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Wang F, Sun NN, Li LL, Zhu WW, Xiu J, Shen Y, Xu Q. Hepatic progenitor cell activation is induced by the depletion of the gut microbiome in mice. Microbiologyopen 2019; 8:e873. [PMID: 31094067 PMCID: PMC6813488 DOI: 10.1002/mbo3.873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The homeostasis of the gut microbiome is crucial for human health and for liver function. However, it has not been established whether the gut microbiome influence hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs). HPCs are capable of self‐renewal and differentiate into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes; however, HPCs are normally quiescent and are rare in adults. After sustained liver damage, a ductular reaction occurs, and the number of HPCs is substantially increased. Here, we administered five broad‐spectrum antibiotics for 14 days to deplete the gut microbiomes of male C57BL/6 mice, and we measured the plasma aminotransferases and other biochemical indices. The expression levels of two HPC markers, SRY‐related high mobility group‐box gene 9 (Sox9) and cytokeratin (CK), were also measured. The plasma aminotransferase activities were not affected, but the triglyceride, lactate dehydrogenase, low‐density lipoprotein, and high‐density lipoprotein concentrations were significantly altered; this suggests that liver function is affected by the composition of the gut microbiome. The mRNA expression of Sox9 was significantly higher in the treated mice than it was in the control mice (p < 0.0001), and a substantial expression of Sox9 and CK was observed around the bile ducts. The mRNA expression levels of proinflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]‐α, and TNF‐like weak inducer of apoptosis [Tweak]) were also significantly higher in the antibiotic‐treated mice than the levels in the control mice. These data imply that the depletion of the gut microbiome leads to liver damage, negatively impacts the hepatic metabolism and function, and activates HPCs. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Nan-Nan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Lan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wan-Wan Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianbo Xiu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking, Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,Neuroscience center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Gogoi-Tiwari J, Köhn-Gaone J, Giles C, Schmidt-Arras D, Gratte FD, Elsegood CL, McCaughan GW, Ramm GA, Olynyk JK, Tirnitz-Parker JEE. The Murine Choline-Deficient, Ethionine-Supplemented (CDE) Diet Model of Chronic Liver Injury. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 29155718 DOI: 10.3791/56138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, are characterized by continual inflammation, progressive destruction and regeneration of the hepatic parenchyma, liver progenitor cell proliferation, and fibrosis. The end-stage of every chronic liver disease is cirrhosis, a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. To study processes regulating disease initiation, establishment, and progression, several animal models are used in laboratories. Here we describe a six-week time course of the choline-deficient and ethionine-supplemented (CDE) mouse model, which involves feeding six-week old male C57BL/6J mice with choline-deficient chow and 0.15% DL-ethionine-supplemented drinking water. Monitoring of animal health and a typical body weight loss curve are explained. The protocol demonstrates the gross examination of a CDE-treated liver and blood collection by cardiac puncture for subsequent serum analyses. Next, the liver perfusion technique and collection of different hepatic lobes for standard evaluations are shown, including liver histology assessments by hematoxylin and eosin or Sirius Red stainings, immunofluorescent detection of hepatic cell populations as well as transcriptome profiling of the liver microenvironment. This mouse model is suitable for studying inflammatory, fibrogenic, and liver progenitor cell dynamics induced through chronic liver disease and can be used to test potential therapeutic agents that may modulate these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jully Gogoi-Tiwari
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University
| | - Julia Köhn-Gaone
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University
| | - Corey Giles
- School of Public Health & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University
| | | | - Francis D Gratte
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University; School of Veterinary and Life Sciences, Murdoch University
| | - Caryn L Elsegood
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University
| | - Geoffrey W McCaughan
- Centenary Institute of Cancer Medicine and Cell Biology, The University of Sydney; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; A.W. Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre
| | - Grant A Ramm
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland
| | - John K Olynyk
- Fiona Stanley and Fremantle Hospitals; School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University
| | - Janina E E Tirnitz-Parker
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University; School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia;
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3
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Chen J, Chen L, Zern MA, Theise ND, Diehl AM, Liu P, Duan Y. The diversity and plasticity of adult hepatic progenitor cells and their niche. Liver Int 2017; 37:1260-1271. [PMID: 28135758 PMCID: PMC5534384 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The liver is a unique organ for homoeostasis with regenerative capacities. Hepatocytes possess a remarkable capacity to proliferate upon injury; however, in more severe scenarios liver regeneration is believed to arise from at least one, if not several facultative hepatic progenitor cell compartments. Newly identified pericentral stem/progenitor cells residing around the central vein is responsible for maintaining hepatocyte homoeostasis in the uninjured liver. In addition, hepatic progenitor cells have been reported to contribute to liver fibrosis and cancers. What drives liver homoeostasis, regeneration and diseases is determined by the physiological and pathological conditions, and especially the hepatic progenitor cell niches which