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Qin C, Feng Y, Yin Z, Wang C, Yin R, Li Y, Chen K, Tao T, Zhang K, Jiang Y, Gui J. The PIEZO1/miR-155-5p/GDF6/SMAD2/3 signaling axis is involved in inducing the occurrence and progression of osteoarthritis under excessive mechanical stress. Cell Signal 2024; 118:111142. [PMID: 38508350 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2024.111142] [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: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the molecular mechanism of overloading-induced osteoarthritis (OA) and to find a novel therapeutic target. METHODS We utilized human cartilage specimens, mouse chondrocytes, a destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) mouse model, and a mouse hindlimb weight-bearing model to validate the role of overloading on chondrocyte senescence and OA development. Then, we observed the effect of PIEZO1-miR-155-5p-GDF6-SMAD2/3 signaling axis on the preservation of joint metabolic homeostasis under overloading in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo by qPCR, Western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, SA-β-gal staining, CCK8 assay, et al. Finally, we verified the therapeutic effects of intra-articular injection of miR-155-5p inhibitor or recombinant GDF6 on the murine overloading-induced OA models. RESULTS Chondrocytes sensesed the mechanical overloading through PIEZO1 and up-regulated miR-155-5p expression. MiR-155-5p mimics could copy the effects of overloading-induced chondrocyte senescence and OA. Additionally, miR-155-5p could suppress the mRNA expression of Gdf6-Smad2/3 in various tissues within the joint. Overloading could disrupt joint metabolic homeostasis by downregulating the expression of anabolism indicators and upregulating the expression of catabolism indicators in the chondrocytes and synoviocytes, while miR-155-5p inhibition or GDF6 supplementation could exert an antagonistic effect by preserving the joint homeostasis. Finally, in the in vivo overloading models, intra-articular injection of miR-155-5p inhibitor or recombinant GDF6 could significantly mitigate the severity of impending OA and lessened the progression of existing OA. CONCLUSION GDF6 overexpression or miR-155-5p inhibition could attenuate overloading-induced chondrocyte senescence and OA through the PIEZO1-miR-155-5p-GDF6-SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Our study provides a new therapeutic target for the treatment of overloading-induced OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoren Qin
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Zhaowei Yin
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | | | - Rui Yin
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Yang Li
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Kai Chen
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Tianqi Tao
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Kaibin Zhang
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Yiqiu Jiang
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China
| | - Jianchao Gui
- Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, China..
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Diwan R, Gaytan SL, Bhatt HN, Pena-Zacarias J, Nurunnabi M. Liver fibrosis pathologies and potentials of RNA based therapeutics modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8. [PMID: 38446352 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs when the liver tissue responds to injury or inflammation by producing excessive amounts of scar tissue, known as the extracellular matrix. This buildup stiffens the liver tissue, hinders blood flow, and ultimately impairs liver function. Various factors can trigger this process, including bloodborne pathogens, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While some existing small-molecule therapies offer limited benefits, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that can truly cure LF. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising approach, as they can potentially downregulate cytokine levels in cells responsible for liver fibrosis. Researchers are actively exploring various RNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and oligonucleotides, to assess their efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, targeted drug delivery systems hold immense potential in this field. By utilizing lipid nanoparticles, exosomes, nanocomplexes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, researchers aim to deliver therapeutic agents directly to specific biomarkers or cytokines within the fibrotic liver, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex nature of liver fibrosis, its underlying causes, and the promising potential of RNA-based therapeutics and targeted delivery systems. Continued research in these areas could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment options for LF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Samantha Lynn Gaytan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu Narendrakumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pena-Zacarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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Wang Y, Jiao L, Qiang C, Chen C, Shen Z, Ding F, Lv L, Zhu T, Lu Y, Cui X. The role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 in fibrosis diseases and its molecular mechanisms. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116116. [PMID: 38181715 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116116] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a process of tissue repair that results in the slow creation of scar tissue to replace healthy tissue and can affect any tissue or organ. Its primary feature is the massive deposition of extracellular matrix (mainly collagen), eventually leading to tissue dysfunction and organ failure. The progression of fibrotic diseases has put a significant strain on global health and the economy, and as a result, there is an urgent need to find some new therapies. Previous studies have identified that inflammation, oxidative stress, some cytokines, and remodeling play a crucial role in fibrotic diseases and are essential avenues for treating fibrotic diseases. Among them, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are considered the main targets for the treatment of fibrotic diseases since they are the primary driver involved in ECM degradation, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are natural endogenous inhibitors of MMPs. Through previous studies, we found that MMP-9 is an essential target for treating fibrotic diseases. However, it is worth noting that MMP-9 plays a bidirectional regulatory role in different fibrotic diseases or different stages of the same fibrotic disease. Previously identified MMP-9 inhibitors, such as pirfenidone and nintedanib, suffer from some rather pronounced side effects, and therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate new drugs. In this review, we explore the mechanism of action and signaling pathways of MMP-9 in different tissues and organs, hoping to provide some ideas for developing safer and more effective biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Linke Jiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Caoxia Qiang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zihuan Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Ding
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Graduate School of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lifei Lv
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Zhu
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingdong Lu
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangning Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Zhao Y, Dai E, Dong L, Yuan J, Zhao Y, Wu T, Kong R, Li M, Wang S, Zhou L, Yang Y, Kong H, Zhao Y, Qu H. Available and novel plant-based carbon dots derived from Vaccaria Semen carbonisata alleviates liver fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1282929. [PMID: 38116381 PMCID: PMC10729316 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1282929] [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: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis represents an intermediate stage in the progression of liver disease, and as of now, there exists no established clinical therapy for effective antifibrotic treatment. Purpose: Our aim is to explore the impact of Carbon dots derived from Vaccaria Semen Carbonisata (VSC-CDs) on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Methods: VSC-CDs were synthesized employing a modified pyrolysis process. Comprehensive characterization was performed utilizing various techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), multiple spectroscopies, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A hepatic fibrosis model induced by carbon tetrachloride was utilized to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of VSC-CDs. Results: VSC-CDs, exhibiting a quantum yield (QY) of approximately 2.08%, were nearly spherical with diameters ranging from 1.0 to 5.5 nm. The VSC-CDs prepared in this study featured a negative charge and abundant chemical functional groups. Furthermore, these particles demonstrated outstanding dispersibility in the aqueous phase and high biocompatibility. Moreover, VSC-CDs not only enhanced liver function and alleviated liver damage in pathomorphology but also mitigated the extent of liver fibrosis. Additionally, this study marks the inaugural demonstration of the pronounced activity of VSC-CDs in inhibiting inflammatory reactions, reducing oxidative damage, and modulating the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Conclusion: VSC-CDs exerted significant potential for application in nanodrugs aimed at treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yafang Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ertong Dai
- Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Liyang Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jinye Yuan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yusheng Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ruolan Kong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Menghan Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxian Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Long Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingxin Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Kong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Huihua Qu
- Center of Scientific Experiment, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Nam Y, Kim M, Erdenebileg S, Cha KH, Ryu DH, Kim HY, Lee SH, Jung JH, Nho CW. Sanguisorba officinalis L. Ameliorates Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis by Modulating Oxidative Stress, Fatty Acid Oxidation, and Gut Microbiota in CDAHFD-Induced Mice. Nutrients 2023; 15:3779. [PMID: 37686810 PMCID: PMC10490207 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173779] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver diseases and encompasses non-alcoholic steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. Sanguisorba officinalis L. (SO) roots have traditionally been used for their antioxidant properties and have beneficial effects on metabolic disorders, including diabetes and obesity. However, its effects on hepatic steatosis and fibrosis remain unclear. In this study, we explored the effects of a 95% ethanolic SO extract (SOEE) on NAFLD and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. The SOEE was orally administered to C57BL/6J mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino-acid-defined, high-fat diet for 10 weeks. The SOEE inhibited hepatic steatosis by modulating hepatic malondialdehyde levels and the expression of oxidative stress-associated genes, regulating fatty-acid-oxidation-related genes, and inhibiting the expression of genes that are responsible for fibrosis. The SOEE suppressed the deposition of extracellular matrix hydroxyproline and mRNA expression of fibrosis-associated genes. The SOEE decreased the expression of fibrosis-related genes in vitro by inhibiting SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. Furthermore, the SOEE restored the gut microbial diversity and modulated specific bacterial genera associated with NAFLD and fibrosis. This study suggests that SOEE might be the potential candidate for inhibiting hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by modulating oxidative stress, fatty acid oxidation, and gut microbiota composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunseong Nam
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Myungsuk Kim
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Natural Product Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
| | - Saruul Erdenebileg
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Kwang Hyun Cha
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea
- Natural Product Informatics Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea
| | - Da Hye Ryu
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Ho Youn Kim
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Su Hyeon Lee
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Je Hyeong Jung
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
| | - Chu Won Nho
- Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea; (Y.N.); (M.K.); (S.E.); (K.H.C.); (H.Y.K.)
- Smart Farm Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Gangneung 25451, Republic of Korea; (D.H.R.); (S.H.L.); (J.H.J.)
