1
|
Rojas-Solé C, Pinilla-González V, Lillo-Moya J, González-Fernández T, Saso L, Rodrigo R. Integrated approach to reducing polypharmacy in older people: exploring the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant potential therapy. Redox Rep 2024; 29:2289740. [PMID: 38108325 PMCID: PMC10732214 DOI: 10.1080/13510002.2023.2289740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased life expectancy, attributed to improved access to healthcare and drug development, has led to an increase in multimorbidity, a key contributor to polypharmacy. Polypharmacy is characterised by its association with a variety of adverse events in the older persons. The mechanisms involved in the development of age-related chronic diseases are largely unknown; however, altered redox homeostasis due to ageing is one of the main theories. In this context, the present review explores the development and interaction between different age-related diseases, mainly linked by oxidative stress. In addition, drug interactions in the treatment of various diseases are described, emphasising that the holistic management of older people and their pathologies should prevail over the individual treatment of each condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Rojas-Solé
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Víctor Pinilla-González
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - José Lillo-Moya
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tommy González-Fernández
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luciano Saso
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Ramón Rodrigo
- Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Grizzi F, Spadaccini M, Chiriva-Internati M, Hegazi MAAA, Bresalier RS, Hassan C, Repici A, Carrara S. Fractal nature of human gastrointestinal system: Exploring a new era. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4036-4052. [PMID: 37476585 PMCID: PMC10354580 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i25.4036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphological complexity of cells and tissues, whether normal or pathological, is characterized by two primary attributes: Irregularity and self-similarity across different scales. When an object exhibits self-similarity, its shape remains unchanged as the scales of measurement vary because any part of it resembles the whole. On the other hand, the size and geometric characteristics of an irregular object vary as the resolution increases, revealing more intricate details. Despite numerous attempts, a reliable and accurate method for quantifying the morphological features of gastrointestinal organs, tissues, cells, their dynamic changes, and pathological disorders has not yet been established. However, fractal geometry, which studies shapes and patterns that exhibit self-similarity, holds promise in providing a quantitative measure of the irregularly shaped morphologies and their underlying self-similar temporal behaviors. In this context, we explore the fractal nature of the gastrointestinal system and the potential of fractal geometry as a robust descriptor of its complex forms and functions. Additionally, we examine the practical applications of fractal geometry in clinical gastroenterology and hepatology practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20072, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Spadaccini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Mohamed A A A Hegazi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Robert S Bresalier
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Cesare Hassan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20072, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Repici
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20072, Milan, Italy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Carrara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ander SE, Li FS, Carpentier KS, Morrison TE. Innate immune surveillance of the circulation: A review on the removal of circulating virions from the bloodstream. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010474. [PMID: 35511797 PMCID: PMC9070959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Many viruses utilize the lymphohematogenous route for dissemination; however, they may not freely use this highway unchecked. The reticuloendothelial system (RES) is an innate defense system that surveys circulating blood, recognizing and capturing viral particles. Examination of the literature shows that the bulk of viral clearance is mediated by the liver; however, the precise mechanism(s) mediating viral vascular clearance vary between viruses and, in many cases, remains poorly defined. Herein, we summarize what is known regarding the recognition and capture of virions from the circulation prior to the generation of a specific antibody response. We also discuss the consequences of viral capture on viral pathogenesis and the fate of the captor cell. Finally, this understudied topic has implications beyond viral pathogenesis, including effects on arbovirus ecology and the application of virus-vectored gene therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie E. Ander
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Frances S. Li
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kathryn S. Carpentier
- Department of Natural Sciences, Greensboro College, Greensboro, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Thomas E. Morrison
