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Nian L, Li W, Zhang C, Li L, Zhang G, Xiao J. 3D-Printed SERS Chips for Highly Specific Detection of Denatured Type I and IV Collagens in Blood for Early Hepatic Fibrosis Diagnosis. ACS Sens 2024. [PMID: 38836565 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.4c00623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, the insidious progression of chronic liver scarring leading to life-threatening cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, necessitates the urgent development of noninvasive and precise diagnostic methodologies. Denatured collagen emerges as a critical biomarker in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Herein, we have for the first time developed 3D-printed collagen capture chips for highly specific surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of denatured type I and type IV collagen in blood, facilitating the early diagnosis of hepatic fibrosis. Employing a novel blend of denatured collagen-targeting peptide-modified silver nanoparticle probes (Ag@DCTP) and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), we engineered a robust ink for the 3D fabrication of these collagen capture chips. The chips are further equipped with specialized SERS peptide probes, Ag@ICTP@R1 (S-I) and Ag@IVCTP@R2 (S-IV), tailored for the targeted detection of type I and IV collagen, respectively. The SERS chip platform demonstrated exceptional specificity and sensitivity in capturing and detecting denatured type I and IV collagen, achieving detection limits of 3.5 ng/mL for type I and 3.2 ng/mL for type IV collagen within a 10-400 ng/mL range. When tested on serum samples from hepatic fibrosis mouse models across a spectrum of fibrosis stages (S0-S4), the chips consistently measured denatured type I collagen and detected a progressive increase in type IV collagen concentration, which correlated with the severity of fibrosis. This novel strategy establishes a benchmark for the multiplexed detection of collagen biomarkers, enhancing our capacity to assess the stages of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linge Nian
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
- School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Wenhua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
| | - Chunxia Zhang
- Tianjin Baogang Rare Earth Research Institute Company, Limited, Beijing 100022, P. R. China
| | - Lu Li
- Tianjin Baogang Rare Earth Research Institute Company, Limited, Beijing 100022, P. R. China
| | - Guangrui Zhang
- Tianjin Baogang Rare Earth Research Institute Company, Limited, Beijing 100022, P. R. China
| | - Jianxi Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P. R. China
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2
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Very N, Boulet C, Gheeraert C, Berthier A, Johanns M, Bou Saleh M, Guille L, Bray F, Strub JM, Bobowski-Gerard M, Zummo FP, Vallez E, Molendi-Coste O, Woitrain E, Cianférani S, Montaigne D, Ntandja-Wandji LC, Dubuquoy L, Dubois-Chevalier J, Staels B, Lefebvre P, Eeckhoute J. O-GlcNAcylation controls pro-fibrotic transcriptional regulatory signaling in myofibroblasts. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:391. [PMID: 38830870 PMCID: PMC11148087 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06773-9] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Tissue injury causes activation of mesenchymal lineage cells into wound-repairing myofibroblasts (MFs), whose uncontrolled activity ultimately leads to fibrosis. Although this process is triggered by deep metabolic and transcriptional reprogramming, functional links between these two key events are not yet understood. Here, we report that the metabolic sensor post-translational modification O-linked β-D-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) is increased and required for myofibroblastic activation. Inhibition of protein O-GlcNAcylation impairs archetypal myofibloblast cellular activities including extracellular matrix gene expression and collagen secretion/deposition as defined in vitro and using ex vivo and in vivo murine liver injury models. Mechanistically, a multi-omics approach combining proteomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data mining revealed that O-GlcNAcylation controls the MF transcriptional program by targeting the transcription factors Basonuclin 2 (BNC2) and TEA domain transcription factor 4 (TEAD4) together with the Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) co-activator. Indeed, inhibition of protein O-GlcNAcylation impedes their stability leading to decreased functionality of the BNC2/TEAD4/YAP1 complex towards promoting activation of the MF transcriptional regulatory landscape. We found that this involves O-GlcNAcylation of BNC2 at Thr455 and Ser490 and of TEAD4 at Ser69 and Ser99. Altogether, this study unravels protein O-GlcNAcylation as a key determinant of myofibroblastic activation and identifies its inhibition as an avenue to intervene with fibrogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninon Very
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Clémence Boulet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Céline Gheeraert
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Alexandre Berthier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Manuel Johanns
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Mohamed Bou Saleh
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Loïc Guille
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Fabrice Bray
- Miniaturization for Synthesis, Analysis & Proteomics, UAR 3290, CNRS, University of Lille, Villeneuve d'Ascq Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Marc Strub
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS UMR7178, Univ. Strasbourg, IPHC, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie Bobowski-Gerard
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Francesco P Zummo
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Vallez
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Olivier Molendi-Coste
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Eloise Woitrain
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Sarah Cianférani
- Laboratoire de Spectrométrie de Masse BioOrganique, CNRS UMR7178, Univ. Strasbourg, IPHC, Infrastructure Nationale de Protéomique ProFI - FR2048, Strasbourg, France
| | - David Montaigne
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Line Carolle Ntandja-Wandji
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | - Laurent Dubuquoy
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, U1286 - INFINITE - Institute for Translational Research in Inflammation, Lille, France
| | | | - Bart Staels
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Philippe Lefebvre
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Jérôme Eeckhoute
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France.
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3
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Liu J, L Y, Li F, Zhang X, Wang Y, Zhou J. Landscape of extrachromosomal circular DNAs, transcriptome, and proteome analysis reveals insights into alcoholic liver cirrhosis. Gene 2024:148599. [PMID: 38782221 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is a result of excessive and chronic alcohol consumption. Because alchol can cause DNA damage, extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) was investigated in ALC liver due to it can be a result of DNA damage. Considering eccDNA has ability to lead to genomic instability as an enhancer of gene transcription, we utilized Circle-Seq to identify differences in eccDNA profiles and gene expression patterns in liver samples obtained from ALC patients (n = 3) and healthy controls (n = 3) to investigate the role of eccDNA in the development of ALC. The abundance of eccDNA in ALC (mean = 13,349) were higher than the healthy control (mean = 11,557) without significant difference (pvalue = 0.6530). We observed 1,032 eccDNA containing genes showed higher expression in ALC patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05, log2FC > 1). Notably, we discovered seven genes that exhibited a significant positive correlation between eccDNA abundance and gene expression levels. These genes include A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 2 (ADAMTS2), Voltage-dependent L-type calcium channel subunit alpha-1C (CACNA1C), Protein TANC1 (TANC1), Integrin alpha-2 (ITGA2), EH domain-containing protein 4 (EHD4), Phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 1 (PACS1), and Neuron navigator 2 (NAV2). Through mass spectrometry proteomics, ITGA2 were found to have significantly higher abbudance in ALC. Integrins are a family of proteins plays key roles in the fibrosis development of liver. Thus, our study opens a new perspective for liver fibrosis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi jia Zhuang 050051, China; Department of Infectious Diseases, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding, Hebei 071000, China
| | - Yuanyuan L
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi jia Zhuang 050051, China
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Baoding No.1 Central Hospital, Baoding, Hebei 071000, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Tuberculosis, The Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050021, China
| | - Yadong Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi jia Zhuang 050051, China
| | - Junying Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi jia Zhuang 050051, China.
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Ishii C, Tojo Y, Iwasaki K, Fujii A, Akita T, Nagano M, Mita M, Ide T, Hamase K. Development of a two-dimensional LC-MS/MS system for the determination of proline and 4-hydroxyproline enantiomers in biological and food samples. ANAL SCI 2024; 40:881-889. [PMID: 38598049 DOI: 10.1007/s44211-024-00530-w] [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] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
A two-dimensional LC-MS/MS system has been developed for the enantioselective determination of proline (Pro), cis-4-hydroxyproline (cis-4-Hyp) and trans-4-hydroxyproline (trans-4-Hyp) in a variety of biological samples. The amino acids were pre-column derivatized with 4-fluoro-7-nitro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (NBD-F), and the NBD-derivatives were separated by a reversed-phase column (Singularity RP18) as their D plus L mixtures in the first dimension. The collected target fractions were then introduced into the second dimension where the enantiomers were separated by a Pirkle-type enantioselective column (Singularity CSP-001S) and determined by a tandem mass spectrometer (Triple Quad™ 5500). The method was validated by the standard amino acids and also by human plasma, and sufficient results were obtained for the calibration, precision and accuracy. The method was applied to human plasma and urine, bivalve tissues and fermented food/beverages. D-Pro was widely found in the human physiological fluids, bivalves and several fermented products. Although trans-4-D-Hyp was not found in all the tested samples, cis-4-D-Hyp was present in human urine and tissues of the ark shell, and further studies focusing on the origin and physiological significance of these D-enantiomers are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiharu Ishii
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yosuke Tojo
- MIRAI Technology Institute, Shiseido Co., Ltd., 1-2-11 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, 220-0011, Japan
| | - Komei Iwasaki
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Akira Fujii
- Sakamoto Kurozu, Inc., 21-15 Uenosono-cho, Kagoshima, 890-0052, Japan
| | - Takeyuki Akita
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masanobu Nagano
- Sakamoto Kurozu, Inc., 21-15 Uenosono-cho, Kagoshima, 890-0052, Japan
| | - Masashi Mita
- KAGAMI, Inc., 7-7-15, Saito-asagi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-0085, Japan
| | - Tomomi Ide
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenji Hamase
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Petrenko O, Königshofer P, Brusilovskaya K, Hofer BS, Bareiner K, Simbrunner B, Jühling F, Baumert TF, Lupberger J, Trauner M, Kauschke SG, Pfisterer L, Simon E, Rendeiro AF, de Rooij LP, Schwabl P, Reiberger T. Transcriptomic signatures of progressive and regressive liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. iScience 2024; 27:109301. [PMID: 38469563 PMCID: PMC10926212 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent liver injury triggers a fibrogenic program that causes pathologic remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment (i.e., liver fibrosis) and portal hypertension. The dynamics of gene regulation during liver disease progression and early regression remain understudied. Here, we generated hepatic transcriptome profiles in two well-established liver disease models at peak fibrosis and during spontaneous regression after the removal of the inducing agents. We linked the dynamics of key disease readouts, such as portal pressure, collagen area, and transaminase levels, to differentially expressed genes, enabling the identification of transcriptomic signatures of progressive vs. regressive liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. These candidate biomarkers (e.g., Tcf4, Mmp7, Trem2, Spp1, Scube1, Islr) were validated in RNA sequencing datasets of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and those cured from hepatitis C infection. Finally, deconvolution identified major cell types and suggested an association of macrophage and portal hepatocyte signatures with portal hypertension and fibrosis area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Petrenko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Ksenia Brusilovskaya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Benedikt S. Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Katharina Bareiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Frank Jühling
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg 67000, France
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Service d’hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Joachim Lupberger
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Service d’hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67000, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Stefan G. Kauschke
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Larissa Pfisterer
- Department of CardioMetabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Eric Simon
- Global Computational Biology and Digital Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co.KG, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - André F. Rendeiro
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Laura P.M.H. de Rooij
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna 1090, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna 1090, Austria
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Liang Q, Pan F, Qiu H, Zhou X, Cai J, Luo R, Xiong Z, Yang H, Zhang L. CLC-3 regulates TGF-β/smad signaling pathway to inhibit the process of fibrosis in hypertrophic scar. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24984. [PMID: 38333829 PMCID: PMC10850413 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To study the role and mechanism of chloride channel-3 (ClC-3) in the formation of hypertrophic scar by constructing ClC-3 interference vectors and examining their effects on human hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFB). Methods Human HSFB and human normal skin fibroblasts (NSFB) were used in this study, and ClC-3 interference vectors were constructed to transfect cells. ClC-3 inhibitors NPPB and Tamoxifen were used to treat cells. Cell migration and the expression of TGF-β/Smad, CollagenⅠ,CollagenⅢ were examined to explore the role of ClC-3 in the formation of hypertrophic scar. Results Compared with the normal skin tissue, the positive expression of ClC-3 and TGF-β in the scar tissue was significantly increased. The relative expression of ClC-3 and TGF-β1 in HSFB cells was higher than that in NSFB cells. Interfering with the expression of CLC-3 can inhibit the migration of HSFB cells and the expression of TGF- β/Smad, CollagenⅠ/Ⅲ. The experiment of HSFB cells treated by CLC-3 inhibitors can also obtain similar results. Conclusion Inhibiting CLC-3 can reduce the formation of hypertrophic scars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liang
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 166 Daxue East Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Fuqiang Pan
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 166 Daxue East Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Houhuang Qiu
