1
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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] [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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2
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Kim JW, Kim YJ. The evidence-based multifaceted roles of hepatic stellate cells in liver diseases: A concise review. Life Sci 2024; 344:122547. [PMID: 38460810 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122547] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play central roles in liver disease pathogenesis, spanning steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. These cells, located in the liver's sinusoidal space of Disse, transition from a quiescent, vitamin A-rich state to an activated, myofibroblast-like phenotype in response to liver injury. This activation results from a complex interplay of cytokines, growth factors, and oxidative stress, leading to excessive collagen deposition and liver fibrosis, a hallmark of chronic liver diseases. Recently, HSCs have gained recognition for their dynamic, multifaceted roles in liver health and disease. Attention has shifted toward their involvement in various liver conditions, including acute liver injury, alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver regeneration. This review aims to explore diverse functions of HSCs in these acute or chronic liver pathologies, with a focus on their roles beyond fibrogenesis. HSCs exhibit a wide range of actions, including lipid storage, immunomodulation, and interactions with other hepatic and extrahepatic cells, making them pivotal in the hepatic microenvironment. Understanding HSC involvement in the progression of liver diseases can offer novel insights into pathogenic mechanisms and guide targeted therapeutic strategies for various liver conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Won Kim
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Yu Ji Kim
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Jeonbuk National University, Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University - Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, South Korea.
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3
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Liu QQ, Chen J, Ma T, Huang W, Lu CH. DCDC2 inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and ameliorates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis by suppressing Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9425. [PMID: 38658618 PMCID: PMC11043443 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59698-w] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis, as a consequence of chronic liver disease, involves the activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) caused by various chronic liver injuries. Emerging evidence suggests that activation of HSC during an inflammatory state can lead to abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Investigating novel strategies to inhibit HSC activation and proliferation holds significant importance for the treatment of liver fibrosis. As a member of the doublecortin domain-containing family, doublecortin domain containing 2 (DCDC2) mutations can lead to neonatal sclerosing cholangitis, but its involvement in liver fibrosis remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate the role of DCDC2 in liver fibrosis. Our findings revealed a reduction in DCDC2 expression in both human fibrotic liver tissues and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse liver fibrotic tissues. Furthermore, exposure to transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-β1) stimulation resulted in a dose- and time-dependent decrease in DCDC2 expression. The overexpression of DCDC2 inhibited the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen alpha 1 (Col1α1), and reduced the activation of HSC stimulated with TGF-β1. Additionally, we provided evidence that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in this process, wherein DCDC2 was observed to inhibit β-catenin activation, thereby preventing its nuclear translocation. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that DCDC2 could attenuate the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like processes of HSC. In vivo, exogenous DCDC2 could ameliorate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. In summary, DCDC2 was remarkably downregulated in liver fibrotic tissues of both humans and mice, as well as in TGF-β1-activated HSC. DCDC2 inhibited the activation of HSC induced by TGF-β1 in vitro and fibrogenic changes in vivo, suggesting that it is a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis and warrants further investigation in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Liu
- Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Cui-Hua Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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4
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Hou LS, Zhai XP, Zhang YW, Xing JH, Li C, Zhou SY, Zhu XH, Zhang BL. Targeted inhibition of autophagy in hepatic stellate cells by hydroxychloroquine: An effective therapeutic approach for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38606676 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing reaction which is the main cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide. The activated hepatic stellate cell (aHSC) is the main driving factor in the development of liver fibrosis. Inhibiting autophagy of aHSC can prevent the progression of liver fibrosis, but inhibiting autophagy of other liver cells has opposite effects. Hence, targeted inhibition of autophagy in aHSC is quite necessary for the treatment of liver fibrosis, which prompts us to explore the targeted delivery system of small molecule autophagy inhibitor hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) that can target aHSC and alleviate the liver fibrosis. METHODS The delivery system of HCQ@retinol-liposome nanoparticles (HCQ@ROL-LNPs) targeting aHSC was constructed by the film dispersion and pH-gradient method. TGF-β-induced HSC activation and thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis mice model were established, and the targeting ability and therapeutic effect of HCQ@ROL-LNPs in liver fibrosis were studied subsequently in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS HCQ@ROL-LNPs have good homogeneity and stability. They inhibited the autophagy of aHSC selectively by HCQ and reduced the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the damage to other liver cells. Compared with the free HCQ and HCQ@LNPs, HCQ@ROL-LNPs had good targeting ability, showing enhanced therapeutic effect and low toxicity to other organs. CONCLUSION Construction of HCQ@ROL-LNPs delivery system lays a theoretical and experimental foundation for the treatment of liver fibrosis and promotes the development of clinical therapeutic drugs for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shuang Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Pei Zhai
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yao-Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie-Hua Xing
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Zhu
- Department of Drug Quality Management, Shannxi Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi'an, China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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5
