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Abstract
A variety of observational studies have demonstrated that coffee, likely acting through caffeine, improves health outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease. The primary pharmacologic role of caffeine is to act as an inhibitor of adenosine receptors. Because key liver cells express adenosine receptors linked to liver injury, regeneration, and fibrosis, it is plausible that the biological effects of coffee are explained by effects of caffeine on adenosinergic signaling in the liver. This review is designed to help the reader make sense of that hypothesis, highlighting key observations in the literature that support or dispute it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan A Dranoff
- Yale University School of Medicine and VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT, 06515, USA.
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Wu X, Zhu Y, Guo Y, Zhao Z, Li Z. Grb2-related adaptor protein GRAP is a novel regulator of liver fibrosis. Life Sci 2023; 327:121861. [PMID: 37343720 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Excessive liver fibrosis is frequently observed in chronic liver diseases and associated with decline of liver functions. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are considered the principal mediator of liver fibrosis by trans-differentiating into myofibroblasts. In the present study we investigated the role of Grb2-related adaptor protein (GRAP) in HSC activation and liver fibrosis. METHODS AND MATERIALS Liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection. Gene expression was examined by quantitative PCR. Cell proliferation was evaluated by EdU incorporation. DNA-protein interaction was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). KEY FINDINGS GRAP expression was up-regulated during HSC-myofibroblast transition both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, serum response factor (SRF) and myocardin-related transcription factor A (MRTF-A) formed a complex to bind to the GRAP promoter and activate GRAP transcription. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated GRAP silencing blocked HSC-myofibroblast transition in vitro. Importantly, adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6) mediated GRAP knockdown in myofibroblasts attenuated liver fibrosis in mice. Of note, inhibition of ERK signaling abrogated enhancement of HSC-myofibroblast transition by GRAP over-expression. SIGNIFICANCE Our data suggest that GRAP, possibly via ERK activation, regulates HSC-myofibroblast transition and contributes to liver fibrosis. Screening for small-molecule GRAP inhibitors may yield novel therapeutic solutions against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wu
- School of Sports and Health, Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, China.
| | - Yuwen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Zhigang Zhao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
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He X, Sun Z, Ma K, Mei Y. [1-deoxynojirimycin alleviates liver fibrosis induced by type 2 diabetes in mice]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2021; 41:1342-1349. [PMID: 34658348 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2021.09.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) for improving diabetic liver fibrosis and explore the underlying mechanism. METHODS Mouse models of type 2 diabetes were established in 10 Kunming mice by high-fat diet feeding for 8 weeks and intraperitoneal injection of STZ, with 5 mice receiving intraperitoneal injection of citrate buffer solution with normal feeding as the control group. The mouse models were randomized into two groups (n=5) for further highfat feeding (model group) and additional treatment with 10% DNJ in drinking water (200 mg · kg-1 per day; DNJ group) for 8 weeks. The mice were monitored for changes in body weight (BW), blood glucose, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. The pathological changes in the liver tissue were observed using HE and Sirius Red staining, and the solubility of collagens in the liver tissues was determined. The expression levels of MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-β1 mRNA were detected with real-time PCR, and the protein expressions of α-SMA and collagen2 (ColA2) were determined with Western blotting. In the in vitro experiment, mouse fibroblasts L929 cells were pretreated with DNJ (10 μg/ mL) or PBS for 30 min followed by culture in high-glucose medium for 24 h, and the level of ROS production was measured using dihydroethidium (DHE) staining. RESULTS In the mouse model of type 2 diabetes, DNJ treatment significantly lowered serum level of glucose, TC, and TG (P < 0.05) and increased serum SOD activity (P < 0.05). DNJ obviously attenuated liver fibrosis in the diabetic mice, as shown by alleviated cross-linking of collagens and reduced contents of pepsin-solubilized collagen (PSC) and total collagen (P < 0.05). DNJ treatment also significantly reduced the overexpression of the proinflammatory cytokines and fibrosis-related cytokines induced by diabetes (P < 0.05). In L929 cells exposed to high glucose, pretreatment with DNJ significantly lowered the intensity of red fluorescence in DHE staining. CONCLUSION DNJ can attenuate type 2 diabetes-induced liver fibrosis in mice through its hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- X He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Z Sun
- School of Stomatology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - K Ma
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Y Mei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
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Wang R, Zhang D, Tang D, Sun K, Peng J, Zhu W, Yin S, Wu Y. Amygdalin inhibits TGFβ1-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and CCl 4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats in vivo. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 90:107151. [PMID: 33296784 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has been considered one of the major events in hepatic fibrosis. Amygdalin has been used to treat cancers and alleviate pain; however, its role and mechanism in HSC activation and hepatic fibrosis remain unclear. In the present study, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) stimulated the activation of HSCs, as indicated by significantly increased alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), desmin, collagen I, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) protein levels. Amygdalin treatment dramatically suppressed TGF-β1-induced HSC proliferation and activation. Moreover, amygdalin treatment also reduced the TGF-β1-induced secretion of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), as well as the phosphorylation of Smad2, Smad3, and p65. In the CCl4-stimulated liver fibrosis rat model, amygdalin treatment improved liver fibrosis and liver damage by reducing focal necrosis, collagen fiber accumulation, and the protein levels of α-SMA, desmin, collagen I, and TIMP-1 in hepatic tissue samples and reducing serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels. In conclusion, we demonstrated the suppressive effects of amygdalin in TGF-β1-induced HSC activation through modulating proliferation, fibrogenesis, and inflammation signaling in vitro and the antifibrotic effects of amygdalin in CCl4-stimulated hepatic fibrosis in rats in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Zhuhai, Zhuhai, Guangdong 519015, China
| | - Dan Tang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China
| | - Kewei Sun
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China
| | - Jianping Peng
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China
| | - Wenfang Zhu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China
| | - Sihan Yin
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China
| | - Yunan Wu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410007, China.
