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O'Reilly S. Emerging therapeutic targets in systemic sclerosis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024; 102:465-478. [PMID: 38386070 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02424-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disease which is characterised by vascular perturbations, inflammation, and fibrosis. Although huge progress recently into the underlying molecular pathways that are perturbed in the disease, currently no therapy exists that targets the fibrosis element of the disease and consequently there is a huge unmet medical need. Emerging studies reveal new dimensions of complexity, and multiple aberrant pathways have been uncovered that have shed light on disturbed signalling in the disease, primarily in inflammatory pathways that can be targeted with repurposed drugs. Pre-clinical animal models using these inhibitors have yielded proof of concept for targeting these signalling systems and progressing to clinical trials. This review will examine the recent evidence of new perturbed pathways in SSc and how these can be targeted with new or repurposed drugs to target a currently intractable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven O'Reilly
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, South Road, Durham, UK.
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2
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Shinn J, Park S, Lee S, Park N, Kim S, Hwang S, Moon JJ, Kwon Y, Lee Y. Antioxidative Hyaluronic Acid-Bilirubin Nanomedicine Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells for Anti-Hepatic-Fibrosis Therapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:4704-4716. [PMID: 38288705 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c06107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a life-threatening and irreversible disease. The fibrosis process is largely driven by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which undergo transdifferentiation from an inactivated state to an activated one during persistent liver damage. This activated state is responsible for collagen deposition in liver tissue and is accompanied by increased CD44 expression on the surfaces of HSCs and amplified intracellular oxidative stress, which contributes to the fibrosis process. To address this problem, we have developed a strategy that combines CD44-targeting of activated HSCs with an antioxidative approach. We developed hyaluronic acid-bilirubin nanoparticles (HABNs), composed of endogenous bilirubin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bile acid, and hyaluronic acid, an endogenous CD44-targeting glycosaminoglycan biopolymer. Our findings demonstrate that intravenously administered HABNs effectively targeted the liver, particularly activated HSCs, in fibrotic mice with choline-deficient l-amino acid-defined high-fat diet (CD-HFD)-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). HABNs were able to inhibit HSC activation and proliferation and collagen production. Furthermore, in a murine CD-HFD-induced NASH fibrosis model, intravenously administered HABNs showed potent fibrotic modulation activity. Our study suggests that HABNs have the potential to serve as a targeted anti-hepatic-fibrosis therapy by modulating activated HSCs via CD44-targeting and antioxidant strategies. This strategy could also be applied to various ROS-related diseases in which CD44-overexpressing cells play a pivotal role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongyoon Shinn
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Seojeong Park
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Seonju Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Nayoon Park
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Seojeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Seohui Hwang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - James J Moon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Youngjoo Kwon
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
| | - Yonghyun Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, South Korea
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3
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Ganguin AA, Skorup I, Streb S, Othman A, Luciani P. Formation and Investigation of Cell-Derived Nanovesicles as Potential Therapeutics against Chronic Liver Disease. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300811. [PMID: 37669775 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
A new therapeutic approach using cell-derived nanovesicles (cdNVs) is offered here to overcome the lack of effective treatments for liver fibrosis, a reversible chronic liver disease. To achieve this goal the formation and purification of cdNVs from untreated, quiescent-like, or activated LX-2 cells, an immortalized human hepatic stellate cell (HSC) line with key features of transdifferentiated HSCs are established. Analysis of the genotype and phenotype of naïve and transdifferentiated LX-2 cells activated through transforming growth factor beta 1, following treatment with cdNVs, reveals a concentration-dependent fibrosis regression. The beneficial fibrosis-resolving effects of cdNVs are linked to their biomolecular corona. Liposomes generated using lipids extracted from cdNVs exhibit a reduced antifibrotic response in perpetuated LX-2 cells and show a reduced cellular uptake. However, incubation with soluble factors collected during purification results in a new corona, thereby restoring fibrosis regression activity. Overall, cdNVs display encouraging therapeutic properties, making them a promising candidate for the development of liver fibrosis resolving therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aymar Abel Ganguin
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Ivo Skorup
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Streb
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ), University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Alaa Othman