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Min K, Yenilmez B, Kelly M, Echeverria D, Elleby M, Lifshitz LM, Raymond N, Tsagkaraki E, Harney SM, DiMarzio C, Wang H, McHugh N, Bramato B, Morrison B, Rothstein JD, Khvorova A, Czech MP. Lactate transporter MCT1 in hepatic stellate cells promotes fibrotic collagen expression in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. eLife 2024; 12:RP89136. [PMID: 38564479 PMCID: PMC10987092 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89136] [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] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating lactate is a fuel source for liver metabolism but may exacerbate metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Indeed, haploinsufficiency of lactate transporter monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in mice reportedly promotes resistance to hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Here, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver thyroxin binding globulin (TBG)-Cre or lecithin-retinol acyltransferase (Lrat)-Cre to MCT1fl/fl mice on a choline-deficient, high-fat NASH diet to deplete hepatocyte or stellate cell MCT1, respectively. Stellate cell MCT1KO (AAV-Lrat-Cre) attenuated liver type 1 collagen protein expression and caused a downward trend in trichrome staining. MCT1 depletion in cultured human LX2 stellate cells also diminished collagen 1 protein expression. Tetra-ethylenglycol-cholesterol (Chol)-conjugated siRNAs, which enter all hepatic cell types, and hepatocyte-selective tri-N-acetyl galactosamine (GN)-conjugated siRNAs were then used to evaluate MCT1 function in a genetically obese NASH mouse model. MCT1 silencing by Chol-siRNA decreased liver collagen 1 levels, while hepatocyte-selective MCT1 depletion by AAV-TBG-Cre or by GN-siRNA unexpectedly increased collagen 1 and total fibrosis without effect on triglyceride accumulation. These findings demonstrate that stellate cell lactate transporter MCT1 significantly contributes to liver fibrosis through increased collagen 1 protein expression in vitro and in vivo, while hepatocyte MCT1 appears not to be an attractive therapeutic target for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyounghee Min
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Batuhan Yenilmez
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Mark Kelly
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Michael Elleby
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Naideline Raymond
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Emmanouela Tsagkaraki
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Shauna M Harney
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Chloe DiMarzio
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Hui Wang
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Brett Morrison
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Jeffery D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
| | - Michael P Czech
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, United States
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6
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Suryavanshi P, Bodas D. Knockout cancer by nano-delivered immunotherapy using perfusion-aided scaffold-based tumor-on-a-chip. Nanotheranostics 2024; 8:380-400. [PMID: 38751938 PMCID: PMC11093718 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.87818] [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: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a multifactorial disease produced by mutations in the oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, which result in uncontrolled cell proliferation and resistance to cell death. Cancer progresses due to the escape of altered cells from immune monitoring, which is facilitated by the tumor's mutual interaction with its microenvironment. Understanding the mechanisms involved in immune surveillance evasion and the significance of the tumor microenvironment might thus aid in developing improved therapies. Although in vivo models are commonly utilized, they could be better for time, cost, and ethical concerns. As a result, it is critical to replicate an in vivo model and recreate the cellular and tissue-level functionalities. A 3D cell culture, which gives a 3D architecture similar to that found in vivo, is an appropriate model. Furthermore, numerous cell types can be cocultured, establishing cellular interactions between TME and tumor cells. Moreover, microfluidics perfusion can provide precision flow rates, thus simulating tissue/organ function. Immunotherapy can be used with the perfused 3D cell culture technique to help develop successful therapeutics. Immunotherapy employing nano delivery can target the spot and silence the responsible genes, ensuring treatment effectiveness while minimizing adverse effects. This study focuses on the importance of 3D cell culture in understanding the pathophysiology of 3D tumors and TME, the function of TME in drug resistance, tumor progression, and the development of advanced anticancer therapies for high-throughput drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Suryavanshi
- Nanobioscience Group, Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune 411 004 India
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411 007 India
| | - Dhananjay Bodas
- Nanobioscience Group, Agharkar Research Institute, G.G. Agarkar Road, Pune 411 004 India
- Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind Road, Pune 411 007 India
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7
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Bogomolova A, Balakrishnan A, Ott M, Sharma AD. "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" - About Diverse Phenotypes of Hepatic Stellate Cells in the Liver. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 17:607-622. [PMID: 38216053 PMCID: PMC10900761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and their activated derivatives, often referred to as myofibroblasts (MFs), play a key role in progression of chronic liver injuries leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Until recently, MFs were considered a homogenous cell type majorly due to lack of techniques that allow complex molecular studies at a single-cell resolution. Recent technical advancements in genetic lineage-tracing models as well as the exponential growth of studies with single-cell transcriptome and proteome analyses have uncovered hidden heterogeneities among the HSC and MF populations in healthy states as well as chronic liver injuries at the various stages of tissue deformation. The identification of different phenotypes along the HSC/MF axis, which either maintain essential liver functions ("good" HSCs), emerge during fibrosis ("bad" HSCs), or even promote hepatocellular carcinoma ("ugly" HSCs), may lay the foundation for targeting a particular MF phenotype as potential treatment for chronic liver injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Bogomolova
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group RNA Therapeutics & Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Asha Balakrishnan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Ott
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Amar Deep Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Research Group RNA Therapeutics & Liver Regeneration, REBIRTH-Research Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
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8