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Eubanks HB, Lavoie EG, Goree J, Kamykowski JA, Gokden N, Fausther M, Dranoff JA. Reduction in SNAP-23 Alters Microfilament Organization in Myofibrobastic Hepatic Stellate Cells. Gene Expr 2020; 20:25-37. [PMID: 31757226 PMCID: PMC7284106 DOI: 10.3727/105221619x15742818049365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are critical effector cells of liver fibrosis. In the injured liver, HSC differentiate into a myofibrobastic phenotype. A critical feature distinguishing myofibroblastic from quiescent HSC is cytoskeletal reorganization. Soluble NSF attachment receptor (SNARE) proteins are important in trafficking of newly synthesized proteins to the plasma membrane for release into the extracellular environment. The goals of this project were to determine the expression of specific SNARE proteins in myofibroblastic HSC and to test whether their alteration changed the HSC phenotype in vitro and progression of liver fibrosis in vivo. We found that HSC lack the t-SNARE protein, SNAP-25, but express a homologous protein, SNAP-23. Downregulation of SNAP-23 in HSC induced reduction in polymerization and disorganization of the actin cytoskeleton associated with loss of cell movement. In contrast, reduction in SNAP-23 in mice by monogenic deletion delayed but did not prevent progression of liver fibrosis to cirrhosis. Taken together, these findings suggest that SNAP-23 is an important regular of actin dynamics in myofibroblastic HSC, but that the role of SNAP-23 in the progression of liver fibrosis in vivo is unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haleigh B. Eubanks
- *Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Elise G. Lavoie
- *Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jessica Goree
- *Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Kamykowski
- †Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Neriman Gokden
- ‡Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Michel Fausther
- *Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Jonathan A. Dranoff
- *Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
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Komolkriengkrai M, Nopparat J, Vongvatcharanon U, Anupunpisit V, Khimmaktong W. Effect of glabridin on collagen deposition in liver and amelioration of hepatocyte destruction in diabetes rats. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:1164-1174. [PMID: 31316610 PMCID: PMC6601403 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in insulin hormone levels leads to a hyperglycemic condition of diabetic mellitus. Hyperglycemia seriously induces organ and system destructions. The excessive accumulation of collagen fiber deposits occurs in inflammatory and reorganization processes of chronic liver diseases in type I insulin-dependent diabetes. Regarding the research objective, glabridin (GLB), an active compound of licorice, was used as a daily supplement (40 mg/kg) in order to decrease hepatocyte destruction and collagen deposition in liver tissue of diabetic animals induced by streptozotocin. A total of 40 were randomly allocated to five groups (each, n=10), control, control treated with GLB (GLB), diabetic rats (DM) injected with single dose of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) to induce a diabetic condition, diabetic rats receiving GLB (DM+GLB; 40 mg/kg) and diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (DM+GL; 4 mg/kg). Characteristic histopathological changes in liver cells and tissues of rats were determined by Masson's trichrome staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the key markers, collagen type I and fibronectin proteins. The histological investigation of liver tissue of the DM group revealed that the collagen fiber deposition was increased in the periportal, pericentral and perisinusoidal spaces compared with controls. Hepatocytes appeared as small and fragmented cells in TEM examination. Collagenization of the perisinusoidal space was recently demonstrated to represent a new aspect of the microvascular abnormalities and liver fibrosis. Healthy hepatocytes with round nucleus were observed following supplementation of glabridin. In addition, collagen fiber deposition was reduced in the area adjacent to the perisinusoidal space. The expression of collagen type I and fibronectin decreased strongly following glabridin supplementation in DM+GLB rats compared with DM rats, indicating that the hepatic tissue reorganization regained its normal morphology. These findings suggest that it may be beneficial to examine the role of glabridin as a therapeutic agent in diabetes treatment in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manaras Komolkriengkrai
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Jongdee Nopparat
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Uraporn Vongvatcharanon
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Vipavee Anupunpisit
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
| | - Wipapan Khimmaktong
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
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Liu M, Hu Y, Yuan Y, Tian Z, Zhang C. γδT Cells Suppress Liver Fibrosis via Strong Cytolysis and Enhanced NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Against Hepatic Stellate Cells. Front Immunol 2019; 10:477. [PMID: 30930903 PMCID: PMC6428727 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, resulting from maladaptive wound healing responses to chronic liver injury. γδT cells are important in chronic liver injury pathogenesis and subsequent liver fibrosis; however, their role and underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study aims to assess whether γδT cells contribute to liver fibrosis regression. Using a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced murine model of liver fibrosis in wild-type (WT) and γδT cell deficient (TCRδ−/−) mice, we demonstrated that γδT cells protected against liver fibrosis and exhibited strong cytotoxicity against activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Further study show that chronic liver inflammation promoted hepatic γδT cells to express NKp46, which contribute to the direct killing of activated HSCs by γδT cells. Moreover, we identified that an IFNγ-producing γδT cell subset (γδT1) cells exhibited stronger cytotoxicity against activated HSCs than the IL-17-producing subset (γδT17) cells upon chronic liver injury. In addition, γδT cells promoted the anti-fibrotic ability of conventional natural killer (cNK) cells and liver-resident NK (lrNK) cells by enhancing their cytotoxicity against activated HSCs. The cell crosstalk between γδT and NK cells was shown to depend partly on co-stimulatory receptor 4-1BB (CD137) engagement. In conclusion, our data confirmed the protective effects of γδT cells, especially the γδT1 subset, by directly killing activated HSCs and increasing NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against activated HSCs in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, which suggest valuable therapeutic targets to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meifang Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yuan Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yi Yuan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- School of Life Sciences, Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Immunopharmacology and Immunotherapy, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Ouyang Y, Guo J, Lin C, Lin J, Cao Y, Zhang Y, Wu Y, Chen S, Wang J, Chen L, Friedman SL. Transcriptomic analysis of the effects of Toll-like receptor 4 and its ligands on the gene expression network of hepatic stellate cells. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2016; 9:2. [PMID: 26900402 PMCID: PMC4759739 DOI: 10.1186/s13069-016-0039-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Intact Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has been identified in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the primary fibrogenic cell type in liver. Here, we investigated the impact of TLR4 signaling on the gene expression network of HSCs by comparing the transcriptomic changes between wild-type (JS1) and TLR4 knockout (JS2) murine HSCs in response to two TLR4 ligands, lipopolysacchride (LPS), or high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1). Results Whole mouse genome microarray was performed for gene expression analysis. Gene interaction and co-expression networks were built on the basis of ontology and pathway analysis by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Gene expression profiles are markedly different between Wild type (JS1) and TLR4 knockout (JS2) HSCs under basal conditions or following stimulation with LPS or HMGB1. The differentially expressed genes between TLR4 intact and null HSCs were enriched in signaling pathways including p53, mTOR, NOD-like receptor, Jak-STAT, chemokine, focal adhesion with some shared downstream kinases, and transcriptional factors. Venn analysis revealed that TLR4-dependent, LPS-responsive genes were clustered into pathways including Toll-like receptor and PI3K-Akt, whereas TLR4-dependent, HMGB1-responsive genes were clustered into pathways including metabolism and phagosome signaling. Genes differentially expressed that were categorized to be TLR4-dependent and both LPS- and HMGB1-responsive were enriched in cell cycle, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Conclusions TLR4 mediates complex gene expression alterations in HSCs. The affected pathways regulate a wide spectrum of HSC functions, including inflammation, fibrogenesis, and chemotaxis, as well as cell growth and metabolism. There are common and divergent regulatory signaling downstream of LPS and HMGB1 stimulation via TLR4 on HSCs. These findings emphasize the complex cascades downstream of TLR4 in HSCs that could influence their cellular biology and function. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13069-016-0039-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Ouyang