influence the fate of hepatic progenitor cells. The hepatic progenitor cell niches are special microenvironments consisting of different cell types, releasing growth factors and cytokines and receiving signals, as well as the extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold. The hepatic progenitor cell niches maintain and regulate stem cells to ensure organ homoeostasis and regeneration. In recent studies, more evidence has been shown that hepatic cells such as hepatocytes, cholangiocytes or myofibroblasts can be induced to be oval cell-like state through transitions under some circumstance, those transitional cell types as potential liver-resident progenitor cells play important roles in liver pathophysiology. In this review, we describe and update recent advances in the diversity and plasticity of hepatic progenitor cell and their niches and discuss evidence supporting their roles in liver homoeostasis, regeneration, fibrosis and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamei Chen
- Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai key laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China,E-institutes of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Long Chen
- Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai key laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mark A Zern
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Neil D. Theise
- Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA,Corresponding Authors: Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 350 East 17th Street, Baird Hall, Room 17, New York, NY 10003 USA. Tel: +1 212 420 4246, Fax: +1 212 420 4373. (N.D. Theise). Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3256 Snydeman/GSRB-1 595 La Salle Street Durham, NC 27710 USA. Tel: +1 919 684 4173, Fax: +1 919 684 4183. (A.M. Diehl). Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai 201203 China. Tel: +86-21-51322059, Fax: +86 21-51322059. (P. Liu). Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1630, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA. Tel: +1 916 703 9393, Fax: +1 916 703 9396. (Y. Duan)
| | - Ann Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA,Corresponding Authors: Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 350 East 17th Street, Baird Hall, Room 17, New York, NY 10003 USA. Tel: +1 212 420 4246, Fax: +1 212 420 4373. (N.D. Theise). Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3256 Snydeman/GSRB-1 595 La Salle Street Durham, NC 27710 USA. Tel: +1 919 684 4173, Fax: +1 919 684 4183. (A.M. Diehl). Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai 201203 China. Tel: +86-21-51322059, Fax: +86 21-51322059. (P. Liu). Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1630, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA. Tel: +1 916 703 9393, Fax: +1 916 703 9396. (Y. Duan)
| | - Ping Liu
- Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases of Ministry of Education of China, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Shanghai key laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China,E-institutes of Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China,Corresponding Authors: Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 350 East 17th Street, Baird Hall, Room 17, New York, NY 10003 USA. Tel: +1 212 420 4246, Fax: +1 212 420 4373. (N.D. Theise). Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3256 Snydeman/GSRB-1 595 La Salle Street Durham, NC 27710 USA. Tel: +1 919 684 4173, Fax: +1 919 684 4183. (A.M. Diehl). Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai 201203 China. Tel: +86-21-51322059, Fax: +86 21-51322059. (P. Liu). Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1630, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA. Tel: +1 916 703 9393, Fax: +1 916 703 9396. (Y. Duan)
| | - Yuyou Duan
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA,Corresponding Authors: Departments of Pathology and Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 350 East 17th Street, Baird Hall, Room 17, New York, NY 10003 USA. Tel: +1 212 420 4246, Fax: +1 212 420 4373. (N.D. Theise). Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 3256 Snydeman/GSRB-1 595 La Salle Street Durham, NC 27710 USA. Tel: +1 919 684 4173, Fax: +1 919 684 4183. (A.M. Diehl). Shuguang Hospital affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong district, Shanghai 201203 China. Tel: +86-21-51322059, Fax: +86 21-51322059. (P. Liu). Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2921 Stockton Blvd, Suite 1630, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA. Tel: +1 916 703 9393, Fax: +1 916 703 9396. (Y. Duan)
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Cytochrome P450 mRNA expressions along with in vitro differentiation of hepatocyte precursor cells from fetal, young and old rats. Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2010; 48:46-57. [PMID: 20529815 DOI: 10.2478/v10042-008-0085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-differentiated cells are attractive targets for cell therapy. During liver regeneration oval cells intensively proliferate and differentiate extending their metabolic activity. Hepatic cytochromes P450 (CYPs) can be linked either with metabolic activation of toxic compounds or drug metabolism. We investigated the differentiation and biotransformative potential of non-differentiated cells in primary cell cultures isolated from livers of fetuses (16-days-old), young (4-months-old) and old (20-months-old) rats. Under the conditions of experimental hepatocarcinogenesis, adult rats were fed for three weeks with CDE diet. Liver cells were cultured and precursor cells were differentiated to hepatocytes following induction with sodium butyrate (SB) or dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) in culture on MesenCult medium. We identified a number of cells expressing Thy-1, CD34, alpha-fetoprotein, cytokeratines--CK18 or CK19 and glutathione transferases--GSTpi or GSTalpha. In vitro differentiation of these cells, isolated from CDE-treated rats begun earlier as compared to non-treated ones. Age-dependent changes in the cell differentiation sequence, as well as CYPmRNA expression sequence accompanying precursor cells differentiation, were also observed. mRNA expression of CYP1A2, CYP2B1/2 and CYP3A1 was higher in the cells of young rats, but in the case of CYP2E1--in the cells of old rats. It was concluded that both proliferation and differentiation potential of oval cells, decreased with age.