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Carvalho AM, Bansal R, Barrias CC, Sarmento B. The Material World of 3D-Bioprinted and Microfluidic-Chip Models of Human Liver Fibrosis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307673. [PMID: 37961933 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials are extensively used to mimic cell-matrix interactions, which are essential for cell growth, function, and differentiation. This is particularly relevant when developing in vitro disease models of organs rich in extracellular matrix, like the liver. Liver disease involves a chronic wound-healing response with formation of scar tissue known as fibrosis. At early stages, liver disease can be reverted, but as disease progresses, reversion is no longer possible, and there is no cure. Research for new therapies is hampered by the lack of adequate models that replicate the mechanical properties and biochemical stimuli present in the fibrotic liver. Fibrosis is associated with changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix that directly influence cell behavior. Biomaterials could play an essential role in better emulating the disease microenvironment. In this paper, the recent and cutting-edge biomaterials used for creating in vitro models of human liver fibrosis are revised, in combination with cells, bioprinting, and/or microfluidics. These technologies have been instrumental to replicate the intricate structure of the unhealthy tissue and promote medium perfusion that improves cell growth and function, respectively. A comprehensive analysis of the impact of material hints and cell-material interactions in a tridimensional context is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Carvalho
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Ruchi Bansal
- Translational Liver Research, Department of Medical Cell Biophysics, Technical Medical Center, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7522 NB, The Netherlands
| | - Cristina C Barrias
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- ICBAS - Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Bruno Sarmento
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- INEB - Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- IUCS - Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde, CESPU, Rua Central de Gandra 1317, Gandra, 4585-116, Portugal
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9
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Hwang I, Lee JY, Kim TH, Lee EJ, Kim J, Park H, Hur MG, Lee S, Park JH. A radioactive CRISPR interference system using 89Zr-labeled LbCas12a. J Control Release 2024; 365:703-715. [PMID: 38016489 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.11.045] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Recently, CRISPR proteins have been recognized as promising candidates for drug development. However, there is still a lack of substances with the appropriate sensitivity and stability for targeted drug delivery systems. 89Zr is a radioactive isotope that emits positrons, allowing real-time in vivo tracking with proven safety. In this study, we confirmed that labeling with 89Zr did not compromise the functionality of CRISPR proteins during in vivo behavioral imaging. Furthermore, we demonstrated the therapeutic efficacy of the CRISPR interference system in a mouse model of liver fibrosis, highlighting the theragnostic potential of isotope-labeled CRISPR proteins. The findings of this research could contribute to various aspects of ongoing clinical studies exploring the in vivo applications of CRISPR proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Injoo Hwang
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Young Lee
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Hyun Kim
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ju Lee
- Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeeho Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Chosun University School of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyomin Park
- Molecular Medicine & Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Goo Hur
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghwa Lee
- Department of Medical Life Science, Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Park
- Advanced Radiation Technology Institute, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Min K, Yenilmez B, Kelly M, Echeverria D, Elleby M, Lifshitz LM, Raymond N, Tsagkaraki E, Harney SM, DiMarzio C, Wang H, McHugh N, Bramato B, Morrision B, Rothstein JD, Khvorova A, Czech MP. Lactate transporter MCT1 in hepatic stellate cells promotes fibrotic collagen expression in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.03.539244. [PMID: 37205462 PMCID: PMC10187148 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.03.539244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Circulating lactate is a fuel source for liver metabolism but may exacerbate metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Indeed, haploinsufficiency of lactate transporter monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) in mice reportedly promotes resistance to hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Here, we used adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to deliver thyroxin binding globulin (TBG)-Cre or lecithin-retinol acyltransferase (Lrat)-Cre to MCT1fl/fl mice on a choline deficient, high fat NASH diet to deplete hepatocyte or stellate cell MCT1, respectively. Stellate cell MCT1KO (AAV-Lrat-Cre) attenuated liver type 1 collagen protein expression and caused a downward trend in trichrome staining. MCT1 depletion in cultured human LX2 stellate cells also diminished collagen 1 protein expression. Tetra-ethylenglycol-cholesterol (Chol)-conjugated siRNAs, which enter all hepatic cell types, and hepatocyte-selective tri-N-acetyl galactosamine (GN)-conjugated siRNAs were then used to evaluate MCT1 function in a genetically obese NASH mouse model. MCT1 silencing by Chol-siRNA decreased liver collagen 1 levels, while hepatocyte-selective MCT1 depletion by AAV-TBG-Cre or by GN-siRNA unexpectedly increased collagen 1 and total fibrosis without effect on triglyceride accumulation. These findings demonstrate that stellate cell lactate transporter MCT1 significantly contributes to liver fibrosis through increased collagen 1 protein expression in vitro and in vivo, while hepatocyte MCT1 appears not to be an attractive therapeutic target for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyounghee Min
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Batuhan Yenilmez
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Mark Kelly
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Dimas Echeverria
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Michael Elleby
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Lawrence M Lifshitz
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Naideline Raymond
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | | | - Shauna M Harney
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Chloe DiMarzio
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Hui Wang
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Nicholas McHugh
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Brianna Bramato
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Brett Morrision
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, USA
| | | | - Anastasia Khvorova
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
| | - Michael P Czech
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, USA
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11