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6
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Niu X, Meng Y, Wang Y, Li G. Established new compound IMB16-4 self-emulsifying drug delivery systems for increasing oral bioavailability and enhancing anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113657. [PMID: 36942601 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113657] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from the chronic liver injury and no specific medical therapy is approved so far. Recently, new compound, N-(3,4,5-trichlorophenyl) - 2 (3-nitrobenzenesulfonamido) benzamide, referred to as IMB16-4, was developed to resist liver fibrosis. However, IMB16-4 displays poor aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability. To increase the dissolution rate, improve the oral bioavailability and enhance the anti-hepatic fibrosis action of IMB16-4, IMB16-4 self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) with negative charge or positive charge were prepared using simple stirring, respectively. Their stability, oral bioavailability and anti-liver fibrosis effect were evaluated. The results showed IMB16-4 SEDDS in simulated gastric juice were nearly spherical with the diameter of 100~200 nm and possessed good stability in 30 days. The oral bioavailability of IMB16-4 SEDDS with negative charge and positive charge were increased to 33 folds and 58 folds compared with that of pure IMB16-4, respectively. In bile duct ligation (BDL) rats, IMB16-4 SEDDS attenuated the degree of liver damage and decreased collagen accumulation. In addition, IMB16-4 SEDDS with negative charge easily accumulated in the liver and alleviated hepatic fibrosis by TGF-β/Smad signaling. These findings indicate that IMB16- 4 SEDDS may be a potential therapy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Niu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yanan Meng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Guiling Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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Liu Z, Zhou S, Zhang Y, Zhao M. Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) inhibit liver fibrosis by activating GSK3β and inhibiting the Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway. Infect Agent Cancer 2022; 17:17. [PMID: 35440002 PMCID: PMC9017036 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-022-00432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can effectively alleviate liver fibrosis, which is a pathological injury caused by various chronic liver diseases. This study aimed to investigate the antifibrotic effects of BMSCs and elucidate the underlying mechanism by which BMSCs affect liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Methods After the rat liver fibrosis model was induced by continuous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), BMSCs were administered for 4 weeks, and histopathological analysis and liver function tests were performed. T6 hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6 cells) were stimulated by TGF-β1, and the activation and proliferation of cells were analyzed by CCK-8 assays, flow cytometry, real-time PCR, western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results Our data demonstrated that BMSCs effectively reduced the accumulation of collagen, enhanced liver functionality and ameliorated liver fibrosis in vivo. BMSCs increased the sub-G1 population in HSC-T6 cells. In addition, coculture with BMSCs reduced the expression of α-SMA, collagen I, cyclin-D1, and c-Myc in HSC-T6 cells and activated the phosphorylation of GSK3β. The GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 reversed the effect of BMSCs. The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway was involved in BMSC-mediated inhibition of HSC-T6 cell activation. Conclusions Our data suggested that BMSCs exerted antifibrotic effects by activating the expression of GSK3β and inhibiting the Wnt3a/β-catenin signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoguo Liu
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.,Liuzhou Worker's Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Song Zhou
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ya Zhang
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. .,Department of Organ Transplantation, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong Province, China.
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Kataoka S, Umemura A, Okuda K, Taketani H, Seko Y, Nishikawa T, Yamaguchi K, Moriguchi M, Kanbara Y, Arbiser JL, Shima T, Okanoue T, Itoh Y. Honokiol Acts as a Potent Anti-Fibrotic Agent in the Liver through Inhibition of TGF-β1/SMAD Signaling and Autophagy in Hepatic Stellate Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413354. [PMID: 34948151 PMCID: PMC8705910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver injury may result in hepatic fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure. There are no drugs that are specifically approved for treating hepatic fibrosis. The natural product honokiol (HNK), a bioactive compound extracted from Magnolia grandiflora, represents a potential tool in the management of hepatic fibrosis. Though HNK has been reported to exhibit suppressive effects in a rat fibrosis model, the mechanisms accounting for this suppression remain unclear. In the present study, the anti-fibrotic effects of HNK on the liver were evaluated in vivo and in vitro. In vivo studies utilized a murine liver fibrosis model, in which fibrosis is induced by treatment with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). For in vitro studies, LX-2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were treated with HNK, and expression of markers of fibrosis, cell viability, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1)/SMAD signaling pathway, and autophagy were analyzed. HNK was well tolerated and significantly attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo. Moreover, HNK decreased HSC activation and collagen expression by downregulating the TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathway and autophagy. These results suggest that HNK is a new potential candidate for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis through suppressing both TGF-β1/SMAD signaling and autophagy in HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seita Kataoka
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (S.K.); (K.O.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (T.N.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (Y.I.)
| | - Atsushi Umemura
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (S.K.); (K.O.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (T.N.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (Y.I.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-75-251-5332; Fax: +81-75-251-5348
| | - Keiichiro Okuda
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (S.K.); (K.O.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (T.N.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (Y.I.)
| | - Hiroyoshi Taketani
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (S.K.); (K.O.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (T.N.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (Y.I.)
| | - Yuya Seko
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (S.K.); (K.O.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (T.N.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (Y.I.)
| | - Taichiro Nishikawa
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (S.K.); (K.O.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (T.N.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (Y.I.)
| | - Kanji Yamaguchi
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (S.K.); (K.O.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (T.N.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (Y.I.)
| | - Michihisa Moriguchi
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (S.K.); (K.O.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (T.N.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (Y.I.)
| | - Yoshihiro Kanbara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saiseikai Suita Hospital, Suita 564-0013, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.S.); (T.O.)
| | - Jack L. Arbiser
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Decatur, GA 30322, USA
| | - Toshihide Shima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saiseikai Suita Hospital, Suita 564-0013, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.S.); (T.O.)
| | - Takeshi Okanoue
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saiseikai Suita Hospital, Suita 564-0013, Japan; (Y.K.); (T.S.); (T.O.)
| | - Yoshito Itoh
- Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajii-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (S.K.); (K.O.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (T.N.); (K.Y.); (M.M.); (Y.I.)
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9
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Pu B, Zhang X, Yan T, Li Y, Liu B, Jian Z, Mahgoub OK, Gu L, Xiong X, Zou N. MICAL2 Promotes Proliferation and Migration of Glioblastoma Cells Through TGF-β/p-Smad2/EMT-Like Signaling Pathway. Front Oncol 2021; 11:735180. [PMID: 34868922 PMCID: PMC8632809 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.735180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies showed that molecule interacting with CasL2 (MICAL2) could be a novel tumor growth factor, and it is closely associated with tumor growth and invasion. However, the role it plays in glioblastoma (GBM) and its potential mechanisms are currently unknown. Our study is designed to identify the effect of MICAL2 on GBM cells and the potential mechanisms behind it. Here, we found that MICAL2 interacts with TGF receptor-type I (TGFRI) and promotes the proliferation and migration of glioblastoma through the TGF-β/p-Smad2/EMT-like signaling pathway. MICAL2-knockdown inhibited the proliferation of glioblastoma cells, which was related to cell cycle arrest and downregulation of DNA replication. The invasion abilities of U87 and U251 cells were reduced after the knockdown of MICAL2. MICAL2 promoted the growth of GBM in nude mice. High MICAL2 predicts poor outcome of GBM patients. MICAL2 could be identified as a novel promising therapeutic target for human GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bei Pu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tengfeng Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuntao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China
| | - Baohui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhihong Jian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Omer Kamal Mahgoub
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lijuan Gu
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoxing Xiong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Huzhou Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (Huzhou Central Hospital), Huzhou, China
| | - Ning Zou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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10
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Huang YJ, Cao J, Lee CY, Wu YM. Umbilical cord blood plasma-derived exosomes as a novel therapy to reverse liver fibrosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:568. [PMID: 34772443 PMCID: PMC8588641 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02641-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease whereby scar tissue replaces healthy liver parenchyma, leading to disruption of the liver architecture and hepatic dysfunction. Currently, there is no effective disease-modifying therapy for liver fibrosis. Recently, our group demonstrated that human umbilical cord blood (UCB) plasma possesses therapeutic effects in a rat model of acute liver failure. Methods In the current study, we tested whether exosomes (Exo) existed in UCB plasma and if they produced any antifibrotic benefits in a liver fibrosis model. Results Our results showed that UCB-Exo improved liver function and increased matrix metalloproteinase/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase degradation to reduce the degree of fibrosis. Moreover, UCB-Exo were found to suppress hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activity in vitro. These effects were associated with suppression of transforming growth factor-β/inhibitor of DNA binding 1 signaling. Conclusions These results further support that UCB-Exo have antifibrotic effects in mice with liver fibrosis and activated HSCs and may herald a new cell-free antifibrotic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Jen Huang
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jerry Cao
- Department of Surgery, Wollongong Hospital, Loftus Street, Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia
| | - Chih-Yuan Lee
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Ming Wu
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan.
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11
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Quercetin Reduces Hepatic Fibrogenesis by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 Signaling Pathway in LX-2 Cell Line. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp.113484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Liver fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis and can eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During fibrogenesis, the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remain active and continuously produce more extracellular matrix (ECM). Quercetin, one of the main flavonoids in vegetables, has shown hepatoprotective potential, but its effects on liver fibrosis are not apparent. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic activity of quercetin following stimulation of TGF-β in the LX-2 cell line (a type of HSC-derived cell line) and its underlying mechanism in vitro. Methods: The LX-2 cells were treated with TGF-β1 (2 ng/mL) for 24 h. Next, the cells were treated with quercetin for 24 h, and the mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen1α1, and p-Smad3 protein levels were measured. Results: The results showed that the expression of α-SMA, collagen 1α1 (COL1α1) genes, and also the level of p-Smad3 protein in the presence of TGF-β increased significantly compared to the control group. Moreover, quercetin in concentrations of 75 and 100 μM inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of α-SMA and COL1α1 genes and the p-Smad3 protein in LX-2 cells. Conclusions: We conclude that quercetin inhibits further activation of HSCs by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway and reduces ECM accumulation during liver fibrosis in vitro, and may prevent the progression of liver fibrosis. Thus, the use of quercetin is suggested as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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12
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lncRNA PAPPA-AS1 Induces the Development of Hypertrophic Scar by Upregulating TLR4 through Interacting with TAF15. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:3170261. [PMID: 34285657 PMCID: PMC8275406 DOI: 10.1155/2021/3170261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertrophic scar (HTS) is a complicated pathological process induced mainly by burns and wounds, with abnormal proliferation of fibroblasts and the transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. PAPPA-AS1, a differentially expressed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) in the HTS tissues, attracted our interests in its potential role and mechanism in the development and process of HTS. In the present study, the regulatory effect of lncRNA PAPPA-AS1 on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signal pathway, as well as the molecular mechanism, was investigated. Bioinformatics analysis was utilized to screen the differentially expressed lncRNAs in HTS tissues. PAPPA-AS1 was significantly upregulated in both HTS tissues and hypertrophic scar fibroblast (HTsFb) cells. The expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, TGF-β1, collagen I, collagen III, and α-SMA were greatly elevated in HTsFb cells. By knocking down PAPPA-AS1, the proliferation of HTsFb cells, TLR4, and TGF-β1 signal pathway and the expression of fibrosis markers both in HTsFb cells and HTS tissues were suppressed. It was accompanied by the alleviated pathological state in the HTS tissues, which were significantly reversed by cotransfecting with the pcDNA3.1-TLR4 vector. Positive correlation and interaction were observed between PAPPA-AS1 and TAF15 and between TAF15 and the promoter of TLR4, respectively. In conclusion, lncRNA PAPPA-AS1 might induce the development of HTS by upregulating TLR4 through interacting with TAF15.