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fu Dan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jinsheng Guo
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fu Dan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Chenzhao Lin
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fu Dan University, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jie Lin
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yirong Cao
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fu Dan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yuanqin Zhang
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fu Dan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yujin Wu
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fu Dan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Shiyao Chen
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fu Dan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jiyao Wang
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fu Dan University, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Luonan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1425 Madison Ave., Room 11-70C, New York, 10029-6574 NY USA
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Iwaisako K, Taura K, Koyama Y, Takemoto K, Asagiri M. Strategies to Detect Hepatic Myofibroblasts in Liver Cirrhosis of Different Etiologies. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2014; 2:209-215. [PMID: 25401051 PMCID: PMC4223535 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-014-0057-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis, a late stage of hepatic fibrosis, is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Hepatic fibrosis is mainly caused by alcoholic or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, chronic viral hepatitis, or autoimmune and biliary diseases. Myofibroblasts, which are absent from the normal liver, are differentiated from heterogeneous cell populations in response to a liver injury of any etiology and produce the extracellular matrix. Hepatic stellate cells are considered the main source of myofibroblasts. However, the origin of hepatic myofibroblasts remains unresolved, and despite considerable research, only a limited success has been achieved by existing anti-fibrotic therapies. The question remains whether these limitations are caused by lack of attention to the critical targets, the myofibroblasts derived from cells of other mesenchymal origins. Therefore, identifying the origin of myofibroblasts may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis, and may lead to the development of more effective therapies. This review will examine our current strategies for detecting hepatic myofibroblasts of different origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Iwaisako
- Department of Target Therapy Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Kawaharacho, Shogoin, Sakyo-Ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Yukinori Koyama
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Kenji Takemoto
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic and Transplant Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
- Innovation Center for Immunoregulation and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Masataka Asagiri
- Innovation Center for Immunoregulation and Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
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Qiang G, Zhang L, Yang X, Xuan Q, Shi L, Zhang H, Chen B, Li X, Zu M, Zhou D, Guo J, Yang H, Du G. Effect of valsartan on the pathological progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats with type 2 diabetes. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 685:156-64. [PMID: 22546234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 04/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently there is no effective treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially hepatic fibrosis induced by type 2 diabetes. Valsartan maybe has beneficial effect on the liver disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of valsartan on the pathological progression of hepatic fibrosis in rats with type 2 diabetes. An animal model of hepatic fibrosis with type 2 diabetes was developed using a high-sucrose, high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin. Valsartan (15 mg/kg/day, i.g.) was orally administered for four months. The livers were removed to make hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Picric acid-Sirius red staining, and immunohistochemistry staining of α-smooth-muscle-actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to detect hepatocyte apoptosis. The liver mitochondria were isolated to measure the mitochondrial respiratory function. The results showed that valsartan significantly alleviated the lesion of hepatic steatosis and hepatic fibrosis by HE staining and Picric acid-Sirius red staining. Immunohistochemical staining suggested that the expression of α-SMA, TGF-β1, TNF-α and MCP-1 in liver tissue of diabetic rats was markedly reduced by valsartan. TUNEL staining showed that there were fewer TUNEL-positive apoptotic hepatocytes in valsartan group. In addition, valsartan restored the injured hepatic mitochondrial respiratory function. The findings demonstrated that valsartan prevented the pathological progression of hepatic fibrosis in type 2 diabetic rats, correlated with reducing α-SMA, TGF-β1, TNF-α and MCP-1 expression, also anti-apoptosis and mitochondria-protective potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifen Qiang
- Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, PR China
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High-purity hepatic lineage differentiated from dental pulp stem cells in serum-free medium. J Endod 2012; 38:475-80. [PMID: 22414832 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2011.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Revised: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We have previously differentiated hepatocyte like cells from deciduous tooth pulp stem and extracted third molar pulp stem cells with a protocol that used fetal bovine serum, but it showed high contaminations of nondifferentiated cells. Both the lower purity of hepatically differentiated cells and usage of serum are obstacles for application of cell therapy or regenerative medicine. Objective of this study was to investigate the capacity for and purity of hepatocyte-like differentiation of CD117-positive dental pulp stem cells without serum. METHODS Mesenchymal cells from human deciduous and extracted third molar pulp were isolated and expanded in vitro. We separated CD117-positive cells by using a magnetic-activated cell sorter. The cells were characterized immunofluorescently by using known stem cell markers. For hepatic differentiation, the media were supplemented with hepatic growth factor, insulin-transferrin-selenium-x, dexamethasone, and oncostatin M. Expression of hepatic markers alpha fetoprotein, albumin, hepatic nuclear factor-4 alpha, insulin-like growth factor-1, and carbamoyl phosphate synthetase was examined immunofluorescently after differentiation. The amount of differentiated cells was assessed by using flow cytometry. Glycogen storage and urea concentration in the medium were defined. RESULTS Both cell cultures demonstrated a number of cells positive for all tested hepatic markers after differentiation, ie, albumin-positive cells were almost 90% of differentiated deciduous pulp cells. The concentration of urea in the media increased significantly after differentiation. Significant amount of cytoplasmic glycogen storage was found in the cells. CONCLUSIONS Without serum both cell types differentiated into high-purity hepatocyte-like cells. These cells offer a source for hepatocyte lineage differentiation for transplantation in the future.