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Chen L, Liang B, Xia S, Wang F, Li Z, Shao J, Zhang Z, Chen A, Zheng S, Zhang F. Emodin promotes hepatic stellate cell senescence and alleviates liver fibrosis via a nuclear receptor (Nur77)-mediated epigenetic regulation of glutaminase 1. Br J Pharmacol 2023; 180:2577-2598. [PMID: 37263753 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Senescence in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) limits liver fibrosis. Glutaminolysis promotes HSC activation. Here, we investigated how emodin affected HSC senescence involving glutaminolysis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Senescence, glutaminolysis metabolites, Nur77 nuclear translocation, glutaminase 1 (GLS1) promoter methylation and related signalling pathways were examined in human HSC-LX2 cells using multiple cellular and molecular approaches. Fibrotic mice with shRNA-mediated knockdown of Nur77 were treated with emodin-vitamin A liposome for investigating the mechanisms in vivo. Human fibrotic liver samples were examined to verify the clinical relevance. KEY RESULTS Emodin upregulated several key markers of senescence and inhibited glutaminolysis cascade in HSCs. Emodin promoted Nur77 nuclear translocation, and knockdown of Nur77 abolished emodin blockade of glutaminolysis and induction of HSC senescence. Mechanistically, emodin facilitated Nur77/DNMT3b interaction and increased GLS1 promoter methylation, leading to inhibited GLS1 expression and blockade of glutaminolysis. Moreover, the glutaminolysis intermediate α-ketoglutarate promoted extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation, which in turn phosphorylated Nur77 and reduced its interaction with DNMT3b. This led to decreased GLS1 promoter methylation and increased GLS1 expression, forming an ERK/Nur77/glutaminolysis positive feedback loop. However, emodin repressed ERK phosphorylation and interrupted the feedback cascade, stimulating senescence in HSCs. Studies in mice showed that emodin-vitamin A liposome inhibited glutaminolysis and induced senescence in HSCs, and consequently alleviated liver fibrosis; but knockdown of Nur77 abrogated these beneficial effects. Similar alterations were validated in human fibrotic liver tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Emodin stimulated HSC senescence through interruption of glutaminolysis. HSC-targeted delivery of emodin represented a therapeutic option for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoyu Liang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Law Sau Fai Institute for Advancing Translational Medicine in Bone and Joint Diseases, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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12
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Bakrania A, Mo Y, Zheng G, Bhat M. RNA nanomedicine in liver diseases. Hepatology 2023:01515467-990000000-00569. [PMID: 37725757 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000606] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The remarkable impact of RNA nanomedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the expansive therapeutic potential of this field in diverse disease contexts. In recent years, RNA nanomedicine targeting the liver has been paradigm-shifting in the management of metabolic diseases such as hyperoxaluria and amyloidosis. RNA nanomedicine has significant potential in the management of liver diseases, where optimal management would benefit from targeted delivery, doses titrated to liver metabolism, and personalized therapy based on the specific site of interest. In this review, we discuss in-depth the different types of RNA and nanocarriers used for liver targeting along with their specific applications in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancers. We further highlight the strategies for cell-specific delivery and future perspectives in this field of research with the emergence of small activating RNA, circular RNA, and RNA base editing approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Bakrania
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yulin Mo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Department of Medicine, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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13
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Xiang L, Wang X, Jiao Q, Shao Y, Luo R, Zhang J, Zheng X, Zhou S, Chen Y. Selective inhibition of glycolysis in hepatic stellate cells and suppression of liver fibrogenesis with vitamin A-derivative decorated camptothecin micelles. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:497-514. [PMID: 37507035 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.035] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The persistent transformation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into myofibroblasts (MFs) and the excessive proliferation of MF-HSCs in the liver contribute to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Glycolysis inhibition of MF-HSCs can reverse their MF phenotype and suppress their abnormal expansion. Here, we have developed vitamin A-derivative (VA) decorated PEG-PCL polymeric micelles to encapsulate the labile and hydrophobic camptothecin (CPT) and direct its active attack on HSCs, selectively inhibiting of HIF-1α and cellular glycolysis, ultimately repressing hepatic fibrogenesis. The obtained micelles exhibited a good stability, biocompatibility, pH sensitivity, and exceptional HSC-targetability, allowing an efficient accumulation of their carried CPT in acutely and chronically injured livers. On their intracellular release of CPT specifically in MF-HSCs, these CPT micelles nicely inhibited the HIF-1α and a series of glycolytic players in MF-HSCs and prominently suppressed their proliferation and MF phenotypic characteristics. Accordingly, on in vitro administration to the mice challenged by CCl4 or subjected to bile duct ligation, these VA-decorated CPT micelles ameliorated the pathological symptoms of the livers, as evidenced by the significant reduction in serum levels of ALT and AST, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and collagen accumulation, the drastic down-regulation of multiple fibrotic genes, and the good recovery of attenuated hepatocyte CYP2E1 and lipogenesis regulator PPARγ. Overall, the CPT carried by VA-decorated PEG-PCL polymeric micelles can selectively inhibit the glycolysis and expansion of HSCs and thus suppress fibrogenesis, providing an original and effective approach for anti-fibrotic therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Our work introduces an innovative antifibrotic drug system that is developed upon the active targeting of CPT and aims for the fate reversal of HSCs. Through HSC-targeted delivery achieved by PEG-PCL polymeric micelles decorated with vitamin A-derivatives, CPT significantly suppressed the expressions of HIF-1α and glycolytic enzymes in MF-HSCs, as well as their pathologic expansion in mouse livers. It effectively ameliorated chronic liver fibrosis in mice induced by CCl4 injection or BDL and restored the damaged liver structure and function. These compelling findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of glycolytic HSC-targeting in combating fibrosis and related disorders and thus provide new promise for future clinical management of such prevalent and life-threatening conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiang
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 410001, China
| | - Xin Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Yaru Shao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Rui Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China
| | - Xiaotong Zheng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 410001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang 410001, China.
