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Diwan R, Gaytan SL, Bhatt HN, Pena-Zacarias J, Nurunnabi M. Liver fibrosis pathologies and potentials of RNA based therapeutics modalities. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8. [PMID: 38446352 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01551-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs when the liver tissue responds to injury or inflammation by producing excessive amounts of scar tissue, known as the extracellular matrix. This buildup stiffens the liver tissue, hinders blood flow, and ultimately impairs liver function. Various factors can trigger this process, including bloodborne pathogens, genetic predisposition, alcohol abuse, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. While some existing small-molecule therapies offer limited benefits, there is a pressing need for more effective treatments that can truly cure LF. RNA therapeutics have emerged as a promising approach, as they can potentially downregulate cytokine levels in cells responsible for liver fibrosis. Researchers are actively exploring various RNA-based therapeutics, such as mRNA, siRNA, miRNA, lncRNA, and oligonucleotides, to assess their efficacy in animal models. Furthermore, targeted drug delivery systems hold immense potential in this field. By utilizing lipid nanoparticles, exosomes, nanocomplexes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles, researchers aim to deliver therapeutic agents directly to specific biomarkers or cytokines within the fibrotic liver, increasing their effectiveness and reducing side effects. In conclusion, this review highlights the complex nature of liver fibrosis, its underlying causes, and the promising potential of RNA-based therapeutics and targeted delivery systems. Continued research in these areas could lead to the development of more effective and personalized treatment options for LF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimpy Diwan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Samantha Lynn Gaytan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Himanshu Narendrakumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA
| | - Jacqueline Pena-Zacarias
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA
| | - Md Nurunnabi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79902, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
- Department of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, Texas, 79968, USA.
- Border Biomedical Research Center, The University of Texas El Paso, El Paso, TX, 79968, USA.
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2
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Berumen J, Baglieri J, Kisseleva T, Mekeel K. Liver fibrosis: Pathophysiology and clinical implications. WIREs Mech Dis 2020; 13:e1499. [PMID: 32713091 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a clinically significant finding that has major impacts on patient morbidity and mortality. The mechanism of fibrosis involves many different cellular pathways, but the major cell type involved appears to be hepatic stellate cells. Many liver diseases, including Hepatitis B, C, and fatty liver disease cause ongoing hepatocellular damage leading to liver fibrosis. No matter the cause of liver disease, liver-related mortality increases exponentially with increasing fibrosis. The progression to cirrhosis brings more dramatic mortality and higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Fibrosis can also affect outcomes following liver transplantation in adult and pediatric patients and require retransplantation. Drugs exist to treat Hepatitis B and C that reverse fibrosis in patients with those viral diseases, but there are currently no therapies to directly treat liver fibrosis. Several mouse models of chronic liver diseases have been successfully reversed using novel drug targets with current therapies focusing mostly on prevention of myofibroblast activation. Further research in these areas could lead to development of drugs to treat fibrosis, which will have invaluable impact on patient survival. This article is categorized under: Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Berumen
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Jacopo Baglieri
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Tatiana Kisseleva
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Kristin Mekeel
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
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3
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Zhang HE, Henderson JM, Gorrell MD. Animal models for hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1865:993-1002. [PMID: 31007176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents ~90% of all cases of primary liver cancer and occurs predominantly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Establishing appropriate animal models for HCC is required for basic and translational studies, especially the models that can recapitulate one of the human disease settings. Current animal models can be categorized as chemically-induced, genetically-engineered, xenograft, or a combination of these with each other or with a metabolic insult. A single approach to resemble human HCC in animals is not sufficient. Combining pathogenic insults in animal models may more realistically recapitulate the multiple etiologic agents occurring in humans. Combining chemical injury with metabolic disorder or alcohol consumption in mice reduces the time taken to hepatocarcinogenesis. Genetically-engineering weak activation of HCC-promoting pathways combined with disease-specific injury models will possibly mimic the pathophysiology of human HCC in distinct clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Emma Zhang
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales, 2042, Australia; The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - James M Henderson
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales, 2042, Australia; The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - Mark D Gorrell
- Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Newtown, New South Wales, 2042, Australia; The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales, 2006, Australia.