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Cui W, Matsuno K, Iwata K, Ibi M, Matsumoto M, Zhang J, Zhu K, Katsuyama M, Torok NJ, Yabe-Nishimura C. NOX1/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH) oxidase promotes proliferation of stellate cells and aggravates liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation. Hepatology 2011; 54:949-58. [PMID: 21618578 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Among multiple isoforms of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH) oxidase expressed in the liver, the phagocytic NOX2 isoform in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) has been demonstrated to play a key role in liver fibrogenesis. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of NOX1, a nonphagocytic form of NADPH oxidase, in the development of fibrosis using Nox1-deficient mice (Nox1KO). Liver injury and fibrosis were induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) and carbon tetrachloride in Nox1KO and wildtype littermate mice (WT). Primary HSCs were isolated to characterize the NOX1-induced signaling cascade involved in liver fibrogenesis. Following BDL, a time-dependent increase in NOX1 messenger RNA (mRNA) was demonstrated in WT liver. Compared with those in WT, levels of collagen-1α mRNA and hydroxyproline were significantly suppressed in Nox1KO with a reduced number of activated HSCs and less severe fibrotic lesions. The expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin, a marker of HSCs activation, were similar in cultured HSCs isolated from both genotypes. However, cell proliferation was significantly attenuated in HSCs isolated from Nox1KO. In these cells, the expression of p27(kip1) , a cell cycle suppressor, was significantly up-regulated. Concomitantly, a significant reduction in phosphorylated forms of Akt and forkhead box O (FOXO) 4, a downstream effector of Akt that regulates the transcription of p27(kip1) gene, was demonstrated in Nox1KO. Finally, the level of the oxidized inactivated form of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), a negative regulator of PI3K/Akt pathway, was significantly attenuated in HSCs of Nox1KO. CONCLUSION These findings indicate that reactive oxygen species derived from NOX1/NADPH oxidase oxidize and inactivate PTEN to positively regulate the Akt/FOXO4/p27(kip1) signaling pathway. NOX1 may thus promote proliferation of HSCs and accelerate the development of fibrosis following BDL-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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13
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Vidal-Vanaclocha F. Architectural and Functional Aspects of the Liver with Implications for Cancer Metastasis. LIVER METASTASIS: BIOLOGY AND CLINICAL MANAGEMENT 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-0292-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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14
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Qu Z, Lou D, Pan Y. The role of IkappaBalpha in TNF-alpha-induced apoptosis in hepatic stellate cell line HSC-T6. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 27:407-10. [PMID: 17828497 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-007-0414-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2007] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
To investigate the role of NF-kappaB in TNF-alpha induced apoptosis in HSC-T6, a mutant IkappaBalpha was transfected into HSC-T6 cells by lipofectin transfection technique and its transient effect was examined 48 h after the transfection. The activation of NF-kappaB was detected by immune fluorescence cytochemistry and Western blotting with anti-p65 antibody. The apoptosis and the rate of inhibition by TNF-alpha in both transfected and untransfected HSC-T6 cells were measured respectively by FAC-Scan side scatter analysis and MTT methods. Our results showed that TNF-alpha could activate NF-kappaB in untransfected cells but not in transfected HSC-T6 cells. The percentage of apoptosis in transfected cells were significantly higher than that in the untransfected ones (P<0.01) and it was also true of the inhibition rate (P<0.01). It is concluded that the resistance of HSC-T6 towards apoptosis induced by TNF-alpha can be mediated by NF-kappaB activation. The inhibition of NF-kappaB activation by mutant IkappaBalpha can attenuate the resistance of HSC-T6 cells and increase its sensitivity to TNF-alpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijun Qu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Longgang Central District Hospital, Shenzhen 518116, China.
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15
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Seth D, D'Souza El-Guindy NB, Apte M, Mari M, Dooley S, Neuman M, Haber PS, Kundu GC, Darwanto A, de Villiers WJ, Vonlaufen A, Xu Z, Phillips P, Yang S, Goldstein D, Pirola RM, Wilson JS, Moles A, Fernández A, Colell A, García-Ruiz C, Fernández-Checa JC, Meyer C, Meindl-Beinker NM. Alcohol, signaling, and ECM turnover. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 34:4-18. [PMID: 19860812 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2009.01060.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol is recognized as a direct hepatotoxin, but the precise molecular pathways that are important for the initiation and progression of alcohol-induced tissue injury are not completely understood. The current understanding of alcohol toxicity to organs suggests that alcohol initiates injury by generation of oxidative and nonoxidative ethanol metabolites and via translocation of gut-derived endotoxin. These processes lead to cellular injury and stimulation of the inflammatory responses mediated through a variety of molecules. With continuing alcohol abuse, the injury progresses through impairment of tissue regeneration and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, leading to fibrogenesis and cirrhosis. Several cell types are involved in this process, the predominant being stellate cells, macrophages, and parenchymal cells. In response to alcohol, growth factors and cytokines activate many signaling cascades that regulate fibrogenesis. This mini-review brings together research focusing on the underlying mechanisms of alcohol-mediated injury in a number of organs. It highlights the various processes and molecules that are likely involved in inflammation, immune modulation, susceptibility to infection, ECM turnover and fibrogenesis in the liver, pancreas, and lung triggered by alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devanshi Seth
- Drug Health Services & Centenary Institute, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.
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16
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis and its end stage disease cirrhosis are a major cause of mortality and morbidity around the world. There is no effective pharmaceutical intervention for liver fibrosis at present. Many drugs that show potent antifibrotic activities in vitro often show only minor effects in vivo because of insufficient concentrations of drugs accumulating around the target cell and their adverse effects as a result of affecting other non-target cells. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a critical role in the fibrogenesis of liver, so they are the target cells of antifibrotic therapy. Several kinds of targeted delivery system that could target the receptors expressed on HSC have been designed, and have shown an attractive targeted potential in vivo. After being carried by these delivery systems, many agents showed a powerful antifibrotic effect in animal models of liver fibrosis. These targeted delivery systems provide a new pathway for the therapy of liver fibrosis. The characteristics of theses targeted carriers are reviewed in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Li
- Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Department of Gastroenterology, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China.
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17
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Halici Z, Bilen H, Albayrak F, Uyanik A, Cetinkaya R, Suleyman H, Keles ON, Unal B. Does telmisartan prevent hepatic fibrosis in rats with alloxan-induced diabetes? Eur J Pharmacol 2009; 614:146-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2009.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2008] [Revised: 04/15/2009] [Accepted: 04/20/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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18