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14
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Hora S, Wuestefeld T. Liver Injury and Regeneration: Current Understanding, New Approaches, and Future Perspectives. Cells 2023; 12:2129. [PMID: 37681858 PMCID: PMC10486351 DOI: 10.3390/cells12172129] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ with the ability to regenerate itself in response to injury. However, several factors can contribute to liver damage beyond repair. Liver injury can be caused by viral infections, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and drug-induced liver injury. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in liver injury and regeneration is critical to developing effective therapies for liver diseases. Liver regeneration is a complex process that involves the interplay of various signaling pathways, cell types, and extracellular matrix components. The activation of quiescent hepatocytes that proliferate and restore the liver mass by upregulating genes involved in cell-cycle progression, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function; the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells, also known as oval cells, into hepatocytes that contribute to liver regeneration; and the recruitment of immune cells to release cytokines and angiogenic factors that promote or inhibit cell proliferation are some examples of the regenerative processes. Recent advances in the fields of gene editing, tissue engineering, stem cell differentiation, small interfering RNA-based therapies, and single-cell transcriptomics have paved a roadmap for future research into liver regeneration as well as for the identification of previously unknown cell types and gene expression patterns. In summary, liver injury and regeneration is a complex and dynamic process. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving this phenomenon could lead to the development of new therapies for liver diseases and improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shainan Hora
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
| | - Torsten Wuestefeld
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore 138672, Singapore;
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 168583, Singapore
- School of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551, Singapore
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15
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Miao M, Miao J, Zhang Y, Zhang J, She M, Zhao M, Miao Q, Yang L, Zhou K, Li Q. An activatable near-infrared molecular reporter for fluoro-photoacoustic imaging of liver fibrosis. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 235:115399. [PMID: 37210842 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive and accurate detection of liver fibrosis is extremely significant for well-timed intervention and treatment to prevent or reverse its progression. Fluorescence imaging probes hold great potential for imaging of liver fibrosis, but they always encounter the inherent limitation of shallow penetration depth, which compromises their ability of in vivo detection. To overcome this issue, an activatable fluoro-photoacoustic bimodal imaging probe (IP) is herein developed for specific visualization of liver fibrosis. The probe IP is constructed on a near-infrared thioxanthene-hemicyanine dye that is caged with gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) responsive substrate and linked with integrin-targeted peptide (cRGD). Such molecular design permits IP to effectively accumulate in the liver fibrosis region through specific recognition of cRGD towards integrin and activate its fluoro-photoacoustic signal after interaction with overexpressed GGT to precisely monitor the liver fibrosis. Thus, our study presents a potential strategy to design dual-target fluoro-photoacoustic imaging probes for noninvasive detection of early-stage liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minqian Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jia Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jinglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Meng She
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Min Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qingqing Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Kailong Zhou
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Qing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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16
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Zhao X, Amevor FK, Xue X, Wang C, Cui Z, Dai S, Peng C, Li Y. Remodeling the hepatic fibrotic microenvironment with emerging nanotherapeutics: a comprehensive review. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:121. [PMID: 37029392 PMCID: PMC10081370 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01876-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis could be the last hope for treating liver cancer and remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment has emerged as a strategy to promote the ablation of liver fibrosis. In recent years, especially with the rapid development of nanomedicine, hepatic microenvironment therapy has been widely researched in studies concerning liver cancer and fibrosis. In this comprehensive review, we summarized recent advances in nano therapy-based remodeling of the hepatic microenvironment. Firstly, we discussed novel strategies for regulatory immune suppression caused by capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and macrophage polarization. Furthermore, metabolic reprogramming and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition are caused by the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In addition, recent advances in ROS, hypoxia, and impaired vascular remodeling in the hepatic fibrotic microenvironment due to ECM deposition have also been summarized. Finally, emerging nanotherapeutic approaches based on correlated signals were discussed in this review. We have proposed novel strategies such as engineered nanotherapeutics targeting antigen-presenting cells (APCs) or direct targeting T cells in liver fibrotic immunotherapy to be used in preventing liver fibrosis. In summary, this comprehensive review illustrated the opportunities in drug targeting and nanomedicine, and the current challenges to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Felix Kwame Amevor
- Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Xinyan Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Zhifu Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Shu Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
- , No. 1166, Liu Tai Avenue, Wenjiang district, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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17