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13
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Zhang Y, Bobe G, Miranda CL, Lowry MB, Hsu VL, Lohr CV, Wong CP, Jump DB, Robinson MM, Sharpton TJ, Maier CS, Stevens JF, Gombart AF. Tetrahydroxanthohumol, a xanthohumol derivative, attenuates high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis by antagonizing PPARγ. eLife 2021; 10:e66398. [PMID: 34128467 PMCID: PMC8205491 DOI: 10.7554/elife.66398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported xanthohumol (XN), and its synthetic derivative tetrahydro-XN (TXN), attenuates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome in C57Bl/6J mice. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of XN and TXN on lipid accumulation in the liver. Non-supplemented mice were unable to adapt their caloric intake to 60% HFD, resulting in obesity and hepatic steatosis; however, TXN reduced weight gain and decreased hepatic steatosis. Liver transcriptomics indicated that TXN might antagonize lipogenic PPARγ actions in vivo. XN and TXN inhibited rosiglitazone-induced 3T3-L1 cell differentiation concomitant with decreased expression of lipogenesis-related genes. A peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) competitive binding assay showed that XN and TXN bind to PPARγ with an IC50 similar to pioglitazone and 8-10 times stronger than oleate. Molecular docking simulations demonstrated that XN and TXN bind in the PPARγ ligand-binding domain pocket. Our findings are consistent with XN and TXN acting as antagonists of PPARγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Nutrition Program, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Gerd Bobe
- Department of Animal Sciences, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Cristobal L Miranda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Malcolm B Lowry
- Department of Microbiology, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Victor L Hsu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Christiane V Lohr
- Department of Biomedical Science, Carlson College of Veterinary MedicineCorvallisUnited States
| | - Carmen P Wong
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Nutrition Program, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Donald B Jump
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Nutrition Program, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Matthew M Robinson
- School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Kinesiology Program, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Thomas J Sharpton
- Department of Microbiology, Department of Statistics, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Claudia S Maier
- Department of Chemistry, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Jan F Stevens
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
| | - Adrian F Gombart
- Linus Pauling Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State UniversityCorvallisUnited States
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14
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Kisseleva T, Brenner D. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of liver fibrosis and its regression. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:151-166. [PMID: 33128017 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-020-00372-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 712] [Impact Index Per Article: 237.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury leads to liver inflammation and fibrosis, through which activated myofibroblasts in the liver secrete extracellular matrix proteins that generate the fibrous scar. The primary source of these myofibroblasts are the resident hepatic stellate cells. Clinical and experimental liver fibrosis regresses when the causative agent is removed, which is associated with the elimination of these activated myofibroblasts and resorption of the fibrous scar. Understanding the mechanisms of liver fibrosis regression could identify new therapeutic targets to treat liver fibrosis. This Review summarizes studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying the reversibility of liver fibrosis, including apoptosis and the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells, the crosstalk between the liver and the systems that orchestrate the recruitment of bone marrow-derived macrophages (and other inflammatory cells) driving fibrosis resolution, and the interactions between various cell types that lead to the intracellular signalling that induces fibrosis or its regression. We also discuss strategies to target hepatic myofibroblasts (for example, via apoptosis or inactivation) and the myeloid cells that degrade the matrix (for example, via their recruitment to fibrotic liver) to facilitate fibrosis resolution and liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - David Brenner
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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15
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Pang Q, Jin H, Wang Y, Dai M, Liu S, Tan Y, Liu H, Lu Z. Depletion of serotonin relieves concanavalin A-induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. Toxicol Lett 2021; 340:123-132. [PMID: 33429011 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin exerts important functions in several liver pathophysiological processes. In this study, we investigated the role of serotonin in concanavalin A (Con A)-induced liver fibrosis (LF) in mice and the underlying mechanisms. To establish the mouse model of LF, mice of wild-type (WT) and tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (Tph1) knockout (serotonin depletion) received Con A for 8 successive weeks. Degree of fibrosis was assessed by Sirius red staining, as well as the measurements of alpha smooth muscle actin (α- SMA), hydroxyproline (Hyp) and type I collagen in liver tissues. To elucidate the potential mechanisms, we assessed the effect of serotonin depletion on inflammatory, oxidative stress as well as TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. We found that serotonin depletion significantly inhibited collagen deposition as evaluated by less collagenous fiber in Sirus Red staining and reduced contents of Hyp and type I collagen. In addition, the absence of serotonin significantly inhibited the release of several inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis-alpha (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). Oxidative stress was also largely mitigated in LF mice with serotonin deficiency as manifested by the decreases of oxidative stress markers (malonaldehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO)), as well as the increases of antioxidant stress indicators (glutathione (GSH), and GSH-px, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD)) in liver tissues. Moreover, the lack of serotonin may provide an antifibrotic role by inhibiting the intrahepatic expressions of TGF-β1, phosphorylated-smad2 (p-smad2), and phosphorylated-smad3 (p-smad3). These results indicated that, serotonin depletion attenuates Con A-induced LF through the regulation of inflammatory response, oxidative stress injury, and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Pang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000 Anhui Province, China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061 Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hao Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000 Anhui Province, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000 Anhui Province, China
| | - Mengnan Dai
- Clinical Medical College of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000 Anhui Province, China
| | - Shuangchi Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000 Anhui Province, China
| | - Yi Tan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000 Anhui Province, China.
| | - Huichun Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000 Anhui Province, China.
| | - Zheng Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233000 Anhui Province, China.
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16
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Chilvery S, Bansod S, Saifi MA, Godugu C. Piperlongumine attenuates bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in mice via inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad and EMT pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106909. [PMID: 32882664 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is a progressive liver injury that may result in excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). However, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) play a central role in the progression of LF through the activation of matrix producing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Piperlongumine (PL), an alkaloid extracted from Piper longum, has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in various diseases but its hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects have not been reported yet. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the protective effect of PL in bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced LF model and explored the molecular mechanisms underlying its antifibrotic effect. BDL group displayed a significant degree of liver damage, oxidative-nitrosative stress, hepatic inflammation and collagen deposition in the liver while these pathological changes were effectively attenuated by treatment with PL. Furthermore, we found that PL treatment greatly inhibited HSCs activation and ECM deposition via downregulation of fibronectin, α-SMA, collagen1a, and collagen3a expression in the fibrotic livers. We further demonstrated that PL administration significantly inhibited TGF-β1/Smad and EMT signaling pathways. Our study demonstrated that PL exerted strong hepatoprotective and antifibrotic activities against BDL-induced LF and might be an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shrilekha Chilvery
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sapana Bansod
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Mohd Aslam Saifi
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
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17
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Park YJ, An HT, Park JS, Park O, Duh AJ, Kim K, Chung KH, Lee KC, Oh Y, Lee S. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor neratinib attenuates liver fibrosis by targeting activated hepatic stellate cells. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14756. [PMID: 32901093 PMCID: PMC7479613 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71688-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, a common outcome of chronic liver disease characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor neratinib is a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) inhibitor approved by the FDA for HER2-positive breast cancer treatment; however, it has not yet been evaluated for liver fibrosis treatment. We elucidated the anti-fibrotic effects of neratinib in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in vivo models of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. HSC activation is a key step in liver fibrogenesis and has a crucial role in collagen deposition, as it is primarily responsible for excessive ECM production. The effect of neratinib on HSC was evaluated in transforming growth factor (TGF-β)-incubated LX-2 cells and culture-activated primary human HSCs. In vivo study results indicated that neratinib inhibited the inflammatory response, HSC differentiation, and collagen accumulation induced by CCl4. Moreover, the anti-fibrotic effects of neratinib were not associated with the HER2 signaling pathways. Neratinib inhibited FGF2 expression in activated HSCs and serum FGF2 level in the model, suggesting that neratinib possessed therapeutic potency against liver fibrosis and the potential for application against other fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Joo Park
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Center for Nanomedicine At the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Hyoung-Tae An
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Center for Nanomedicine At the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Center for Theragnosis, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong-Sung Park
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Center for Nanomedicine At the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Ogyi Park
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.,Center for Nanomedicine At the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Alexander J Duh
- Center for Nanomedicine At the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kwangmeyung Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyu Hyuck Chung
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Kang Choon Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Yumin Oh
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Center for Nanomedicine At the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Seulki Lee
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA. .,Center for Nanomedicine At the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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18