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Türkay C, Yönem O, Arici S, Koyuncu A, Kanbay M. Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on experimental hepatic fibrogenesis. Dig Dis Sci 2008; 53:789-93. [PMID: 17763951 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-007-9941-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2006] [Accepted: 07/17/2007] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system is suggested to be important in liver fibrogenesis. It induces hepatic stellate cell proliferation and up-regulates transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) expression. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is involved in extracellular matrix remodelling. Fibrosis, a consequence of most chronic liver diseases, may be the result of a disturbed balance between fibrogenesis and fibrolysis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of enalapril on liver fibrogenesis induced in rats by bile-duct ligation. Forty-seven rats were divided into two groups: bile-duct ligated (BDL) (n = 24) and BDL + enalapril (n = 23). Fibrosis was evaluated by the Knodell scoring system, and TGF-beta1 and MMP-2 were assessed with immunohistochemistry at the second, fourth and sixth weeks after bile-duct ligation. In the BDL group, TGF-beta1 increased by the second week and this increase continued through weeks 4 and 6. In the BDL + enalapril group, TGF-beta1 was significantly lower than the other group (P < 0.05). MMP-2 progressively decreased after week 2 in the BDL group. In the BDL + enalapril group, MMP-2 was significantly higher than the BDL group at the fourth and sixth weeks. These results suggest that enalapril reduces the liver tissue TGF-beta1 and has an ameliorating effect on the fibrosis markers TGF-beta1 and MMP-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansel Türkay
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Fatih University, Ankara, Turkey
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19
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Biecker E, Trebicka J, Kang A, Hennenberg M, Sauerbruch T, Heller J. Treatment of bile duct-ligated rats with the nitric oxide synthase transcription enhancer AVE 9488 ameliorates portal hypertension. Liver Int 2008; 28:331-8. [PMID: 18290775 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01664.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM Nitric oxide levels are decreased in the cirrhotic liver and increased in the systemic vasculature. We investigated whether the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) transcription enhancer AVE 9488 ameliorates portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats. METHODS Rats with secondary biliary cirrhosis [bile duct ligation (BDL)] were treated with AVE 9488. BDL animals without treatment served as controls. Blood flow was determined with the microsphere technique. Intrahepatic resistance was measured by in situ perfusion. NOS-3 mRNA and protein levels in the liver, aorta and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were measured. RESULTS Arterial pressure did not differ between treated and non-treated animals. Portal pressure, hepatic portal-vascular resistance and perfusion pressure of the in situ perfused liver were lower in the AVE 9488-treated animals. Arterial splanchnic resistance, portal venous inflow and shunt volume were increased by AVE 9488. N (G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester abolished the effect of AVE 9488. AVE 9488-treated rats had higher liver NOS-3 mRNA and protein levels, whereas NOS-3 mRNA and protein in the aorta and the SMA did not vary between groups. Phosphorylation of liver vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and NOS-3 as well as hepatic nitrite/nitrate was increased by AVE 9488. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of BDL rats with the NOS transcription enhancer AVE 9488 induces an increase in NOS-3 mRNA and protein in the liver. This is associated with an amelioration of portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Biecker
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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20
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Brunati AM, Tibaldi E, Carraro A, Gringeri E, D'Amico F, Toninello A, Massimino ML, Pagano MA, Nalesso G, Cillo U. Cross-talk between PDGF and S1P signalling elucidates the inhibitory effect and potential antifibrotic action of the immunomodulator FTY720 in activated HSC-cultures. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2007; 1783:347-59. [PMID: 18157950 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2007.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2007] [Revised: 11/09/2007] [Accepted: 11/20/2007] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been shown to be essential in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), contributing to the onset and development of hepatic fibrosis. Recently, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) has been shown to be a mitogen and stimulator of chemotaxis also for HSCs. Since it has been demonstrated in several cell types that cross-talk between PDGF and S1P signalling pathways occurs, our aim was to investigate the potential antifibrotic effect of FTY720, whose phosphorylated form acts as a potent S1P receptor (S1PR) modulator, on HSCs. FTY720 inhibits cell proliferation and migration after PDGF stimulation on HSCs in a concentration range between 0.1 and 1 muM. By using compounds that block S1P signalling (PTX and VPC23019), we assessed that FTY720 also acts in an S1P receptor-independent way by decreasing the level of tyrosine phosphorylation of PDGF receptor, with subsequent inhibition of the PDGF signalling pathway. In addition, inhibition of sphingosine kinase2 (SphK2), which is responsible for FTY720 phosphorylation, by DMS/siRNA unveils a mechanism of action irrespective of its phosphorylation, in particular decreasing the level of S1P(1) on the plasma membrane. These findings led us to hypothesize a potential use of FTY720 as a potential antifibrotic drug for further clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Brunati
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Padova, Viale G. Colombo 3, 35121 Padova, Italy
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21
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Hyogo H, Yamagishi SI, Iwamoto K, Arihiro K, Takeuchi M, Sato T, Ochi H, Nonaka M, Nabeshima Y, Inoue M, Ishitobi T, Chayama K, Tazuma S. Elevated levels of serum advanced glycation end products in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 22:1112-9. [PMID: 17559366 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2007.04943.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Advanced glycation end products (AGE), senescent macroprotein derivatives formed at an accelerated rate in diabetes, play important roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic vascular complications. Recently, AGE have also been found to be involved in insulin resistance. Although non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is generally considered a hepatic manifestation of insulin resistance, there are no reports showing the link of AGE to NASH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of AGE in patients with NASH. METHODS Glyceraldehyde-derived AGE levels were assayed from serum obtained from 106 patients: 66 with NASH, 10 with simple steatosis, and 30 controls. RESULTS Serum glyceraldehyde-derived AGE levels (U/mL) were significantly elevated in NASH patients (9.78 +/- 3.73) compared with simple steatosis (7.17 +/- 2.28, P = 0.018) or healthy controls (6.96 +/- 2.36, P = 0.003). Moreover, these were inversely correlated with adiponectin, an adipocytokine with insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, immunohistochemistry of glyceraldehyde-derived AGE showed intense staining in the livers of NASH patients. CONCLUSION The present data suggest that the sustained increase of glyceraldehyde-derived AGE could at least in part contribute to the pathogenesis of NASH. The serum glyceraldehyde-derived AGE level may be a useful biomarker for discriminating NASH from simple steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Hyogo
- Department of Medicine and Molecular Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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22
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Gonzalo T, Beljaars L, van de Bovenkamp M, Temming K, van Loenen AM, Reker-Smit C, Meijer DKF, Lacombe M, Opdam F, Kéri G, Orfi L, Poelstra K, Kok RJ. Local inhibition of liver fibrosis by specific delivery of a platelet-derived growth factor kinase inhibitor to hepatic stellate cells. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2007; 321:856-65. [PMID: 17369283 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.106.114496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by excessive proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC), a process in which platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays an important role. Inhibition of liver fibrosis via specific delivery of a PDGF kinase inhibitor to HSC might therefore be an attractive strategy. The HSC-selective carrier mannose-6-phosphate modified human serum albumin (M6PHSA) was equipped with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, 4-chloro-N-[4-methyl-3-(4-pyridin-3-yl-pyrimidin-2-ylamino)-phenyl]-benzamide (PAP19) (an imatinib derivative), by means of the platinum-based universal linkage system (ULS). The antifibrotic activity of PAP19-M6PHSA was evaluated in culture-activated rat HSC and precision-cut liver slices from fibrotic rats. After 24-h incubation, both free inhibitor PAP19 and PAP19-M6PHSA showed potent activity, as determined by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA) and procollagen 1a1. Next, we examined the organ distribution and antifibrotic activity of PAP19-M6PHSA in bile duct-ligated (BDL) rats. Male Wistar rats at day 10 after BDL were administered a single dose of PAP19-M6PHSA and sacrificed at 2 h, 1 day, or 2 days afterward. The accumulation of PAP19-M6PHSA in the liver was quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography analysis (30% of the injected dose at 2 h) and detected in the liver by staining of the carrier. Liver drug levels were sustained at 24 and 48 h after the single dose. Furthermore, PAP19-M6PHSA reduced collagen deposition (Sirius red staining) and alphaSMA staining of activated HSC at these time points in comparison with saline-treated rats. We therefore conclude that delivery of a PDGF-kinase inhibitor to HSC is a promising technology to attenuate liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gonzalo
