or stellate cell MCT1, respectively. Stellate cell MCT1KO (AAV-Lrat-Cre) attenuated liver type 1 collagen protein expression and caused a downward trend in trichrome staining. MCT1 depletion in cultured human LX2 stellate cells also diminished collagen 1 protein expression. Tetra-ethylenglycol-cholesterol (Chol)-conjugated siRNAs, which enter all hepatic cell types, and hepatocyte-selective tri-N-acetyl galactosamine (GN)-conjugated siRNAs were then used to evaluate MCT1 function in a genetically obese NASH mouse model. MCT1 silencing by Chol-siRNA decreased liver collagen 1 levels, while hepatocyte-selective MCT1 depletion by AAV-TBG-Cre or by GN-siRNA unexpectedly increased collagen 1 and total fibrosis without effect on triglyceride accumulation. These findings demonstrate that stellate cell lactate transporter MCT1 significantly contributes to liver fibrosis through increased collagen 1 protein expression in vitro and in vivo, while hepatocyte MCT1 appears not to be an attractive therapeutic target for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyounghee Min
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Batuhan Yenilmez
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Mark Kelly
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Michael Elleby
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Naideline Raymond
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | | | - Shauna M Harney
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Chloe DiMarzio
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Hui Wang
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Brett Morrision
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Michael P Czech
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
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Reshetnyak VI, Maev IV. New insights into the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis asymptomatic stage. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:5292-5304. [PMID: 37899787 PMCID: PMC10600802 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i37.5292] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic progressive liver disease and one of the most important progressive cholangiopathies in adults. Damage to cholangiocytes triggers the development of intrahepatic cholestasis, which progresses to cirrhosis in the terminal stage of the disease. Accumulating data indicate that damage to biliary epithelial cells [(BECs), cholangiocytes] is most likely associated with the intracellular accumulation of bile acids, which have potent detergent properties and damaging effects on cell membranes. The mechanisms underlying uncontrolled bile acid intake into BECs in PBC are associated with pH change in the bile duct lumen, which is controlled by the bicarbonate (HCO3-) buffer system "biliary HCO3- umbrella". The impaired production and entry of HCO3- from BECs into the bile duct lumen is due to epigenetic changes in expression of the X-linked microRNA 506. Based on the growing body of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of cholangiocyte damage in patients with PBC, we propose a hypothesis explaining the pathogenesis of the first morphologic (ductulopenia), immunologic (antimitochondrial autoantibodies) and clinical (weakness, malaise, rapid fatigue) signs of the disease in the asymptomatic stage. This review focuses on the consideration of these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliy Ivanovich Reshetnyak
- Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases and Gastroenterology, A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow 127473, Russia
| | - Igor Veniaminovich Maev
- Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases and Gastroenterology, A.I. Yevdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, Moscow 127473, Russia
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37
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Kandhi R, Yeganeh M, Yoshimura A, Menendez A, Ramanathan S, Ilangumaran S. Hepatic stellate cell-intrinsic role of SOCS1 in controlling hepatic fibrogenic response and the pro-inflammatory macrophage compartment during liver fibrosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1259246. [PMID: 37860002 PMCID: PMC10582746 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1259246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) become activated, differentiate to myofibroblasts and produce extracellular fibrillar matrix during liver fibrosis. The hepatic fibrogenic response is orchestrated by reciprocal interactions between HSCs and macrophages and their secreted products. SOCS1 can regulate several cytokines and growth factors implicated in liver fibrosis. Here we investigated the role of SOCS1 in regulating HSC activation. Methods Mice lacking SOCS1 in HSCs (Socs1ΔHSC) were generated by crossing Socs1fl/fl and LratCre mice. Liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride and evaluated by Sirius red staining, hydroxyproline content and immunostaining of myofibroblasts. Gene expression of pro-fibrogenic factors, cytokines, growth factors and chemokines were quantified by RT-qPCR. The phenotype and the numbers of intrahepatic leukocyte subsets were studied by flow cytometry. The impact of fibrosis on the development of diethyl nitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma was evaluated. Results Socs1ΔHSC mice developed more severe liver fibrosis than control Socs1fl/fl mice that was characterized by increased collagen deposition and myofibroblast differentiation. Socs1ΔHSC mice showed a significant increase in the expression of smooth muscle actin, collagens, matrix metalloproteases, cytokines, growth factors and chemokines in the liver following fibrosis induction. The fibrotic livers of Socs1ΔHSC mice displayed heightened inflammatory cell infiltration with increased proportion and numbers of Ly6ChiCCR2+ pro-inflammatory macrophages. This macrophage population contained elevated numbers of CCR2+CX3CR1+ cells, suggesting impaired transition towards restorative macrophages. Fibrosis induction following exposure to diethyl nitrosamine resulted in more numerous and larger liver tumor nodules in Socs1ΔHSC mice than in Socs1fl/fl mice. Discussion Our findings indicate that (i) SOCS1 expression in HSCs is a critical to control liver fibrosis and development of hepatocaellular carcinoma, and (ii) attenuation of HSC activation by SOCS1 regulates pro-inflammatory macrophage recruitment and differentiation during liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Kandhi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Mehdi Yeganeh