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Song I, Ise H. Development of a Gene Delivery System of Oligonucleotides for Fibroses by Targeting Cell-Surface Vimentin-Expressing Cells with N-Acetylglucosamine-Bearing Polymer-Conjugated Polyethyleneimine. Polymers (Basel) 2020; 12:polym12071508. [PMID: 32645972 PMCID: PMC7407634 DOI: 10.3390/polym12071508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting myofibroblasts and activated stellate cells in lesion sites of fibrotic tissues is an important approach to treat fibroses. Herein, we focused on targeting the cytoskeletal proteins vimentin, which are reportedly highly expressed on the surface of these cells and have N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-binding activity. A GlcNAc-bearing polymer synthesized via radical polymerization with a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer reagent has been previously found to interact with cell-surface vimentin-expressing cells. We designed a GlcNAc-bearing polymer-conjugated polyethyleneimine (PEI), as the gene carrier to target cell-surface vimentin-expressing cells and specifically deliver nuclear factor-κB decoy oligonucleotides (ODNs) and heat shock protein 47 (HSP47)-small interfering RNA (siRNA) to normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) that express cell-surface vimentin. The results showed that the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated NHDFs and HSP47 in transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated NHDFs was suppressed by cellular uptake of the GlcNAc-bearing polymer-conjugated PEI/nuclear factor (NF)-κB decoy ODNs and HSP47-siRNA complexes through cell-surface vimentin, respectively. These findings suggest that the effective and specific delivery of ODNs and siRNA for cell-surface vimentin-expressing cells such as myofibroblasts and activated stellate cells can be achieved using GlcNAc-bearing polymer-conjugated PEI. This therapeutic approach could prove advantageous to prevent the promotion of various fibroses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inu Song
- Graduate School of Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan;
| | - Hirohiko Ise
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-092-802-2503
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19
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Xie H, Su D, Zhang J, Ji D, Mao J, Hao M, Wang Q, Yu M, Mao C, Lu T. Raw and vinegar processed Curcuma wenyujin regulates hepatic fibrosis via bloking TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways and up-regulation of MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 246:111768. [PMID: 30849507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. (CW), a variety of Curumae Rhizoma, which documented in China Pharmacopeia, has long been used as plant medicine for its traditional effect on promoting Qi, activating blood stagnation and expelling blood stasis. Nowadays, it is often used in clinic for extraordinary effect on liver diseases. It is worthy to be noted that CW processed with vinegar has been applied in clinic for 1500 years which started in the northern and southern dynasties. AIM OF STUDY Liver fibrosis is a worldwide clinical issue. It is worth developing a multi-target and multicellular approach which is high efficiency and low side effects for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. The anti-hepatic fibrosis molecular mechanisms of CW and vinegar Curcuma wenyujin (VCW) need to be explored and elucidated. Furthermore, the study aimed to discuss the efficiency and mechanism differences between CW and VCW in hepatic fibrosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Biochemical assays and histopathology were adopted to evaluate the anti-hepatic fibrosis effect of CW and VCW. The TGF-β/Smad signaling involving TGF-β1, TGF-βRⅠ, TGF-βRⅡ and Smad2, Smad3, Smad7 in fibrosis is examined, which is a critical step towards the evaluation of anti-hepatic fibrosis agents. Meanwhile, the MMP/TIMP balance is a potential therapy target by modulating extracellular matrix, which is also examined. Both CW and VCW inhibit the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and induce apoptosis via blocking TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. Additionally, the level of MMP-2/TIMP-1 regulated significantly, which suggest CW and VCW participate in the degradation process, and maintain the formation and production of extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION Raw and vinegar processed Curcuma wenyujin regulates hepatic fibrosis via bloking TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways and up-regulation of MMP-2/TIMP-1 ratio. And VCW has more exhibition than CW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Dan Su
- School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - De Ji
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jing Mao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Min Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qiaohan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Mengting Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; School of Pharmacy, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Chunqin Mao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Tulin Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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20
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Valizadeh A, Majidinia M, Samadi-Kafil H, Yousefi M, Yousefi B. The roles of signaling pathways in liver repair and regeneration. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:14966-14974. [PMID: 30770551 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Revised: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The liver has remarkable regeneration potency that restores liver mass and sustains body hemostasis. Liver regeneration through signaling pathways following resection or moderate damages are well studied. Various cell signaling, growth factors, cytokines, receptors, and cell types implicated in liver regeneration undergo controlled hypertrophy and proliferation. Some aspects of liver regeneration have been discovered and many investigations have been carried out to identify its mechanisms. However, for optimizing liver regeneration more should be understood about mechanisms that control the growth of hepatocytes and other liver cell types in adults. The current paper deals with the possible applicability of liver regeneration signaling pathways as a target for therapeutic approaches and preventing various liver damages. Furthermore, the latest findings of spectrum-specific signaling pathway mechanisms that underlie liver regeneration are briefly described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Valizadeh
- Stem Cells Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Majidinia
- Solid Tumor Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
| | - Hossein Samadi-Kafil
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Bahman Yousefi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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21
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Genz B, Coleman MA, Irvine KM, Kutasovic JR, Miranda M, Gratte FD, Tirnitz-Parker JEE, Olynyk JK, Calvopina DA, Weis A, Cloonan N, Robinson H, Hill MM, Al-Ejeh F, Ramm GA. Overexpression of miRNA-25-3p inhibits Notch1 signaling and TGF-β-induced collagen expression in hepatic stellate cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8541. [PMID: 31189969 PMCID: PMC6561916 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-44865-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
During chronic liver injury hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the principal source of extracellular matrix in the fibrotic liver, transdifferentiate into pro-fibrotic myofibroblast-like cells - a process potentially regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). Recently, we found serum miRNA-25-3p (miR-25) levels were upregulated in children with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) without liver disease, compared to children with CF-associated liver disease and healthy individuals. Here we examine the role of miR-25 in HSC biology. MiR-25 was detected in the human HSC cell line LX-2 and in primary murine HSCs, and increased with culture-induced activation. Transient overexpression of miR-25 inhibited TGF-β and its type 1 receptor (TGFBR1) mRNA expression, TGF-β-induced Smad2 phosphorylation and subsequent collagen1α1 induction in LX-2 cells. Pull-down experiments with biotinylated miR-25 revealed Notch signaling (co-)activators ADAM-17 and FKBP14 as miR-25 targets in HSCs. NanoString analysis confirmed miR-25 regulation of Notch- and Wnt-signaling pathways. Expression of Notch signaling pathway components and endogenous Notch1 signaling was downregulated in miR-25 overexpressing LX-2 cells, as were components of Wnt signaling such as Wnt5a. We propose that miR-25 acts as a negative feedback anti-fibrotic control during HSC activation by reducing the reactivity of HSCs to TGF-β-induced collagen expression and modulating the cross-talk between Notch, Wnt and TGF-β signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berit Genz
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Miranda A Coleman
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katharine M Irvine
- Mater Research, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jamie R Kutasovic
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Personalised Medicine Team, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mariska Miranda
- Personalised Medicine Team, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Francis D Gratte
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia.,School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Janina E E Tirnitz-Parker
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - John K Olynyk
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospital Group, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Diego A Calvopina
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anna Weis
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicole Cloonan
- Genomic Biology Lab, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Harley Robinson
- Precision & Systems Biomedicine, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle M Hill
- Precision & Systems Biomedicine, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fares Al-Ejeh
- Personalised Medicine Team, QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Grant A Ramm
- Hepatic Fibrosis Group, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. .,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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22
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Dimethylfumarate ameliorates hepatic injury and fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 302:53-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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23
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Platelet TGF-β1 deficiency decreases liver fibrosis in a mouse model of liver injury. Blood Adv 2019; 2:470-480. [PMID: 29490978 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2017010868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a primary role in liver fibrosis, but the source of TGF-β1 is unclear. Because platelets are rich in TGF-β1, we examined the role of platelet TGF-β1 in liver fibrosis by challenging wild-type (WT) mice and mice deficient in platelet TGF-β1 (PF4CreTgfb1f/f) with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), an inducer of acute hepatic injury and chronic fibrosis. CCl4 elicited equivalent hepatic injury in WT and PF4CreTgfb1f/f mice based on loss of cytochrome P450 (Cyp2e1) expression, observed at 6 hours and peaking at 3 days after CCl4 challenge; PF4CreTgfb1f/f mice exhibited less liver fibrosis than control mice. Activated platelets were observed during acute liver injury (6 hours), and WT mice with transient platelet depletion (thrombocytopenia) were partially protected from developing fibrosis compared with control mice (P = .01), suggesting an association between platelet activation and fibrosis. Transient increases in TGF-β1 levels and Smad2 phosphorylation signaling were observed 6 hours and 3 days, respectively, after CCl4 challenge in WT, but not PF4CreTgfb1f/f , mice, suggesting that increased TGF-β1 levels originated from platelet-released TGF-β1 during the initial injury. Numbers of collagen-producing HSCs and myofibroblasts were higher at 3 days and 36 days, respectively, in WT vs PF4CreTgfb1f/f mice, suggesting that platelet TGF-β1 may have stimulated HSC transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. Thus, platelet TGF-β1 partially contributes to liver fibrosis, most likely by initiating profibrotic signaling in HSCs and collagen synthesis. Further studies are required to evaluate whether blocking platelet and TGF-β1 activation during acute liver injury prevents liver fibrosis.
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Fibroinflammatory Liver Injuries as Preneoplastic Condition in Cholangiopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123875. [PMID: 30518128 PMCID: PMC6321547 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cholangipathies are a class of liver diseases that specifically affects the biliary tree. These pathologies may have different etiologies (genetic, autoimmune, viral, or toxic) but all of them are characterized by a stark inflammatory infiltrate, increasing overtime, accompanied by an excess of periportal fibrosis. The cellular types that mount the regenerative/reparative hepatic response to the damage belong to different lineages, including cholagiocytes, mesenchymal and inflammatory cells, which dynamically interact with each other, exchanging different signals acting in autocrine and paracrine fashion. Those messengers may be proinflammatory cytokines and profibrotic chemokines (IL-1, and 6; CXCL1, 10 and 12, or MCP-1), morphogens (Notch, Hedgehog, and WNT/β-catenin signal pathways) and finally growth factors (VEGF, PDGF, and TGFβ, among others). In this review we will focus on the main molecular mechanisms mediating the establishment of a fibroinflammatory liver response that, if perpetuated, can lead not only to organ dysfunction but also to neoplastic transformation. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis/Caroli’s disease, two chronic cholangiopathies, known to be prodrome of cholangiocarcinoma, for which several murine models are also available, were also used to further dissect the mechanisms of fibroinflammation leading to tumor development.