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 166 Daxue East Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 166 Daxue East Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Jieyun Cai
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 166 Daxue East Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Ruijin Luo
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 166 Daxue East Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Zenghui Xiong
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 166 Daxue East Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Huawei Yang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 71 Hedi Road, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Medical Cosmetology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 166 Daxue East Road, Xixiangtang District, Nanning City, Guangxi Province, China
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7
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Florea CM, Rosu R, Moldovan R, Vlase L, Toma V, Decea N, Baldea I, Filip GA. The impact of chronic Trimethylamine N-oxide administration on liver oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 184:114429. [PMID: 38176578 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114429] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
TMAO, a gut microbiota derived byproduct, has been associated with various cardiometabolic diseases by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation. The liver is the main organ for TMAO production and chronic exposure to high doses of TMAO could alter its function. In this study, we evaluated the effect of chronic exposure of high TMAO doses on liver oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. TMAO was administered daily via gastric gavage to laboratory rats for 3 months. Blood was drawn for the quantification of TMAO, and liver tissues were harvested for the assessment of oxidative stress (MDA, GSH, GSSG, GPx, CAT, and 8-oxo-dG) and inflammation by quantification of IL-1α, TNF-α, IL-10, TGF-β, NOS and COX-2 expression. The evaluation of fibrosis was made by Western blot analysis of α-SMA and Collagen-3 protein expression. Histological investigation and immunohistochemical staining of iNOS were performed in order to assess the liver damage. After 3 months of TMAO exposure, TMAO serum levels enhanced in parallel with increases in MDA and GSSG levels in liver tissue and lower values of GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio as well as a decrease in GPx and CAT activities. Inflammation was also highlighted, with enhanced iNOS, COX-2, and IL-10 expression, without structural changes and without induction of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Marius Florea
- Department of Physiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Radu Rosu
- Fifth Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology Clinic, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Remus Moldovan
- Department of Physiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Laurian Vlase
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vlad Toma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Department of Experimental Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Biological Research, branch of NIRDBS, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; Center for Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources "3B", Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Nicoleta Decea
- Department of Physiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Baldea
- Department of Physiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriela Adriana Filip
- Department of Physiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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8
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Ferreira JP, Butler J, Anker SD, Januzzi JL, Panova-Noeva M, Reese-Petersen AL, Sattar N, Schueler E, Pocock SJ, Filippatos G, Packer M, Sumin M, Zannad F. Effects of empagliflozin on collagen biomarkers in patients with heart failure: Findings from the EMPEROR trials. Eur J Heart Fail 2024; 26:274-284. [PMID: 38037709 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.3101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Extracellular matrix remodelling is one of the key pathways involved in heart failure (HF) progression. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) may have a role in attenuating myocardial fibrosis. The impact of SGLT2i on blood markers of collagen turnover in humans is not fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of empagliflozin on serum markers of collagen turnover in patients enrolled in the EMPEROR-Preserved and EMPEROR-Reduced trials. METHODS AND RESULTS Overall, 1084 patients (545 in empagliflozin and 539 in placebo) were included in the analysis. Procollagen type I carboxy-terminal propeptide (PICP), a fragment of N-terminal type III collagen (PRO-C3), procollagen type I amino-terminal peptide (PINP), a fragment of C-terminal type VIa3 collagen (PRO-C6), a fragment of type I collagen (C1M), and a fragment of type III collagen (C3M) were measured in serum at baseline, 12 and 52 weeks. A mixed model repeated measurements model was used to evaluate the effect of empagliflozin versus placebo on the analysed biomarkers. Higher baseline PICP, PRO-C6 and PINP levels were associated with older age, a more severe HF presentation, higher levels of natriuretic peptides and high-sensitivity troponin T, and the presence of comorbid conditions such as chronic kidney disease and atrial fibrillation. Higher PICP levels were associated with the occurrence of the study primary endpoint (a composite of HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death), and PRO-C6 and PINP were associated with the occurrence of sustained worsening of kidney function. On the other hand, PRO-C3, C1M, and C3M were not associated with worse HF severity or study outcomes. Compared to placebo, empagliflozin reduced PICP at week 12 by 5% and at week 52 by 8% (week 12: geometric mean ratio = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-0.99, p = 0.012; week 52: geometric mean ratio = 0.92, 95% CI 0.88-0.97, p = 0.003). Additionally, empagliflozin reduced PRO-C3 at week 52 by 7% (week 12: geometric mean ratio = 0.98, 95% CI 0.95-1.02, p = 0.42; week 52: geometric mean ratio = 0.93, 95% CI 0.89-0.98, p = 0.003), without impact on other collagen markers. CONCLUSION Our observations are consistent with experimental observations that empagliflozin down-regulates profibrotic signalling. The importance of such an effect for the clinical benefits of SGLT2i in HF remains to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Ferreira
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research and Development Center (UnIC@RISE), Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques Plurithématique 14-33, Inserm U1116, CHRU, F-CRIN INI-CRCT (Cardiovascular and Renal Clinical Trialists), Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Cardiovascular Research and Development Center, Nancy, France
| | - Javed Butler
- Baylor Scott and White Research Institute, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Stefan D Anker
- Department of Cardiology (CVK), Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Heart Diseases, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - James L Januzzi
- Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Naveed Sattar
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Stuart J Pocock
- Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Gerasimos Filippatos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Milton Packer
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Mikhail Sumin
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim, Germany
| | - Faiez Zannad
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques Plurithématique 14-33, Inserm U1116, CHRU, F-CRIN INI-CRCT (Cardiovascular and Renal Clinical Trialists), Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
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9
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Petrović A, Madić V, Stojanović G, Zlatanović I, Zlatković B, Vasiljević P, Đorđević L. Antidiabetic effects of polyherbal mixture made of Centaurium erythraea, Cichorium intybus and Potentilla erecta. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117032. [PMID: 37582477 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The polyherbal mixture made of Centaurium erythraea aerial parts and Cichorium intybus roots and Potentilla erecta rhizomes has been used for centuries to treat both the primary and secondary complications of diabetes. AIM OF THE STUDY As a continuation of our search for the most effective herbal mixture used as an ethnopharmacological remedy for diabetes, this study aimed to compare the in vitro biological activities of this polyherbal mixture and its individual ingredients, and, most importantly, to validate the ethnopharmacological value of the herbal mixture through evaluation of its phytochemical composition, its potential in vivo toxicity and its effect on diabetes complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS Phytochemical analysis was performed using HPLC-UV. Antioxidant activity was estimated via the DPPH test. Potential cytotoxicity/anticytotoxicity was assessed using an in vitro RBCs antihemolytic assay and an in vivo sub-chronic oral toxicity method. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated using an in vitro α-amylase inhibition assay and in vivo using a chemically induced diabetic rat model. RESULTS The HPLC-UV analysis revealed the presence of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid derivative, catechin, five catechin derivatives, epicatechin, isoquercetin, hyperoside, rutin, four quercetin derivatives, caffeic acid, and four caffeic acid derivatives in the polyherbal mixture decoction. Treatment with the decoction has shown no toxic effects. The antioxidant and cytoprotective activities of the polyherbal mixture were higher than the reference's ones. Its antidiabetic activity was high in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Fourteen days of treatment with the decoction (15 g/kg) completely normalized blood glucose levels of diabetic animals, while treatments with insulin and glimepiride only slightly lowered glycemic values. In addition, lipid status of treated animals as well as levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, urea and MDA were completely normalized. In addition, the polyherbal mixture completely restored the histopathological changes of the liver, kidneys and all four Cornu ammonis regions of the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS The polyherbal mixture was effective in the prevention of both primary and secondary diabetic complications such as hyperlipidemia, increased lipid peroxidation, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, nephropathy and neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Petrović
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000, Niš, Serbia.
| | - Višnja Madić
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000, Niš, Serbia
| | - Gordana Stojanović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000, Niš, Serbia
| | - Ivana Zlatanović
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000, Niš, Serbia
| | - Bojan Zlatković
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000, Niš, Serbia
| | - Perica Vasiljević
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000, Niš, Serbia
| | - Ljubiša Đorđević
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18000, Niš, Serbia
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Gao TM, Jin SJ, Fang F, Qian JJ, Zhang C, Zhou BH, Bai DS, Jiang GQ. Novel Preoperative Type IV Collagen to Predict the Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension After Laparoscopic Splenectomy and Azygoportal Disconnection. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2024; 10:2411-2420. [PMID: 38260186 PMCID: PMC10801173 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s425814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Although laparoscopic splenectomy and azygoportal disconnection (LSD) can significantly decrease portal vein pressure and even the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension (CPH), postoperative HCC inevitably occurs in certain patients. The purpose of this study was to seek a novel preoperative non-invasive predictive indicator to predict the occurrence of postoperative HCC. Patients and Methods From April 2012 to April 2022, we collected clinical data of 178 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related CPH patients. Based on inverse treatment probability weighting, candidate variables for predicting postoperative HCC were determined by means analysis. Then, a novel preoperative non-invasive prediction indicator (ie, type IV collagen-alpha fetoprotein-fibrosis-4 score [IVAF-FIB-4]) was established based on candidate variables, and its predictive ability was explored. Results Postoperative HCC occurred in 9 (5.1%) patients. Correlation analyses showed that the IVAF-FIB-4 had a significant positive correlation with HCC (r = 0.835, P < 0.001). IVAF-FIB-4 showed a high accuracy (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 0.939, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.818-1.000; sensitivity: 88.9%; specificity: 93.5%). At the end of follow-up, the incidence density of HCC in patients with IVAF-FIB-4 (1) was significant higher than that in patients with IVAF-FIB-4 (0) (138.1/1000 vs 1.1/1000 person-years; rate ratio: 130.475, 95% CI: 16.318-1043.227). In logistic regression, IVAF-FIB-4 was an independent risk factor for HCC (odds ratio: 668.000, 95% CI: 53.895-8279.541; P < 0.001). Conclusion IVAF-FIB-4 is a novel preoperative noninvasive predictive indicator for predicting postoperative HCC in HBV-related CPH patients after LSD, with satisfactory predictive ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Ming Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Jie Jin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Jun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bao-Huan Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dou-Sheng Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guo-Qing Jiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, People’s Republic of China
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11
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Stulpinas R, Morkunas M, Rasmusson A, Drachneris J, Augulis R, Gulla A, Strupas K, Laurinavicius A. Improving HCC Prognostic Models after Liver Resection by AI-Extracted Tissue Fiber Framework Analytics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:106. [PMID: 38201532 PMCID: PMC10778366 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010106] [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] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in diagnostic and treatment technologies, predicting outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenge. Prognostic models are further obscured by the variable impact of the tumor properties and the remaining liver parenchyma, often affected by cirrhosis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that tend to precede HCC. This study investigated the prognostic value of reticulin and collagen microarchitecture in liver resection samples. We analyzed 105 scanned tissue sections that were stained using a Gordon and Sweet's silver impregnation protocol combined with Picric Acid-Sirius Red. A convolutional neural network was utilized to segment the red-staining collagen and black linear reticulin strands, generating a detailed map of the fiber structure within the HCC and adjacent liver tissue. Subsequent hexagonal grid subsampling coupled with automated epithelial edge detection and computational fiber morphometry provided the foundation for region-specific tissue analysis. Two penalized Cox regression models using LASSO achieved a concordance index (C-index) greater than 0.7. These models incorporated variables such as patient age, tumor multifocality, and fiber-derived features from the epithelial edge in both the tumor and liver compartments. The prognostic value at the tumor edge was derived from the reticulin structure, while collagen characteristics were significant at the epithelial edge of peritumoral liver. The prognostic performance of these models was superior to models solely reliant on conventional clinicopathologic parameters, highlighting the utility of AI-extracted microarchitectural features for the management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rokas Stulpinas
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania (A.L.)