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5
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Abstract
The liver diseases remain major causes of death all over the world. Although orthotopic liver transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage liver diseases. However, shortage of healthy livers for transplantation worldwide have urgently limited the use of liver transplantation for acute and chronic liver diseases. Stem cells play an important role in the concert of liver regeneration. Hepatic stem cells have been shown experimentally to participate in liver proliferation. Furthermore, it has been postulated that hepatic stem cells are able to transdifferentiate into both hepatocytes and bole duct cells. These data indicate a possible role and therapeutic potential of hepatic stem cells in liver diseases. In this paper, we reviewed the application of stem cells in liver diseases.
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6
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Kubota K, Soeda J, Misawa R, Mihara M, Miwa S, Ise H, Takahashi M, Miyagawa S. Bone marrow-derived cells fuse with hepatic oval cells but are not involved in hepatic tumorigenesis in the choline-deficient ethionine-supplemented diet rat model. Carcinogenesis 2008; 29:448-54. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgm279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
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7
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Bird TG, Lorenzini S, Forbes SJ. Activation of stem cells in hepatic diseases. Cell Tissue Res 2008; 331:283-300. [PMID: 18046579 PMCID: PMC3034134 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-007-0542-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2007] [Accepted: 10/23/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The liver has enormous regenerative capacity. Following acute liver injury, hepatocyte division regenerates the parenchyma but, if this capacity is overwhelmed during massive or chronic liver injury, the intrinsic hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) termed oval cells are activated. These HPCs are bipotential and can regenerate both biliary epithelia and hepatocytes. Multiple signalling pathways contribute to the complex mechanism controlling the behaviour of the HPCs. These signals are delivered primarily by the surrounding microenvironment. During liver disease, stem cells extrinsic to the liver are activated and bone-marrow-derived cells play a role in the generation of fibrosis during liver injury and its resolution. Here, we review our current understanding of the role of stem cells during liver disease and their mechanisms of activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G Bird
- MRC/University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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Tsamandas AC, Antonacopoulou A, Kalogeropoulou C, Tsota I, Zabakis P, Giannopoulou E, Liava A, Tzelepi V, Tepetes K, Petsas T, Kardamakis D, Kalofonos HP. Oval cell proliferation in cirrhosis in rats. An experimental study. Hepatol Res 2007; 37:755-64. [PMID: 17617113 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2007.00124.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Oval cells are liver stem cells involved in liver regeneration following liver damage. Previous studies have shown that pretreatment with a hepatocyte inhibitor is required to allow full oval cell activation. This study investigates whether oval cells develop and proliferate in a model of experimental liver fibrosis without pretreatment with a known hepatocyte inhibitor. METHODS The study comprised 66 male Wistar rats divided into two groups: A (n = 6): controls; and B (n = 60): CCl(4) injection (intraperitoneally 2 mL/kg bodyweight 1:1 volume in corn oil twice weekly). Rats were sacrificed at four, eight and 12 weeks. Liver tissues were evaluated for the degree of fibrosis (Masson's trichrome), cell proliferation (Ki67 antigen), expression of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) mRNA (RT-PCR and in situ hybridization), AFP protein (Western blot) and cytokeratin-19. Cells with morphologic features of oval cells that were cytokeratin 19 (CK19)+ and AFP mRNA+ were scored in morphometric analysis. RESULTS Oval cells were present in all 66 specimens; their percentage was higher in group B compared to group A (P < 0.001). AFP mRNA and protein expression increased as fibrosis advanced. Similarly, the numbers of CK19+, AFP mRNA+ and Ki67+ oval cells were higher in advanced fibrosis stages. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that oval cells develop and proliferate in a model of experimental liver fibrosis without pretreatment with a known hepatocytic inhibitor. However, further research is warranted in order to identify the exact molecular mechanisms involved in this process.