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alfredo Menendez
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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38
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Jiang LF, Yang M, Meng HW, Jia PC, Du CL, Liu JY, Lv XW, Cheng-Huang, Li J. The effect of hepatic stellate cell derived-IL-11 on hepatocyte injury in hepatic fibrosis. Life Sci 2023; 330:121974. [PMID: 37495078 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to elucidate the role of Interleukin-11 (IL-11) in hepatic fibrosis (HF) and its potential as a therapeutic target for HF treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS We investigated IL-11 expression in patients with varying degrees of liver injury through ELISA and immunohistochemistry. A CCl4-induced HF mouse model was constructed to study IL-11 expression and cell apoptosis using Western blotting (WB) and other techniques. The expression of IL-11 was silenced using rAAV8 in the mouse model. In vitro stimulation of hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) with TGF-β1, and of LO-2 cells with exogenous IL-11, were performed. Cell supernatants of TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 were used to culture LO-2 cells, with apoptosis monitored via flow cytometry and WB. KEY FINDINGS Increased IL-11 levels were observed in patients and the HF mouse model, with silencing reducing IL-11 expression. In vitro experiments revealed increased endogenous IL-11 in TGF-β1-stimulated LX-2 cells and an increase in apoptotic index, IL11RA, and gp130 in IL-11-stimulated LO-2 cells. Cell apoptosis was reduced in the siRNA/IL11, siRNA/IL11RA, and anti-IL11 groups. WB and immunohistochemistry results showed upregulated p-JNK, p-ERK, and p-P53 expressions in the CCl4-induced HF mouse model and IL-11-treated LO-2 cells. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest IL-11 enhances LX-2 cell activation and proliferation, and promotes LO-2 cell apoptosis through JNK/ERK signaling pathways. This suggests that targeting IL-11 secretion may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for HF, providing a foundation for its clinical application in HF treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Feng Jiang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Wu Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Jia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chang-Lin Du
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jin-Yu Liu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Lv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Cheng-Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei, China; Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Hefei, China; School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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Salati NA, Sharma M, Rao NN, Shetty SS, Radhakrishnan RA. Role of osteopontin in oral epithelial dysplasia, oral submucous fibrosis and oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol 2023; 27:706-714. [PMID: 38304518 PMCID: PMC10829450 DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_492_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammatory cells and cytokines in the chronically injured mucosa promote fibrosis in the oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) fibrotic milieu. Osteopontin (OPN) is a wound-healing mediator that upregulates the inflammatory response and is involved in the malignancy and fibrosis of multiple organ systems. Objectives We investigated the expression of OPN in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) to determine its role in the malignant transformation and fibrosis of oral tissues. The expression of OPN in OPMDs and OSCCs was compared and correlated, and the role of OPN as a fibrotic mediator in OSF was explained. Study Design A total of 30 cases of normal mucosa and OPMDs (mild dysplasia, severe dysplasia, OSF and OSCCs) were studied by purposive sampling. In these groups, OPN immunoreactivity was examined and correlated with clinical findings. Results In mild dysplasia, OPN expression was restricted to the basal cell layer with moderate staining intensity. In severe dysplasia, it was extremely intense and extended throughout the epithelium. In the OSF, OPN expression was moderate in the perinuclear areas of the basal cell layer. The expression of OPN was very strong in OSCC. A flow diagram explaining the profibrotic role of OPN in OSF has been provided. Conclusion A positive role of OPN in both pathogenesis and malignant transformation of OPMDs and OSCC has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir A. Salati
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad Dental College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Mohit Sharma
- Department of Oral Pathology, SGT Dental College Hospital and Research Institute, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Nirmala N. Rao
- Former Dean, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Smitha S. Shetty
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Raghu A. Radhakrishnan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
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40