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Mindaugas Morkunas
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Vilnius Santaros Klinikos Biobank, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, 08661 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Allan Rasmusson
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania (A.L.)
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Julius Drachneris
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania (A.L.)
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Renaldas Augulis
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania (A.L.)
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania;
| | - Aiste Gulla
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Visceral Medicine and Translational Research, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Center of Abdominal Surgery, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Kestutis Strupas
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Visceral Medicine and Translational Research, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania
- Center of Abdominal Surgery, Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, 08410 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Arvydas Laurinavicius
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Vilnius University, 03101 Vilnius, Lithuania (A.L.)
- National Center of Pathology, Affiliate of Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, 08406 Vilnius, Lithuania;
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12
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Hanitsch LG, Steiner S, Schumann M, Wittke K, Kedor C, Scheibenbogen C, Fischer A. Portal hypertension in common variable immunodeficiency disorders - a single center analysis on clinical and immunological parameter in 196 patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268207. [PMID: 38187397 PMCID: PMC10769488 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Liver manifestations and in particular portal hypertension (PH) contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality of patients with common variable immunodeficiency disorders (CVID). Screening strategies and early detection are limited due to the lack of specific diagnostic tools. Methods We evaluated clinical, immunological, histological, and imaging parameters in CVID patients with clinical manifestation of portal hypertension (CVID+PH). Results Portal hypertension was present in 5.6% of CVID patients and was associated with high clinical burden and increased mortality (18%). Longitudinal data on clinical and immunological parameters in patients before and during clinically manifest portal hypertension revealed a growing splenomegaly and increasing gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and soluble interleukin 2 receptor (SIL-2R) levels with decreasing platelets over time. While ultrasound of the liver failed to detect signs of portal hypertension in most affected patients, transient elastography was elevated in all patients. All CVID+PH patients had reduced naïve CD45RA+CD4+ T-cells (mean of 6,2%). The frequency of severe B-lymphocytopenia (Euroclass B-) was higher in CVID+PH patients. The main histological findings included lymphocytic infiltration, nodular regenerative hyperplasia-like changes (NRH-LC), and porto(-septal) fibrosis. Conclusion CVID patients with lower naïve CD45RA+CD4+ T-cells or severely reduced B-cells might be at higher risk for portal hypertension. The combination of biochemical (increasing sIL-2R, GGT, and decreasing platelets) and imaging parameters (increasing splenomegaly) should raise suspicion of the beginning of portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif G. Hanitsch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophie Steiner
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schumann
- Department of Gastroenterology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Wittke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Fischer
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Caritas-Klinik Maria Heimsuchung Berlin-Pankow, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Burmeister Y, Weyer K, Dörre A, Seilheimer B. The Multicomponent Medicinal Product Hepar Compositum Reduces Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis in a Streptozotocin- and High-Fat Diet-Induced Model of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease/Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3216. [PMID: 38137437 PMCID: PMC10740479 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123216] [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] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Since there is currently no approved pharmacotherapy for MASLD, there is an urgent unmet need for efficacious therapeutics for this disease. Hepar compositum (HC-24) is a multicomponent medicinal product that consists of 24 natural ingredients. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in an obesity-associated MASLD mouse model, but its potential to reduce MASLD-associated fibrosis had not been explored before this study. Here, we investigated the hepatic anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic potential of HC-24 in a streptozotocin (STZ)- and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced model of MASLD. Mice received a single injection of low-dose STZ at 2 days of age, followed by HFD feeding from 4 to 9 weeks of age. Mice were treated every second day with HC-24 or daily with the positive control telmisartan from 6 to 9 weeks of age. A non-diseased control group was included as a healthy reference. An explorative small-scale pilot study demonstrated that HC-24 improved liver histology, resulting in a lower NAFLD activity score and reduced liver fibrosis. A subsequent full study confirmed these effects and showed that HC-24 reduced hepatic inflammation, specifically reducing T helper cell and neutrophil influx, and decreased hepatic fibrosis (with qualitatively reduced collagen type I and type III immunopositivity) in the absence of an effect on body and liver weight, blood glucose or liver steatosis. These results show that HC-24 has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties in an STZ- and HFD-induced model of MASLD/MASH, suggesting that this multicomponent medicine has therapeutic potential for MASLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathrin Weyer
- Heel GmbH, 76532 Baden-Baden, Germany; (Y.B.); (B.S.)
| | - Achim Dörre
- Independent Researcher, 14641 Nauen, Germany;
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14
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Azizsoltani A, Hatami B, Zali MR, Mahdavi V, Baghaei K, Alizadeh E. Obeticholic acid-loaded exosomes attenuate liver fibrosis through dual targeting of the FXR signaling pathway and ECM remodeling. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115777. [PMID: 37913732 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115777] [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: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
End-stage of liver fibrosis as a precancerous state could lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma which liver transplantation is the only effective treatment. Previous studies have indicated that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonists, such as obeticholic acid (OCA) protect against hepatic injuries. However, free OCA administration results in side effects in clinical trials that could be alleviated by applying bio carriers such as MSC-derived exosomes (Exo) with the potential to mimic the biological regenerative effect of their parent cells, as proposed in this study. Loading OCA into the Exo was conducted via water bath sonication. Ex vivo bio distribution studies validated the Exo-loaded OCA more permanently accumulated in the liver. Using CCL4-induced liver fibrosis, we proposed whether Exo isolated from human Warton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells loaded with a minimal dosage of OCA can facilitate liver recovery. Notably, Exo-loaded OCA exerted additive anti-fibrotic efficacy on histopathological features in CCL4-induced fibrotic mice. Compared to baseline, Exo-mediated delivery OCA results in marked improvements in the fibrotic-related indicators as well as serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations. Accordingly, the synergistic impact of Exo-loaded OCA as a promising approach is associated with the inactivation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and Fxr-Cyp7a1 cascade on CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mice. In conclusion, our data confirmed the additive protective effects of Exo-loaded OCA in fibrotic mice, which suggests a valuable therapeutic strategy to combat liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the use of Exo for accurate drug delivery to the liver tissue can be inspiring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezou Azizsoltani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Mahdavi
- Iranian Research Institute of Plant Protection (IRIPP), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Effat Alizadeh
- Drug Applied Research Center and Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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15
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Noah AA, El-Mezayen NS, El-Ganainy SO, Darwish IE, Afify EA. Reversal of fibrosis and portal hypertension by Empagliflozin treatment of CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis: Emphasis on gal-1/NRP-1/TGF-β and gal-1/NRP-1/VEGFR2 pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 959:176066. [PMID: 37769984 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176066] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
To date, liver fibrosis has no clinically approved treatment. Empagliflozin (EMPA), a highly selective sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has shown ameliorative potential in liver diseases without revealing its full mechanisms. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a novel regulator of profibrogenic signaling pathways related to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs) that modulates intrahepatic profibrogenic and angiogenic pathways. Herein, EMPA's antifibrotic potentials and effects on galactin-1 (Gal-1)/NRP-1 signaling pathways have been evaluated in an experimental liver fibrosis rat model by testing different EMPA dose regimens. EMPA treatment brought a dose-dependent decrease in Gal-1/NRP-1 hepatic expression. This was coupled with suppression of major HSCs pro-fibrotic pathways; transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/TGF-βRI/Smad2 and platelet-derived growth factor-beta (PDGF-β) with a diminution of hepatic Col 1A1 level. In addition, EMPA prompted a protuberant suppression of the angiogenic pathway; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF-receptor-2 (VEGFR-2)/SH2-Domain Containing Adaptor Protein-B (Shb), and reversal of altered portal hypertension (PHT) markers; endothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The amelioration of liver fibrosis was coupled with a remarkable improvement in liver aminotransferases and histologic hepatic fibrosis Ishak scores. The highest EMPA dose showed a good safety profile with minimal changes in renal function and glycemic control. Thus, the current study brought about novel findings for a potential liver fibrosis treatment modality via targeting NRP-1 signaling pathways by EMPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf A Noah
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt; Clinical Research Administration, Alexandria Directorate of Health Affairs, Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nesrine S El-Mezayen
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Samar O El-Ganainy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Inas E Darwish
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharos University in Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Elham A Afify
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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16
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Gîlcă-Blanariu GE, Budur DS, Mitrică DE, Gologan E, Timofte O, Bălan GG, Olteanu VA, Ștefănescu G. Advances in Noninvasive Biomarkers for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Metabolites 2023; 13:1115. [PMID: 37999211 PMCID: PMC10672868 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13111115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) currently represents one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. Early diagnosis and disease staging is crucial, since it is mainly asymptomatic, but can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or cirrhosis or even lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Over time, efforts have been put into developing noninvasive diagnostic and staging methods in order to replace the use of a liver biopsy. The noninvasive methods used include imaging techniques that measure liver stiffness and biological markers, with a focus on serum biomarkers. Due to the impressive complexity of the NAFLD's pathophysiology, biomarkers are able to assay different processes involved, such as apoptosis, fibrogenesis, and inflammation, or even address the genetic background and "omics" technologies. This article reviews not only the currently validated noninvasive methods to investigate NAFLD but also the promising results regarding recently discovered biomarkers, including biomarker panels and the combination of the currently validated evaluation methods and serum markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana-Emmanuela Gîlcă-Blanariu
- Gastroenterology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (G.-E.G.-B.); (D.E.M.); (E.G.); (O.T.); (G.G.B.); (V.A.O.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Sf Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 100115 Iași, Romania
| | - Daniela Simona Budur
- Gastroenterology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (G.-E.G.-B.); (D.E.M.); (E.G.); (O.T.); (G.G.B.); (V.A.O.)
| | - Dana Elena Mitrică
- Gastroenterology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (G.-E.G.-B.); (D.E.M.); (E.G.); (O.T.); (G.G.B.); (V.A.O.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Sf Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 100115 Iași, Romania
| | - Elena Gologan
- Gastroenterology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (G.-E.G.-B.); (D.E.M.); (E.G.); (O.T.); (G.G.B.); (V.A.O.)
| | - Oana Timofte
- Gastroenterology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (G.-E.G.-B.); (D.E.M.); (E.G.); (O.T.); (G.G.B.); (V.A.O.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Sf Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 100115 Iași, Romania
| | - Gheorghe Gh Bălan
- Gastroenterology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (G.-E.G.-B.); (D.E.M.); (E.G.); (O.T.); (G.G.B.); (V.A.O.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Sf Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 100115 Iași, Romania
| | - Vasile Andrei Olteanu
- Gastroenterology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (G.-E.G.-B.); (D.E.M.); (E.G.); (O.T.); (G.G.B.); (V.A.O.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Sf Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 100115 Iași, Romania
| | - Gabriela Ștefănescu
- Gastroenterology Department, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iași, Romania; (G.-E.G.-B.); (D.E.M.); (E.G.); (O.T.); (G.G.B.); (V.A.O.)