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Clough GF, Chipperfield AJ, Thanaj M, Scorletti E, Calder PC, Byrne CD. Dysregulated Neurovascular Control Underlies Declining Microvascular Functionality in People With Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) at Risk of Liver Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2020; 11:551. [PMID: 32581841 PMCID: PMC7283580 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Increasing evidence shows that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with dysregulation of microvascular perfusion independently of established cardio-metabolic risk factors. We investigated whether hepatic manifestations of NAFLD such as liver fibrosis and liver fat are associated with microvascular hemodynamics through dysregulation of neurovascular control. Methods Microvascular dilator (post-occlusive reactive hyperemia) and sympathetically mediated constrictor (deep inspiratory breath-hold) responses were measured at the forearm and finger, respectively, using laser Doppler fluximetry. Non-linear complexity-based analysis was used to assess the information content and variability of the resting blood flux (BF) signals, attributable to oscillatory flow-motion activity, and over multiple sampling frequencies. Results Measurements were made in 189 adults (113 men) with NAFLD, with (n = 65) and without (n = 124) type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), age = 50.9 ± 11.7 years (mean ± SD). Microvascular dilator and constrictor capacity were both negatively associated with age (r = −0.178, p = 0.014, and r = −0.201, p = 0.007, respectively) and enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score (r = −0.155, p = 0.038 and r = −0.418, p < 0.0001, respectively). There was no association with measures of liver fat, obesity or T2DM. Lempel-Ziv complexity (LZC) and sample entropy (SE) of the BF signal measured at the two skin sites were associated negatively with age (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) and positively with ELF score (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001). In individuals with an ELF score ≥7.8 the influence of both neurogenic and respiratory flow-motion activity on LZC was up-rated (p < 0.0001). Conclusion Altered microvascular network functionality occurs in adults with NAFLD suggesting a mechanistic role for dysregulated neurovascular control in individuals at risk of severe liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine F Clough
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Chipperfield
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Marjola Thanaj
- Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Scorletti
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom.,Department of Gastroenterology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Philip C Calder
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher D Byrne
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Morss Clyne A, Swaminathan S, Díaz Lantada A. Biofabrication strategies for creating microvascular complexity. Biofabrication 2019; 11:032001. [PMID: 30743247 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ab0621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Design and fabrication of effective biomimetic vasculatures constitutes a relevant and yet unsolved challenge, lying at the heart of tissue repair and regeneration strategies. Even if cell growth is achieved in 3D tissue scaffolds or advanced implants, tissue viability inevitably requires vascularization, as diffusion can only transport nutrients and eliminate debris within a few hundred microns. This engineered vasculature may need to mimic the intricate branching geometry of native microvasculature, referred to herein as vascular complexity, to efficiently deliver blood and recreate critical interactions between the vascular and perivascular cells as well as parenchymal tissues. This review first describes the importance of vascular complexity in labs- and organs-on-chips, the biomechanical and biochemical signals needed to create and maintain a complex vasculature, and the limitations of current 2D, 2.5D, and 3D culture systems in recreating vascular complexity. We then critically review available strategies for design and biofabrication of complex vasculatures in cell culture platforms, labs- and organs-on-chips, and tissue engineering scaffolds, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, challenges and future directions are outlined with the hope of inspiring researchers to create the reliable, efficient and sustainable tools needed for design and biofabrication of complex vasculatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Morss Clyne
- Vascular Kinetics Laboratory, Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States of America
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Primary rat LSECs preserve their characteristic phenotype after cryopreservation. Sci Rep 2018; 8:14657. [PMID: 30279440 PMCID: PMC6168544 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-32103-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recently, the liver non-parenchymal cells have gained increasing attention for their potential role in the development of liver disease. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), a specialized type of endothelial cells that have unique morphology and function, play a fundamental role in maintaining liver homeostasis. Current protocols for LSEC isolation and cultivation rely on freshly isolated cells which can only be maintained differentiated in culture for a few days. This creates a limitation in the use of LSECs for research and a need for a consistent and reliable source of these cells. To date, no LSEC cryopreservation protocols have been reported that enable LSECs to retain their functional and morphological characteristics upon thawing and culturing. Here, we report a protocol to cryopreserve rat LSECs that, upon thawing, maintain full LSEC-signature features: fenestrations, scavenger receptor expression and endocytic function on par with freshly isolated cells. We have confirmed these features by a combination of biochemical and functional techniques, and super-resolution microscopy. Our findings offer a means to standardize research using LSECs, opening the prospects for designing pharmacological strategies for various liver diseases, and considering LSECs as a therapeutic target.