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich (FGCZ), University of Zurich/ETH Zurich, Zurich, 8057, Switzerland
| | - Paola Luciani
- Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, 3012, Switzerland
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4
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Kong D, Mourtzinos A, Heegsma J, Blokzijl H, de Meijer VE, Faber KN. Growth differentiation factor 7 autocrine signaling promotes hepatic progenitor cell expansion in liver fibrosis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:288. [PMID: 37798809 PMCID: PMC10557292 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03493-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver fibrosis is prevalent among chronic diseases of the liver and represents a major health burden worldwide. Growth differentiation factor 7 (GDF7), a member of the TGFβ protein superfamily, has been recently investigated for its role in repair of injured organs, but its role in chronic liver diseases remains unclear. Here, we examined hepatic GDF7 expression and its association with development and progression of human liver fibrosis. Moreover, we determined the source and target cells of GDF7 in the human liver. METHODS GDF7 expression was analyzed in fibrotic and healthy human liver tissues by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. Cell-specific accumulation of GDF7 was examined by immunofluorescence through co-staining of cell type-specific markers on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded human liver tissues. Public single cell RNA sequence databases were analyzed for cell type-specific expression of GDF7. In vitro, human liver organoids and LX-2 hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) were treated with recombinant human GDF7. Human liver organoids were co-cultured with activated LX-2 cells to induce an autocrine signaling circuit of GDF7 in liver organoids. RESULTS GDF7 protein levels were elevated in fibrotic liver tissue, mainly detected in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. In line, GDF7 mRNA was mainly detected in liver parenchymal cells. Expressions of BMPR1A and BMPR2, encoding GDF7 receptors, were readily detected in hepatocytes, cholangiocytes and stellate cells in vivo and in vitro. In vitro, recombinant GDF7 promoted liver organoid growth and enhanced expression of the progenitor cell markers (LGR5, AXIN2), but failed to activate LX-2 cells. Still, activated LX-2 cells induced GDF7 and LGR5 expression in co-cultured human liver organoids. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study reveals a role of GDF7 in liver fibrosis and suggests a potential pro-regenerative function that can be utilized for amelioration of hepatic fibrosis caused by chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Defu Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Apostolos Mourtzinos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette Heegsma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Blokzijl
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent E de Meijer
- Department of Surgery, Division of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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5
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Li D, Deng Z, Hou X, Qin Z, Wang X, Yin D, Chen Y, Rao Y, Chen J, Zhou J. Structural Insight into the Catalytic Mechanisms of an L-Sorbosone Dehydrogenase. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2301955. [PMID: 37679059 PMCID: PMC10602560 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202301955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
L-Sorbosone dehydrogenase (SNDH) is a key enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of 2-keto-L-gulonic acid , which is a direct precursor for the industrial scale production of vitamin C. Elucidating the structure and the catalytic mechanism is essential for improving SNDH performance. By solving the crystal structures of SNDH from Gluconobacter oxydans WSH-004, a reversible disulfide bond between Cys295 and the catalytic Cys296 residues is discovered. It allowed SNDH to switch between oxidation and reduction states, resulting in opening or closing the substrate pocket. Moreover, the Cys296 is found to affect the NADP+ binding pose with SNDH. Combining the in vitro biochemical and site-directed mutagenesis studies, the redox-based dynamic regulation and the catalytic mechanisms of SNDH are proposed. Moreover, the mutants with enhanced activity are obtained by extending substrate channels. This study not only elucidates the physiological control mechanism of the dehydrogenase, but also provides a theoretical basis for engineering similar enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Li
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Science Center for Future FoodsJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
| | - Zhiwei Deng
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
| | - Xiaodong Hou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
| | - Zhijie Qin
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Science Center for Future FoodsJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
| | - Xinglong Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Science Center for Future FoodsJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
| | - Dejing Yin
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
| | - Yue Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
| | - Yijian Rao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
| | - Jian Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Science Center for Future FoodsJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Ministry of Education on Food Synthetic BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Science Center for Future FoodsJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Key Laboratory of Industrial BiotechnologyMinistry of Education and School of BiotechnologyJiangnan University1800 Lihu RoadWuxiJiangsu214122China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Food Synthetic BiotechnologyJiangnan UniversityWuxi214122China