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Sf Spiridon” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 100115 Iași, Romania
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17
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Shi X, Jiang W, Yang X, Ma H, Wang Z, Ai Q, Dong Y, Zhang Y, Shi Y. Aucubin inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation through stimulating Nrf2/Smad7 axis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:176002. [PMID: 37607604 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176002] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
AIM Liver fibrosis may develop into end-stage liver disease if left unprevented. The study is attempting to identify a compound to ameliorate liver fibrosis progression with high efficiency and low toxicity, as well as to analyze its potential molecular mechanism. METHODS The drug screening was performed using human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 for identifying the compound as collagen I inhibitor. Primary Human hepatic stellate cells and LX-2 cell line were used to detect the antifibrotic function activity and molecular mechanism analysis in vitro. The CCl4-induced mouse experimental model was used to measure the amelioration in liver fibrosis. RESULTS This study identified Aucubin, a natural compound, as a candidate for anti-liver fibrosis. Besides, Aucubin could inhibit the collagen I and α-SMA expressions in LX-2 cells and primary human hepatic stellate cells, as well as the cell proliferation. In terms of mechanism, Aucubin could upregulate Smad7 in hepatic stellate cells in a dose-dependent manner and block TGF-β signaling. We also found that Nrf2 might be a direct target for the action of Aucubin, whose activation was necessary for Smad7 upregulation. In an in-vivo mouse model, Aucubin efficiency ameliorated the progression of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, and reduced the hepatic levels of collagen deposition, transaminase and inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION Capable of inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells in vitro and in vivo, Aucubin may be a potential therapeutic candidate for liver fibrosis, which is dependent on the suppression of TGF-β signaling through stimulating Nrf2/Smad7 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Shi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, Jilin, China
| | - Wenyan Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - XiaoGuang Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Druggable Gene and Protein Screening, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - HeMing Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Zhongfeng Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Qing Ai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lequn Branch, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, Jilin, China
| | - YuTong Dong
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - YingYu Zhang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China.
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18
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Wang S, Friedman SL. Found in translation-Fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadi0759. [PMID: 37792957 PMCID: PMC10671253 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adi0759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a severe form of liver disease that poses a global health threat because of its potential to progress to advanced fibrosis, leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Recent advances in single-cell methodologies, refined disease models, and genetic and epigenetic insights have provided a nuanced understanding of MASH fibrogenesis, with substantial cellular heterogeneity in MASH livers providing potentially targetable cell-cell interactions and behavior. Unlike fibrogenesis, mechanisms underlying fibrosis regression in MASH are still inadequately understood, although antifibrotic targets have been recently identified. A refined antifibrotic treatment framework could lead to noninvasive assessment and targeted therapies that preserve hepatocellular function and restore the liver's architectural integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Wang
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
| | - Scott L. Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029
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19
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Ait Ahmed Y, Lafdil F, Tacke F. Ambiguous Pathogenic Roles of Macrophages in Alcohol-Associated Liver Diseases. Hepat Med 2023; 15:113-127. [PMID: 37753346 PMCID: PMC10519224 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s326468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) represents a major public health issue worldwide and is a leading etiology of liver cirrhosis. Alcohol-related liver injuries include a range of manifestations including alcoholic hepatitis (AH), simple steatosis, steatohepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Liver disease occurs from several pathological disturbances such as the metabolism of ethanol, which generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatocytes, alterations in the gut microbiota, and the immune response to these changes. A common hallmark of these liver affections is the establishment of an inflammatory environment, and some (broad) anti-inflammatory approaches are used to treat AH (eg, corticosteroids). Macrophages, which represent the main innate immune cells in the liver, respond to a wide variety of (pathogenic) stimuli and adopt a large spectrum of phenotypes. This translates to a diversity of functions including pathogen and debris clearance, recruitment of other immune cells, activation of fibroblasts, or tissue repair. Thus, macrophage populations play a crucial role in the course of ALD, but the underlying mechanisms driving macrophage polarization and their functionality in ALD are complex. In this review, we explore the various populations of hepatic macrophages in alcohol-associated liver disease and the underlying mechanisms driving their polarization. Additionally, we summarize the crosstalk between hepatic macrophages and other hepatic cell types in ALD, in order to support the exploration of targeted therapeutics by modulating macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeni Ait Ahmed
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
| | - Fouad Lafdil
- Université Paris-Est, UMR-S955, UPEC, Créteil, France
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), U955, Créteil, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Germany
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20
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Boslem E, Reibe S, Carlessi R, Smeuninx B, Tegegne S, Egan CL, McLennan E, Terry LV, Nobis M, Mu A, Nowell C, Horadagoda N, Mellett NA, Timpson P, Jones M, Denisenko E, Forrest AR, Tirnitz-Parker JE, Meikle PJ, Rose-John S, Karin M, Febbraio MA. Therapeutic blockade of ER stress and inflammation prevents NASH and progression to HCC. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh0831. [PMID: 37703359 PMCID: PMC10499313 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh0831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rapidly rising largely because of increased obesity leading to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a known HCC risk factor. There are no approved treatments to treat NASH. Here, we first used single-nucleus RNA sequencing to characterize a mouse model that mimics human NASH-driven HCC, the MUP-uPA mouse fed a high-fat diet. Activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammation was observed in a subset of hepatocytes that was enriched in mice that progress to HCC. We next treated MUP-uPA mice with the ER stress inhibitor BGP-15 and soluble gp130Fc, a drug that blocks inflammation by preventing interleukin-6 trans-signaling. Both drugs have progressed to phase 2/3 human clinical trials for other indications. We show that this combined therapy reversed NASH and reduced NASH-driven HCC. Our data suggest that these drugs could provide a potential therapy for NASH progression to HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebru Boslem
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Saskia Reibe
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rodrigo Carlessi
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Benoit Smeuninx
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Surafel Tegegne
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Casey L. Egan
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emma McLennan
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lauren V. Terry
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Max Nobis
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andre Mu
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
- EMBL's European Bioinformatics Institute, Cambridge UK
| | - Cameron Nowell
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Neil Horadagoda
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Sydney, Camden, Australia
| | | | - Paul Timpson
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Jones
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Elena Denisenko
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Alistair R. R. Forrest
- Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, QEII Medical Centre and Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Janina E. E. Tirnitz-Parker
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Peter J. Meikle
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefan Rose-John
- Department of Biochemistry, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Karin
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mark A. Febbraio
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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21
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Nishi K, Yagi H, Ohtomo M, Nagata S, Udagawa D, Tsuchida T, Morisaku T, Kitagawa Y. A thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis model for pre-clinical studies in microminipig. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14996. [PMID: 37696857 PMCID: PMC10495379 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42144-8] [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: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-induced liver fibrosis models are used in normal and immunosuppressed small animals for transplantation and regenerative medicine to improve liver fibrosis. Although large animal models are needed for pre-clinical studies, they are yet to be established owing to drug sensitivity in animal species and difficulty in setting doses. In this study, we evaluated liver fibrosis by administering thioacetamide (TA) to normal microminipig and thymectomized microminipig; 3 times for 1 week (total duration: 8 weeks). The pigs treated with TA showed elevated blood cytokine levels and a continuous liver injury at 8 weeks. RNA-seq of the liver showed increased expression of fibrosis-related genes after TA treatment. Histopathological examination showed degenerative necrosis of hepatocytes around the central vein, and revealed fibrogenesis and hepatocyte proliferation. TA treatment caused CD3-positive T cells and macrophages scattered within the hepatic lobule to congregate near the center of the lobule and increased αSMA-positive cells. Thymectomized pigs showed liver fibrosis similar to that of normal pigs, although the clinical signs tended to be milder. This model is similar to pathogenesis of liver fibrosis reported in other animal models. Therefore, it is expected to contribute to research as a drug discovery and pre-clinical transplantation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotaro Nishi
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Yagi
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Mana Ohtomo
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Nagata
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Udagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonori Tsuchida
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshinori Morisaku
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Kitagawa
- Department of Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, 35, Shinano-machi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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22
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Sztolsztener K, Konstantynowicz-Nowicka K, Pędzińska-Betiuk A, Chabowski A. Concentration-Dependent Attenuation of Pro-Fibrotic Responses after Cannabigerol Exposure in Primary Rat Hepatocytes Cultured in Palmitate and Fructose Media. Cells 2023; 12:2243. [PMID: 37759466 PMCID: PMC10526512 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182243] [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] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a consequence of liver injuries, in which the overproduction and progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components with the simultaneous failure of matrix turnover mechanisms are observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration-dependent influence of cannabigerol (CBG, Cannabis sativa L. component) on ECM composition with respect to transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) changes in primary hepatocytes with fibrotic changes induced by palmitate and fructose media. Cells were isolated from male Wistar rats' livers in accordance with the two-step collagenase perfusion technique. This was followed by hepatocytes incubation with the presence or absence of palmitate with fructose and/or cannabigerol (at concentrations of 1, 5, 10, 15, 25, 30 µM) for 48 h. The expression of ECM mRNA genes and proteins was determined using PCR and Western blot, respectively, whereas media ECM level was evaluated using ELISA. Our results indicated that selected low concentrations of CBG caused a reduction in TGF-β1 mRNA expression and secretion into media. Hepatocyte exposure to cannabigerol at low concentrations attenuated collagen 1 and 3 deposition. The protein and/or mRNA expressions and MMP-2 and MMP-9 secretion were augmented using CBG. Considering the mentioned results, low concentrations of cannabigerol treatment might expedite fibrosis regression and promote regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Sztolsztener
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (K.K.-N.); (A.C.)
| | | | - Anna Pędzińska-Betiuk
- Department of Experimental Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Adrian Chabowski
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland; (K.K.-N.); (A.C.)
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23
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Bradić I, Liesinger L, Kuentzel KB, Vujić N, Trauner M, Birner-Gruenberger R, Kratky D. Metabolic changes and propensity for inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer in livers of mice lacking lysosomal acid lipase. J Lipid Res 2023; 64:100427. [PMID: 37595802 PMCID: PMC10482749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2023.100427] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) is the sole lysosomal enzyme responsible for the degradation of cholesteryl esters and triacylglycerols at acidic pH. Impaired LAL activity leads to LAL deficiency (LAL-D), a severe and fatal disease characterized by ectopic lysosomal lipid accumulation. Reduced LAL activity also contributes to the development and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To advance our understanding of LAL-related liver pathologies, we performed comprehensive proteomic profiling of livers from mice with systemic genetic loss of LAL (Lal-/-) and from mice with hepatocyte-specific LAL-D (hepLal-/-). Lal-/- mice exhibited drastic proteome alterations, including dysregulation of multiple proteins related to metabolism, inflammation, liver fibrosis, and cancer. Global loss of LAL activity impaired both acidic and neutral lipase activities and resulted in hepatic lipid accumulation, indicating a complete metabolic shift in Lal-/- livers. Hepatic inflammation and immune cell infiltration were evident, with numerous upregulated inflammation-related gene ontology biological process terms. In contrast, both young and mature hepLal-/- mice displayed only minor changes in the liver proteome, suggesting that loss of LAL solely in hepatocytes does not phenocopy metabolic alterations observed in mice globally lacking LAL. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying liver dysfunction in LAL-D and may help in understanding why decreased LAL activity contributes to NAFLD. Our study highlights the importance of LAL in maintaining liver homeostasis and demonstrates the drastic consequences of its global deficiency on the liver proteome and liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Bradić
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Laura Liesinger
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina B Kuentzel
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nemanja Vujić
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ruth Birner-Gruenberger
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria; Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
| | - Dagmar Kratky
- Division of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, Graz, Austria.