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Ochsner SA, Strick-Marchand H, Qiu Q, Venable S, Dean A, Wilde M, Weiss MC, Darlington GJ. Transcriptional profiling of bipotential embryonic liver cells to identify liver progenitor cell surface markers. Stem Cells 2007; 25:2476-87. [PMID: 17641245 PMCID: PMC2853184 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.2007-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The ability to purify to homogeneity a population of hepatic progenitor cells from adult liver is critical for their characterization prior to any therapeutic application. As a step in this direction, we have used a bipotential liver cell line from 14 days postcoitum mouse embryonic liver to compile a list of cell surface markers expressed specifically by liver progenitor cells. These cells, known as bipotential mouse embryonic liver (BMEL) cells, proliferate in an undifferentiated state and are capable of differentiating into hepatocyte-like and cholangiocyte-like cells in vitro. Upon transplantation, BMEL cells are capable of differentiating into hepatocytes and cholangiocytes in vivo. Microarray and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of gene expression in the 9A1 and 14B3 BMEL cell lines grown under proliferating and differentiating conditions was used to identify cell surface markers preferentially expressed in the bipotential undifferentiated state. This analysis revealed that proliferating BMEL cells express many genes involved in cell cycle regulation, whereas differentiation of BMEL cells by cell aggregation causes a switch in gene expression to functions characteristic of mature hepatocytes. In addition, microarray data and protein analysis indicated that the Notch signaling pathway could be involved in maintaining BMEL cells in an undifferentiated stem cell state. Using GO annotation, a list of cell surface markers preferentially expressed on undifferentiated BMEL cells was generated. One marker, Cd24a, is specifically expressed on progenitor oval cells in livers of diethyl 1,4-dihydro-2,4,6-trimethyl-3,5-pyridinedicarboxylate-treated animals. We therefore consider Cd24a expression a candidate molecule for purification of hepatic progenitor cells. Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Differentiation/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Differentiation/genetics
- Antigens, Surface/biosynthesis
- Antigens, Surface/genetics
- Bile Ducts/cytology
- Bile Ducts/embryology
- Biomarkers
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured/drug effects
- Cells, Cultured/metabolism
- Dihydropyridines/pharmacology
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Hepatocytes/drug effects
- Hepatocytes/metabolism
- Lipopolysaccharides/toxicity
- Liver/cytology
- Liver/embryology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Inbred CBA
- Multipotent Stem Cells/drug effects
- Multipotent Stem Cells/metabolism
- Receptors, Notch/genetics
- Receptors, Notch/physiology
- Transcription Factors/biosynthesis
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Transcription, Genetic/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A. Ochsner
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Qiong Qiu
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Susan Venable
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Adam Dean
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Margaret Wilde
- Huffington Center on Aging, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mary C. Weiss
- Unité de Génétique de la Différenciation, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
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Knight B, Matthews VB, Olynyk JK, Yeoh GC. Jekyll and Hyde: evolving perspectives on the function and potential of the adult liver progenitor (oval) cell. Bioessays 2006; 27:1192-202. [PMID: 16237666 DOI: 10.1002/bies.20311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The liver progenitor cell (LPC) has enormous potential for use in cell therapy to treat liver disease. Since liver regenerates readily from pre-existing hepatocytes, a role for LPCs and, indeed, their existence have been questioned. Research during the last decade has established that LPCs are an important alternative source of cells for liver regeneration. Their utility for cell therapy lies in their ability to generate both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. However, they are observed in liver diseases that often lead to cancer and there is experimental evidence that implicates LPCs as the source of tumours. This article provides a brief history of the studies that established the functional importance of LPCs in liver disease. It focuses on mouse models that have led to the identification of factors that regulate LPC growth and differentiation and discusses LPCs derived from different sources. Recent promising results from both in vitro and vivo studies suggest that LPCs could be useful for cell therapy. In the context of liver disease, LPCs may indeed be the cell of the future and understandably "our favourite cell".