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Mu M, Zuo S, Wu RM, Deng KS, Lu S, Zhu JJ, Zou GL, Yang J, Cheng ML, Zhao XK. Ferulic acid attenuates liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation via inhibition of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2018; 12:4107-4115. [PMID: 30584275 PMCID: PMC6284527 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s186726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Liver fibrosis is a worldwide health issue. Development of effective new drugs for treatment of this disease is of great importance. This study investigated the therapeutic effects of ferulic acid on liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods Human hepatic stellate cell line (HSC) LX-2 was used for in vitro assays. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was used to induce hepatic fibrosis in LX-2 cells. Western blot was used to detect protein levels of collagen I, fibronectin, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), p-Smad2, p-Smad3, p-p38, and p-JNK. Gene expression was measured by RT-qPCR. Fluorescence staining was used to determine localization of Smad4. CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in SD rats was used as an in vivo model. Histological features were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hexadecenoic acid (HA), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) were measured by ELISA. Results TGF-β1 treatment significantly increased levels of collagen I, fibronectin, α-SMA, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and Smad4 in LX-2 cells. Ferulic acid improved TGF-β1-induced hepatic fibrosis via regulation of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Consistent with in vitro data, CCl4 caused severe hepatic fibrosis in SD rats, as determined by ALT, AST, HA, and Hyp upregulation. Protein levels of p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 in liver tissues were significantly increased following treatment with CCl4. All CCL4-induced changes were markedly attenuated by ferulic acid treatment. Conclusion Ferulic acid potently improved hepatic fibrosis via inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in vitro and in vivo. These findings provided evidence for potential use of ferulic acid to treat or prevent liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Mu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China, ;
| | - Shi Zuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Rong-Min Wu
- Department of Ultrasonography, The Maternity Hospital of Guizhou, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Kai-Sheng Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China, ;
| | - Shuang Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China, ;
| | - Juan-Juan Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China, ;
| | - Gao-Liang Zou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China, ;
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China, ;
| | - Ming-Liang Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China, ;
| | - Xue-Ke Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China, ;
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26
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Li X, George SM, Vernetti L, Gough AH, Taylor DL. A glass-based, continuously zonated and vascularized human liver acinus microphysiological system (vLAMPS) designed for experimental modeling of diseases and ADME/TOX. LAB ON A CHIP 2018; 18:2614-2631. [PMID: 30063238 PMCID: PMC6113686 DOI: 10.1039/c8lc00418h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The vLAMPS is a human, biomimetic liver MPS, in which the ECM and cell seeding of the intermediate layer prior to assembly, simplifies construction of the model and makes the platform user-friendly. This primarily glass microfluidic device is optimal for real-time imaging, while minimizing the binding of hydrophobic drugs/biologics to the materials that constitute the device. The assembly of the three layered device with primary human hepatocytes and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and human cell lines for stellate and Kupffer cells, creates a vascular channel separated from the hepatic channel (chamber) by a porous membrane that allows communication between channels, recapitulating the 3D structure of the liver acinus. The vascular channel can be used to deliver drugs, immune cells, as well as various circulating cells and other factors to a stand-alone liver MPS and/or to couple the liver MPS to other organ MPS. We have successfully created continuous oxygen zonation by controlling the flow rates of media in the distinct vascular and hepatic channels and validated the computational modeling of zonation with oxygen sensitive and insensitive beads. This allows the direct investigation of the role of zonation in physiology, toxicology and disease progression. The vascular channel is lined with human LSECs, recapitulating partial immunologic functions within the liver sinusoid, including the activation of LSECs, promoting the binding of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) followed by transmigration into the hepatic chamber. The vLAMPS is a valuable platform to investigate the functions of the healthy and diseased human liver using all primary human cell types and/or iPSC-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- Drug Discovery Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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27
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Jin X, Aimaiti Y, Chen Z, Wang W, Li D. Hepatic stellate cells promote angiogenesis via the TGF-β1-Jagged1/VEGFA axis. Exp Cell Res 2018; 373:34-43. [PMID: 30075174 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and function as mesenchymal cells in liver regeneration. Activated HSCs also have proangiogenic ability in vivo. In this study, knockin of the TGF-β1 gene caused mHSCs to transform into myofibroblasts (MFs) highly expressing Jagged1 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). These MFs promoted formation of capillary-like structures by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro, which was much reduced after blocking TGF-β1 signaling. Transplantation of TGF-β1-knockin mHSCs was followed by efficient engraftment into livers and accompanied by increased vascular organization and expression of Jagged1 and VEGFA compared with controls. Less hepatic angiogenesis and lower Jagged1 and VEGFA expression, was found in livers engrafted with TGF-β-R1-knockdown mHSCs. Increased vascularization improved liver function. The findings showed that mHSCs were regulated by TGF-β1 signaling to express Jagged1 and VEGFA, which were associated with hepatic angiogenesis, a novel mechanism of mHSC promotion of new vascular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yasen Aimaiti
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zixin Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Dewei Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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28
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Rajapaksha IG, Mak KY, Huang P, Burrell LM, Angus PW, Herath CB. The small molecule drug diminazene aceturate inhibits liver injury and biliary fibrosis in mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10175. [PMID: 29977014 PMCID: PMC6033899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28490-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
There is no established medical therapy to treat biliary fibrosis resulting from chronic inflammation in the biliary tree. We have recently shown that liver-specific over-expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) ameliorated liver fibrosis in mice. Diminazene aceturate (DIZE), a small molecule drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, which is used to treat human trypanosomiasis, has been shown to have antifibrotic properties by enhancing ACE2 activity. In this study we sought to determine the therapeutic potential of DIZE in biliary fibrosis using bile duct ligated and multiple drug resistant gene-2 knockout mice. Additionally, human hepatic stellate (LX-2) and mouse Kupffer (KUP5) cell lines were used to delineate intracellular pathways. DIZE treatment, both in vivo and in vitro, markedly inhibited the activation of fibroblastic stellate cells which was associated with a reduced activation of Kupffer cells. Moreover, DIZE-inhibited NOX enzyme assembly and ROS generation, activation of profibrotic transcription factors including p38, Erk1/2 and Smad2/3 proteins and proinflammatory and profibrotic cytokine release. These changes led to a major reduction in biliary fibrosis in both models without affecting liver ACE2 activity. We conclude that DIZE has a potential to treat biliary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indu G Rajapaksha
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kai Y Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise M Burrell
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter W Angus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Chandana B Herath
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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Andrographolide Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis in Mice: Involvement of TLR4/NF- κB and TGF- β1/Smad2 Signaling Pathways. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:7808656. [PMID: 29743985 PMCID: PMC5878918 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7808656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 12/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and extracellular matrix accumulation. Blocking the activation of HSC and the inflammation response are two major effective therapeutic strategies for liver fibrosis. In addition to the long history of using andrographolide (Andro) for inflammatory disorders, we aimed at elucidating the pharmacological effects and potential mechanism of Andro on liver fibrosis. In this study, liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and the mice were intraperitoneally injected with Andro for 6 weeks. HSC cell line (LX-2) and primary HSC were also treated with Andro in vitro. Treatment of CCl4-induced mice with Andro decreased the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Sirius red staining as well as the expression of α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β1. Furthermore, the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 and NF-κB p50 was also inhibited by Andro. Additionally, in vitro data confirmed that Andro treatment not only attenuated the expression of profibrotic and proinflammatory factors but also blocked the TGF-β1/Smad2 and TLR4/NF-κB p50 pathways. These results demonstrate that Andro prevents liver inflammation and fibrosis, which is in correlation with the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad2 and TLR4/NF-κB p50 pathways, highlighting Andro as a potential therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis.
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30
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Flavanones from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge Alleviate CCl 4-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats by Targeting TGF- β1/T βR/Smad Pathway In Turn Inhibiting Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:3080837. [PMID: 29636774 PMCID: PMC5832160 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3080837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of flavanones from Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (FSSB) on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats and the underlying mechanisms of action. Methods An experimental model of liver fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of rats with CCl4 (40% v/v, 3 ml/kg) twice per week for six weeks. FSSB (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered once per day consecutively for five weeks. Results Our results showed that FSSB significantly attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis as evidenced by reducing the elevated levels of serum biochemical indexes and improving the histological changes, including decreasing the elevation in serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin (LN) level, reducing infiltration of inflammatory cells and collagen fibers in liver tissue. In addition, compared to the model group, FSSB markedly downregulated the protein and mRNA expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β1 receptors I and II (TβRI and TβRII), Smad2, Smad3, and Vimentin in liver tissue, at the mean time upregulating the expression of Smad7 and E-cadherin. Conclusions The results suggest that FSSB alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis probably through inhibition of TGF-β/TβR/Smad pathway in turn inhibiting epithelial mesenchymal transition.