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24
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Younis MA, Sato Y, Elewa YHA, Harashima H. Reprogramming activated hepatic stellate cells by siRNA-loaded nanocarriers reverses liver fibrosis in mice. J Control Release 2023; 361:592-603. [PMID: 37579975 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
We report on a novel strategy for treating liver fibrosis through reprogramming activated Hepatic Stellate Cells (aHSCs) into quiescent Hepatic Stellate Cells (qHSCs) using siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The in vivo screening of an array of molecularly-diverse ionizable lipids identified two candidates, CL15A6 and CL15H6, with a high siRNA delivery efficiency to aHSCs. Optimization of the composition and physico-chemical properties of the LNPs enabled the ligand-free, selective, and potent siRNA delivery to aHSCs post intravenous administration, with a median effective siRNA dose (ED50) as low as 0.08 mg/Kg. The biosafety of the LNPs was confirmed by escalating the dose to 50-fold higher than the ED50 or by chronic administration. The recruitment of the novel LNPs for the simultaneous knockdown of Hedgehog (Hh) and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGFβ1) signaling pathways using an siRNA cocktail enabled the reversal of liver fibrosis and the restoration of the normal liver function in mice. Analysis of the key transcription factors in aHSCs suggested that the reprogramming of aHSCs into qHSCs mediated the therapeutic outcomes. The scalable ligand-free platform developed in this study as well as the novel therapeutic strategy reported herein are promising for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud A Younis
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan; Department of Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yaser H A Elewa
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt; Graduate School of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-18, Nishi-9, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0818, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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25
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Feng L, Chen X, Huang Y, Zhang X, Zheng S, Xie N. Immunometabolism changes in fibrosis: from mechanisms to therapeutic strategies. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1243675. [PMID: 37576819 PMCID: PMC10412938 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1243675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells are essential for initiating and developing the fibrotic process by releasing cytokines and growth factors that activate fibroblasts and promote extracellular matrix deposition. Immunometabolism describes how metabolic alterations affect the function of immune cells and how inflammation and immune responses regulate systemic metabolism. The disturbed immune cell function and their interactions with other cells in the tissue microenvironment lead to the origin and advancement of fibrosis. Understanding the dysregulated metabolic alterations and interactions between fibroblasts and the immune cells is critical for providing new therapeutic targets for fibrosis. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the pathophysiology of fibrosis from the immunometabolism aspect, highlighting the altered metabolic pathways in critical immune cell populations and the impact of inflammation on fibroblast metabolism during the development of fibrosis. We also discuss how this knowledge could be leveraged to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating fibrotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lixiang Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xingyu Chen
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujing Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaodian Zhang
- Hainan Cancer Clinical Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Hainan Cancer Clinical Medical Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province and Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of Education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
- Department of Pathology, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Na Xie
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
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Lange PF, Schilling O, Huesgen PF. Positional proteomics: is the technology ready to study clinical cohorts? Expert Rev Proteomics 2023; 20:309-318. [PMID: 37869791 DOI: 10.1080/14789450.2023.2272046] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Positional proteomics provides proteome-wide information on protein termini and their modifications, uniquely enabling unambiguous identification of site-specific, limited proteolysis. Such proteolytic cleavage irreversibly modifies protein sequences resulting in new proteoforms with distinct protease-generated neo-N and C-termini and altered localization and activity. Misregulated proteolysis is implicated in a wide variety of human diseases. Protein termini, therefore, constitute a huge, largely unexplored source of specific analytes that provides a deep view into the functional proteome and a treasure trove for biomarkers. AREAS COVERED We briefly review principal approaches to define protein termini and discuss recent advances in method development. We further highlight the potential of positional proteomics to identify and trace specific proteoforms, with a focus on proteolytic processes altered in disease. Lastly, we discuss current challenges and potential for applying positional proteomics in biomarker and pre-clinical research. EXPERT OPINION Recent developments in positional proteomics have provided significant advances in sensitivity and throughput. In-depth analysis of proteolytic processes in clinical cohorts thus appears feasible in the near future. We argue that this will provide insights into the functional state of the proteome and offer new opportunities to utilize proteolytic processes altered or targeted in disease as specific diagnostic, prognostic and companion biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp F Lange
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Oliver Schilling
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pitter F Huesgen
- Central Institute for Engineering, Electronics and Analytics, ZEA-3, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Stress Responses in Ageing-Associated Diseases, CECAD, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department for Chemistry, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Armandi A, Michel M, Gjini K, Emrich T, Bugianesi E, Schattenberg JM. Emerging concepts in the detection of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:771-782. [PMID: 37505901 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2242779] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The non-invasive identification of liver fibrosis related to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is crucial for risk-stratification of patients. Currently, the reference standard to stage hepatic fibrosis relies on liver biopsy, but multiple approaches are developed to allow for non-invasive diagnosis and risk stratification. Non-invasive tests, including blood-based scores and vibration-controlled transient elastography, have been widely validated and represent a good surrogate for risk stratification according to recent European and American guidelines. AREAS COVERED Novel approaches are based on 'liquid' biomarkers of liver fibrogenesis, including collagen-derived markers (PRO-C3 or PRO-C6), or 'multi-omics' technologies (e.g. proteomic-based molecules or miRNA testing), bearing the advantage of tailoring the intrahepatic disease activity. Alternative approaches are based on 'dry' biomarkers, including magnetic resonance-based tools (including proton density fat fraction, magnetic resonance elastography, or corrected T1), which reach similar accuracy of liver histology and will potentially help identify the best candidates for pharmacological treatment of fibrosing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. EXPERT OPINION In the near future, the sequential use of non-invasive tests, as well as the complimentary use of liquid and dry biomarkers according to the clinical need (diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis, or treatment response) will guide and improve the management of this liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Armandi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Maurice Michel
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kamela Gjini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Tilman Emrich
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Jorn M Schattenberg
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
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Nielsen MJ, Dolman GE, Harris R, Frederiksen P, Chalmers J, Grove JI, Irving WL, Karsdal MA, Patel K, Leeming DJ, Guha IN. PRO-C3 is a predictor of clinical outcomes in distinct cohorts of patients with advanced liver disease. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100743. [PMID: 37284140 PMCID: PMC10240276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Fibroblast activity is a key feature of fibrosis progression and organ function loss, leading to liver-related complications and mortality. The fibrogenesis marker, PRO-C3, has been shown to have prognostic significance in relation to fibrosis progression and as a treatment efficacy marker. We investigated whether PRO-C3 was prognostic for clinical outcome and mortality in two distinct cohorts of compensated cirrhosis. Methods Cohort 1 was a rapid fibrosis progression cohort including 104 patients with HCV and biopsy-proven Ishak fibrosis stage ≥3 without prior clinical events. Cohort 2 was a prospective cohort including 172 patients with compensated cirrhosis of mixed aetiology. Patients were assessed for clinical outcomes. PRO-C3 was assessed in serum at baseline in cohorts 1 and 2, and compared with model for end-stage liver disease and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores. Results In cohort 1, a 2-fold increase in PRO-C3 was associated with 2.7-fold increased hazard of liver-related events (95% CI 1.6-4.6), whereas a one unit increase in ALBI score was associated with a 6.5-fold increased hazard (95% CI 2.9-14.6). In cohort 2, a 2-fold increase in PRO-C3 was associated with a 2.7-fold increased hazard (95% CI 1.8-3.9), whereas a one unit increase in ALBI score was associated with a 6.3-fold increased hazard (95% CI 3.0-13.2). A multivariable Cox regression analysis identified PRO-C3 and ALBI as being independently associated with the hazard of liver-related outcomes. Conclusions PRO-C3 and ALBI were independent prognostic factors for predicting liver-related clinical outcomes. Understanding the dynamic range of PRO-C3 might enhance its use for both drug development and clinical practice. Impact and Implications We tested novel proteins of liver scarring (PRO-C3) in two groups of liver patients with advanced disease to see if they could predict clinical events. We found that this marker and an established test called ALBI were both independently associated with future liver-related clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grace E. Dolman
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rebecca Harris
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Jane Chalmers
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jane I. Grove
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - William L. Irving
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Keyur Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toronto Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Indra Neil Guha
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Jayasekera D, Hartmann P. Noninvasive biomarkers in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:609-640. [PMID: 37305367 PMCID: PMC10251277 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i5.609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide among children and adolescents. It encompasses a spectrum of disease, from its mildest form of isolated steatosis, to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, or end-stage liver disease. The early diagnosis of pediatric NAFLD is crucial in preventing disease progression and in improving outcomes. Currently, liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing NAFLD. However, given its invasive nature, there has been significant interest in developing noninvasive methods that can be used as accurate alternatives. Here, we review noninvasive biomarkers in pediatric NAFLD, focusing primarily on the diagnostic accuracy of various biomarkers as measured by their area under the receiver operating characteristic, sensitivity, and specificity. We examine two major approaches to noninvasive biomarkers in children with NAFLD. First, the biological approach that quantifies serological biomarkers. This includes the study of individual circulating molecules as biomarkers as well as the use of composite algorithms derived from combinations of biomarkers. The second is a more physical approach that examines data measured through imaging techniques as noninvasive biomarkers for pediatric NAFLD. Each of these approaches was applied to children with NAFLD, NASH, and NAFLD with fibrosis. Finally, we suggest possible areas for future research based on current gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulshan Jayasekera
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Phillipp Hartmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States.
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Sergeeva IA, Klinov DV, Schäffer TE, Dubrovin EV. Characterization of the effect of chromium salts on tropocollagen molecules and molecular aggregates. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 242:124835. [PMID: 37201883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Though the capability of chromium treatment to improve the stability and mechanical properties of collagen fibrils is well-known, the influence of different chromium salts on collagen molecules (tropocollagen) is not well characterized. In this study, the effect of Cr3+ treatment on the conformation and hydrodynamic properties of collagen was studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Statistical analysis of contours of adsorbed tropocollagen molecules using the two-dimensional worm-like chain model revealed a reduction of the persistence length (i.e., the increase of flexibility) from ≈72 nm in water to ≈56-57 nm in chromium (III) salt solutions. DLS studies demonstrated an increase of the hydrodynamic radius from ≈140 nm in water to ≈190 nm in chromium (III) salt solutions, which is associated with protein aggregation. The kinetics of collagen aggregation was shown to be ionic strength dependent. Collagen molecules treated with three different chromium (III) salts demonstrated similar properties such as flexibility, aggregation kinetics, and susceptibility to enzymatic cleavage. The observed effects are explained by a model that considers the formation of chromium-associated intra- and intermolecular crosslinks. The obtained results provide novel insights into the effect of chromium salts on the conformation and properties of tropocollagen molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina A Sergeeva
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Physics, Leninskie Gory 1 bld 2, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Dmitry V Klinov
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Malaya Pirogovskaya 1a, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Tilman E Schäffer
- University of Tübingen, Institute of Applied Physics, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Evgeniy V Dubrovin
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Faculty of Physics, Leninskie Gory 1 bld 2, 119991 Moscow, Russia.