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Li Y, Zhang T, Zhang J, Liu Q, Jia Q, Chen W, Tang Q, Xiong Y, Xia Y, Xu Y, Mo L, Huang Y, He J. Dually fibronectin/CD44-mediated nanoparticles targeted disrupt the Golgi apparatus and inhibit the hedgehog signaling in activated hepatic stellate cells to alleviate liver fibrosis. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122232. [PMID: 37418856 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is featured by activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). The Golgi apparatus in HSCs plays a vital role in synthesis and secretion of ECM proteins, while its targeted disruption in activated HSCs could be considered as a promising approach for liver fibrosis treatment. Here, we developed a multitask nanoparticle CREKA-CS-RA (CCR) to specifically target the Golgi apparatus of activated HSCs, based on CREKA (a specific ligand of fibronectin) and chondroitin sulfate (CS, a major ligand of CD44), in which retinoic acid (a Golgi apparatus-disturbing agent) chemically conjugated and vismodegib (a hedgehog inhibitor) encapsulated. Our results showed that CCR nanoparticles specifically targeted activated HSCs and preferentially accumulated in the Golgi apparatus. Systemic administration of CCR nanoparticles exhibited significantly accumulation in CCl4-induced fibrotic liver, which was attributed to specific recognition with fibronectin and CD44 on activated HSCs. CCR nanoparticles loaded with vismodegib not only disrupted Golgi apparatus structure and function but also inhibited the hedgehog signaling pathway, thus markedly suppressing HSC activation and ECM secretion in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, vismodegib-loaded CCR nanoparticles effectively inhibited the fibrogenic phenotype in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice without causing obvious toxicity. Collectively, these findings indicate that this multifunctional nanoparticle system can effectively deliver therapeutic agents to the Golgi apparatus of activated HSCs, thus has potential treatment of liver fibrosis with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jinhang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qinhui Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qingyi Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wenfei Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qin Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yimin Xiong
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yan Xia
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Mo
- Center of Gerontology and Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jinhan He
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China.
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Yang Q, Tan T, He Q, Guo C, Chen D, Tan Y, Feng J, Song X, Gong T, Li J. Combined Amphiphilic Silybin Meglumine Nanosuspension Effective Against Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice Model. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:5197-5211. [PMID: 37720597 PMCID: PMC10505037 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s407762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Silybin (SLB) as an effective hepatoprotective phytomedicine has been limited by its hydrophobicity, poor bioavailability and accumulation at lesion sites. Additionally, present drug loading methods are impeded by their low drug loading capacity, potential hazard of materials and poor therapeutic effects. Consequently, there is a pressing need to devise an innovative approach for preparing nanosuspensions loaded with both SLB and Silybin Meglumine salt (SLB-M), as well as to investigate the therapeutic effects of SLB nanosuspensions against hepatic fibrosis. Methods The SLB nanosuspension (NS-SLB) was prepared and further modified with a hyaluronic acid-cholesterol conjugate (NS-SLB-HC) to improve the CD44 targeting proficiency of NS-SLB. To validate the accumulation of CD44 and ensure minimal cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and cytotoxicity assessments were carried out for the nanosuspensions. Western blotting was employed to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis efficacy in LX-2 cells by inhibiting the secretion of collagen I. Hepatic fibrosis mouse models were used to further confirm the effectiveness of NS-SLB and NS-SLB-HC against hepatic fibrosis in vivo. Results Uniform nanosuspensions were prepared through self-assembly, achieving high drug loading rates of 89.44% and 60.67%, respectively. Both SLB nanosuspensions showed minimal cytotoxicity in cellular environments and mitigated hepatic fibrosis in vitro. NS-SLB-HC was demonstrated to target activated hepatic stellate cells by receptor-ligand interaction between HA and CD44. They can reverse hepatic fibrosis in vivo by downregulating TGF-β and inhibiting the secretion of α-SMA and collagen I. Conclusion Designed as a medical excipient analogue, SLB-M was aimed to establish an innovative nanosuspension preparation method, characterized by high drug loading capacity and a notable impact against hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yang
- School of Pharmacy, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong637100, People’s Republic of China
- 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Tan
- 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenqi Guo
- 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Chen
- 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yulu Tan
- 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jiaxing Feng
- 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xu Song
- 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tao Gong
- 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, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jia Li
- West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, People’s Republic of China