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Delivery, Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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23
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Gonzalo T, Talman EG, van de Ven A, Temming K, Greupink R, Beljaars L, Reker-Smit C, Meijer DKF, Molema G, Poelstra K, Kok RJ. Selective targeting of pentoxifylline to hepatic stellate cells using a novel platinum-based linker technology. J Control Release 2006; 111:193-203. [PMID: 16466667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2005.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2005] [Revised: 11/29/2005] [Accepted: 12/08/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Targeting of antifibrotic drugs to hepatic stellate cells (HSC) is a promising strategy to block fibrotic processes leading to liver cirrhosis. For this purpose, we utilized the neo-glycoprotein mannose-6-phosphate-albumin (M6PHSA) that accumulates efficiently in HSC during liver fibrosis. Pentoxifylline (PTX), an antifibrotic compound that inhibits HSC proliferation and activation in vitro, was conjugated to M6PHSA. We employed a new type of platinum-based linker, which conjugates PTX via coordination chemistry rather than via covalent linkage. When incubated in plasma or in the presence of thiol compounds, free PTX was released from PTX-M6PHSA at a sustained slow rate. PTX-M6PHSA displayed pharmacological activity in cultured HSC as evidenced by changes in cell morphology and reduction of collagen I production. PTX-M6PHSA and platinum coupled PTX did not induce platinum-related toxicity (Alamar Blue viability assay) or apoptosis (caspase activation and TUNEL staining). In vivo distribution studies in fibrotic rats demonstrated specific accumulation of the conjugate in nonparenchymal cells in the fibrotic liver. In conclusion, we have developed PTX-M6PHSA employing a novel type of platinum linker, which allows sustained delivery of the drug to HSC in the fibrotic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Gonzalo
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Delivery, Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Jhandier MN, Kruglov EA, Lavoie EG, Sévigny J, Dranoff JA. Portal fibroblasts regulate the proliferation of bile duct epithelia via expression of NTPDase2. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:22986-92. [PMID: 15799977 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m412371200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bile duct epithelia are the target of a number of "cholangiopathies" characterized by disordered bile ductular proliferation. Although mechanisms for bile ductular proliferation are unknown, recent evidence suggests that extracellular nucleotides regulate cell proliferation via activation of P2Y receptors. Portal fibroblasts may regulate bile duct epithelial P2Y receptors via expression of the ecto-nucleotidase NTPDase2. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that portal fibroblasts regulate bile duct epithelial proliferation via expression of NTPDase2. We generated a novel co-culture model of Mz-ChA-1 human cholangiocarcinoma cells and primary portal fibroblasts. Cell proliferation was measured by bromodeoxyuridine uptake. NTPDase2 expression was assessed by immunofluorescence and quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. NTPDase2 expression in portal fibroblasts was blocked using short interfering RNA. NTPDase2 overexpression in portal myofibroblasts isolated from bile duct-ligated rats was achieved by cDNA transfection. Co-culture of Mz-ChA-1 cells with portal fibroblasts decreased their proliferation to 26% of control. Similar decreases in Mz-ChA-1 proliferation were induced by the soluble ecto-nucleotidase apyrase and the P2 receptor inhibitor suramin. The proliferation of Mz-ChA-1 cells returned to baseline when NTPDase2 expression in portal fibroblasts was inhibited using NTPDase2-specific short interfering RNA. Untransfected portal myofibroblasts lacking NTPDase2 had no effect on Mz-ChA-1 proliferation, yet portal myofibroblasts transfected with NTPDase2 cDNA inhibited Mz-ChA-1 proliferation. We conclude that portal fibroblasts inhibit bile ductular proliferation via expression of NTPDase2 and blockade of P2Y activation. Loss of NTPDase2 may mediate the bile ductular proliferation typical of obstructive cholestasis. This novel cross-talk signaling pathway may mediate pathologic alterations in bile ductular proliferation in other cholangiopathic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nauman Jhandier
- Yale Liver Center and Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
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25
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Abstract
The portal area is the 'main entrance' and one of the two main exits of the liver lobule. Through the main entrance portal and arterial blood reach the liver sinusoids. Through the exit the bile flows towards the duodenum. The three main structures, portal vein and artery with their own wall (and vascular smooth muscle cells) and bile duct with its basal membrane, are surrounded by loose myofibroblasts and by the first layer of hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells. Chronic diseases of the liver can lead to development of liver cirrhosis, characterized by formation of fibrotic septa which can be portal-portal in the case of the chronic biliary damage or portal-central in the case of the chronic viral hepatitis. Central-central septa can also be observed under other pathological conditions. When damaging noxae are introduced to the liver, inflammatory cells are first recruited to the portal field, the first layer of hepatocytes may be destroyed (enlargement of the portal field) and portal (myo)fibroblasts become activated. A similar reaction may take place when the target of inflammation is the bile duct with consecutive reduction of the bile flow, activation of the portal (myo)fibroblasts, proliferation of bile ducts and destruction of the hepatocytes around the portal field. Increased matrix deposition may be the consequence. During the past years several publications dealt with the pathomechanisms of portal fibrogenesis as well as with its resolution. One of the most intriguing observations was that it is not hepatic stellate cells of the hepatic sinusoid, but portal (myo)fibroblasts which rapidly acquire the phenotype of 'activated' (myo)fibroblasts in the early stages of cholestatic fibrosis. These may also become the main mesenchymal cells of the porto-portal or porto-central fibrotic septa. This article reviews the similarities as well as differences between the mesenchymal cells of the portal tract and of the fibrotic septa vs 'activated' stellate cells of the hepatic sinusoids, and discusses the debate over their relative contributions to liver fibrogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Ramadori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University of Göttingen, Goettingen, Germany.
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Beljaars L, Weert B, Geerts A, Meijer DKF, Poelstra K. The preferential homing of a platelet derived growth factor receptor-recognizing macromolecule to fibroblast-like cells in fibrotic tissue. Biochem Pharmacol 2003; 66:1307-17. [PMID: 14505810 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-2952(03)00445-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) is a key factor in the induction and progression of fibrotic diseases with the activated fibroblast as its target cell. Drug targeting to the PDGF-receptor is explored as a new approach to treat this disease. Therefore, we constructed a macromolecule with affinity for the PDGF-beta receptor by modification of albumin with a small peptide that recognises this PDGF-beta receptor. The binding of the peptide-modified albumin (pPB-HSA) to the PDGF-beta receptor was confirmed in competition studies with PDGF-BB using NIH/3T3-fibroblasts and activated hepatic stellate cells. Furthermore, pPB-HSA was able to reduce PDGF-BB-induced fibroblast proliferation in vitro, and proved to be devoid of proliferation-inducing activity itself. We assessed the distribution of pPB-HSA in vivo in two models of fibrosis and related the distribution of pPB-HSA to PDGF-beta receptor density. In rats with liver fibrosis (bile duct ligation model), pPB-HSA quickly accumulated in the liver in contrast to unmodified HSA (P<0.001). The major part of pPB-HSA in the fibrotic liver was localized in hepatic stellate cells. In rats with renal fibrosis (anti-Thy1.1 model), pPB-HSA also homed to the cells that expressed the PDGF-beta receptor, i.e. the mesangial cells in the glomeruli of the kidney. These results indicate that pPB-HSA may be applied as a macromolecular drug-carrier that accumulates specifically in cells expressing the PDGF-beta receptor, thus allowing a selective delivery of anti-fibrotic agents to these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Beljaars
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Drug Delivery, University Centre for Pharmacy, Groningen University Institute for Drug Exploration, Ant. Deusinglaan 1, AV Groningen 9713, The Netherlands.