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Xiong Y, Wu B, Guo X, Shi D, Xia H, Xu H, Liu X. Galangin delivered by retinoic acid-modified nanoparticles targeted hepatic stellate cells for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. RSC Adv 2023; 13:10987-11001. [PMID: 37033441 PMCID: PMC10077338 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra07561j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a chronic hepatic pathological process induced by various liver injuries, with few available therapies. Previous research studies revealed that HF is characterized by the accumulation of excess extracellular matrix in the liver, mainly overexpressed by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Therefore, HSC have been targeted in clinical trials for the management of HF. The aim of the present study was to develop an anti-HF drug delivery system with acrylic resin (Eudragit® RS100, Eud RS100) nanoparticles (NPs) through modification by retinoic acid (RA), modified for binding the retinol-binding protein reporter (RBPR) in HSC. Galangin (GA), is a multiple effects flavonoid which has demonstrated an anti-HF effect in our previous studies. In this study, GA was utilized for the treatment of HF. The results revealed that the NPs were well formed (diameter: 70 nm), spherical in shape, and exhibited uniform distribution and a high encapsulation efficiency. Moreover, a prominent controlled release effect and a significant increase in bioavailability was observed following the encapsulation of GA in NPs. These findings indicated that the limitation of low bioavailability due to the hydrophobic feature of GA was overcome. Furthermore, the pharmacodynamics studies demonstrated that NPs could drastically influence the anti-HF effects of GA after modification with retinoic acid. The results of the present study suggested that retinoic acid-modified GA NPs represent a promising candidate in the development of an anti-HF drug delivery system for the treatment of HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanguo Xiong
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan 430060 China
- School of Pharmaceuticals, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 HuangJiahu Road West Wuhan 430065 China +86 27 68890239
| | - Bing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine Shiyan 442000 China
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Jiefang Road 238 Wuhan 430060 China +86 27 88041911 +86 27 88041911
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University Jiefang Road 238 Wuhan 430060 China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology Wuhan 430060 China
| | - Xianxi Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan 430060 China
| | - Dong Shi
- School of Pharmaceuticals, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 HuangJiahu Road West Wuhan 430065 China +86 27 68890239
| | - Hao Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Jiefang Road 238 Wuhan 430060 China +86 27 88041911 +86 27 88041911
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University Jiefang Road 238 Wuhan 430060 China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology Wuhan 430060 China
| | - Hanlin Xu
- School of Pharmaceuticals, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, No. 1 HuangJiahu Road West Wuhan 430065 China +86 27 68890239
| | - Xiaoxiong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University Jiefang Road 238 Wuhan 430060 China +86 27 88041911 +86 27 88041911
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University Jiefang Road 238 Wuhan 430060 China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology Wuhan 430060 China
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18
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Hao Y, Song K, Tan X, Zhang Y, Wang L, Zheng W. Reply to "Comment on 'Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Polypeptide Drug Delivery System Targeted Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells to Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis'". ACS NANO 2023; 17:4096-4097. [PMID: 36916180 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c00848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kaichao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaochuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yujia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wensheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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19
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Xia S, Liu Z, Cai J, Ren H, Li Q, Zhang H, Yue J, Zhou Q, Zhou T, Wang L, Liu X, Zhou X. Liver fibrosis therapy based on biomimetic nanoparticles which deplete activated hepatic stellate cells. J Control Release 2023; 355:54-67. [PMID: 36693527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.01.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the most common liver diseases with substantial morbidity and mortality. However, effective therapy for liver fibrosis is still lacking. Considering the key fibrogenic role of activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs), here we reported a strategy to deplete aHSCs by inducing apoptosis as well as quiescence. Therefore, we engineered biomimetic all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) loaded PLGA nanoparticles (NPs). HSC (LX2 cells) membranes, presenting the tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), were coated on the surface of the nanoparticles, while the clinically approved agent ATRA with anti-fibrosis ability was encapsulated in the inner core. The biomimetic coating of TRAIL-expressing HSC membranes does not only provide homologous targeting to HSCs, but also effectively triggers apoptosis of aHSCs. ATRA could induce quiescence of activated fibroblasts. While TM-NPs (i.e. membrane coated NPs without ATRA) and ATRA/NPs (i.e. non-coated NPs loaded with ATRA) only showed the ability to induce apoptosis and decrease the α-SMA expression in aHSCs, respectively, TM-ATRA/NPs induced both apoptosis and quiescence in aHSCs, ultimately leading to improved fibrosis amelioration in both carbon tetrachloride-induced and methionine and choline deficient L-amino acid diet induced liver fibrosis mouse models. We conclude that biomimetic TM-ATRA/NPs may provide a novel strategy for effective antifibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenglong Xia
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zimo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Jieru Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Huiming Ren
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Hongfang Zhang
- Hangzhou Cancer Institution, Affiliated Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310002, China
| | - Jing Yue
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Cancer Pharmacology and Toxicology Research of Zhejiang Province, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Tianhua Zhou
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Liangjing Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Institute of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| | - Xiangrui Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China; Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Key Laboratory of Biomass Chemical Engineering of Ministry of Education, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China.
| | - Xuefei Zhou
- International Institutes of Medicine, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, China.