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda Knight
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia
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11
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Tsamandas AC, Syrokosta I, Thomopoulos K, Zolota V, Dimitropoulou D, Liava A, Coupoulou AA, Siagris D, Petsas T, Karatza C, Gogos CA. Potential role of hepatic progenitor cells expression in cases of chronic hepatitis C and their relation to response to therapy: a clinicopathologic study. Liver Int 2006; 26:817-26. [PMID: 16911464 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2006.01306.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigates the correlation of hepatic progenitor cells (HPC) expression with treatment response in patients with chronic hepatitis C. DESIGN The study comprised 77 liver biopsies with chronic hepatitis C (HCV). All patients were PCR-HCV (+) and received antiviral therapy with interferon or pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin. Twenty-nine patients were assigned as responders (group A), 29 as nonresponders (group B) and 19 as relapsers (group C). Ten normal liver biopsies were used as controls. Liver paraffin sections were subjected (a) to immunohistochemistry using antibodies for cytokeratins 19 (CK19) and 7 (CK7), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), leukocyte common antigen (LCA) and CD34 antigen (b) to in situ hybridization for AFP mRNA and (c) to immunohistochemistry+in situ hybridization. Results were expressed as % of positive cells following morphometric analysis. RESULTS HPC expression was present in all 87 specimens. In the control biopsies, rare HPC were detected. In the CH cases and according to AFP mRNA expression, the grade for % HPC expression was: group B: 53.2+/-2.6> group C: 48.37+/-1.8> group A: 31.4+/-1.6 (group A vs B P<0.01, group A vs C P<0.01, group B vs C P>0.05. Double stain revealed that HPC coexpressed CK19/AFP mRNA, CK7/AFP mRNa and AFP protein/AFP mRNA. HPC-percentages were directly correlated with total HAI score (P<0.01), fibrosis stage (P<0.01), and transaminase values (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that in cases of chronic hepatitis C, the significant association of HPC expression with the severity of disease and more specifically with the response to treatment implies that HPC development and proliferation may provide additional prognostic information and predict prognosis in such cases.
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12
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Lim R, Knight B, Patel K, McHutchison JG, Yeoh GC, Olynyk JK. Antiproliferative effects of interferon alpha on hepatic progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo. Hepatology 2006; 43:1074-83. [PMID: 16628647 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic progenitor cells (called oval cells in rodents) proliferate during chronic liver injury. They have been suggested as targets of malignant transformation in chronic liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis C. Interferon alpha therapy reduces the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis C regardless of viral clearance. The aim of this study was to determine whether interferon alpha could reduce the risk of HCC by modifying preneoplastic events in the hepatic progenitor cell population. Pre- and post-treatment liver biopsies were evaluated for changes in t he hepaticprogenitor cell population in 16 patients with non-responding chronic hepatitis C Interferon alpha-based treatment significantly reduced the numbers of c-kit-positive hepatic progenitor cells by 50%. To determine the mechanism of cell number reduction, the effects of interferon alpha on murinehepatic progenitor cells were studied in vitro. MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) proliferation assay and proliferating cell nuclear antigen staining showed that interferon alpha had a dose-dependent, anti-proliferative effect Interferon alpha stimulated hepatocytic and biliary differentiation of the oval cell lines reflected by increased expression of albumin and cytokeratin19 accompanied by decreased expression of alphafetoprotein and Thy-1. To validatethese results in vivo, mice were placed on the choline-deficient, ethionine-supplemented diet to induce liver injury and oval cell proliferation and treated with pegylated interferon alpha 2b for 2 weeks. This resulted in a significant four-fold reduction in the number of oval cells (P < .05). In conclusion, interferon alpha-based treatment reduced the number of hepatic progenitor cells in chronic liver injury by modulating apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation. Supplementay material for this article can
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Lim
- School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Western Australia
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13
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Santoni-Rugiu E, Jelnes P, Thorgeirsson SS, Bisgaard HC. Progenitor cells in liver regeneration: molecular responses controlling their activation and expansion. APMIS 2006; 113:876-902. [PMID: 16480456 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0463.2005.apm_386.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although normally quiescent, the adult mammalian liver possesses a great capacity to regenerate after different types of injuries in order to restore the lost liver mass and ensure maintenance of the multiple liver functions. Major players in the regeneration process are mature residual cells, including hepatocytes, cholangiocytes and stromal cells. However, if the regenerative capacity of mature cells is impaired by liver-damaging agents, hepatic progenitor cells are activated and expand into the liver parenchyma. Upon transit amplification, the progenitor cells may generate new hepatocytes and biliary cells to restore liver homeostasis. In recent years, hepatic progenitor cells have been the subject of increasing interest due to their therapeutic potential in numerous liver diseases as alternative or supportive/complementary tools to liver transplantation. While the first investigations on hepatic progenitor cells have focused on their origin and phenotypic characterization, recent attention has focused on the influence of the hepatic microenvironment on their activation and proliferation. This microenvironment comprises the extracellular matrix, epithelial and non-epithelial resident liver cells, and recruited inflammatory cells as well as the variety of growth-modulating molecules produced and/or harboured by these elements. The cellular and molecular responses to different regenerative stimuli seem to depend on the injury inflicted and consequently on the molecular microenvironment created in the liver by a certain insult. This review will focus on molecular responses controlling activation and expansion of the hepatic progenitor cell niche, emphasizing similarities and differences in the microenvironments orchestrating regeneration by recruitment of progenitor cell populations or by replication of mature cells.