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Invernizzi P, Carbone M, Jones D, Levy C, Little N, Wiesel P, Nevens F. Setanaxib, a first-in-class selective NADPH oxidase 1/4 inhibitor for primary biliary cholangitis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Liver Int 2023. [PMID: 37183520 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare liver disease with significant unmet need for second-line/add-on treatments. Setanaxib, a NOX1/4 inhibitor, has shown anti-fibrotic effects in in vitro and animal studies. This phase 2, randomized, multicentre study investigated the efficacy and safety of setanaxib in patients with PBC. METHODS Patients with ≥6 months of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment were randomized 1:1:1 to oral setanaxib 400 mg once daily (OD), twice daily (BID), or placebo, in addition to UDCA for 24 weeks. Other inclusion criteria included alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ≥1.5 × ULN and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) ≥1.5 × ULN. The primary endpoint was percentage change from baseline in GGT at Week 24; secondary endpoints included change from baseline in ALP, liver stiffness (LS; via transient elastography), fatigue at Week 24, and safety outcomes. p values compare setanaxib 400 mg BID and placebo groups. RESULTS Of patients randomized (setanaxib 400 mg OD and BID: 38, and 36; placebo: 37), 104/111 completed Week 24. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) change in GGT to Week 24 was -4.9% (59.6%) for setanaxib 400 mg OD, -19.0% (28.9%) for setanaxib 400 mg BID, and -8.4% (21.5%) for placebo; p = .31. Patients treated with setanaxib 400 mg OD and BID showed decreased serum ALP levels from baseline to Week 24 (p = .002: setanaxib BID versus placebo). Patients treated with setanaxib 400 mg OD and BID showed mean (SD) percentage increases in LS to Week 24 of 3.3% (35.0%) and 7.9% (43.7%), versus 10.1% (33.1%) for placebo (p = .65). Changes in mean (SD) PBC-40 fatigue domain scores to Week 24 were +0.3% (24.9%) for setanaxib 400 mg OD, -9.9% (19.8%) for setanaxib 400 mg BID and +2.4% (23.1%) for placebo, p = .027. Two patients (one placebo, one setanaxib 400 mg BID) experienced serious treatment-emergent adverse events, deemed unrelated to study drug. CONCLUSIONS The primary endpoint was not met. However, the secondary endpoints provide preliminary evidence for potential anti-cholestatic and anti-fibrotic effects in PBC, supporting the further evaluation of setanaxib in a future phase 2b/3 trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Centre for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Centre for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - David Jones
- Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Tao P, Liu J, Li Y, Zhang T, Wang F, Chang L, Li C, Ge X, Zuo T, Lu S, Ruan Y, Yang Z, Xu P. Damaged collagen detected by collagen hybridizing peptide as efficient diagnosis marker for early hepatic fibrosis. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2023; 1866:194928. [PMID: 36948453 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2023.194928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by excessive synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in liver tissues. However, it still has been lacking of early detection and diagnosis methods. The collagen hybridizing peptide (CHP) is a novel synthetic peptide that enables detection of collagen damage and tissue remodeling. Here, we showed that obvious CHP-positive staining could be detected in the liver while given CCl4 for only 3 days, which was significantly enhanced while given CCl4 for 7 days. However, H&E staining showed no significant changes in fibrous tissue, and sirius red-positive staining could only be observed while given CCl4 for 14 days. Moreover, CHP-positive staining enhanced initially at portal area which further extended into the hepatic lobule, which was increased more significantly than sirius red-positive staining in the model of 10 and 14 days. Further proteomic analysis of CHP-positive staining revealed that pathways associated with ECM remodeling were significantly increased, while retinol metabolism was downregulated. Meanwhile, proteins enriched in cellular gene transcription and signal transduction involved in fibrogenesis were also upregulated, suggesting that fibrosis occurred in CHP-positive staining. Our study provided evidence that CHP could detect the collagen damage in liver, which might be an efficient indicator for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis at a very early stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Tao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China; State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jinfang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China; Wuhan University TaiKang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China; Department of Biomedicine, Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Fangzhou Wang
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China; Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Lei Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Chonghui Li
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China; Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xinlan Ge
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China; Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Tao Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China.
| | - Shichun Lu
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing 100853, China; Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ruan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhimin Yang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Ping Xu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China; State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences Beijing, Research Unit of Proteomics & Research and Development of New Drug of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China; Department of Biomedicine, Medical College, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China; Program of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Désert R, Giannone F, Schuster C, Baumert TF. Tumor microenvironment-derived serum markers as a new frontier of diagnostic and prognostic assessment in biliary tract cancers. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:804-806. [PMID: 36455586 PMCID: PMC7615303 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Romain Désert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France
| | - Fabio Giannone
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France
- Pole Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut hospitalo-universitaire (IHU), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Catherine Schuster
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hepatiques UMR_S1110, Strasbourg, France
- Pole Hépato-digestif, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut hospitalo-universitaire (IHU), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
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Li S, Zhou B, Xue M, Zhu J, Tong G, Fan J, Zhu K, Hu Z, Chen R, Dong Y, Chen Y, Lee KY, Li X, Jin L, Cong W. Macrophage-specific FGF12 promotes liver fibrosis progression in mice. Hepatology 2023; 77:816-833. [PMID: 35753047 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic liver diseases are associated with the development of liver fibrosis. Without treatment, liver fibrosis commonly leads to cirrhosis and HCC. FGF12 is an intracrine factor belonging to the FGF superfamily, but its role in liver homeostasis is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the role of FGF12 in the regulation of liver fibrosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS FGF12 was up-regulated in bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced and CCL 4 -induced liver fibrosis mouse models. Expression of FGF12 was specifically up-regulated in nonparenchymal liver cells, especially in hepatic macrophages. By constructing myeloid-specific FGF12 knockout mice, we found that deletion of FGF12 in macrophages protected against BDL-induced and CCL 4 -induced liver fibrosis. Further results revealed that FGF12 deletion dramatically decreased the population of lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus C high macrophages in mouse fibrotic liver tissue and reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Meanwhile, loss-of-function and gain-of-function approaches revealed that FGF12 promoted the proinflammatory activation of macrophages, thus inducing HSC activation mainly through the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 2 axis. Further experiments indicated that the regulation of macrophage activation by FGF12 was mainly mediated through the Janus kinase-signal transducer of activators of transcription pathway. Finally, the results revealed that FGF12 expression correlates with the severity of fibrosis across the spectrum of fibrogenesis in human liver samples. CONCLUSIONS FGF12 promotes liver fibrosis progression. Therapeutic approaches to inhibit macrophage FGF12 may be used to combat liver fibrosis in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santie Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China.,College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development , Chonnam National University , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
| | - Bin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Xue
- Central Laboratory , The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Junjie Zhu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Gaozan Tong
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Junfu Fan
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Kunxuan Zhu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Zijing Hu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Chen
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Yonggan Dong
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Yiming Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery , The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Kwang Youl Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development , Chonnam National University , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
| | - Xiaokun Li
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China.,Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Litai Jin
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
| | - Weitao Cong
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health) , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China.,Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem , School of Pharmaceutical Science , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , People's Republic of China
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35
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Martinez-Castillo M, Altamirano-Mendoza I, Zielinski R, Priebe W, Piña-Barba C, Gutierrez-Reyes G. Collagen matrix scaffolds: Future perspectives for the management of chronic liver diseases. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:1224-1235. [PMID: 36926129 PMCID: PMC10013111 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i6.1224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 1.5 billion chronic liver disease (CLD) cases have been estimated worldwide, encompassing a wide range of liver damage severities. Moreover, liver disease causes approximately 1.75 million deaths per year. CLD is typically characterized by the silent and progressive deterioration of liver parenchyma due to an incessant inflammatory process, cell death, over deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, and dysregulated regeneration. Overall, these processes impair the correct function of this vital organ. Cirrhosis and liver cancer are the main complications of CLD, which accounts for 3.5% of all deaths worldwide. Liver transplantation is the optimal therapeutic option for advanced liver damage. The liver is one of the most common organs transplanted; however, only 10% of liver transplants are successful. In this context, regenerative medicine has made significant progress in the design of biomaterials, such as collagen matrix scaffolds, to address the limitations of organ transplantation (e.g., low donation rates and biocompatibility). Thus, it remains crucial to continue with experimental and clinical studies to validate the use of collagen matrix scaffolds in liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Martinez-Castillo
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory, Unit of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 06726, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Itzel Altamirano-Mendoza
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory, Unit of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 06726, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafal Zielinski
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Waldemar Priebe
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Cristina Piña-Barba
- Materials Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 06726, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Gutierrez-Reyes
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory, Unit of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 06726, Mexico City, Mexico
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Calitz C, Rosenquist J, Degerstedt O, Khaled J, Kopsida M, Fryknäs M, Lennernäs H, Samanta A, Heindryckx F. Influence of extracellular matrix composition on tumour cell behaviour in a biomimetic in vitro model for hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:748. [PMID: 36639512 PMCID: PMC9839216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor micro-environment (TME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) consists out of cirrhotic liver tissue and is characterized by an extensive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). The evolution from a reversible fibrotic state to end-stage of liver disease, namely cirrhosis, is characterized by an increased deposition of ECM, as well as changes in the exact ECM composition, which both contribute to an increased liver stiffness and can alter tumor phenotype. The goal of this study was to assess how changes in matrix composition and stiffness influence tumor behavior. HCC-cell lines were grown in a biomimetic hydrogel model resembling the stiffness and composition of a fibrotic or cirrhotic liver. When HCC-cells were grown in a matrix resembling a cirrhotic liver, they increased proliferation and protein content, compared to those grown in a fibrotic environment. Tumour nodules spontaneously formed outside the gels, which appeared earlier in cirrhotic conditions and were significantly larger compared to those found outside fibrotic gels. These tumor nodules had an increased expression of markers related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), when comparing cirrhotic to fibrotic gels. HCC-cells grown in cirrhotic gels were also more resistant to doxorubicin compared with those grown in fibrotic gels or in 2D. Therefore, altering ECM composition affects tumor behavior, for instance by increasing pro-metastatic potential, inducing EMT and reducing response to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlemi Calitz
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jenny Rosenquist
- Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 538, 75121, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oliver Degerstedt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jaafar Khaled
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Kopsida
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fryknäs
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hans Lennernäs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ayan Samanta
- Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 538, 75121, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden.
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37
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Guo T, Wantono C, Tan Y, Deng F, Duan T, Liu D. Regulators, functions, and mechanotransduction pathways of matrix stiffness in hepatic disease. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1098129. [PMID: 36711017 PMCID: PMC9878334 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1098129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides physical support and imparts significant biochemical and mechanical cues to cells. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of liver fibrosis and is associated with many hepatic diseases, especially liver cirrhosis and carcinoma. Increased matrix stiffness is not only a consequence of liver fibrosis but is also recognized as an active driver in the progression of fibrotic hepatic disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view of the role of matrix stiffness in the pathological progression of hepatic disease. The regulators that modulate matrix stiffness including ECM components, MMPs, and crosslinking modifications are discussed. The latest advances of the research on the matrix mechanics in regulating intercellular signaling and cell phenotype are classified, especially for hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, and immunocytes. The molecular mechanism that sensing and transducing mechanical signaling is highlighted. The current progress of ECM stiffness's role in hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer is introduced and summarized. Finally, the recent trials targeting ECM stiffness for the treatment of liver disease are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cindy Wantono
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyong Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feihong Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianying Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Deliang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Deliang Liu,
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38
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Brown EA, Minnich A, Sanyal AJ, Loomba R, Du S, Schwarz J, Ehman RL, Karsdal M, Leeming DJ, Cizza G, Charles ED. Effect of pegbelfermin on NASH and fibrosis-related biomarkers and correlation with histological response in the FALCON 1 trial. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100661. [PMID: 36866389 PMCID: PMC9971179 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims FALCON 1 was a phase IIb study of pegbelfermin in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and stage 3 fibrosis. This FALCON 1 post hoc analysis aimed to further assess the effect of pegbelfermin on NASH-related biomarkers, correlations between histological assessments and non-invasive biomarkers, and concordance between the week 24 histologically assessed primary endpoint response and biomarkers. Methods Blood-based composite fibrosis scores, blood-based biomarkers, and imaging biomarkers were evaluated for patients with available data from FALCON 1 at baseline through week 24. SomaSignal tests assessed protein signatures of NASH steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis in blood. Linear mixed-effect models were fit for each biomarker. Correlations and concordance were assessed between blood-based biomarkers, imaging, and histological metrics. Results At week 24, pegbelfermin significantly improved blood-based composite fibrosis scores (ELF, FIB-4, APRI), fibrogenesis biomarkers (PRO-C3 and PC3X), adiponectin, CK-18, hepatic fat fraction measured by MRI-proton density fat fraction, and all four SomaSignal NASH component tests. Correlation analyses between histological and non-invasive measures identified four main categories: steatosis/metabolism, tissue injury, fibrosis, and biopsy-based metrics. Concordant and discordant effects of pegbelfermin on the primary endpoint vs. biomarker responses were observed; the most clear and concordant effects were on measures of liver steatosis and metabolism. A significant association between hepatic fat measured histologically and by imaging was observed in pegbelfermin arms. Conclusions Pegbelfermin improved NASH-related biomarkers most consistently through improvement of liver steatosis, though biomarkers of tissue injury/inflammation and fibrosis were also improved. Concordance analysis shows that non-invasive assessments of NASH support and exceed the improvements detected by liver biopsy, suggesting that greater consideration should be given to the totality of available data when evaluating the efficacy of NASH therapeutics. Clinical trial number Post hoc analysis of NCT03486899. Impact and implications FALCON 1 was a study of pegbelfermin vs. placebo in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) without cirrhosis; in this study, patients who responded to pegbelfermin treatment were identified through examination of liver fibrosis in tissue samples collected through biopsy. In the current analysis, non-invasive blood- and imaging-based measures of fibrosis, liver fat, and liver injury were used to determine pegbelfermin treatment response to see how they compared with the biopsy-based results. We found that many of the non-invasive tests, particularly those that measured liver fat, identified patients who responded to pegbelfermin treatment, consistent with the liver biopsy findings. These results suggest that there may be additional value in using data from non-invasive tests, along with liver biopsy, to evaluate how well patients with NASH respond to treatment.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- APRI, AST-to-platelet ratio index
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CK-18 M30, caspase-cleaved cytokeratin 18
- ELF, enhanced liver fibrosis
- FGF21, fibroblast growth factor 21
- FIB-4, fibrosis-4 index
- MRE, magnetic resonance elastography
- MRI-PDFF, MRI-proton density fat fraction
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NAS, NAFLD activity score
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- P3NP, procollagen-3 N-terminal propeptide
- PC3X, crosslinked ADAMTS-2-released N-terminal type III collagen propeptide
- PGBF, pegbelfermin
- PRO-C3, monomeric ADAMTS-2-released N-terminal type III collagen propeptide
- SomaSignal
- T2D, type 2 diabetes
- TG, triglycerides
- TIMP-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases type 1
- fibroblast growth factor 21
- liver fibrosis
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- precirrhotic NASH
- steatosis
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rohit Loomba
- University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Shuyan Du
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Morten Karsdal
- Nordic Bioscience, Biomarkers & Research, Herlev, Denmark
| | | | | | - Edgar D. Charles
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, USA,Corresponding author. Address: 3401 Princeton Pike, Princeton, NJ, USA, 08648.