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31
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Xu X, Zheng L, Yuan Q, Zhen G, Crane JL, Zhou X, Cao X. Transforming growth factor-β in stem cells and tissue homeostasis. Bone Res 2018; 6:2. [PMID: 29423331 PMCID: PMC5802812 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-017-0005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 11/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
TGF-β 1-3 are unique multi-functional growth factors that are only expressed in mammals, and mainly secreted and stored as a latent complex in the extracellular matrix (ECM). The biological functions of TGF-β in adults can only be delivered after ligand activation, mostly in response to environmental perturbations. Although involved in multiple biological and pathological processes of the human body, the exact roles of TGF-β in maintaining stem cells and tissue homeostasis have not been well-documented until recent advances, which delineate their functions in a given context. Our recent findings, along with data reported by others, have clearly shown that temporal and spatial activation of TGF-β is involved in the recruitment of stem/progenitor cell participation in tissue regeneration/remodeling process, whereas sustained abnormalities in TGF-β ligand activation, regardless of genetic or environmental origin, will inevitably disrupt the normal physiology and lead to pathobiology of major diseases. Modulation of TGF-β signaling with different approaches has proven effective pre-clinically in the treatment of multiple pathologies such as sclerosis/fibrosis, tumor metastasis, osteoarthritis, and immune disorders. Thus, further elucidation of the mechanisms by which TGF-β is activated in different tissues/organs and how targeted cells respond in a context-dependent way can likely be translated with clinical benefits in the management of a broad range of diseases with the involvement of TGF-β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Pediatric Dentistry, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Oral Implantology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Gehua Zhen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Janet L. Crane
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Cao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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Abd El Motteleb DM, Ibrahim IAAEH, Elshazly SM. Sildenafil protects against bile duct ligation induced hepatic fibrosis in rats: Potential role for silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1). Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 335:64-71. [PMID: 28974454 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a potential health problem that may end with life-threatening cirrhosis and primary liver cancer. Recent studies point out to the protective effects of silent information regulator1 (SIRT1), against different models of organs fibrosis. This work aimed to investigate the possible protective effect of sildenafil (SIRT1 activator) against hepatic fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Firstly, three different doses of sildenafil (5, 10, 20mg/kg/day) were investigated; to detect the most protective one against BDL induced liver dysfunction and hepatic fibrosis. The most protective dose is then used; to study its effect on BDL induced SIRT1 downregulation, imbalance of oxidant/antioxidant status, increased inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis. Sildenafil (20mg/kg/day) was the most protective one, it caused upregulation of SIRT1, reduction of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increase in expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), hemeoxygenease (HO)-1, reduced glutathione (GSH) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Hepatic content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nuclear factor κB (NFκB) expression & content displayed significant reductions with sildenafil treatment, Furthermore, sildenafil caused marked reductions of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β content, expression of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, collagen I (α1) and hydroxyproline content. However, sildenafil protective effects were significantly reduced by co-administration of EX527 (SIRT1 inhibitor). Our work showed, for the first time that, sildenafil has promising protective effects against BDL induced liver dysfunction and hepatic fibrosis. These effects may be, in part, mediated by up regulation of SIRT1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Islam A A E-H Ibrahim
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Egypt
| | - Shimaa M Elshazly
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Egypt.
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Chen Q, Zhang H, Cao Y, Li Y, Sun S, Zhang J, Zhang G. Schisandrin B attenuates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in rats by regulation of Nrf2-ARE and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2017; 11:2179-2191. [PMID: 28794616 PMCID: PMC5538685 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s137507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major pathological feature of chronic liver diseases and there is no effective therapy program at present. Schisandrin B (Sch B) is the major bioactive ingredient of Schisandra chinensis, with antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and hepatoprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and related molecular mechanism of Sch B against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. The in vivo therapeutic effect of Sch B on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 was examined in rats. In vitro, rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6) were used to assess the effect of Sch B on the activation of HSCs. Sch B effectively attenuated liver damage and progression of liver fibrosis in rats, as evidenced by improved liver function and decreased collagen deposition. The effects of Sch B were associated with attenuating oxidative stress by activating nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant signaling and suppressing HSC activation by inhibiting the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway. In an in vitro study, it was shown that Sch B inhibited TGF-β-induced HSC activation. Finally, Sch B significantly inhibited TGF-β1-stimulated phosphorylation of Smad and signaling of mitogen-activated protein kinases. This study demonstrates that Sch B prevents the progression of liver fibrosis by the regulation of Nrf2-ARE and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways, and indicates that Sch B can be used for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Cao
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sen Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junping Zhang
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Breitkopf-Heinlein K, Meyer C, König C, Gaitantzi H, Addante A, Thomas M, Wiercinska E, Cai C, Li Q, Wan F, Hellerbrand C, Valous NA, Hahnel M, Ehlting C, Bode JG, Müller-Bohl S, Klingmüller U, Altenöder J, Ilkavets I, Goumans MJ, Hawinkels LJAC, Lee SJ, Wieland M, Mogler C, Ebert MP, Herrera B, Augustin H, Sánchez A, Dooley S, Ten Dijke P. BMP-9 interferes with liver regeneration and promotes liver fibrosis. Gut 2017; 66:939-954. [PMID: 28336518 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9, a member of the transforming growth factor-β family of cytokines, is constitutively produced in the liver. Systemic levels act on many organs and tissues including bone and endothelium, but little is known about its hepatic functions in health and disease. DESIGN Levels of BMP-9 and its receptors were analysed in primary liver cells. Direct effects of BMP-9 on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatocytes were studied in vitro, and the role of BMP-9 was examined in acute and chronic liver injury models in mice. RESULTS Quiescent and activated HSCs were identified as major BMP-9 producing liver cell type. BMP-9 stimulation of cultured hepatocytes inhibited proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition and preserved expression of important metabolic enzymes such as cytochrome P450. Acute liver injury caused by partial hepatectomy or single injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into mice resulted in transient downregulation of hepatic BMP-9 mRNA expression. Correspondingly, LPS stimulation led to downregulation of BMP-9 expression in cultured HSCs. Application of BMP-9 after partial hepatectomy significantly enhanced liver damage and disturbed the proliferative response. Chronic liver damage in BMP-9-deficient mice or in mice adenovirally overexpressing the selective BMP-9 antagonist activin-like kinase 1-Fc resulted in reduced deposition of collagen and subsequent fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Constitutive expression of low levels of BMP-9 stabilises hepatocyte function in the healthy liver. Upon HSC activation, endogenous BMP-9 levels increase in vitro and in vivo and high levels of BMP-9 cause enhanced damage upon acute or chronic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christoph Meyer
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Courtney König
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Haristi Gaitantzi
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Annalisa Addante
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Thomas
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tuebingen, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Eliza Wiercinska
- German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohaematology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Chen Cai
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Affiliated with Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengqi Wan
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nektarios A Valous
- Applied Tumor Immunity Clinical Cooperation Unit, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Hahnel
- University Hospital of the Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian Ehlting
- University Hospital of the Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Johannes G Bode
- University Hospital of the Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Stephanie Müller-Bohl
- Division Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ursula Klingmüller
- Division Systems Biology of Signal Transduction, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jutta Altenöder
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Iryna Ilkavets
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Marie-José Goumans
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Centre for Cancer Genomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Lukas J A C Hawinkels
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Centre for Cancer Genomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Se-Jin Lee
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Baltimore, USA
| | - Matthias Wieland
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Institute of Pathology, Technical University of Munich, München, Germany
| | - Matthias P Ebert
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Blanca Herrera
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Hellmut Augustin
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Vascular Biology and Tumor Angiogenesis (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aránzazu Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, San Carlos Clinical Hospital Health Research Institute (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Steven Dooley
- Department of Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Peter Ten Dijke
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Centre for Cancer Genomics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Prevention of TGF-β-induced early liver fibrosis by a maleic acid derivative anti-oxidant through suppression of ROS, inflammation and hepatic stellate cells activation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174008. [PMID: 28384213 PMCID: PMC5383026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Current anti-fibrotic effect of antioxidants in vivo is disappointing due probably to the fact that once liver fibrogenesis is established it is too advanced to be reversed by anti-oxidation mechanism. We consider antioxidant may only act on the early phase of fibrogenesis. Thus, we had previously established an early liver fibrosis animal model using an inducible expression vector (pPK9a), which contains TGF-β gene and was hydro-dynamically transferred into mice to induce a transient liver fibrosis. TGF-β1 has been well documented to up-regulate the expression of α2(1) collagen (Col 1A2) gene in the liver via the reactive oxygen species (ROS); the process triggers inflammation, leading to hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation and liver fibrogenesis. Using our animal model and ROS, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and Col 1A2 promoter assays as screening targets, we report here that a maleic acid derivative isolated from the Antrodia camphorata mycelium strongly decreases ROS production, promoter activity of Cox-2 and Col 1A2, intracellular calcium, expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Smad4-p-Smad2/3 co-localization in cell nucleus and the DNA binding activity of Sp1. Our results suggest that the maleic acid derivative prevents liver fibrosis at an early phase both in vitro and in vivo through the inhibition of ROS, inflammation and the activation of HSC.
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Zhao D, Luo Y, Xia Y, Zhang JJ, Xia Q. MicroRNA-19b Expression in Human Biliary Atresia Specimens and Its Role in BA-Related Fibrosis. Dig Dis Sci 2017; 62:689-698. [PMID: 28083843 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-016-4411-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Biliary atresia (BA) is a pediatric liver disease with unknown underlying etiology. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) represent a family of small noncoding RNAs. Among them, miR-19b has been suggested to function in the diseased liver. We therefore decided to investigate its potential role in BA. METHODS We used infant-derived specimens to analyze miR-19b expression in a tissue- and cell-specific fashion, predicted interaction with genes, and finally performed a functional study in vitro. RESULTS Patients with BA showed significantly lower miR-19b level in liver compared with controls, and pediatric end-stage liver disease (PELD) score was inversely correlated with miR-19b level. In vitro, miR-19b was significantly downregulated in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and exerted inhibitory effects on HSC activation, as confirmed by decreased alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen expression. Moreover, one mRNA target gene (TGFβR2) was identified. Computational prediction of miR-19b binding to the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of TGFβR2 was validated by luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, miR-19b mimic negatively regulated transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling components, as demonstrated by decreased drosophila mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) expression and blocking of TGF-β-induced expression of a1(I) and a2(I) procollagen miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that miR-19b may be involved in BA-related fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongfang Rd., No. 1630, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongfang Rd., No. 1630, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Yun Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongfang Rd., No. 1630, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jian-Jun Zhang
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongfang Rd., No. 1630, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Dongfang Rd., No. 1630, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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37
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Decoding the role of the nuclear receptor SHP in regulating hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrogenesis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:41055. [PMID: 28117422 PMCID: PMC5259793 DOI: 10.1038/srep41055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The small heterodimer partner (SHP) is an orphan nuclear receptor that lacks the DNA binding domain while conserves a putative ligand-binding site, thought that endogenous ligands for this receptor are unknown. Previous studies have determined that SHP activation protects against development of liver fibrosis a process driven by trans-differentiation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a miofibroblast like cell type, involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. To dissect signals involved in this activity we generated SHP-overexpressing human and rat HSCs. Forced expression of SHP in HSC-T6 altered the expression of 574 genes. By pathway and functional enrichment analyses we detected a cluster of 46 differentially expressed genes involved in HSCs trans-differentiation. Using a isoxazole scaffold we designed and synthesized a series of SHP agonists. The most potent member of this group, ISO-COOH (EC50: 9 μM), attenuated HSCs trans-differentiation and ECM deposition in vitro, while in mice rendered cirrhotic by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) or α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT), protected against development of liver fibrosis as measured by morphometric analysis and expression of α-SMA and α1-collagen mRNAs. In aggregate, present results identify SHP as a counter-regulatory signal for HSCs transactivation and describe a novel class of SHP agonists endowed with anti-fibrotic activity.