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Abstract
The concept of a liver stem cell or progenitor cell has not been widely accepted until the last decade. Studies investigating liver regeneration under conditions which totally or substantially preclude hepatocyte proliferation report the proliferation of a subpopulation of small, oval-shaped cells, which are first observed in the portal triad, adjacent to the terminal ducts. These cells, termed liver progenitor oval cells (LPCs) are shown to participate in liver regeneration in a variety of rodent models of chronic liver damage. They express markers common to hepatocytes and cholangiocytes suggesting they are a common precursor of both liver cell lineages. Supporting evidence for liver stem cells has also come from cell tracing studies which show transdifferentiation of bone marrow cells into hepatocytes in both human and animal models. Another important issue is the link between LPCs and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The widening liver donor-recipient gap; a consequence of poor donation rates coupled with increasing incidence of liver disease highlights the importance of establishing the utility of cell transplant as an alternative to treat liver disease. In this regard, liver stem cells and progenitor cells may have a significant role to play. To successfully utilize liver stem cells or LPCs for cell therapy, we have to first develop methods for maintaining and differentiating them in culture. This technology must be based on a thorough understanding of conditions which regulate their behaviour in vitro. In particular, we need to know which growth factors and cytokines affect them and their mechanism of action. Since they are a potential source of HCC, it is also necessary to understand the mechanisms which underlie their transformation to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vance B Matthews
- School of Biomedical and Chemical Sciences and Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, UWA Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
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15
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Lowes KN, Croager EJ, Olynyk JK, Abraham LJ, Yeoh GCT. Oval cell-mediated liver regeneration: Role of cytokines and growth factors. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2003; 18:4-12. [PMID: 12519217 DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1746.2003.02906.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In experimental models, which induce liver damage and simultaneously block hepatocyte proliferation, the recruitment of a hepatic progenitor cell population comprised of oval cells is invariably observed. There is a substantial body of evidence to suggest that oval cells are involved in liver regeneration, as they differentiate into hepatocytes and biliary cells. Recently, bone marrow cells were shown to be a source of a stem cells with the capacity to repopulate the liver. Presently, the relationship between bone marrow cells and oval cells is unclear. Investigations will be greatly assisted by the availability of in vitro models based on a knowledge of cytokines that affect oval cells. While the cytokines, which regulate the different hematopoietic lineages, are well characterized, there is relatively little information regarding those that influence oval cells. This review outlines recent developments in the field of oval cell research and focuses on cytokines and growth factors that have been implicated in regulating oval cell proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kym N Lowes
- Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, School of Biomedical and Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Australia
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Couchie D, Holic N, Chobert MN, Corlu A, Laperche Y. In vitro differentiation of WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells into the biliary lineage. Differentiation 2002; 69:209-15. [PMID: 11841479 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-0436.2002.690414.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation of hepatic precursor cells in the biliary lineage has rarely been investigated, owing to the lack of convenient in vitro models. In this study, we used sodium butyrate and culture on Matrigel to promote differentiation of WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells along the biliary phenotype. This differentiation was assessed by following the expression of phenotypic markers at the protein or mRNA level. Sodium butyrate induced cytokeratin 19 expression and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity, together with a large increase in gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase mRNA IV, a transcript expressed at high levels in biliary cells. We also observed an increase in aquaporin-1 and beta4 integrin mRNAs, encoding two proteins expressed in adult biliary cells. Culture on Matrigel increased cytokeratin 19, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, and BDS7 expression in WB-F344 cells which still expressed aquaporin-1 and beta4 integrin. These results show that WB-F344 cells are able to differentiate in vitro along the biliary pathway, making them a candidate model for analyzing the molecular events associated with the hepatoblast-biliary cell transition.