Collapse
|
7
|
Postnatal Developmental Changes in Fractal Complexity of Giemsa-Stained Chromatin in Mice Spleen Follicular Cells. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS 2017; 23:1024-1029. [PMID: 28918768 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927617012545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although there are numerous recent works focusing on fractal properties of DNA and chromatin, many issues regarding changes in chromatin fractality during physiological aging remain unclear. In this study, we present results indicating that in mice, there is an age-related reduction of chromatin fractal complexity in a population of spleen follicular cells (SFCs). Spleen tissue was obtained from 16 mice and fixated in Carnoy solution. The youngest animal was newborn, and each animal was exactly 1 month older than the previous. We performed fractal analysis of SFC chromatin structure, stained using Giemsa technique. Fractal analysis was done in a plugin algorithm of ImageJ software. We also performed gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) analysis of all chromatin structures with the calculation of parameters such as angular second moment and inverse difference moment. Giemsa-stained SFC chromatin exhibited an age-dependent reduction of fractal dimension with statistically significant (p<0.01) linear trend. Moreover, there was a statistically significant increase of SFC chromatin lacunarity. The chromatin GLCM parameters did not significantly change. To our knowledge, this is the first study to perform fractal and GLCM analyses of SFC chromatin and to investigate potential changes of fractal parameters during postnatal development.
Collapse
|
8
|
Long live the liver: immunohistochemical and stereological study of hepatocytes, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells of male and female rats throughout ageing. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 366:639-649. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2490-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
|
9
|
Pantic I, Petrovic D, Paunovic J, Vucevic D, Radosavljevic T, Pantic S. Age-related reduction of chromatin fractal dimension in toluidine blue - stained hepatocytes. Mech Ageing Dev 2016; 157:30-4. [PMID: 27412950 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we proposed a hypothesis that chromatin of mouse hepatocytes exhibits age-related reduction of fractal dimension. This hypothesis was based on previously published works demonstrating that complexity of biological systems such as tissues, decreases during the process of physiological aging. Liver tissue was obtained from 24 male mice divided into 3 age groups: 10-days-old (young, juvenile), 210-days-old (adult) and 390-days-old. The tissue was stained using a modification of toluidine blue (nucleic acid - specific) staining method. A total of 480 chromatin structures (20 for each animal) were analyzed. For each structure, the values of fractal dimension, lacunarity, textural angular second moment and inverse difference moment were calculated using ImageJ software and its plugins. The results indicated the age-related reduction in fractal dimension and increase in lacunarity (p<0.01). Fractal dimension is a potentially good indicator of age associated changes in chromatin structure. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that fractal complexity of hepatocyte chromatin decreases during the process of physiological aging. Fractal analysis as a method could be useful in detection of small age-related changes in chromatin distribution not otherwise visible with naked eye on conventional tissue micrographs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Pantic
- Laboratory for Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade, Visegradska 26/II, RS-11129, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Danica Petrovic
- Health Center Studenica, Kraljevo, Jug Bogdanova 112, RS-36000, Kraljevo, Serbia
| | - Jovana Paunovic
- Laboratory for Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade, Visegradska 26/II, RS-11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danijela Vucevic
- Institute of pathological physiology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 9, RS-11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Radosavljevic
- Institute of pathological physiology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 9, RS-11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Senka Pantic
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade Visegradska 26/II, RS-11129, Belgrade, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sørensen KK, Simon‐Santamaria J, McCuskey RS, Smedsrød B. Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells. Compr Physiol 2015; 5:1751-74. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c140078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
11
|
Ab Hamid F, Che Azemin MZ, Salam A, Aminuddin A, Mohd Daud N, Zahari I. Retinal Vasculature Fractal Dimension Measures Vessel Density. Curr Eye Res 2015; 41:823-31. [DOI: 10.3109/02713683.2015.1056375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Fadilah Ab Hamid
- Department of Optometry & Visual Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia,
| | - Mohd Zulfaezal Che Azemin