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Chen X, Zhu S, Li HD, Wang JN, Sun LJ, Xu JJ, Hui YR, Li XF, Li LY, Zhao YX, Suo XG, Xu CH, Ji ML, Sun YY, Huang C, Meng XM, Zhang L, Lv XW, Ye DQ, Li J. N 6-methyladenosine-modified circIRF2, identified by YTHDF2, suppresses liver fibrosis via facilitating FOXO3 nuclear translocation. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 248:125811. [PMID: 37467831 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125811] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNA (circRNA) has been implicated in liver fibrosis and modulated by multiple elusive molecular mechanisms, while the effects of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification on circRNA are still elusive. Herein, we identify circIRF2 from our circRNA sequencing data, which decreased in liver fibrogenesis stage and restored in resolution stage, indicating that dysregulated circIRF2 may be closely associated with liver fibrosis. Gain/loss-of-function analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of circIRF2 on liver fibrosis at both the fibrogenesis and resolution in vivo. Ectopic expression of circIRF2 attenuated liver fibrogenesis and HSCs activation at the fibrogenesis stage, whereas downregulation of circIRF2 impaired mouse liver injury repair and inflammation resolution. Mechanistically, YTHDF2 recognized m6A-modified circIRF2 and diminished circIRF2 stability, partly accounting for the decreased circIRF2 in liver fibrosis. Microarray was applied to investigate miRNAs regulated by circIRF2, our data elucidate cytoplasmic circIRF2 may directly harbor miR-29b-1-5p and competitively relieve its inhibitory effect on FOXO3, inducing FOXO3 nuclear translocation and accumulation. Clinically, circIRF2 downregulation was prevalent in liver fibrosis patients compared with healthy individuals. In summary, our findings offer a novel insight into m6A modification-mediated regulation of circRNA and suggest that circIRF2 may be an exploitable prognostic marker and/or therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Sai Zhu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Department of Nephropathy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Hai-Di Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jia-Nan Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Li-Jiao Sun
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jin-Jin Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ya-Ru Hui
- Department of Graduate Student Affairs, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Liang-Yun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yu-Xin Zhao
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Guo Suo
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chuan-Hui Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ming-Lu Ji
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Ying-Yin Sun
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Meng
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xiong-Wen Lv
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Dong-Qing Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, ILD-AMU, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Li L, Guo C, Yu Y, Tie L, Lu G, Liu F, Han X, Ji L, Zou X. Differential effects of PGAM5 knockout on high fat high fructose diet and methionine choline-deficient diet induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:154. [PMID: 37605246 PMCID: PMC10440915 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01095-3] [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: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphoglycerate mutase 5 (PGAM5), a phosphatase involved in mitochondrial homeostasis, is reported to be closely related to the metabolic stress induced by high-fat diet (HFD) or cold. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of PGAM5 on hepatic steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS AND RESULTS We generated PGAM5 global knockout (GKO) mice and their wildtype (WT) littermates using CRISPR/CAS9. The mice were fed with a high fat high fructose (HFHF) diet for 12 weeks or a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet (methionine choline supplemented (MCS) as control) for 6 weeks. Hepatic PGAM5 expression was up-regulated in humans with NASH and WT mice fed with HFHF and MCS, and reduced in WT mice fed with MCD diet. In HFHF-fed mice, GKO had reduced body weight, hepatic triglyceride (TG) content and serum transaminase along with decreased hepatic pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses compared with their WT control. GKO had increased expression of antioxidative gene glutathione peroxidase-6 (GPX6) and activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). In mice fed with MCS diet, GKO significantly increased serum TNF-α and IL-6 and decreased hepatic GPX6 mRNA expression. There was no difference in hepatic steatosis, inflammation or fibrosis between GKO and WT mice fed with MCD diet. We investigated the role of PGAM5 deficiency in a variety of cell types. In differentiated THP-1 cells, PGAM5 silencing significantly increased pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion and decreased antioxidative proteins, including nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factors (NRF2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and GPX6 without affecting mTOR activity. In HepG2 cells with steatosis, PGAM5 knockdown reduced insulin sensitivity, increased mTOR phosphorylation and reduced the expression of NRF2, catalase (CAT), HO-1 and GPX6. Conversely, PGAM5 knockdown reduced TG accumulation, increased insulin sensitivity, and increased antioxidative genes in 3T3-L1 cells, despite the up-regulation in mTOR phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS PGAM5-KO relieved hepatic steatosis and inflammation in HFHF model, promoted inflammation in MCS-fed mice and had no effects on the MCD-fed model. The distinct effects may be owing to the different effects of PGAM5-KO on anti-oxidative pathways in energy-dependent, possible involves mTOR, and/or cell type-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that PGAM5 can be a potential therapeutic target for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
- Department of Nutrition, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Chengcheng Guo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Tie
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Guotao Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xueyao Han
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China
| | - Linong Ji
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiantong Zou
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Peking University People's Hospital, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100044, People's Republic of China.