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Effect of Exogenous Fetuin-A on TGF- β/Smad Signaling in Hepatic Stellate Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 2016:8462615. [PMID: 27990439 PMCID: PMC5136394 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8462615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective. To explore the effects of low concentration of exogenous fetuin-A intervention on TGF-β1 induced LX2 cells through detection of the expression of mRNA and protein of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad7. Methods. MTT assay was used to detect the LX2 cells proliferation and the regression equation calculating software was applied to determine IC50 of fetuin-A. RT-PCR was used to determine the relative content of Smad2, Smad3, and Smad7 mRNA in LX2 cells. Western blot was used to detect the LX2 cells relative content of Smad2, Smad3, Smad7 protein expression, respectively. Results. The analysis from RT-PCR and western blot showed that when compared with the other groups TGF-β1 + fetuin-A group increased the expression of Smad2 and Smad3 while decreased the expression of Smad7 (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Fetuin-A may improve the excessive activation of hepatic stellate cells which is caused by an enhanced positive regulation of Smad2 and Smad3 protein and the deficiency in negative regulation of Smad7 protein. This is through inhibiting the expression of Smad2 and Smad3 gene and promoting the expression of Smad7 gene. As a result, the development of liver fibrosis will be reduced.
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Lopez ON, Bohanon FJ, Wang X, Ye N, Corsello T, Rojas-Khalil Y, Chen H, Chen H, Zhou J, Radhakrishnan RS. STAT3 Inhibition Suppresses Hepatic Stellate Cell Fibrogenesis: HJC0123, a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Liver Fibrosis. RSC Adv 2016; 6:100652-100663. [PMID: 28546859 PMCID: PMC5440088 DOI: 10.1039/c6ra17459k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs) are the major source of the excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) production that replaces liver parenchyma with fibrous tissue during liver fibrosis. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) promotes HCSs survival, proliferation, and activation contributing to fibrogenesis. We have previously used a fragment-based drug design approach and have discovered a novel STAT3 inhibitor, HJC0123. Here, we explored the biological effects of HJC0123 on the fibrogenic properties of HSCs. HJC0123 treatment resulted in the inhibition of HSCs proliferation at submicromolar concentrations. HJC0123 reduced the phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and transcriptional activity of STAT3. It decreased the expression of STAT3-regulated proteins, induced cell cycle arrest, promoted apoptosis and downregulated SOCS3. HJC0123 treatment inhibited HSCs activation and downregulated ECM protein fibronectin and type I collagen expression. In addition, HJC0123 increased IL-6 production and decreased TGF-β induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation. These results demonstrate that HJC0123 represents a novel STAT3 inhibitor that suppresses the fibrogenic properties of HSCs, suggesting its therapeutic potential in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Nunez Lopez
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Fredrick J. Bohanon
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Xiaofu Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Na Ye
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Tiziana Corsello
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Yesenia Rojas-Khalil
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Haijun Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Haiying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
| | - Ravi S. Radhakrishnan
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX, USA, 77555
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He L, Li Z, Zhou D, Ding Y, Xu L, Chen Y, Fan J. Galanin receptor 2 mediates antifibrogenic effects of galanin on hepatic stellate cells. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:3375-3380. [PMID: 27882166 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Galanin is an endogenous factor involved in the negative regulation of the biological effects of leptin in bioenergetic metabolism. Leptin promotes fibrogenic effects in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), however, little is known about the effects of galanin on HSCs. In the present study, the biological functions of galanin and its receptors (GalRs) in HSCs were investigated using cell culture in vitro. It was found that galanin and GalR3 mRNA are expressed in quiescent and activated HSCs. GalR2 expression was undetectable in quiescent HSCs but was markedly induced in activated HSCs. In the HSC-T6 cell line, which is an activated rat HSC cell line, treatment with 100 nmol/l galanin significantly inhibited cell proliferation. It also inhibited transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression and upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ expression. Following the knockdown of GalR2 by specific small interfering RNA, the activation of GalR3 by galanin does not influence these effects of galanin on HSCs. However, activation of GalR2 alone by galanin following the knockdown of GalR3 inhibits HSC proliferation and TGF-β1 and α-SMA expression, in addition to inducing PPAR-γ expression. These data suggest that galanin inhibits HSC activation and suppresses the profibrogenic features of these cells, and these effects might be mediated by GalR2. Thus, galanin is a potential endogenous factor in the inhibition of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingnan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Zhenghong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Da Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Yongnian Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830028, P.R. China
| | - Leiming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Yuanwen Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
| | - Jiangao Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, P.R. China
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A virus-like particle-based connective tissue growth factor vaccine suppresses carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32155. [PMID: 27562139 PMCID: PMC4999884 DOI: 10.1038/srep32155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been recognized as a central mediator and promising therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we generated a novel virus-like particle (VLP) CTGF vaccine by inserting the 138–159 amino acid (aa) fragment of CTGF into the central c/e1 epitope of C-terminus truncated hepatitis B virus core antigen (HBc, aa 1–149) using a prokaryotic expression system. Immunization of BALB/c mice with the VLP vaccine efficiently elicited the production of anti-CTGF neutralizing antibodies. Vaccination with this CTGF vaccine significantly protected BALB/c mice from carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis, as indicated by decreased hepatic hydroxyproline content and lower fibrotic score. CCl4 intoxication-induced hepatic stellate cell activation was inhibited by the vaccination, as indicated by decreased α-smooth muscle actin expression and Smad2 phosphorylation. Vaccination against CTGF also attenuated the over-expression of some profibrogenic factors, such as CTGF, transforming growth factor-β1, platelet-derived growth factor-B and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in the fibrotic mouse livers, decreased hepatocyte apoptosis and accelerated hepatocyte proliferation in the fibrotic mouse livers. Our results clearly indicate that vaccination against CTGF inhibits fibrogenesis, alleviates hepatocyte apoptosis and facilitate hepatic regeneration. We suggest that the vaccine should be developed into an effective therapeutic measure for hepatic fibrosis.
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42
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Identification of a Novel lincRNA-p21-miR-181b-PTEN Signaling Cascade in Liver Fibrosis. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:9856538. [PMID: 27610008 PMCID: PMC5004029 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9856538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that long intergenic noncoding RNA-p21 (lincRNA-p21) inhibits hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis via p21. However, the underlying mechanism of the antifibrotic role of lincRNA-p21 in liver fibrosis remains largely unknown. Here, we found that lincRNA-p21 expression was significantly downregulated during liver fibrosis. In LX-2 cells, the reduction of lincRNA-p21 induced by TGF-β1 was in a dose- and time-dependent manner. lincRNA-p21 expression was reduced in liver tissues from patients with liver cirrhosis when compared with that of healthy controls. Notably, lincRNA-p21 overexpression contributed to the suppression of HSC activation. lincRNA-p21 suppressed HSC proliferation and induced a significant reduction in α-SMA and type I collagen. All these effects induced by lincRNA-p21 were blocked down by the loss of PTEN, suggesting that lincRNA-p21 suppressed HSC activation via PTEN. Further study demonstrated that microRNA-181b (miR-181b) was involved in the effects of lincRNA-p21 on HSC activation. The effects of lincRNA-p21 on PTEN expression and HSC activation were inhibited by miR-181b mimics. We demonstrated that lincRNA-p21 enhanced PTEN expression by competitively binding miR-181b. In conclusion, our results disclose a novel lincRNA-p21-miR-181b-PTEN signaling cascade in liver fibrosis and suggest lincRNA-p21 as a promising molecular target for antifibrosis therapy.