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20
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Lin CY, Mamani UF, Guo Y, Liu Y, Cheng K. Peptide-Based siRNA Nanocomplexes Targeting Hepatic Stellate Cells. Biomolecules 2023; 13:448. [PMID: 36979383 PMCID: PMC10046633 DOI: 10.3390/biom13030448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver due to chronic injuries and inflammation. These injuries activate and transform quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) into proliferative myofibroblast-like cells, which are the key contributors to the secretin of ECM in the fibrotic liver. The insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) is a multifunctional receptor that is overexpressed on activated HSCs and is a specific molecular marker of activated HSCs in the fibrotic liver. We recently discovered an IGF2R-specific peptide that significantly increases the binding affinity and uptake of a protein-based siRNA nanocomplex to activated HSCs. However, there is a potential concern about the immunogenicity of protein-based siRNA delivery systems. In this study, we used the IGF2R-specific peptide to modify a small peptide-based siRNA nanocomplex for HSC-specific drug delivery. We incorporated a short spacer and glutamate residues into the IGF2R peptides. The siRNA nanocomplex modified with the IGF2R-3GK6E peptide demonstrated higher HSC specificity compared to an unmodified nanocomplex. This peptide-based nanocomplex provides a promising platform to effectively deliver Pcbp2 siRNA to activated HSCs for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kun Cheng
- Division of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2464 Charlotte Street, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
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21
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Han X, Gong N, Xue L, Billingsley MM, El-Mayta R, Shepherd SJ, Alameh MG, Weissman D, Mitchell MJ. Ligand-tethered lipid nanoparticles for targeted RNA delivery to treat liver fibrosis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:75. [PMID: 36650129 PMCID: PMC9845313 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35637-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticle-mediated RNA delivery holds great potential to treat various liver diseases. However, targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics to activated liver-resident fibroblasts for liver fibrosis treatment remains challenging. Here, we develop a combinatorial library of anisamide ligand-tethered lipidoids (AA-lipidoids) using a one-pot, two-step modular synthetic method and adopt a two-round screening strategy to identify AA-lipidoids with both high potency and selectivity to deliver RNA payloads to activated fibroblasts. The lead AA-lipidoid AA-T3A-C12 mediates greater RNA delivery and transfection of activated fibroblasts than its analog without anisamide and the FDA-approved MC3 ionizable lipid. In a preclinical model of liver fibrosis, AA-T3A-C12 enables ~65% silencing of heat shock protein 47, a therapeutic target primarily expressed by activated fibroblasts, which is 2-fold more potent than MC3, leading to significantly reduced collagen deposition and liver fibrosis. These results demonstrate the potential of AA-lipidoids for targeted RNA delivery to activated fibroblasts. Furthermore, these synthetic methods and screening strategies open a new avenue to develop and discover potent lipidoids with targeting properties, which can potentially enable RNA delivery to a range of cell and tissue types that are challenging to access using traditional lipid nanoparticle formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexiang Han
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ningqiang Gong
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lulu Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | | | - Rakan El-Mayta
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Sarah J Shepherd
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Mohamad-Gabriel Alameh
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Drew Weissman
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Cardiovascular Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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22
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Xiang L, Wang X, Shao Y, Jiao Q, Cheng J, Zheng X, Zhou S, Chen Y. Folate Decoration Supports the Targeting of Camptothecin Micelles against Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells and the Suppression of Fibrogenesis. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:2030-2042. [PMID: 36571106 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c16616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As the central cellular player in fibrogenesis, activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are the major target of antifibrotic nanomedicines. Based on our finding that activated HSCs increase the expression of folate receptor alpha (FRα), we tried to apply folic acid (FA) decoration to generate an active drug-targeting at aHSCs and suppress hepato-fibrogenesis. FA-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers (PEG-PCL) were synthesized and self-assembled into the spherical micelles that owned a uniform size distribution averaging at 60 nm, excellent hemo- and cyto-compatibility, and pH-sensitive stability. These FA-modified micelles were preferentially ingested by aHSCs as expected and accumulated more in acutely CCl4 injured mouse livers compared to nondecorated counterparts. Such an aHSC targetability facilitated the loaded medicinal camptothecin (CPT) to achieve a greater therapeutic efficacy and inhibition of MF phenotypic genes in aHSCs. Encouragingly, though free CPT and nontargeting CPT micelles produced negligible curative outcomes, FA-decorated CPT micelles yielded effectively remedial effects in chronically CCl4-induced fibrotic mice, as represented by a significant shrinkage of aHSC population, suppression of fibrogenesis, and recovery of liver structure and function, clearly indicating the success of the folate decoration-supported aHSC-targeted strategy for antifibrotic nanomedicines in fibrosis resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Xiang
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yaru Shao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jiao
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Jiang Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Xiaotong Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Shaobing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Technologies of Materials, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610031, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
- Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, School of Pharmaceutic Sciences, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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23
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Gong L, Zhou H, Zhang S, Wang C, Fu K, Ma C, Zhang Y, Peng C, Li Y. CD44-Targeting Drug Delivery System of Exosomes Loading Forsythiaside A Combats Liver Fibrosis via Regulating NLRP3-Mediated Pyroptosis. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2202228. [PMID: 36603210 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202202228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive pathological process induced by various stimuli and may progress to liver cirrhosis and cancer. Forsythiaside A (FA) is an active ingredient extracted from traditional Chinese medicine Forsythiae Fructus and has prominent hepatoprotective activities. However, the unsatisfactory pharmacokinetic properties restrict its clinical application. In this study, the nanocarrier of CD44-specific ligand Hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified milk-derived exosomes (mExo) encapsulated with FA (HA-mExo-FA) is developed. As a result, HA modification could deliver drug-loaded exosomes to the target cells and form a specific ligand-receptor interaction with CD44, thus improving the anti-liver fibrosis effect of FA. In vitro findings indicate that HA-mExo-FA could inhibit TGF-β1-induced LX2 cell proliferation, reduce α-SMA and collagen gene and protein levels, and promote the apoptosis of activated LX2 cells. In vivo results demonstrate that HA-mExo-FA could improve liver morphology and function changes in zebrafish larvae. The anti-liver fibrosis mechanism of HA-mExo-FA may be attributed to the inhibition of NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis. In addition, the effect of HA-mExo-FA on TAA-induced increase in NLRP3 production is attenuated by NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950. Collectively, this study demonstrates the promising application of HA-mExo-FA in drug delivery with high specificity and provides a powerful and novel delivery platform for liver fibrosis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Honglin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Shenglin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Ke Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yafang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