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Schmitt-Gräff A, Ertelt V, Allgaier HP, Koelble K, Olschewski M, Nitschke R, Bochaton-Piallat ML, Gabbiani G, Blum HE. Cellular retinol-binding protein-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma correlates with beta-catenin, Ki-67 index, and patient survival. Hepatology 2003; 38:470-80. [PMID: 12883492 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2003.50321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The cellular retinol-binding protein-1 (CRBP-1) plays a key role in the esterification and intercellular transfer of retinol. By in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), we show that, in normal liver, CRBP-1 is strongly expressed in the cytoplasm of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and myofibroblasts (MFs) with only low CRBP-1 levels in hepatocytes. By contrast, in 196 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens CRBP-1 expression in MFs was down-regulated in 83%. Patients with high CRBP-1 expression in MFs had a significantly higher 2-year survival as compared with patients with low CRBP-1 expression (52% vs. 29%, respectively; P =.034). An aberrant nuclear CRBP-1 accumulation resulting from cytoplasmic invagination was found in 29% of HCCs. Nuclear CRBP-1 staining correlated positively with a favorable tumor stage (Okuda stage I; P =.01) and negatively with the Ki-67(+) proliferation fraction (PF). A Ki-67(+) PF of > or =10% was associated with a lower 2-year survival probability as compared with patients with a Ki-67(+) PF of <10% (12% vs. 40%, respectively; P =.015). Prognosis did not correlate with the nuclear beta-catenin expression. There was, however, a close correlation between nuclear CRBP-1 inclusions and nuclear beta-catenin staining in HCCs (P =.008), suggesting a cross talk between CRBP-1 and the Wnt/wingless signal transduction pathway. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that CRBP-1 detection may be useful for the discrimination between nonneoplastic and neoplastic liver cells and suggest that modulation of CRBP-1 expression in HCCs contributes to tumor growth and progression via retinoid-mediated signaling and disruption of cellular vitamin A homeostasis.
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Yang C, Zeisberg M, Mosterman B, Sudhakar A, Yerramalla U, Holthaus K, Xu L, Eng F, Afdhal N, Kalluri R. Liver fibrosis: insights into migration of hepatic stellate cells in response to extracellular matrix and growth factors. Gastroenterology 2003; 124:147-59. [PMID: 12512039 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2003.50012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In liver fibrosis, alterations within the space of Disse microenvironment occur and facilitate further progression of chronic liver disease. The normal basement membrane-like matrix present within the space of Disse converts to a matrix rich in fibril-forming collagens during fibrosis. METHODS To further understand the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, we modified an in vitro Boyden chamber system to partially mimic in vivo conditions of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) during health and disease. RESULTS Stimulation of HSCs with platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, and/or epithelial growth factor (EGF) resulted in an increase in their migratory capacity and up-regulated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity. Migration induced by PDGF-BB was associated with increased proliferation, whereas TGF-beta1/EGF-induced migration was proliferation independent. COL-3, an inhibitor of MMP-2 and MMP-9, inhibited migration of HSCs induced by direct activation of PDGF-BB or TGF-beta1 but had no effect on migration induced by chemotactic stimuli without direct contact, suggesting 2 distinct MMP-dependent and MMP-independent mechanisms of PDGF-BB- or TGF-beta1-induced migration. Additionally, we show that type I collagen by itself induced migration of HSCs. Migration induced by PDGF-BB, TGF-beta1, and collagen I could be inhibited by alpha(1)- and/or alpha(2)-integrin blocking antibodies, collectively suggesting an integrin-dependent, MMP-2-mediated migration of HSCs. CONCLUSIONS Basement membrane matrix integrity, composition, and cell-matrix interactions play an important role in anchoring HSCs and preventing them from spreading within the space of Disse and potentially elsewhere in the liver. Additionally, our data provide strong evidence for MMPs in regulation of HSCs migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Yang
- Program in Matrix Biology, Gastroenterology and Renal Divisions, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Hillebrandt S, Goos C, Matern S, Lammert F. Genome-wide analysis of hepatic fibrosis in inbred mice identifies the susceptibility locus Hfib1 on chromosome 15. Gastroenterology 2002; 123:2041-51. [PMID: 12454860 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2002.37069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Host genetic factors are likely to contribute to the variable course of hepatic fibrosis in response to chronic liver injury. Similarly, the fibrotic response differs among inbred mouse strains after challenge with CCl(4). Our aim was to identify unknown susceptibility loci for hepatic fibrosis in a cross between fibrosis-susceptible and -resistant inbred mice. METHODS Seven inbred mouse strains were treated with CCl(4), and hepatic fibrosis was phenotypically characterized by histology, hepatic hydroxyproline levels, and serum surrogate markers. F(1) hybrids of susceptible BALB/cJ and resistant A/J inbred strains were intercrossed to obtain 358 F(2) progeny. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) that determine hepatic fibrosis were identified by genome-wide interval mapping and haplotype analysis. RESULTS In this model, marked strain differences in fibrosis susceptibility exist, with BALB/c inbred mice being most susceptible. The hydroxyproline levels of F(1) mice resemble the resistant parental strains, indicating that fibrosis susceptibility is a recessive trait. QTL analysis identifies a susceptibility locus on chromosome 15 that significantly affects the stage of fibrosis and hydroxyproline levels. According to standard nomenclature, this locus is called Hfib1 (hepatic fibrogenic gene 1). Hfib1 is defined by genetic markers D15Mit26 and D15Mit122. A suggestive QTL on chromosome 2 colocalizes with the complement factor 5 gene, known to be mutated in the resistant strain A. CONCLUSIONS The set of inbred strains provides a framework for systematic analysis of fibrogenic genes. QTL mapping is useful to identify genetic susceptibility loci for hepatic fibrosis that might harbor new molecular targets for antifibrotic drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Hillebrandt
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen University, Germany
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Cassiman D, Roskams T. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder: emerging concepts and pitfalls in hepatic stellate cell research. J Hepatol 2002; 37:527-35. [PMID: 12217608 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(02)00263-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- David Cassiman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the major advances in liver research in the past decade was the ability to isolate distinct liver cell populations. Although there are established methods of isolating hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and stellate cells, before this study no technique for liver fibroblast isolation had been devised. Consequently, we developed a technique to isolate primary rat liver fibroblasts. METHODS Fibroblasts were isolated from a freshly perfused rat liver with a modification of the procedure for isolation of rat cholangiocytes. Cell markers were assessed with the use of confocal immunofluorescence. Cell morphology was assessed with transmission electron microscopy. Expression of procollagen-1 was assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The appearance of cells with fibroblast morphology was first noted at 48 hours, and almost all cells in culture had fibroblast morphology at 96 hours. Putative fibroblasts stained for vimentin, but not for smooth muscle actin, von Willebrand factor, or cytokeratins. Cell morphology was consistent with that of fibroblasts and showed no features of epithelial, endothelial, or smooth muscle cells. Liver fibroblasts expressed procollagen-1 mRNA. CONCLUSION Primary isolated rat fibroblasts can be produced from a freshly perfused rat liver with a modification of standard cell culture methods. The role of fibroblasts in liver physiology can now be studied directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma A Kruglov