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6
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Haijer F, Koets-Shajari S, Heegsma J, Serna-Salas S, Blokzijl T, Buist-Homan M, Moshage H, Faber KN. Hydroxyurea attenuates hepatic stellate cell proliferation in vitro and liver fibrogenesis in vivo. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23124. [PMID: 37552464 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300920r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from excessive proliferation of, and collagen production by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) that is caused by chronic liver injury. No drugs are available to cure liver fibrosis. Hydroxyurea is an anti-proliferative drug that is used in benign and malignant disorders. Here, we studied the effect of hydroxyurea on primary HSCs and its anti-fibrotic effect in the CCl4 mouse model of liver fibrosis. Primary rat HSCs were cultured in the absence or presence of hydroxyurea (0.1-1.0 mmol/L). CCl4 or vehicle was administered to C57BL/6/J mice for 4 weeks, with or without hydroxyurea (100 mg/kg/day) co-treatment. We used real-time cell proliferation analysis, Oil Red O (lipid droplet) staining, immunohistochemistry, Acridine Orange staining (apoptosis), Sytox green staining (necrosis), RT-qPCR, ELISA, and Western Blotting for analysis. Hydroxyurea dose-dependently suppressed lipid droplet-loss and mRNA levels of Col1α1 and Acta2 in transdifferentiating HSCs. In fully-activated HSCs, hydroxyurea dose-dependently attenuated PCNA protein levels and BrdU incorporation, but did not reverse Col1α1 and Acta2 mRNA expression. Hydroxyurea did not induce apoptosis or necrosis in HSCs or hepatocytes. Hydroxyurea suppressed accumulation of desmin-positive HSCs and hepatic collagen deposition after CCl4 treatment. CCl4 -induced regenerative hepatocyte proliferation, Col1α1 and Acta2 mRNA expression and α-SMA protein levels were not affected. This study demonstrates that hydroxyurea inhibits HSC proliferation in vitro and attenuates early development of liver fibrosis in vivo, while preserving hepatocyte regeneration after toxic insults by CCl4. Thus, hydroxyurea may have therapeutic value against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floris Haijer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shiva Koets-Shajari
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janette Heegsma
- Department Laboratory Medicine, Center for Liver, Digestive, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Serna-Salas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tjasso Blokzijl
- Department Laboratory Medicine, Center for Liver, Digestive, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Manon Buist-Homan
- Department Laboratory Medicine, Center for Liver, Digestive, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Han Moshage
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department Laboratory Medicine, Center for Liver, Digestive, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaas Nico Faber
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department Laboratory Medicine, Center for Liver, Digestive, and Metabolic Diseases, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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7
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Ramírez E, Jara N, Ferrada L, Salazar K, Martínez F, Oviedo MJ, Tereszczuk J, Ramírez-Carbonell S, Vollmann-Zwerenz A, Hau P, Nualart F. Glioblastoma Invasiveness and Collagen Secretion Are Enhanced by Vitamin C. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 37:538-559. [PMID: 35166128 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Glioblastoma (GB) is one of the most aggressive brain tumors. These tumors modify their metabolism, increasing the expression of glucose transporters, GLUTs, which incorporate glucose and the oxidized form of vitamin C, dehydroascorbic acid (DHA). We hypothesized that GB cells preferentially take up DHA, which is intracellularly reduced and compartmentalized into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), promoting collagen biosynthesis and an aggressive phenotype. Results: Our results showed that GB cells take up DHA using GLUT1, while GLUT3 and sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2) are preferably intracellular. Using a baculoviral system and reticulum-enriched extracts, we determined that SVCT2 is mainly located in the ER and corresponds to a short isoform. Ascorbic acid (AA) was compartmentalized, stimulating collagen IV secretion and increasing in vitro and in situ cell migration. Finally, orthotopic xenografts induced in immunocompetent guinea pigs showed that vitamin C deficiency retained collagen, reduced blood vessel invasion, and affected glomeruloid vasculature formation, all pathological conditions associated with malignancy. Innovation and Conclusion: We propose a functional role for vitamin C in GB development and progression. Vitamin C is incorporated into the ER of GB cells, where it favors the synthesis of collagen, thus impacting tumor development. Collagen secreted by tumor cells favors the formation of the glomeruloid vasculature and enhances perivascular invasion. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 37, 538-559.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eder Ramírez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Nery Jara
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Luciano Ferrada
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO-BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Katterine Salazar
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.,Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO-BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Fernando Martínez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - María José Oviedo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Joanna Tereszczuk
- Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO-BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Sebastián Ramírez-Carbonell
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
| | - Arabel Vollmann-Zwerenz
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Peter Hau
- Department of Neurology and Wilhelm Sander-NeuroOncology Unit, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Francisco Nualart
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Stem Cells NeuroCellT, Department of Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile.,Center for Advanced Microscopy CMA BIO-BIO, University of Concepcion, Concepcion, Chile
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8
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Li S, Han B, Wu P, Yang Q, Wang X, Li J, Liao Y, Deng N, Jiang H, Zhang Z. Effect of inorganic mercury exposure on reproductive system of male mice: Immunosuppression and fibrosis in testis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:69-78. [PMID: 34569128 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mercury as a toxic heavy metal will accumulate in the body and induce various diseases through the food chain. However, it is unknown that the detailed mechanism of reproductive disorder induced by inorganic mercury in male mice to date. This study investigated the toxicological effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2 ) exposure on reproductive system in male mice. Male Kunming mice received normal saline daily or HgCl2 (3 mg/kg bodyweight) by intraperitoneal injection for a week. The reproductive function was evaluated, and the HgCl2 exposure induced the decline of sperm quality, pregnancy rate, mean litter size, and survival rate. Notably, we firstly found the HgCl2 -induced immunosuppression and fibrosis in mice testis according to the results of RNA sequencing. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that HgCl2 exposure disrupts the reproductive system and induces testicular immunosuppression and fibrosis via inhibition of the CD74 signaling pathway in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Bing Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Pengfei Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qingyue Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoqiao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiayi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yuge Liao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Ning Deng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Huijie Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhigang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Harbin, China
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9
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Tobacco Smoking and Liver Cancer Risk: Potential Avenues for Carcinogenesis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2021; 2021:5905357. [PMID: 34925509 PMCID: PMC8683172 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5905357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Smoking a cigarette generates over 4000 chemicals that have a deleterious impact on each part of the human body. It produces three main severe effects on the liver organ: oncogenic, immunological, and indirect or direct toxic effects. It results in the production of cytotoxic substances, which raises fibrosis and necro-inflammation. Additionally, it also directs the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor alfa (TNF-α) and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6) that will be responsible for the chronic liver injury. Furthermore, it gives rise to secondary polycythemia and successively raises the turnover and mass of red cells, which might be a common factor responsible for the development of oxidative stress in the liver due to iron overload. It also produces chemicals that are having oncogenic properties and raises the risk of liver cancer especially in sufferers of chronic hepatitis C. Smoking modulates both humoral and cell-mediated responses by restricting the proliferation of lymphocytes and inducing their apoptosis and ultimately decreasing the surveillance of cancer cells. Moreover, it has been determined that heavy smoking impacts the response of hepatitis C patients to interferon (IFN) therapy through different mechanisms, which can be improved by phlebotomy. Efforts are being made in different nations in decreasing the prevalence of smoking to improve premature death and ill effects of their nation's individuals.
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10
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Zhu B, Chan SL, Li J, Li K, Wu H, Cui K, Chen H. Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:742382. [PMID: 34557535 PMCID: PMC8452937 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.742382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There has been a rise in the prevalence of non-alcohol fatty liver disease (NAFLD) due to the popularity of western diets and sedentary lifestyles. One quarter of NAFLD patients is diagnosed with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), with histological evidence not only of fat accumulation in hepatocytes but also of liver cell injury and death due to long-term inflammation. Severe NASH patients have increased risks of cirrhosis and liver cancer. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis and current methods of diagnosis for NASH, and current status of drug development for this life-threatening liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhu
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Siu-Lung Chan
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jack Li
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kathryn Li
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kui Cui
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Surgery, Vascular Biology Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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