- Department of Optometry & Visual Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia,
| | - Adzura Salam
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia and
| | - Amilia Aminuddin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norsyazwani Mohd Daud
- Department of Optometry & Visual Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia,
| | - Ilyanoon Zahari
- Department of Optometry & Visual Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Modeling function–perfusion behavior in liver lobules including tissue, blood, glucose, lactate and glycogen by use of a coupled two-scale PDE–ODE approach. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2014; 14:515-36. [DOI: 10.1007/s10237-014-0619-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 09/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
13
|
Debbaut C, Segers P, Cornillie P, Casteleyn C, Dierick M, Laleman W, Monbaliu D. Analyzing the human liver vascular architecture by combining vascular corrosion casting and micro-CT scanning: a feasibility study. J Anat 2014; 224:509-17. [PMID: 24433401 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although a full understanding of the hepatic circulation is one of the keys to successfully perform liver surgery and to elucidate liver pathology, relatively little is known about the functional organization of the liver vasculature. Therefore, we materialized and visualized the human hepatic vasculature at different scales, and performed a morphological analysis by combining vascular corrosion casting with novel micro-computer tomography (CT) and image analysis techniques. A human liver vascular corrosion cast was obtained by simultaneous resin injection in the hepatic artery (HA) and portal vein (PV). A high resolution (110 μm) micro-CT scan of the total cast allowed gathering detailed macrovascular data. Subsequently, a mesocirculation sample (starting at generation 5; 88 × 68 × 80 mm³) and a microcirculation sample (terminal vessels including sinusoids; 2.0 × 1.5 × 1.7 mm³) were dissected and imaged at a 71-μm and 2.6-μm resolution, respectively. Segmentations and 3D reconstructions allowed quantifying the macro- and mesoscale branching topology, and geometrical features of HA, PV and hepatic venous trees up to 13 generations (radii ranging from 13.2 mm to 80 μm; lengths from 74.4 mm to 0.74 mm), as well as microvascular characteristics (mean sinusoidal radius of 6.63 μm). Combining corrosion casting and micro-CT imaging allows quantifying the branching topology and geometrical features of hepatic trees using a multiscale approach from the macro- down to the microcirculation. This may lead to novel insights into liver circulation, such as internal blood flow distributions and anatomical consequences of pathologies (e.g. cirrhosis).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Debbaut
- Biofluid, Tissue and Solid Mechanics for Medical Applications, Institute Biomedical Technology, Department of Electronics and Information Systems, iMinds Future Health Department, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cogger VC, Roessner U, Warren A, Fraser R, Le Couteur DG. A Sieve-Raft Hypothesis for the regulation of endothelial fenestrations. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2013; 8:e201308003. [PMID: 24688743 PMCID: PMC3962122 DOI: 10.5936/csbj.201308003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C Cogger
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing and ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia ; Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Ute Roessner
- Metabolomics Australia and Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, The University of Melbourne, 3010 Victoria, Australia
| | - Alessandra Warren
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing and ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia ; Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Robin Fraser
- Christchurch School of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch NZ
| | - David G Le Couteur
- Centre for Education and Research on Ageing and ANZAC Research Institute, Concord Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney NSW, Australia ; Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney NSW Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pantic I, Paunovic J, Basta-Jovanovic G, Perovic M, Pantic S, Milosevic NT. Age-related reduction of structural complexity in spleen hematopoietic tissue architecture in mice. Exp Gerontol 2013; 48:926-32. [PMID: 23834968 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2013.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2013] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The effects of aging on structural complexity in hematopoietic tissue are unknown. In this work, in a mouse experimental model, we report the age-related reduction of spleen hematopoietic tissue (SHT) complexity. Spleen tissue was obtained from the total of 64 male Swiss albino mice divided into 8 age groups: newborns (0 days old), 10 days, 20 days, 30 days, 120 days, 210 days, 300 and 390 days old. SHT was stained using conventional hematoxylin/eosin, and DNA-binding toluidine blue dyes. Fractal dimension as an indicator of cellular complexity, and lacunarity as indicator of tissue heterogeneity were determined based on the binarized SHT micrographs. Results indicate that fractal dimension of mice spleen hematopoietic tissue decreases with age, while lacunarity increases. These changes/trends have been detected in SHT stained both with toluidine blue and conventional hematoxylin/eosin. Fractal dimension was negatively correlated with lacunarity. The detected reduction in complexity suggests that age-related structural changes are present in mouse SHT both in general tissue architecture and progenitor cell DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Pantic