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Königshofer P, Brusilovskaya K, Schwabl P, Reiberger T. Animal models of portal hypertension. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1865:1019-1030. [PMID: 30055295 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases ultimately lead to cirrhosis and portal hypertension (PHT). Indeed, PHT is a major cause of severe complications, while medical treatment is limited to non-selective beta blockers. Sophisticated animal models are needed to investigate novel treatment options for different etiologies of liver disease, effective anti-fibrotic agents as well as vasoactive drugs against PHT. In this review, we present some of the most common animal models of liver disease and PHT - including pre-hepatic, intra-hepatic and post-hepatic PHT in rodents. Methodology for induction, considerations for disease etiology, advantages and limitations and practical issues of these animal models are discussed. The appropriate and sensible use of animal models in preclinical research supporting the 3R concept of replacement, reduction and refinement is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Königshofer
- Div. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - K Brusilovskaya
- Div. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Schwabl
- Div. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Reiberger
- Div. of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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5
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Chen X, Sun X, Wang Z, Zhou X, Xu L, Li F, Zhang X, Pan J, Qi L, Qian H, Mao Z. Involvement of acid-sensing ion channel 1a in gastric carcinoma cell migration and invasion. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2018; 50:440-446. [PMID: 29584803 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmy026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acidic microenvironment, particularly acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a), has been reported to promote carcinoma cell proliferation as well as migration. In this study, we explored the effect of ASIC1a on migration and invasion of gastric carcinoma (GC). ASIC1a expression levels were examined in paired GC and adjacent normal tissues from 16 patients by immunohistochemistry. Reverse transcription real-time PCR and immunoblotting were conducted to assess the ASIC1a expression levels in the GC cell line AGS after transfection with ASIC1a small hairpin RNA (shRNA). Wound healing and transwell invasion assays were utilized to detect metastasis and invasion following ASIC1a silencing. Tumor formation was used to detect the role of ASIC1a in tumorigenicity in vivo. It was found that ASIC1a expression level was significantly higher in GC tissues showing postoperative metastasis compared with non-metastasis and non-tumor tissues. Moreover, silencing of ASIC1a with shRNA significantly down-regulated ASIC1a expression and reduced GC cell migration and invasion. A moderately acidic extracellular environment inhibited GC cell viability. Furthermore, ASIC1a shRNA caused inhibition of tumorigenicity in vivo. Our study is the first report of attenuating the malignant phenotype of GC in vitro and in vivo by suppressing ASIC1a, and suggests a novel approach to study the relationship between ASICs and GC cell migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Children's Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Xiaojun Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Feng'e Li
- Huffington Center on Aging, Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Xingding Zhang
- School of Medicine (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ji'an Pan
- School of Medicine (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Lin Qi
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Hematology & Oncology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Haixin Qian
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Zhongqi Mao
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
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Cordero-Espinoza L, Huch M. The balancing act of the liver: tissue regeneration versus fibrosis. J Clin Invest 2018; 128:85-96. [PMID: 29293095 DOI: 10.1172/jci93562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell loss alters a tissue's optimal function and awakens evolutionarily adapted healing mechanisms to reestablish homeostasis. Although adult mammalian organs have a limited regeneration potential, the liver stands out as one remarkable exception. Following injury, the liver mounts a dynamic multicellular response wherein stromal cells are activated in situ and/or recruited from the bloodstream, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is remodeled, and epithelial cells expand to replenish their lost numbers. Chronic damage makes this response persistent instead of transient, tipping the system into an abnormal steady state known as fibrosis, in which ECM accumulates excessively and tissue function degenerates. Here we explore the cellular and molecular switches that balance hepatic regeneration and fibrosis, with a focus on uncovering avenues of disease modeling and therapeutic intervention.