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Wasif Khan HM, Bilal B, Khan K, Tariq Butt MO, Ahmad Shah A, Iqbal Aujla U. Diagnostic Accuracy of Portal Vein Flow Velocity for Esophageal Varices in Cirrhotic Patients. Cureus 2023; 15:e43592. [PMID: 37727188 PMCID: PMC10506378 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43592] [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] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Variceal bleeding is a life-threatening complication of cirrhosis. Traditionally, endoscopy has been utilized as a preferred modality for the detection and grading of esophageal varices. However, endoscopy is an invasive procedure and may not be readily available in resource-limited settings. To overcome this limitation, various non-invasive tests, including Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) with portal vein (PV) velocity measurement, have been investigated to predict the presence of esophageal varices (EV). This study aimed to evaluate the potential utility of portal vein flow velocity (PVFV) as a non-invasive alternative to endoscopic screening for predicting the presence of esophageal varices among cirrhotic patients. Methodology This validation cross-sectional study was carried out at the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute & Research Centre (PKLI&RC), Lahore, Pakistan from June 8, 2022, to March 8, 2023. Cirrhotic patients were enrolled based on clinical, laboratory, and radiological assessments. Doppler ultrasonography was performed to measure portal vein flow velocity along other relevant indices. Subsequently, all patients underwent endoscopic evaluation to screen and grade the esophageal varices. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant clinical predictors of EV based on the results of the independent sample t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to determine the optimal cut-off value for portal vein flow velocity (PVFV). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy were calculated based on the identified cut-off value. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A cohort of 137 cirrhotic patients was enrolled. The study population consisted of 92 males (67.2%) and 45 females (32.8%). Endoscopic screening confirmed the presence of esophageal varices in 81 patients (59.91%). A multivariate analysis revealed that aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) (p=0.008) and portal vein flow velocity (p=0.001) were significant factors associated with esophageal varices and were used for receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The area under the curve (AUC) for PVFV was 0.981, and for APRI, it was 0.711. At a cut-off value of 18 cm/sec for PVFV, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy for esophageal varices were found to be 93.83%, 92.86%, 95%, 91.23%, and 93.43%, respectively. Conclusion Measurement of portal vein flow velocity using Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) is a reliable screening method for predicting the presence of esophageal varices (EV) in patients with liver cirrhosis. DUS offers several advantages, including its non-invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and widespread availability, making it a recommended approach due to its high diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz Muhammad Wasif Khan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, PAK
| | - Bushra Bilal
- Department of Radiology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, PAK
| | - Kayenat Khan
- Department of Radiology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, PAK
| | - Muhammad Osama Tariq Butt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, PAK
| | - Anas Ahmad Shah
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, PAK
| | - Usman Iqbal Aujla
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Centre, Lahore, PAK
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Moreno-Lanceta A, Medrano-Bosch M, Fundora Y, Perramón M, Aspas J, Parra-Robert M, Baena S, Fondevila C, Edelman ER, Jiménez W, Melgar-Lesmes P. RNF41 orchestrates macrophage-driven fibrosis resolution and hepatic regeneration. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eabq6225. [PMID: 37437019 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abq6225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic inflammation is a common trigger of chronic liver disease. Macrophage activation is a predictive parameter for survival in patients with cirrhosis. Ring finger protein 41 (RNF41) negatively regulates proinflammatory cytokines and receptors; however, the precise involvement of macrophage RNF41 in liver cirrhosis remains unknown. Here, we sought to understand how RNF41 dictates macrophage fate in hepatic fibrosis and repair within the inflammatory milieu. We found that RNF41 expression is down-regulated in CD11b+ macrophages recruited to mouse fibrotic liver and to patient cirrhotic liver regardless of cirrhosis etiology. Prolonged inflammation with TNF-α progressively reduced macrophage RNF41 expression. We designed a macrophage-selective gene therapy with dendrimer-graphite nanoparticles (DGNPs) to explore the influence of macrophage