- Laboratory for Cellular Physiology, Institute of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Visegradska 26/II, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pantic I, Nesic D, Stevanovic D, Starcevic V, Pantic S, Trajkovic V. Effects of ghrelin on the structural complexity of exocrine pancreas tissue architecture. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2013; 19:553-558. [PMID: 23628379 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927613000524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that ghrelin increases pancreatic exocrine secretion. However, the potential effects of ghrelin on the morphology of exocrine pancreas (EP) remain unknown. In this work, using fractal analysis, we demonstrate that centrally administered ghrelin increases structural complexity and tissue disorder in rat EP. The study was carried out on a total of 40 male Wistar rats divided into four groups (n = 10): ghrelin-treated animals (average age, 1.5 months), ghrelin-treated animals (8.5 months), and controls (1.5 and 8.5 months). The pancreas tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and visualized by light microscopy. For each animal, the average values of tissue fractal dimension, lacunarity, as well as parameters of co-occurrence matrix texture, were determined using tissue digital micrographs. The results indicate that ghrelin administration increases EP fractal dimension and textural entropy, and decreases lacunarity, regardless of the age. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effects of ghrelin on the morphological properties of pancreatic tissue, and also the first to apply fractal and textural analysis methods in quantification of EP tissue architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Igor Pantic
- Institute of Medical Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Visegradska 26/II, 11129 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Grizzi F, Di Caro G, Laghi L, Hermonat P, Mazzola P, Nguyen DD, Radhi S, Figueroa JA, Cobos E, Annoni G, Chiriva-Internati M. Mast cells and the liver aging process. IMMUNITY & AGEING 2013; 10:9. [PMID: 23496863 PMCID: PMC3599827 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4933-10-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
It has now ascertained that the clinical manifestations of liver disease in the elderly population reflect both the cumulative effects of longevity on the liver and the generalized senescence of the organism ability to adjust to metabolic, infectious, and immunologic insults. Although liver tests are not significantly affected by age, the presentation of liver diseases such as viral hepatitis may be subtler in the elderly population than that of younger patients. Human immunosenescence is a situation in which the immune system, particularly T lymphocyte function, deteriorates with age, while innate immunity is negligibly affected and in some cases almost up-regulated. We here briefly review the relationships between the liver aging process and mast cells, the key effectors in a more complex range of innate immune responses than originally though.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Grizzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Di Caro
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Laghi
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paul Hermonat
- Department of Internal medicine and Gene Therapy Program, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Paolo Mazzola
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, and Geriatric Clinic, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Diane D Nguyen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Saba Radhi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Jose A Figueroa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Everardo Cobos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,The Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health and Center for Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA
| | - Giorgio Annoni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, and Geriatric Clinic, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.,The Laura W. Bush Institute for Women's Health and Center for Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX, USA.,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Weiss M. Fractal structure of the liver: effect on drug elimination. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2012; 40:11-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s10928-012-9283-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Accepted: 11/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
19
|