- Department of Medicine and Yale Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn 06520, USA
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Sohara N, Trojanowska M, Reuben A. Oncostatin M stimulates tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 via a MEK-sensitive mechanism in human myofibroblasts. J Hepatol 2002; 36:191-9. [PMID: 11830330 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(01)00265-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We previously showed that in cultured human myofibroblasts (hMFBs), Oncostatin M (OSM)-stimulated collagen accumulation is associated with increased tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)1 message. However, the mechanism is unknown. METHODS hMFBs were isolated by outgrowth from cirrhotic liver explants and cultured. Using OSM (10 ng/ml) stimulation, with and without PD98059 (PD, a specific mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-related kinase (MEK) inhibitor), we measured: TIMP-1 protein in culture medium by Western blot, TIMP-1 mRNA levels and stability by Northern analysis, TIMP-1 promoter activity (including transcription site mutation analysis), DNA binding activity to nuclear proteins by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and total and phosphorylated MAP kinase in hMFB extracts by Western blot. RESULTS OSM stimulation of hMFBs increased TIMP-1 protein production 1.69-fold, TIMP-1 mRNA levels 2.36-fold, promoter activity 2.22-fold, TIMP-1 message stability, and phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). PD inhibited OSM-mediated stimulation of TIMP-1 protein, mRNA, promoter activity, phosphorylation of MAPK, and TIMP-1 message stability. An SP-1 transcription site of the TIMP-1 promoter is essential for OSM induction of TIMP-1 promoter activity. EMSA demonstrates that this site binds to transcriptional factors SP-1 and SP-3. CONCLUSIONS OSM stimulates the TIMP-1 axis in hMFBs in vitro via a MEK-MAP kinase cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naondo Sohara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 210, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Talal AH, Canchis PW, Jacobson I. The HCV and HIV coinfected patient: what have we learned about pathophysiology? Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2002; 4:15-22. [PMID: 11825537 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-002-0033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important problem in individuals who are also infected with HIV. HCV infection is very common in HIV-infected individuals, occurring in approximately one quarter to one third of this group, presumably as a consequence of shared routes of transmission related to virologic and pathogenic aspects of the viral infections. Although both are single-stranded RNA viruses and share similar epidemiologic properties, there are many important differences. Although the quantity of HIV RNA in plasma is an important prognostic determinant of HIV infection, this has not been shown with HCV. A direct relationship is apparent between HIV-related destruction of CD4 cells and the clinical consequences of the disease resulting from immunodeficiency. The pathogenesis of HCV, which occurs as a consequence of hepatic fibrosis, is much more complex. The hepatic stellate cell, the major producer of the extracellular matrix protein, is the main contributor to hepatic fibrosis, but the mechanism by which HCV induces hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. Treatment of HCV is increasingly important in HIV-infected patients due to improved HIV-associated morbidity and mortality and due to the frequency with which HCV occurs in patients with HIV-HCV coinfection. Timing of treatment initiation, management of side effects, and possible effects of anti-HCV therapy on HIV are among the issues that need consideration. Also, because several issues concerning HCV are unique to coinfected patients, further research is needed to determine optimal management of HCV in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Talal
- Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 525 East 68th Street, A354, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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Friedman SL, Maher JJ, Bissell DM. Mechanisms and therapy of hepatic fibrosis: report of the AASLD Single Topic Basic Research Conference. Hepatology 2000; 32:1403-8. [PMID: 11093750 DOI: 10.1053/jhep.2000.20243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases and Dept of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Levine D, Rockey DC, Milner TA, Breuss JM, Fallon JT, Schnapp LM. Expression of the integrin alpha8beta1 during pulmonary and hepatic fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2000; 156:1927-35. [PMID: 10854216 PMCID: PMC1850077 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)65066-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The fibrotic response after diverse forms of injury is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, proliferation of myofibroblast-like cells, and organ contraction. Myofibroblasts are key effector cells in the development of the fibrotic response. They contribute to fibrosis through both increased cell number (proliferation) and enhanced matrix synthesis. Integrins, a class of cell adhesion molecules, are mediators of cell-extracellular matrix protein interactions that are important in the proliferative and migratory response of cells to matrix proteins. We have previously cloned the human integrin subunit alpha8, documented its high expression in lung tissue, and established it as a receptor for the matrix proteins fibronectin, vitronectin, and tenascin. We now demonstrate that alveolar interstitial cells are the primary cell type expressing alpha8beta1 in the lung parenchyma. Expression of alpha8beta1 is concentrated primarily along the thinned extensions of cells and at the tips of filopodia. Because of its unique distribution in alveolar interstitial cells, we hypothesized that it may play a role in the fibrotic response after injury. In bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, there is increased expression of alpha8beta1 by interstitial fibroblasts, the majority of which coexpress alpha smooth muscle actin, a marker of tissue myofibroblasts. To establish a more general role for alpha8beta1 during organ fibrosis, we further examined its expression in two rat models of liver fibrosis. During hepatic injury due to either carbon tetrachloride injury or bile duct ligation, we demonstrate de novo expression of alpha8beta1 in activated hepatic stellate cells, the myofibroblast equivalent in liver. Taken together, the data localize alpha8beta1 to myofibroblast-like cells during wound healing and suggest that signal transduction through the alpha8beta1 integrin may contribute to the fibrotic response of organs to injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Levine
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York; the Division of Gastroenterology,†
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina; the Department of Neurology and Neuroscience,‡
| | - Teresa A. Milner
- Weill Medical College of Cornell, New York, New York; the Institute for Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research,§
| | - Johannes M. Breuss
- University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; and the Cardiovascular Institute,¶
| | - John T. Fallon
- Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lynn M. Schnapp
- Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York; the Division of Gastroenterology,†
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