RNF41 restoration and depletion in liver fibrosis and regeneration. RNF41 expression induced in CD11b+ macrophages by DGNP-conjugated plasmids ameliorated liver fibrosis, reduced liver injury, and stimulated hepatic regeneration in fibrotic mice with or without hepatectomy. This therapeutic effect was mainly mediated by the induction of insulin-like growth factor 1. Conversely, depletion of macrophage RNF41 worsened inflammation, fibrosis, hepatic damage, and survival. Our data reveal implications of macrophage RNF41 in the control of hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and regeneration and provide a rationale for therapeutic strategies in chronic liver disease and potentially other diseases characterized by inflammation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alazne Moreno-Lanceta
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Mireia Medrano-Bosch
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Yilliam Fundora
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Meritxell Perramón
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Jessica Aspas
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Marina Parra-Robert
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Sheila Baena
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Constantino Fondevila
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Liver Transplant Unit, Institut Clínic de Malalties Digestives I Metabòliques, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Elazer R Edelman
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Pedro Melgar-Lesmes
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona 08036, Spain
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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He W, Huang Y, Shi X, Wang Q, Wu M, Li H, Liu Q, Zhang X, Huang C, Li X. Identifying a distinct fibrosis subset of NAFLD via molecular profiling and the involvement of profibrotic macrophages. J Transl Med 2023; 21:448. [PMID: 37415134 PMCID: PMC10326954 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are emerging studies suggesting that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a heterogeneous disease with multiple etiologies and molecular phenotypes. Fibrosis is the key process in NAFLD progression. In this study, we aimed to explore molecular phenotypes of NAFLD with a particular focus on the fibrosis phenotype and also aimed to explore the changes of macrophage subsets in the fibrosis subset of NAFLD. METHODS To assess the transcriptomic alterations of key factors in NAFLD and fibrosis progression, we included 14 different transcriptomic datasets of liver tissues. In addition, two single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets were included to construct transcriptomic signatures that could represent specific cells. To explore the molecular subsets of fibrosis in NAFLD based on the transcriptomic features, we used a high-quality RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) dataset of liver tissues from patients with NAFLD. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) was used to analyze the molecular subsets of NAFLD based on the gene set variation analysis (GSVA) enrichment scores of key molecule features in liver tissues. RESULTS The key transcriptomic signatures on NAFLD including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) signature, fibrosis signature, non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) signature, liver aging signature and TGF-β signature were constructed by liver transcriptome datasets. We analyzed two liver scRNA-seq datasets and constructed cell type-specific transcriptomic signatures based on the genes that were highly expressed in each cell subset. We analyzed the molecular subsets of NAFLD by NMF and categorized four main subsets of NAFLD. Cluster 4 subset is mainly characterized by liver fibrosis. Patients with Cluster 4 subset have more advanced liver fibrosis than patients with other subsets, or may have a high risk of liver fibrosis progression. Furthermore, we identified two key monocyte-macrophage subsets which were both significantly correlated with the progression of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. CONCLUSION Our study revealed the molecular subtypes of NAFLD by integrating key information from transcriptomic expression profiling and liver microenvironment, and identified a novel and distinct fibrosis subset of NAFLD. The fibrosis subset is significantly correlated with the profibrotic macrophages and M2 macrophage subset. These two liver macrophage subsets may be important players in the progression of liver fibrosis of NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei He
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Yinxiang Huang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiulin Shi
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Qingxuan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Menghua Wu
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Qiuhong Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaofang Zhang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China
| | - Caoxin Huang
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China.