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Huang P, Ma H, Cao Y, Zhan T, Zhang T, Wang X, Zhang Y, Xu J, Xia C. Activation of primary hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis induced by targeting TGF-β1/Smad signaling in schistosomiasis in mice. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:456. [PMID: 36474240 PMCID: PMC9727849 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05584-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mice, liver fibrosis is the most serious pathologic change during Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection. Schistosomiasis is mainly characterized by schistosome egg-induced granulomatous fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are mainly responsible for the net accumulation of collagens and fibrosis formation in the liver. Activated HSCs regulated by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad signaling have emerged as the critical regulatory pathway in hepatitis virus or carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. However, the detailed mechanism of HSC activation in schistosome-induced liver fibrosis is poorly understood. METHODS Schistosoma japonicum-induced murine models and a control group were generated by abdominal infection with 15 (± 1) cercariae. The purity of cultured primary HSCs was evaluated by immunocytochemistry. The histopathological changes in the livers of infected mice were estimated by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining. Dynamic expression of pro-fibrotic molecules and microRNAs was detected by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Mainly members involved in the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway were examined via RT-qPCR and Western blot. RESULTS The egg-induced granulomatous inflammation formed at 4 weeks post-infection (wpi) and developed progressively. Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, Smad2, Smad3, and Smad4 showed a significant increase in mitochondrial RNA (mRNA) and protein expression compared with the control group at 7 and 9 weeks post-infection (wpi), while an opposite effect on Smad7 was observed. In addition, the mRNA expression of microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) was significantly increased at 7 wpi, and the mRNA expression of miRNA-454 was decreased starting from 4 wpi. CONCLUSION Our present findings revealed that HSCs regulated by the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway play an important role in liver fibrosis in S. japonicum-infected mice, which may provide proof of concept for liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Huang
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Pathogen Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China
| | - Huihui Ma
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Pathogen Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China
| | - Yun Cao
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Pathogen Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China ,grid.252957.e0000 0001 1484 5512Department of Laboratory Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, 2600 Donghai Road, Bengbu, 23303 Anhui China
| | - Tingzheng Zhan
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Pathogen Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China ,grid.256607.00000 0004 1798 2653Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangxi Medical University, 22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, 530021 Guangxi China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Pathogen Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China
| | - Xinyi Wang
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Pathogen Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China
| | - Yanan Zhang
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Pathogen Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China
| | - Jing Xu
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Pathogen Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China
| | - Chaoming Xia
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Pathogen Biology, Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, 199 Renai Road, Suzhou, 215123 Jiangsu China
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40
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Simbrunner B, Villesen IF, Königshofer P, Scheiner B, Bauer D, Paternostro R, Schwabl P, Timelthaler G, Ramazanova D, Wöran K, Stift J, Eigenbauer E, Stättermayer AF, Marculescu R, Pinter M, Møller S, Trauner M, Karsdal M, Leeming DJ, Reiberger T, Mandorfer M. Systemic inflammation is linked to liver fibrogenesis in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. Liver Int 2022; 42:2501-2512. [PMID: 35822301 PMCID: PMC9804351 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Experimental evidence indicates that systemic inflammation (SI) promotes liver fibrogenesis. This study investigated the potential link between SI and fibrogenesis in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). METHODS Serum biomarkers of SI (CRP, IL-6, procalcitonin [PCT]) and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover (i.e., fibrogenesis/fibrolysis) were analysed in 215 prospectively recruited patients with ACLD (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥6 mm Hg) undergoing hepatic vein catheterization. Patients with non-elective hospitalization or bacterial infection were excluded. Histological alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) area was quantified on full biopsy scans by automated morphometric quantification in a subset of 34 patients who underwent concomitant transjugular liver biopsy. RESULTS Histological α-SMA proportionate area correlated with enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score (Spearman's ρ = 0.660, p < .001), markers of collagen formation (PRO-C3, ρ = 0.717, p < .001; PRO-C6, ρ = 0.526, p = .002) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP1; ρ = 0.547, p < .001), indicating that these blood biomarkers are capable of reflecting the dynamic process of ECM turnover. CRP, IL-6 and PCT levels correlated with ELF, biomarkers of collagen synthesis/degradation and TIMP1, both in compensated and decompensated patients. Multivariate linear regression models (adjusted for HVPG) confirmed that CRP, IL-6 and PCT were independently linked to markers of liver fibrogenesis and ECM turnover. CONCLUSION Systemic inflammation is linked to both liver fibrogenesis and ECM turnover in ACLD and this association is not confounded by the severity of liver disease, as evaluated by HVPG. Our study confirms experimental data on the detrimental impact of SI on ECM deposition and fibrosis progression in a thoroughly characterized cohort of patients with ACLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ida Falk Villesen
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev, Denmark.,University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rafael Paternostro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Timelthaler
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dariga Ramazanova
- Section for Medical Statistics, CeMSIIS, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Wöran
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Stift
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Eigenbauer
- IT Systems and Communications, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert Friedrich Stättermayer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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41
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Harrison SA, Mayo PR, Hobbs TM, Canizares C, Foster EP, Zhao C, Ure DR, Trepanier DJ, Greytok JA, Foster RT. Rencofilstat, a cyclophilin inhibitor: A phase 2a, multicenter, single-blind, placebo-controlled study in F2/F3 NASH. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3379-3392. [PMID: 36271849 PMCID: PMC9701462 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Rencofilstat (RCF) demonstrated antifibrotic effects in preclinical models and was safe and well tolerated in Phase 1 studies. The aim of this Phase 2a study was safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and exploration of efficacy biomarkers in subjects with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This Phase 2a, multicenter, single-blind, placebo-controlled study randomized 49 presumed F2/F3 subjects to RCF 75 mg once daily (QD), RCF 225 mg QD, or placebo for 28 days. Primary safety and tolerability endpoints were explored using descriptive statistics with post hoc analyses comparing active to placebo groups. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated using population pharmacokinetics methods. Efficacy was explored using biomarkers, transcriptomics, and lipidomics. RCF was safe and well tolerated, with no safety signals identified. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events were constipation, diarrhea, back pain, dizziness, and headache. No clinically significant changes in laboratory parameters were observed, and RCF pharmacokinetics were unchanged in subjects with NASH. Alanine transaminase (ALT) reduction was greater in active subjects than in placebo groups. Nonparametric analysis suggested that ALT reductions were statistically different in the 225-mg cohort compared with matching placebo: -16.3 ± 25.5% versus -0.7 ± 13.4%, respectively. ProC3 and C6M reduction was statistically significant in groups having baseline ProC3 > 15.0 ng/ml. RCF was safe and well tolerated after 28 days in subjects with presumed F2/F3 NASH. Presence of NASH did not alter its pharmacokinetics. Reductions in ALT, ProC3, and C6M suggest direct antifibrotic effects with longer treatment duration. Reductions in key collagen genes support a mechanism of action via suppression and/or regression of collagen deposition. Conclusion: These results support advancement of rencofilstat into a larger and longer Phase 2b study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A. Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of MedicineUniversity of Oxford, Pinnacle Clinical ResearchLive OakTexasUSA
| | - Patrick R. Mayo
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Todd M. Hobbs
- Clinical, Medical and RegulatoryHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdisonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Carlos Canizares
- Clinical, Medical and RegulatoryHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdisonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Erin P. Foster
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Caroline Zhao
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Daren R. Ure
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | | | - Jill A. Greytok
- Clinical, Medical and RegulatoryHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdisonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Robert T. Foster
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
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42
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Nangia-Makker P, Hogan V, Balan V, Raz A. Chimeric galectin-3 and collagens: Biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets in fibroproliferative diseases. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102622. [PMID: 36272642 PMCID: PMC9706532 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis, stiffening and scarring of an organ/tissue due to genetic abnormalities, environmental factors, infection, and/or injury, is responsible for > 40% of all deaths in the industrialized world, and to date, there is no cure for it despite extensive research and numerous clinical trials. Several biomarkers have been identified, but no effective therapeutic targets are available. Human galectin-3 is a chimeric gene product formed by the fusion of the internal domain of the collagen alpha gene [N-terminal domain (ND)] at the 5'-end of galectin-1 [C-terminal domain (CRD)] that appeared during evolution together with vertebrates. Due to the overlapping structural similarities between collagen and galectin-3 and their shared susceptibility to cleavage by matrix metalloproteases to generate circulating collagen-like peptides, this review will discuss present knowledge on the role of collagen and galectin-3 as biomarkers of fibrosis. We will also highlight the need for transformative approaches targeting both the ND and CRD domains of galectin-3, since glycoconjugate binding by the CRD is triggered by ND-mediated oligomerization and the therapies targeted only at the CRD have so far achieved limited success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratima Nangia-Makker
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Redwood City, California, USA,For correspondence: Pratima Nangia-Makker; Avraham Raz
| | - Victor Hogan
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Vitaly Balan
- Guardant Health, Bioinformatics, Redwood City, California, USA
| | - Avraham Raz
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, School of Medicine, Redwood City, California, USA,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA,For correspondence: Pratima Nangia-Makker; Avraham Raz
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43
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Banys V, Aleknavičiūtė-Valienė G. Clinical importance of laboratory biomarkers in liver fibrosis. Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2022; 32:030501. [PMID: 36277426 PMCID: PMC9562801 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2022.030501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic cirrhosis is a major health problem across the world, causing high morbidity and mortality. This disease has many etiologies, yet the result of chronic hepatic injury is hepatic fibrosis causing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, as the liver’s architecture is progressively destroyed. While liver biopsy is currently the gold standard for fibrosis staging, it has significant disadvantages, leading to a growing interest in non-invasive markers. Direct biomarkers – hyaluronic acid, laminin, collagen type III N-peptide, type IV collagen and cholylglycine – are new and rarely applied in routine clinical practice. This is the case primarily because there is no general consensus regarding the clinical application and effectiveness of the individual biomarkers. The usage of these markers in routine clinical practice could be advantageous for patients with liver fibrosis, requiring a simple blood test instead of a biopsy. The former option would be especially attractive for patients who are contraindicated for the latter. This review summarizes recent findings on direct biomarkers of liver fibrosis and highlights their possible applications and potential benefit for liver fibrosis diagnostics and/or staging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valdas Banys
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
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44