WEISS MICHAEL, LI PENG, ROBERTS MICHAELS. Estimation of Sinusoidal Flow Heterogeneity in Normal and Diseased Rat Livers from Tracer Dilution Data Using a Fractal Model. Microcirculation 2012; 19:723-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1549-8719.2012.00208.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
20
|
Mitchell SJ, Huizer-Pajkos A, Cogger VC, McLachlan AJ, Le Couteur DG, Jones B, de Cabo R, Hilmer SN. The influence of old age and poloxamer-407 on the hepatic disposition of diazepam in the isolated perfused rat liver. Pharmacology 2012; 90:233-41. [PMID: 23007459 DOI: 10.1159/000341724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The normal liver sinusoidal endothelium is thin and punctuated with fenestrations 50-200 nm in diameter that filter endobiotics and xenobiotics. Defenestration of the liver sinusoidal endothelium in old age and after pre-treatment with poloxamer-407 (P407) has been shown to prevent the transfer of small chylomicrons across the liver sinusoidal endothelium. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of liver sinusoidal endothelium fenestrations on the hepatic uptake of the highly protein-bound drug diazepam. We hypothesized that defenestration will reduce the hepatic extraction of drugs which are highly bound to albumin. METHODOLOGY The isolated perfused rat liver (IPRL) model and multiple indicator dilution technique were used to investigate the effect of fenestrations in the liver sinusoidal endothelium on the hepatic disposition of diazepam in old and young rats, and in young rats treated with P407 or vehicle. A bolus dose of (14)C-diazpeam and non-extracted tracers ((3)H-sucrose and Evans blue) was injected into the portal vein. The single-pass recovery of diazepam and markers and the apparent volume of distribution were determined. RESULTS Scanning electron microscopy confirmed reduced porosity of the liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in P407-treated rats and old rats compared to young and control rats. The fractional recovery of diazepam was significantly increased in P407-treated rats compared to controls (0.20 ± 0.16, n = 12, P407; 0.08 ± 0.05, n = 8, controls; p = 0.0029), and in old rats compared to young rats (0.15 ± 0.03, n = 11, old; 0.10 ± 0.02, n = 11, young; p = 0.0004) following a single pass. CONCLUSION Defenestration due to age-related pseudocapillarization and treatment with P407 resulted in reduced hepatic extraction of diazepam after a single pass through the IPRL. These results highlight the importance of the liver sinusoidal endothelium in the ultrafiltration of highly protein-bound drugs, and may also provide an additional mechanism for reduced hepatic clearance of diazepam in conditions associated with defenestration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Mitchell
- Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Weiss M. A model for transit time distributions through organs that accounts for fractal heterogeneity. J Theor Biol 2012; 301:57-61. [PMID: 22586724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2012.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
It has been shown that density functions of organ transit time distributions of vascular markers (washout curves) are characterized by a power-law tail, reflecting the fractal nature of the vascular network. Yet, thus far, no closed-form model is available that can be fitted to such organ outflow data. Here we propose a model that accounts for the existing data. The model is a continuous mixture of inverse Gaussian densities, implying flow heterogeneity in the organ. It has been fitted to outflow data from the rabbit heart and rat liver. The power-law decay with exponent -3 observed in the heart, corresponds to an intra-organ flow distribution with a relative dispersion of about 35%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Weiss
- Department of Pharmacology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, D-06097 Halle, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Fiel MI, Deniz K, Elmali F, Schiano TD. Increasing hepatic arteriole wall thickness and decreased luminal diameter occur with increasing age in normal livers. J Hepatol 2011; 55:582-586. [PMID: 21236310 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2010] [Revised: 12/04/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS There is no data to suggest that the size of bile ducts, portal venules, and hepatic arterioles varies according to age in the normal human liver. We sought to examine whether hepatic arteriolar size, wall thickness, and luminal diameter change with increasing age. METHODS Histologically normal liver specimens from 90 live and deceased donors were separated into three groups of thirty: donor age<30, 31-60, and>60years old. Trichrome-stained slides were de-identified and assessed by a liver pathologist blinded to donor age. Morphometric measurements were taken of the hepatic arteriole, the cross-sectional diameter, and its wall thickness. The arteriole was measured at its widest diameter, the arteriolar wall at its thickest portion, and the luminal diameter between its widest points. RESULTS There was no difference in number of arterioles or bile ducts or in arteriolar cross-sectional diameter among the groups and no correlation with age was found. An increasing arteriolar wall thickness and a decrease in luminal diameter with advancing age were noted; no difference in bile duct size among the groups was found. There was a significant difference in wall thickness/total cross-sectional diameter with extremes in age (21-30 age group vs. 71-80 age group, p=0.0009) with an accompanying significant decrease in luminal diameter/cross-sectional diameter between the same groups (p=0.00002). CONCLUSIONS Increasing hepatic arteriolar wall thickness and decreased arteriolar cross-sectional diameter occur with increasing age in the normal human liver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Isabel Fiel