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Muñoz-Félix JM, Cuesta C, Perretta-Tejedor N, Subileau M, López-Hernández FJ, López-Novoa JM, Martínez-Salgado C. Identification of bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9) as a novel profibrotic factor in vitro. Cell Signal 2016; 28:1252-1261. [PMID: 27208502 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Upregulated synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins by myofibroblasts is a common phenomenon in the development of fibrosis. Although the role of TGF-β in fibrosis development has been extensively studied, the involvement of other members of this superfamily of cytokines, the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in organ fibrosis has given contradictory results. BMP9 is the main ligand for activin receptor-like kinase-1 (ALK1) TGF-β1 type I receptor and its effect on fibrosis development is unknown. Our purpose was to study the effect of BMP9 in ECM protein synthesis in fibroblasts, as well as the involved receptors and signaling pathways. In cultured mice fibroblasts, BMP9 induces an increase in collagen, fibronectin and connective tissue growth factor expression, associated with Smad1/5/8, Smad2/3 and Erk1/2 activation. ALK5 inhibition with SB431542 or ALK1/2/3/6 with dorsomorphin-1, inhibition of Smad3 activation with SIS3, and inhibition of the MAPK/Erk1/2 with U0126, demonstrates the involvement of these pathways in BMP9-induced ECM synthesis in MEFs. Whereas BMP9 induced Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation through ALK1, it also induces Smad2/3 phosphorylation through ALK5 but only in the presence of ALK1. Summarizing, this is the first study that accurately identifies BMP9 as a profibrotic factor in fibroblasts that promotes ECM protein expression through ALK1 and ALK5 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- José M Muñoz-Félix
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain; Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Cristina Cuesta
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain; Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Nuria Perretta-Tejedor
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain; Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Mariela Subileau
- Inserm, U1036, CEA, DSV, Irtsv, Laboratoire Biologie du Cancer et de l'Infection, Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble, F-38054, France
| | - Francisco J López-Hernández
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain; Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Estudios de Ciencias de la Salud de Castilla y León (IECSCYL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - José M López-Novoa
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain; Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Carlos Martínez-Salgado
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain; Unidad de Fisiopatología Renal y Cardiovascular, Instituto Reina Sofía de Investigación Nefrológica, Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain; Instituto de Estudios de Ciencias de la Salud de Castilla y León (IECSCYL), Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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Liu RM, Desai LP. Reciprocal regulation of TGF-β and reactive oxygen species: A perverse cycle for fibrosis. Redox Biol 2015; 6:565-577. [PMID: 26496488 PMCID: PMC4625010 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 421] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 09/17/2015] [Accepted: 09/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is the most potent pro-fibrogenic cytokine and its expression is increased in almost all of fibrotic diseases. Although signaling through Smad pathway is believed to play a central role in TGF-β's fibrogenesis, emerging evidence indicates that reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulate TGF-β's signaling through different pathways including Smad pathway. TGF-β1 increases ROS production and suppresses antioxidant enzymes, leading to a redox imbalance. ROS, in turn, induce/activate TGF-β1 and mediate many of TGF-β's fibrogenic effects, forming a vicious cycle (see graphic flow chart on the right). Here, we review the current knowledge on the feed-forward mechanisms between TGF-β1 and ROS in the development of fibrosis. Therapeutics targeting TGF-β-induced and ROS-dependent cellular signaling represents a novel approach in the treatment of fibrotic disorders. TGF-β1 is the most potent ubiquitous profibrogenic cytokine. TGF- β 1 induces redox imbalance by ↑ ROS production and ↓ anti-oxidant defense system Redox imbalance, in turn, activates latent TGF-β1 and induces TGF-β1 expression. Redox imbalance also mediates many of TGF-β1’s profibrogenic effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Ming Liu
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmi ngham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Leena P Desai
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmi ngham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Chrysin attenuates liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation through TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2015; 240:94-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2015.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Receptor channel TRPC6 orchestrate the activation of human hepatic stellate cell under hypoxia condition. Exp Cell Res 2015; 336:66-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Yu F, Guo Y, Chen B, Dong P, Zheng J. MicroRNA-17-5p activates hepatic stellate cells through targeting of Smad7. J Transl Med 2015; 95:781-9. [PMID: 25915722 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A considerable amount of research has focused on the roles of microRNAs (miRNA) in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis in view of their regulatory effects on hepatic stellate cell (HSC) functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recently, miR-17-5p was shown to promote cell proliferation and migration in liver. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has been characterized as the master fibrogenic cytokine that stimulates HSC activation and promotes progression of liver fibrosis. The issue of whether miR-17-5p plays a role in TGF-β1-induced hepatic fibrogenesis remains to be established. In this study, we demonstrated a dose-/time-dependent increase in miR-17-5p expression in TGF-β1-treated HSCs. Enhanced miR-17-5p expression was additionally observed in CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis. Inhibition of miR-17-5p led to suppression of HSC proliferation induced by TGF-β1 without affecting cellular apoptosis. Notably, miR-17-5p was significantly associated with TGF-β1-induced expression of type I collagen and α-SMA in HSC. Furthermore, Smad7, a negative regulator of the TGF-β/Smad pathway, was confirmed as a direct target of miR-17-5p. Serum miR-17-5p levels were significantly higher in patients with cirrhosis, compared to healthy controls. Our results collectively indicate that miR-17-5p promotes HSC proliferation and activation, at least in part, via reduction of Smad7, supporting its potential utility as a novel therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujun Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Institute of Organ Transplantation; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bicheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peihong Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases; The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Yan C, Wang L, Li B, Zhang BB, Zhang B, Wang YH, Li XY, Chen JX, Tang RX, Zheng KY. The expression dynamics of transforming growth factor-β/Smad signaling in the liver fibrosis experimentally caused by Clonorchis sinensis. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:70. [PMID: 25649869 PMCID: PMC4329204 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-0675-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis is a hallmark of clonorchiasis suffered by millions people in Eastern Asian countries. Recent studies showed that the activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway can potently regulate the hepatic fibrogenesis including Schistosoma spp. and Echinococcus multilocularis-caused liver fibrosis. However, little is known to date about the expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and other molecules in TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway which may play an important role in hepatic fibrosis caused by C. sinensis. Methods A total of 24 mice were individually infected orally with 45 metacercariae, both experimental mice and mocked-infected control mice were anesthetized at 4 week post-infection (wk p.i.), 8 wk p.i. and 16 wk p.i., respectively. For each time-point, the liver and serum from each animal were collected to analyze histological findings and various fibrotic parameters including TGF-β1, TGF-β receptors and down-stream Smads activation, as well as fibrosis markers expression. Results The results showed that collagen deposition indicated by hydroxyproline content and Masson’s trichrome staining was increased gradually with the development of infection. The expression of collagen type α1 (Col1a) mRNA transcripts was steadily increased during the whole infection. The mRNA levels of Smad2, Smad3 as well as the protein of Smad3 in the liver of C. sinensis-infected mice were increased after 4 wk p.i. (P < 0.05, compared with normal control) whereas the TGF-β1, TGF-β type I receptor (TGFβRI) and TGF-β type II receptor (TGFβRII) mRNA expression in C. sinensis-infected mice were higher than those of normal control mice after 8 wk p.i. (P < 0.05). However, the gene expression of Smad4 and Smad7 were peaked at 4 wk p.i. (P < 0.05), and thereafter dropped to the basal level at 8 wk p.i., and 16 wk p.i., respectively. The concentrations of TGF-β1 in serum in the C. sinensis-infected mice at 8 wk p.i. and 16 wk p.i (P < 0.05) were significantly higher than those in the control mice. Conclusions The results of the present study indicated for the first time that the activation of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway might contribute to the synthesis of collagen type I which leads to liver fibrosis caused by C. sinensis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, PR China.
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, PR China.
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, PR China.
| | - Bei-Bei Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, PR China.
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, PR China.
| | - Yan-Hong Wang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, PR China.
| | - Xiang-Yang Li
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, PR China.
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, PR China.
| | - Ren-Xian Tang
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, PR China.
| | - Kui-Yang Zheng
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221004, PR China.
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Pathil A, Mueller J, Ludwig JM, Wang J, Warth A, Chamulitrat W, Stremmel W. Ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide attenuates hepatofibrogenesis by impairment of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:5113-26. [PMID: 25041068 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2013] [Revised: 06/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Chronic hepatic inflammation results in liver fibrosis. As effective anti-fibrogenic agents are lacking, we investigated ursodeoxycholyl lysophosphatidylethanolamide (UDCA-LPE), a synthetic bile acid-phospholipid conjugate with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties for tis effects on hepatic fibrogenesis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To stimulate fibrogenesis, LX2 hepatic stellate cells were cultured with conditioned medium from CL48 liver cells after exposure to stress-inducing conditions - methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) medium or TNFα/cycloheximide (CHX) - with or without UDCA-LPE preincubation. Anti-fibrogenic effects of UDCA-LPE were further studied in CL48 and LX2 cells and in primary human hepatic stellate cells (HHStec) directly exposed to TGF-β1. To test UDCA-LPE in vivo, C57BL/6 mice were fed a MCD diet for 11 weeks followed by 30 mg·kg(-1) UDCA-LPE 3× per week for 2.5 weeks. KEY RESULTS Expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), α1-collagen, vimentin and TGF-β1 was down-regulated by up to 93% by UDCA-LPE in LX-2 cells cultured with conditioned medium. Also, UDCA-LPE inhibited Smad3 phosphorylation in CL48 cells incubated with MCD medium or TNFα/CHX and in LX2 cells exposed to conditioned medium. UDCA-LPE also decreased phosphorylated Smad3 and Smad2 directly induced by TGF-β1. Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling with down-regulation of target genes was confirmed in HHStec. In vivo, UDCA-LPE decreased hepatic α-SMA, α1-collagen and TGF-β1 expression and markedly lowered α-SMA protein and collagen deposition in MCD mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS By blocking TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signalling, UDCA-LPE suppressed key mediators of hepatic fibrogenesis. Thus, UDCA-LPE could be suitable for prevention of fibrotic progression of chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Pathil
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Hepatic stellate cell is activated by microRNA-181b via PTEN/Akt pathway. Mol Cell Biochem 2014; 398:1-9. [PMID: 25148875 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-014-2199-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is an essential event in the initiation and progression of liver fibrosis. MicroRNAs have been shown to play a pivotal role in regulating HSC functions such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recently, miR-181b has been reported to promote HSCs proliferation by targeting p27. But whether alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) or collagens could be promoted by miR-181b in activated HSCs is still not clear. Therefore, the understanding of the role of miR-181b in liver fibrosis remains limited. Our results showed that miR-181b expression was increased much higher than miR-181a expression in vitro in transforming growth factor-β1-induced HSC activation as well as in vivo in carbon tetrachloride-induced rat liver fibrosis. Of note, overexpression of miR-181b significantly increased the expressions level of α-SMA and type I collagen, and further promoted HSCs proliferation. Furthermore, phosphatase and tensin homologs deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), a negative regulator of PI3K/Akt pathway, were confirmed as a direct target of miR-181b. We demonstrated that miR-181b could suppress PTEN expression and increase Akt phosphorylation in HSCs. Interestingly, the effects of miR-181b on the activation of HSCs were blocked down by Akt inhibitor LY294002. Our results revealed a profibrotic role of miR-181b in HSC activation and demonstrated that miR-181b could activate HSCs, at least in part, via PTEN/Akt pathway.
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