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7
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Prestigiacomo V, Weston A, Messner S, Lampart F, Suter-Dick L. Pro-fibrotic compounds induce stellate cell activation, ECM-remodelling and Nrf2 activation in a human 3D-multicellular model of liver fibrosis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179995. [PMID: 28665955 PMCID: PMC5493342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Currently most liver fibrosis research is performed in vivo, since suitable alternative in vitro systems which are able to recapitulate the cellular events leading to liver fibrosis are lacking. Here we aimed at generating a system containing cells representing the three key players of liver fibrosis (hepatocyte, Kupffer cells and stellate cells) and assess their response to pro-fibrotic compounds such as TGF-β1, methotrexate (MTX) and thioacetamide (TAA). Methods Human cell lines representing hepatocytes (HepaRG), Kupffer cell (THP-1 macrophages) and stellate cells (hTERT-HSC) were co-cultured using the InSphero hanging drop technology to generate scaffold-free 3D microtissues, that were treated with pro-fibrotic compounds (TGF-β1, MTX, TAA) for up to 14 days. The response of the microtissues was evaluated by determining the expression of cytokines (TNF-α, TGF-β1 and IL6), the deposition and secretion of ECM proteins and induction of gene expression of fibrosis biomarkers (e.g. αSMA). Induction of Nrf2 and Keap1, as key player of defence mechanism, was also evaluated. Results We could demonstrate that the multicellular 3D microtissue cultures could be maintained in a non-activated status, based on the low expression levels of activation markers. Macrophages were activated by stimulation with LPS and hTERT-HSC showed activation by TGF-β1. In addition, MTX and TAA elicited a fibrotic phenotype, as assessed by gene-expression and protein-deposition of ECM proteins such as collagens and fibronectin. An involvement of the antioxidant pathway upon stimulation with pro-fibrotic compounds was also observed. Conclusion Here, for the first time, we demonstrate the in vitro recapitulation of key molecular and cellular events leading to liver fibrosis: hepatocellular injury, antioxidant defence response, activation of Kupffer cells and activation of HSC leading to deposition of ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Prestigiacomo
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Basel, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Anna Weston
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Simon Messner
- InSphero AG, Schlieren, Canton of Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Franziska Lampart
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Laura Suter-Dick
- University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, School of Life Sciences, Muttenz, Switzerland
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8
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Ghosh S, Sarkar A, Bhattacharyya S, Sil PC. Silymarin Protects Mouse Liver and Kidney from Thioacetamide Induced Toxicity by Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species and Activating PI3K-Akt Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:481. [PMID: 28018219 PMCID: PMC5156955 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Silymarin (SMN) has been shown to possess a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. Besides, SMN has antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities. Thioacetamide (TAA) is a well-documented liver toxin that requires oxidative bioactivation to elicit its hepatotoxic effect which ultimately modifies amine-lipids and proteins. Our study has been designed in a TAA exposed mouse model to investigate whether SMN could protect TAA-induced oxidative stress mediated hepatic and renal damage. Results suggest that TAA generated reactive oxygen species (ROS), caused oxidative stress and induced apoptosis in the liver and kidney cells via JNK as well as PKC and MAPKs signaling. All these detrimental effects of TAA could, however, be suppressed by SMN which not only scavenged ROS but also induced PI3K-Akt cell survival pathway in the liver and prevented apoptotic pathways in both the organs. Histological studies, collagen staining and DNA fragmentation analysis also supported our results. Combining, we say that SMN possess beneficial role against TAA mediated hepatic and renal pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shatadal Ghosh
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute Kolkata, India
| | - Abhijit Sarkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute Kolkata, India
| | | | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute Kolkata, India
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9
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Henderson JM, Zhang HE, Polak N, Gorrell MD. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Mouse models and the potential roles of proteases. Cancer Lett 2016; 387:106-113. [PMID: 27045475 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the second most common cause of mortality from cancer. The most common models of hepatocellular carcinoma, which use a chemical and/or metabolic insult, xenograft, or genetic manipulation, are discussed in this review. In the tumour microenvironment lymphocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and antigen presenting cells are important determinants of cell fate. These cells make a range of proteases that modify the biological activity of other proteins, particularly extracellular matrix proteins that alter cell migration of tumour cells, fibroblasts and leucocytes, and chemokines that alter leucocyte migration. The DPP4 family of post-proline peptidase enzymes modifies cell movement and the activities of many bioactive molecules including growth factors and chemokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Henderson
- Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Hui Emma Zhang
- Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Natasa Polak
- Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006 Australia
| | - Mark D Gorrell
- Centenary Institute and Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006 Australia.