- The Lillian and Henry M. Stratton-Hans Popper Department of Pathology, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Kemal Deniz
- Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Ferhan Elmali
- Erciyes University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - Thomas D Schiano
- Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Rauchfuss F, Scheuerlein H, Ludewig S, Uberrück T, Heise M, Zanow J, Settmacher U. In vivo assessment of the hepatic microcirculation after mesenterico-portal bypass (REX-shunt) using orthogonal polarization spectral imaging. Liver Int 2010; 30:1339-45. [PMID: 20666991 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2010.02311.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis, not associated with cirrhosis or tumours, is the second most frequent cause of portal hypertension worldwide. Especially in children, anatomic mesenterico-portal interposition (REX-shunt) has become an established treatment. The changes in hepatic microcirculation after reperfusion of the shunt have not been investigated so far. AIMS This study investigates the hepatic microcirculation before and after REX-shunt interposition using orthogonal polarization spectral imaging (OPS). PATIENTS AND METHODS Since 2004, three consecutive patients with extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis underwent REX-shunt interposition. We measured the hepatic microcirculation by OPS before and directly after REX-shunt reperfusion and analysed the capillary vessel diameter, red blood cell velocity, functional capillary density and volumetric blood flow. Furthermore, we compared our values with the physiological values of the hepatic microcirculation defined previously by other investigators. RESULTS All shunts showed an excellent function in the follow-up investigations. The intra-individual microcirculatory analysis revealed a reduction in the red blood cell velocity after shunt reperfusion in particular. CONCLUSIONS Our results provide preliminary evidence for the reversal of the hepatic arterial buffer response following the restoration of the portal venous blood flow. This may be a short-term effect because of the restored portal venous blood flow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Falk Rauchfuss
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Vollmar B, Menger MD. The hepatic microcirculation: mechanistic contributions and therapeutic targets in liver injury and repair. Physiol Rev 2009; 89:1269-339. [PMID: 19789382 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00027.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 356] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex functions of the liver in biosynthesis, metabolism, clearance, and host defense are tightly dependent on an adequate microcirculation. To guarantee hepatic homeostasis, this requires not only a sufficient nutritive perfusion and oxygen supply, but also a balanced vasomotor control and an appropriate cell-cell communication. Deteriorations of the hepatic homeostasis, as observed in ischemia/reperfusion, cold preservation and transplantation, septic organ failure, and hepatic resection-induced hyperperfusion, are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. During the last two decades, experimental studies have demonstrated that microcirculatory disorders are determinants for organ failure in these disease states. Disorders include 1) a dysregulation of the vasomotor control with a deterioration of the endothelin-nitric oxide balance, an arterial and sinusoidal constriction, and a shutdown of the microcirculation as well as 2) an overwhelming inflammatory response with microvascular leukocyte accumulation, platelet adherence, and Kupffer cell activation. Within the sequelae of events, proinflammatory mediators, such as reactive oxygen species and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, are the key players, causing the microvascular dysfunction and perfusion failure. This review covers the morphological and functional characterization of the hepatic microcirculation, the mechanistic contributions in surgical disease states, and the therapeutic targets to attenuate tissue injury and organ dysfunction. It also indicates future directions to translate the knowledge achieved from experimental studies into clinical practice. By this, the use of the recently introduced techniques to monitor the hepatic microcirculation in humans, such as near-infrared spectroscopy or orthogonal polarized spectral imaging, may allow an early initiation of treatment, which should benefit the final outcome of these critically ill patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Vollmar
- Institute for Experimental Surgery, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
| | | |
Collapse
|