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Rao AV, Shaha C. Multiple glutathione S-transferase isoforms are present on male germ cell plasma membrane. FEBS Lett 2001; 507:174-80. [PMID: 11684093 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(01)02958-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Phase II detoxification enzymes, the glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) of 24 kDa are known to be cytosolic enzymes. This study shows that multiple GST isoforms that are 24 kDa in size are present on the extracellular side of the plasma membrane of rat male germ cells. The GST activity of male germ cell plasma membranes is several folds higher than somatic cell plasma membrane GST activity. Isoform composition of the germ cell plasma membrane and the cytosolic pool differ, GSTM5 and GSTPi being absent on the plasma membranes. The molecular masses of the common isoforms are comparable between the two pools and both pools show GST and glutathione peroxidase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Rao
- National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110067, India
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18
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Abstract
AIM: To detect immunohistochemically the presence of oval cells in chronic viral hepatitis with antibody against c-kit.
METHODS: We detected oval cells in paraffin embedded liver sections of 3 normal controls and 26 liver samples from patients with chronic viral hepatitis, using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against c-kit, π class glutathione S-transferase (π-GST) and cytokeratins 19 (CK19).
RESULTS: Oval cells were not observed in normal livers. In chronic viral hepatitis, hepatic oval cells were located predominantly in the periportal region and fibrosis septa, characterized by an ovoid nucleus, small size, and scant cytoplasm. Antibody against stem cell factor receptor, c-kit, had higher sensitivity and specificity than π-GST and CK19. About 50%-70% of c-kit positive oval cells were stained positively for either π-GST or CK19.
CONCLUSION: Oval cells are frequently detected in human livers with chronic viral hepatitis, suggesting that oval cell proliferation is asso ciated with the liver regeneration in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Diseases, Renji Hospital, 145 Shandong Zhong Road, Shanghai 200001, China.
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Lowes KN, Brennan BA, Yeoh GC, Olynyk JK. Oval cell numbers in human chronic liver diseases are directly related to disease severity. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 1999; 154:537-41. [PMID: 10027411 PMCID: PMC1849988 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)65299-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 332] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma is significantly increased in patients with genetic hemochromatosis, alcoholic liver disease, or chronic hepatitis C infection. The precise mechanisms underlying the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in these conditions are not well understood. Stem cells within the liver, termed oval cells, are involved in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma in animal models and may be important in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in human chronic liver diseases. The aims of this study were to determine whether oval cells could be detected in the liver of patients with genetic hemochromatosis, alcoholic liver disease, or chronic hepatitis C, and whether there is a relationship between the severity of the liver disease and the number of oval cells. Oval cells were detected using histology and immunohistochemistry in liver biopsies from patients with genetic hemochromatosis, alcoholic liver disease, or chronic hepatitis C. Oval cells were not observed in normal liver controls. Oval cell numbers increased significantly with the progression of disease severity from mild to severe in each of the diseases studied. We conclude that oval cells are frequently found in subjects with genetic hemochromatosis, alcoholic liver disease, or chronic hepatitis C. There is an association between severity of liver disease and increase in the number of oval cells consistent with the hypothesis that oval cell proliferation is associated with increased risk for development of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K N Lowes
- University Department of Medicine, Fremantle Hospital, Western Australia, Australia
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Cassell HS, Price P, Olver SD, Yeoh GC. The association between murine cytomegalovirus induced hepatitis and the accumulation of oval cells. Int J Exp Pathol 1998; 79:433-41. [PMID: 10319024 PMCID: PMC3220373 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2613.1998.00089.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulation of oval cells is an early event in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma induced by certain experimental regimes involving hepatocarcinogens. Oval cells have also been observed during chronic hepatitis induced by alcohol and iron overload. In this study, livers of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infected mice were examined to determine whether hepatitis induced by this virus could initiate oval cell proliferation. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were infected with MCMV and studied 4, 8, 10 and 12 months later, alongside control (uninfected) mice. The livers were examined histochemically, immunocytochemically and by in situ hybridization to identify oval cells, inflammatory cells and proliferating cells. Oval cells were seen in the periportal regions of livers from MCMV infected BALB/c mice. These increased in number from 4 to 12 months after infection in parallel with increases in the numbers of inflammatory cells, even though cells expressing MCMV antigens were no longer evident in these samples. Proliferating oval cells and hepatocytes were identified by PCNA staining, indicating an increased level of liver regeneration in the infected livers. C57BL/6 mice are less susceptible to persistent MCMV hepatitis and had fewer oval cells than BALB/c mice. Thus the study demonstrates an association between MCMV induced hepatitis, inflammation, and presence of oval cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- H S Cassell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia
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Sell S. Comparison of liver progenitor cells in human atypical ductular reactions with those seen in experimental models of liver injury. Hepatology 1998; 27:317-31. [PMID: 9462626 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510270202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ultrastructural characteristics of liver progenitor cell types of human atypical ductular reactions seen in chronic cholestasis, in regenerating human liver after submassive necrosis, in alcoholic liver disease, and in focal nodular hyperplasia are compared with liver progenitor cell types seen during experimental cholangiocarcinogenesis in hamsters; during hepatocarcinogenesis in rats; and in response to periportal liver injury induced by allyl alcohol in rats. Three types of progenitor cells have been identified in human atypical ductular reactions: type I: primitive, has an oval shape, marginal chromatin, few cellular organelles, rare tonofilaments, and forms desmosomal junctions with adjacent liver cells; type II: bile duct-like, is located within ducts, has few organelles, and forms lateral membrane interdigitations with other duct-like cells; and type III: hepatocyte-like, is located in hepatic cords, forms a bile canaliculus, has tight junctions with other hepatocyte-like cells, prominent mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum, and some have lysosomes and a poorly developed Golgi apparatus. Each type is seen during cholangiocarcinogenesis in hamsters, but the most prominent cell type is type II, duct-like. A more primitive cell type ("type 0 cell"), as well as type I cells, are seen in the intraportal zone of the liver within 1 to 2 days after carcinogen exposure or periportal injury in the rat, but both type II and type III are seen later as the progenitor cells expand into the liver lobule. After allyl alcohol injury, type 0 cells precede the appearance of type I and type III cells, but most of the cells that span the periportal necrotic zone are type III hepatocyte-like cells showing different degrees of hepatocytic differentiation. Some type II cells are also seen, but these are essentially limited to ducts. It is concluded that there is a primitive stem cell type in the liver (type 0) that may differentiate directly into type I and then into type II, duct-like or or type III hepatocyte-like cells. The terms oval cell, transitional hepatocyte, biliary hepatocyte, hepatocyte-like cell, atypical ductular cell, neocholangiole, etc., are used to describe these cells. Although these terms are useful as general descriptive terms for liver precursor cells at the light microscopic level, the cells included in these descriptive categories may be very different from one another biologically and ultrastructurally.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Albany Medical College, NY 12209-3479, USA
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Brill S, Zvibel I, Reid LM. Maturation-dependent changes in the regulation of liver-specific gene expression in embryonal versus adult primary liver cultures. Differentiation 1995; 59:95-102. [PMID: 8522072 DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-0436.1995.5920095.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
During rat liver development, which starts on day 10 of embryogenesis (E10), and until E15, all parenchymal cells are thought to be a homogeneous population of bipotential progenitors, able to give rise to both hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells. We established primary liver cultures from embryonic livers at various developmental stages, from E14 to neonates, as well as adult rats. Gene expression and regulation by three known differentiating agents, heparin, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and sodium butyrate, were examined in these primary cultures. Alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-FP), albumin, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT), and glutathione-S-transferase-P (Yp) were expressed by cultured liver cells through fetal development, whereas insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF II) receptor, expressed in fetal parenchymal cells, was not present in cultured neonatal cells. Heparin increased alpha-FP levels in fetal liver cells, but not in cells obtained after birth. The expression of GGT and Yp was coordinately regulated. The two genes were up-regulated by sodium butyrate and down-regulated by DMSO in cultured liver cells from all embryonal ages tested. However, the regulation of these two genes by sodium butyrate and DMSO was not apparent in neonatal and adult liver cultures. Sodium butyrate increased alpha-FP and albumin mRNA expression in E14 and E15 cells, but not in E16, neonatal or adult cultures, and its addition caused heterogenous expression of albumin. We conclude that the regulation of gene expression in primary liver cultures by the three agents tested is altered after birth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Affiliation(s)
- S Brill
- Cancer Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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