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Kołakowski A, Dziemitko S, Chmielecka A, Żywno H, Bzdęga W, Charytoniuk T, Chabowski A, Konstantynowicz-Nowicka K. Molecular Advances in MAFLD—A Link between Sphingolipids and Extracellular Matrix in Development and Progression to Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911380. [PMID: 36232681 PMCID: PMC9569877 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) is a major cause of liver diseases globally and its prevalence is expected to grow in the coming decades. The main cause of MAFLD development is changed in the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Increased production of matrix molecules and inflammatory processes lead to progressive fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver failure. In addition, increased accumulation of sphingolipids accompanied by increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the ECM is closely related to lipogenesis, MAFLD development, and its progression to fibrosis. In our work, we will summarize all information regarding the role of sphingolipids e.g., ceramide and S1P in MAFLD development. These sphingolipids seem to have the most significant effect on macrophages and, consequently, HSCs which trigger the entire cascade of overproduction matrix molecules, especially type I and III collagen, proteoglycans, elastin, and also tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, which as a result cause the development of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Kołakowski
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Sylwia Dziemitko
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - Hubert Żywno
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Wiktor Bzdęga
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Tomasz Charytoniuk
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antoni Jurasz University Hospital No. 1, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Adrian Chabowski
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-089 Bialystok, Poland
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45
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Valenti L, Tripodi A, La Mura V, Pelusi S, Bianco C, Scalambrino E, Margarita S, Malvestiti F, Ronzoni L, Clerici M, D’Ambrosio R, Fraquelli M, Carpani R, Prati D, Peyvandi F. Interplay between coagulation and determinants of liver disease in patients with metabolic dysfunction. JHEP Rep 2022; 4:100598. [PMID: 36313186 PMCID: PMC9597122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims The aim of this study was to examine the determinants of the interplay between liver damage and the coagulation balance in individuals at risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods We considered 581 healthy participants with ≥3 metabolic alterations undergoing clinical and genomic evaluation, measurement of liver stiffness (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) by Fibroscan, Pro-C3, coagulation balance (von Willebrand factor [vWF], factor VIII/protein C ratio [F8/PC] as the main outcome, D-dimer as marker of coagulation/fibrinolysis activation). Results Liver fibrosis indices (both Fibrosis-4 [FIB-4] and liver stiffness measurement [LSM]), but not liver fat (CAP), were independently associated with higher F8/PC ratio (p <0.01), triggering D-dimer formation (p = 2E-21). In keeping with a causal role of liver damage in determining a procoagulant status, the main fatty liver inherited risk variant PNPLA3 p.I148M was independently associated with the F8/PC ratio (p = 0.048). Vice versa, the main determinant of the coagulation balance was ABO locus variation (p = 1E-16), through the impact on vWF (p = 8E-26). Both rs687289 ABO and factor V Leiden were independently associated with higher Pro-C3 (p <0.025), with the effect of ABO being mediated by the impact on vWF (p = 5E-10 for association with Pro-C3). Mendelian randomisation analysis was consistent with a causal association of procoagulant imbalance with heightened fibrogenesis (p = 0.001 at robust MR-Egger for Pro-C3), but not with fibrosis (for LSM; p = not significant). Conclusions In individuals with metabolic dysfunction, liver damage severity and possibly the PNPLA3 p.I148M variant were associated with procoagulant status. Vice versa, evaluation of inherited variants in ABO and other genes influencing coagulation was consistent with a causal role of procoagulant imbalance in activation of early stages of fibrogenesis. Lay summary In individuals with metabolic alterations at risk of metabolic fatty liver disease, there is a tendency toward heightened blood coagulation (clotting), but the cause and the impact on the progression of liver disease remain unclear. Here we show that liver damage severity and metabolic alterations, but not hepatic fat, are mainly responsible for heightened coagulation in patients with metabolic fatty liver disease. By using genetic approaches, we showed that hepatic inflammation due to lipotoxicity may favour heightened coagulation, which in turn can trigger liver fibrosis, igniting a vicious cycle that leads to progressive liver disease. There is a complex interplay between liver damage and the coagulation balance in individuals at risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Non-invasive indices and genetic determinants of liver damage, but not fat, were associated with a procoagulant imbalance. Vice versa, genetic predisposition to hypercoagulability was associated with fibrogenesis. In individuals with metabolic dysfunction, liver damage appears to promote coagulation, which in turn can activate fibrogenesis.
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46
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Guarin JR, Fatherree JP, Oudin MJ. Chemotherapy treatment induces pro-invasive changes in liver ECM composition. Matrix Biol 2022; 112:20-38. [PMID: 35940338 PMCID: PMC10690958 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer-related deaths, yet the mechanisms by which cancer cells colonize secondary organs remain poorly understood. For breast cancer patients, metastasis to the liver is associated with poor prognosis and a median survival of 6 months. Standard of care is chemotherapy, but recurrence occurs in 30% of patients. Systemic chemotherapy has been shown to induce hepatotoxicity and fibrosis, but how chemotherapy impacts the composition of the liver extracellular matrix (ECM) remains unknown. Individual ECM proteins drive tumor cell proliferation and invasion, features that are essential for metastatic outgrowth in the liver. First, we find that the ECM of livers isolated from chemotherapy-treated MMTV-PyMT mice increases the invasion, but not proliferation, of metastatic breast cancer cells. Proteomic analysis of the liver ECM identified Collagen V to be more abundant in paclitaxel-treated livers. We show that Collagen V increases cancer cell invasion via α1β1 integrins and MAPK signaling, while also increasing the alignment of Collagen I, which has been associated with increased invasion. Treatment with obtustatin, an inhibitor specific to α1β1 integrins, inhibits tumor cell invasion in decellularized ECM from paclitaxel-treated livers. Overall, we show chemotherapy treatment alters the liver microenvironment, priming it as a pro-metastatic niche for cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justinne R Guarin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Room 134, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 20155, United States
| | - Jackson P Fatherree
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Room 134, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 20155, United States
| | - Madeleine J Oudin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Room 134, 200 College Ave, Medford, MA 20155, United States.
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47
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Yang L, Yue W, Zhang H, Gao Y, Yang L, Li L. The role of roof plate-specific spondins in liver homeostasis and disease. LIVER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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Castera L, Boursier J. Noninvasive Algorithms for the Case Finding of "At-Risk" Patients with NAFLD. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:313-326. [PMID: 35835440 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1751081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in primary care (25%), only a small minority (< 5%) of NAFLD patients will develop advanced liver fibrosis. The challenge is to identify these patients, who are at the greatest risk of developing complications and need to be referred to liver clinics for specialized management. The focus should change from patients with abnormal liver tests toward patients "at risk of NAFLD," namely those with metabolic risk factors, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Non-invasive tests are well validated for diagnosing advanced fibrosis. Algorithms using FIB-4 as the first-line test, followed, if positive (≥ 1.3), by transient elastography or a patented blood test are the best strategy to define pathways for "at-risk" NAFLD patients from primary care to liver clinics. Involving general practitioners actively and raising their awareness regarding NAFLD and non-invasive tests are critical to establish such pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Castera
- Université de Paris, UMR1149 (CRI), INSERM, Paris, France.,Service d'Hépatologie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Jérôme Boursier
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie et Oncologie Digestive, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Angers, France.,Laboratoire HIFIH UPRES EA3859, SFR ICAT 4208, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
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49
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Altinbas A, Holmes JA, Salloum S, Lidofsky A, Alatrakchi N, Somsouk M, Hunt P, Deeks S, Chew KW, Lauer G, Kruger A, Lin W, Chung RT. LOXL-2 and TNC-C are markers of liver fibrogenesis in HCV/HIV-, HIV- and HCV-infected patients. Biomark Med 2022; 16:839-846. [PMID: 35786977 PMCID: PMC9437769 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2021-0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Lysil oxidase like enzyme-2 (LOXL-2) and TNC-C play important roles in organ fibrosis. We assessed circulating LOXL-2 and TNC-C levels and their relationship to fibrosis severity in HIV- and/or HCV-infected individuals. Methods: Healthy controls (n = 22), HIV mono- (n = 15), HCV mono- (n = 52) and HCV/HIV-co-infected (n = 92) subjects were included. Results: LOXL-2 and TNC-C levels were significantly higher in HCV mono- and HCV/HIV-co-infected individuals with F0 compared to healthy controls. In addition, in HCV/HIV-co-infected individuals, LOXL-2 levels were higher in intermediate fibrosis compared to no/mild fibrosis. Conclusion: In HCV/HIV-co-infected study participants, both LOXL-2 and TNC-C were significantly higher in intermediate fibrosis compared to no/mild fibrosis, but did not further increase with advanced fibrosis. Furthermore, both markers were elevated among HCV/HIV-positive individuals with mild/no fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akif Altinbas
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jacinta A Holmes
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shadi Salloum
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Anna Lidofsky
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nadia Alatrakchi
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Ma Somsouk
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Peter Hunt
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Steven Deeks
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kara W Chew
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Georg Lauer
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Annie Kruger
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Wenyu Lin
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School & Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
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Collagen Type III as a Possible Blood Biomarker of Fibrosis in Equine Endometrium. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141854. [PMID: 35883401 PMCID: PMC9311888 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In the mare, endometrosis is a disease characterized by excessive collagen fibers deposition in the endometrium (uterus inner layer), which is responsible for infertility. The gold standard method for endometrosis evaluation has been endometrial biopsy histopathological classification. The use of blood biomarkers for endometrosis identification would be less invasive, and could provide additional information regarding endometrosis diagnosis and fertility prognosis. Therefore, this study aimed to identify possible blood biomarkers for endometrosis diagnosis and fertility assessment on mares. Reproductive examination, endometrial biopsy histopathological classification, and blood collection were performed. Endometrium and serum collagen type I (COL1) and type III (COL3), and hydroxyproline concentrations were determined. In conclusion, serum COL3 concentration might be considered as a potential aid for the diagnosis of endometrosis and fertility prognosis in the mare. In contrast, COL1 and hydroxyproline did not prove to be effective as biomarkers of endometrial fibrosis in this species. Although it is very unlikely that a single blood biomarker could replace a histopathological evaluation, serum COL3 may have clinical applications. Thus, it may be useful to evaluate a group of mares as possible recipients in embryo transfer programs, where performing endometrial biopsies of several mares is not feasible. Abstract Collagen pathological deposition in equine endometrium (endometrosis) is responsible for infertility. Kenney and Doig’s endometrial biopsy histopathological classification is the gold standard method for endometrosis evaluation, whereby blood biomarkers identification would be less invasive and could provide additional information regarding endometrosis diagnosis and fertility prognosis. This study aimed to identify blood biomarkers for endometrosis diagnosis (42 mares were used in experiment 1), and fertility assessment (50 mares were used in experiment 2). Reproductive examination, endometrial biopsy histopathological classification (Kenney and Doig) and blood collection were performed. Endometrium and serum collagen type I (COL1) and type III (COL3), and hydroxyproline concentrations were measured (ELISA). Serum COL3 cut-off value of 60.9 ng/mL allowed healthy endometria (category I) differentiation from endometria with degenerative/fibrotic lesions (categories IIA, IIB or III) with 100% specificity and 75.9% sensitivity. This cut-off value enabled category I + IIA differentiation from IIB + III (76% specificity, 81% sensitivity), and category III differentiation from others (65% specificity, 92.3% sensitivity). COL1 and hydroxyproline were not valid as blood biomarkers. Serum COL3 cut-off value of 146 ng/mL differentiated fertile from infertile mares (82.4% specificity, 55.6% sensitivity), and was not correlated with mares’ age. Only COL3 may prove useful as a diagnostic aid in mares with endometrial fibrosis and as a fertility indicator.
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