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10
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Inhibition of acid-sensing ion channel 1a in hepatic stellate cells attenuates PDGF-induced activation of HSCs through MAPK pathway. Mol Cell Biochem 2014; 395:199-209. [PMID: 24939363 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-014-2125-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs), a group of Na(+)-selective and Ca(2+)-permeant ligand-gated cation channels, can be transiently activated by extracellular acid. Among seven subunits of ASICs, acid-sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a), which is responsible for Ca(2+) transportation, is elevated in response to inflammation, tumor, and ischemic injury in central nervous system and non-neuronal tissues. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the presence of ASIC1a in rat liver and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Furthermore, the expression of ASIC1a was increased in primary HSCs and liver tissues of CCl4-treated rats, suggesting that ASIC1a may play certain role in liver fibrosis. Interestingly, we identified that the level of ASIC1a was significantly elevated in response to platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induction in a time- and dose-dependent manner. It was also established that Ca(2+)-transporting ASIC1a was involved in acid-induced injury of different cell types. Moreover, inhibition or silencing of ASIC1a was able to inhibit PDGF-induced pro-fibrogenic effects of activated rat HSCs, including cell activation, de novo synthesis of extracellular matrix components through mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Collectively, our studies identified that ASIC1a was expressed in rat liver and HSCs and provided a strong evidence for the involvement of the ASIC1a in the progression of hepatic fibrosis.
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11
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Pan CX, Wu FR, Wang XY, Tang J, Gao WF, Ge JF, Chen FH. Inhibition of ASICs reduces rat hepatic stellate cells activity and liver fibrosis: an in vitro and in vivo study. Cell Biol Int 2014; 38:1003-12. [PMID: 24737704 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.10287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic inflammation-associated disease, which is involved in the infiltration of inflammatory cells and releasing of proinflammatory cytokines. In the pathological process, protons are released by damaged cells and acidosis is considered to play a critical role in cell injury. Although the underlying mechanism (s) remain ill-defined, ASICs (acid-sensing ion channels) are assumed to be involved in this process. The diuretic, amiloride, is neuroprotective in models of cerebral ischemia, a property attributable to the inhibition of central ASICs by the drug. However, the effect of inhibition of ASICs by amiloride in the liver fibrotic process remains unclear. We found that amiloride (25, 50, or 100 μM) could restrain acid-induced HSCs at pH6 in vitro. In vivo experiments showed that amiloride could significantly alleviate liver injury, decreasing levels of profibrogenic cytokines, collagen deposition, and reducing pathological tissue damage. In summary, amiloride inhibits hepatic fibrosis in vivo and in vitro, which is probably associated with the downregulation of ASICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-xiao Pan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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12
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Liedtke C, Luedde T, Sauerbruch T, Scholten D, Streetz K, Tacke F, Tolba R, Trautwein C, Trebicka J, Weiskirchen R. Experimental liver fibrosis research: update on animal models, legal issues and translational aspects. FIBROGENESIS & TISSUE REPAIR 2013; 6:19. [PMID: 24274743 PMCID: PMC3850878 DOI: 10.1186/1755-1536-6-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is defined as excessive extracellular matrix deposition and is based on complex interactions between matrix-producing hepatic stellate cells and an abundance of liver-resident and infiltrating cells. Investigation of these processes requires in vitro and in vivo experimental work in animals. However, the use of animals in translational research will be increasingly challenged, at least in countries of the European Union, because of the adoption of new animal welfare rules in 2013. These rules will create an urgent need for optimized standard operating procedures regarding animal experimentation and improved international communication in the liver fibrosis community. This review gives an update on current animal models, techniques and underlying pathomechanisms with the aim of fostering a critical discussion of the limitations and potential of up-to-date animal experimentation. We discuss potential complications in experimental liver fibrosis and provide examples of how the findings of studies in which these models are used can be translated to human disease and therapy. In this review, we want to motivate the international community to design more standardized animal models which might help to address the legally requested replacement, refinement and reduction of animals in fibrosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Liedtke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tom Luedde
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tilman Sauerbruch
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - David Scholten
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Konrad Streetz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - René Tolba
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen D-52074, Germany
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Riduan SN, Zhang Y. Imidazolium salts and their polymeric materials for biological applications. Chem Soc Rev 2013; 42:9055-70. [DOI: 10.1039/c3cs60169b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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