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xaimen, China.
- Xiamen Diabetes Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine for Diabetes, Xiamen, China.
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Ocker M, Neureiter D. Gene expression inhibitors for the treatment of liver fibrosis: drugs under preclinical and early clinical investigation. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1133-1141. [PMID: 37997755 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2288075] [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: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liver fibrosis represents an unmet medical condition with growing incidence and only limited therapeutic options. Interfering with dysregulated gene expression was considered a specific treatment approach, and we are here reviewing the current options to modulate transcription and translation with small molecule inhibitors of involved enzymes, transcription factors or by using non-coding RNA molecules (RNA interference) or DNA antisense oligonucleotides. Despite promising results in preclinical models, only limited data are available from studies in humans. AREAS COVERED This expert opinion provides a general overview of how to interfere with gene expression (transcription and translation) and highlighting recent achievements in liver fibrosis. EXPERT OPINION Many compounds that were explored to modulate gene expression in liver fibrosis (models) were developed as anti-cancer agents. Their use in humans with impaired liver function is often impaired by the lack of specificity to inhibit only fibrosis-related genes in the liver and by associated general toxicity and narrow therapeutic windows. RNAi approaches show a higher degree of specificity and potentially less systemic toxicity. Clinical development in liver fibrosis requires close interaction between pharmaceutical companies and regulatory authorities to address topics like relevant (surrogate) endpoints to achieve meaningful readouts faster.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Ocker
- Medical Department, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Cancer Immunology, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- EO Translational Insights Consulting GmbH, Berlin, Germany
- Tacalyx GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Neureiter
- Institute of Pathology, Paracelsus Medical University/University Hospital Salzburg (SALK), Salzburg, Austria
- Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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Zhang D, Liu BW, Liang XQ, Liu FQ. Immunological factors in cirrhosis diseases from a bibliometric point of view. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:3899-3921. [PMID: 37426317 PMCID: PMC10324529 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i24.3899] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cirrhosis results from persistent liver injury that leads to liver fibrosis. Immunological factors play important regulatory roles in the development and progression of cirrhosis. Bibliometrics is one of the most commonly used methods for systematic evaluation of a field of study. To date, there are no bibliometric studies on the role of immunological factors in cirrhosis.
AIM To provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hotspots of immunological factors in cirrhosis.
METHODS We retrieved publications related to immunological factors in cirrhosis between 2003 to 2022 from the Web of Science Core Collection database on December 7, 2022. The search strategy was TS = ((Liver Cirrhosis OR hepatic cirrhosis OR liver fibrosis) AND (Immunologic* Factor* OR Immune Factor* OR Immunomodulator* OR Biological Response Modifier* OR Biomodulator*)). Only original articles and reviews were included. A total of 2873 publications were analyzed using indicators of publication and citation metrics, countries, institutes, authors, journals, references, and keywords by CiteSpace and VOSviewer.
RESULTS A total of 5104 authors from 1173 institutions across 51 countries published 2873 papers on cirrhosis and immunological factors in 281 journals. In the past 20 years, the increasing number of related annual publications and citations indicates that research on immunological factors in cirrhosis has become the focus of attention and has entered a period of accelerated development. The United States (781/27.18%), China (538/18.73%), and Germany (300/10.44%) were the leading countries in this field. Most of the top 10 authors were from the United States (4) and Germany (3), with Gershwin ME contributing the most related articles (42). World Journal of Gastroenterology was the most productive journal, whereas Hepatology was the most co-cited journal. Current research hotspots regarding immunological factors in cirrhosis include fibrosis, cirrhosis, inflammation, liver fibrosis, expression, hepatocellular carcinoma, activation, primary biliary cirrhosis, disease, and hepatic stellate cells. Burst keywords (e.g., epidemiology, gut microbiota, and pathways) represent research frontiers that have attracted the interest of researchers in recent years.
CONCLUSION This bibliometric study comprehensively summarizes the research developments and directions of immunological factors in cirrhosis, providing new ideas for promoting scientific research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Zhang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Bo-Wen Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Liang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Fu-Quan Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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Varghese DS, Oommen D, John A, Ali BR. GRP78/BiP alleviates oxLDL-induced hepatotoxicity in familial hypercholesterolemia caused by missense variants of LDLR in a HepG2 cellular model. Lipids Health Dis 2023; 22:69. [PMID: 37248472 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01835-x] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The accumulation of misfolded proteins, encoded by genetic variants of functional genes leads to Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) stress, which is a critical consequence in human disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular and hepatic diseases. In addition to the identification of ER stress as a contributing factor to pathogenicity, extensive studies on the role of oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein (oxLDL) and its ill effects in expediting cardiovascular diseases and other metabolic comorbidities are well documented. However, the current understanding of its role in hepatic insults needs to be revised. This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of oxLDL and ER stress-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2. METHODS HepG2 cells stably expressing wild-type Low-Density lipoprotein receptor (WT-LDLR) and missense variants of LDLR that are pathogenically associated with familial hypercholesterolemia were used as the in vitro models. The relative mRNA expression and protein profiles of ER stress sensors, inflammatory and apoptotic markers, together with cytotoxic assays and measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential, were carried out in HepG2 cells treated with 100 µg per ml oxLDL for 24 to 48 h. 1-way or 2-way ANOVA was used for statistical analyses of datasets. RESULTS ER stress responses are elicited along all three arms of the unfolded protein response (UPR), with adverse cytotoxic and inflammatory responses in oxLDL-treated conditions. Interestingly, oxLDL-treated ER-stressed HepG2 cells manifested intriguingly low expression of BiP- the master regulator of ER stress, as observed earlier by various researchers in liver biopsies of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) patients. This study shows that overexpression of BiP rescues hepatic cells from cytotoxic and inflammatory mechanisms instigated by ER stress in combination with oxLDL, along the ER and mitochondrial membrane and restores cellular homeostasis. CONCLUSION The data provide interesting leads that identify patients with familial hypercholesterolemia conditions and potentially other Endoplasmic Reticulum Associated Degradation (ERAD) diseases as highly susceptible to developing hepatic insults with molecular signatures like those manifested in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and NASH. LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES Although the use of HepG2 cells as the model is a major caveat of the study, the findings of this research may be used as the pilot study to expand further investigations in primary hepatocytes or iPSC- derived cellular models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Saro Varghese
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Deepu Oommen
- Present Address: Indian Institute of Science, C V Raman Road, 560012, Bangalore, India
| | - Anne John
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassam R Ali
- Department of Genetics and Genomics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
- Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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Ly TD, Sambale M, Klösener L, Traut P, Fischer B, Hendig D, Kuhn J, Knabbe C, Faust-Hinse I. Understanding of arthrofibrosis: New explorative insights into extracellular matrix remodeling of synovial fibroblasts. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286334. [PMID: 37235555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty is a fibroproliferative joint disorder marked by dysregulated biosynthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagens and proteoglycans. The underlying cellular events remain incompletely understood. Myofibroblasts are highly contractile matrix-producing cells characterized by increased alpha-smooth muscle actin expression and xylosyltransferase-I (XT-I) secretion. Human XT-I has been identified as a key mediator of arthrofibrotic remodeling. Primary fibroblasts from patients with arthrofibrosis provide a useful in vitro model to identify and characterize disease regulators and potential therapeutic targets. This study aims at characterizing primary synovial fibroblasts from arthrofibrotic tissues (AFib) regarding their molecular and cellular phenotype by utilizing myofibroblast cell culture models. Compared to synovial control fibroblasts (CF), AFib are marked by enhanced cell contractility and a higher XT secretion rate, demonstrating an increased fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition rate during arthrofibrosis. Histochemical assays and quantitative gene expression analysis confirmed higher collagen and proteoglycan expression and accumulation in AFib compared to CF. Furthermore, fibrosis-based gene expression profiling identified novel modifier genes in the context of arthrofibrosis remodeling. In summary, this study revealed a unique profibrotic phenotype in AFib that resembles some traits of other fibroproliferative diseases and can be used for the future development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh-Diep Ly
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Meike Sambale
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Lara Klösener
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Philipp Traut
- Orthopädische Beratung und Begutachtung, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Bastian Fischer
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Doris Hendig
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Joachim Kuhn
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
| | - Isabel Faust-Hinse
- Institut für Laboratoriums- und Transfusionsmedizin, Herz- und Diabeteszentrum NRW, Universitätsklinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bad Oeynhausen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
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