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24
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Hao Y, Song K, Tan X, Ren L, Guo X, Zhou C, Li H, Wen J, Meng Y, Lin M, Zhang Y, Huang H, Wang L, Zheng W. Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Polypeptide Drug Delivery System Targeted Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells to Ameliorate Liver Fibrosis. ACS NANO 2022; 16:20739-20757. [PMID: 36454190 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c07796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic liver disease that lacks effective pharmacotherapeutic treatments. As part of the disease's mechanism, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are activated by damage-related stimuli to secrete excessive extracellular matrix, leading to collagen deposition. Currently, the drug delivery system that targets HSCs in the treatment of liver fibrosis remains an urgent challenge due to the poor controllability of drug release. Since the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) increases sharply in activated HSCs (aHSCs), we designed ROS-responsive micelles for the HSC-specific delivery of a traditional Chinese medicine, resveratrol (RES), for treatment of liver fibrosis. The micelles were prepared by the ROS-responsive amphiphilic block copolymer poly(l-methionine-block-Nε-trifluoro-acetyl-l-lysine) (PMK) and a PEG shell modified with a CRGD peptide insertion. The CRGD-targeted and ROS-responsive micelles (CRGD-PMK-MCs) could target aHSCs and control the release of RES under conditions of high intracellular ROS in aHSCs. The CRGD-PMK-MCs treatment specifically enhanced the targeted delivery of RES to aHSCs both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro experiments show that CRGD-PMK-MCs could significantly promote ROS consumption, reduce collagen accumulation, and avert activation of aHSCs. In vivo results demonstrate that CRGD-PMK-MCs could alleviate inflammatory infiltration, prevent fibrosis, and protect hepatocytes from damage in fibrotic mice. In conclusion, CRGD-PMK-MCs show great potential for targeted and ROS-responsive controlled drug release in the aHSCs of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Faculty of Kidney Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Kaichao Song
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaochuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ling Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiuping Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Chuchu Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - He Li
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Jin Wen
- Chinese Pharmaceutical Association, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Ya Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Mingbao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yujia Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Hongdong Huang
- Department of Nephrology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Faculty of Kidney Diseases, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Lulu Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wensheng Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines & Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Delivery Technology and Novel Formulation, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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25
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Muñoz-Hernández R, Rojas Á, Gato S, Gallego J, Gil-Gómez A, Castro MJ, Ampuero J, Romero-Gómez M. Extracellular Vesicles as Biomarkers in Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416217. [PMID: 36555854 PMCID: PMC9786586 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-derived vesicles released by a variety of cell types, including hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and immune cells in normal and pathological conditions. Depending on their biogenesis, there is a complex repertoire of EVs that differ in size and origin. EVs can carry lipids, proteins, coding and non-coding RNAs, and mitochondrial DNA causing alterations to the recipient cells, functioning as intercellular mediators of cell-cell communication (auto-, para-, juxta-, or even endocrine). Nevertheless, many questions remain unanswered in relation to the function of EVs under physiological and pathological conditions. The development and optimization of methods for EV isolation are crucial for characterizing their biological functions, as well as their potential as a treatment option in the clinic. In this manuscript, we will comprehensively review the results from different studies that investigated the role of hepatic EVs during liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In general, the identification of patients with early-stage liver disease leads to better therapeutic interventions and optimal management. Although more light needs to be shed on the mechanisms of EVs, their use for early diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis has come into the focus of research as a high-potential source of 'liquid biopsies', since they can be found in almost all biological fluids. The use of EVs as new targets or nanovectors in drug delivery systems for liver disease therapy is also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Muñoz-Hernández
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.-H.); (M.R.-G.)
| | - Ángela Rojas
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sheila Gato
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Gallego
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Gil-Gómez
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Castro
- Servicio de Citometría y Separación Celular, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- SeLiver Group, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), Virgen del Rocio University Hospital/CSIC/University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- UCM Digestive Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.M.-H.); (M.R.-G.)
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26
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Mak KM, Wu C, Cheng CP. Lipid droplets, the Holy Grail of hepatic stellate cells: In health and hepatic fibrosis. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2022; 306:983-1010. [PMID: 36516055 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25138] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Lipid droplets (LDs) are distinct morphological markers of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). They are composed of a core of predominantly retinyl esters and triacylglycerols surrounded by a phospholipid layer; the latter harbors perilipins 2, 3, and 5, which help control LD lipolysis. Electron microscopy distinguishes between Types I and II LDs. Type I LDs are surrounded by acid phosphatase-positive lysosomes, which likely digest LDs. LD count and retinoid concentration are modulated by vitamin A intake. Alcohol consumption depletes hepatic retinoids and HSC LDs, with concomitant transformation of HSCs to fibrogenic myofibroblast-like cells. LD loss and accompanying HSC activation occur in HSC cell culture models. Loss of LDs is a consequence of and not a prerequisite for HSC activation. LDs are endowed with enzymes for synthesizing retinyl esters and triacylglycerols as well as neutral lipases and lysosomal acid lipase for breaking down LDs. HSCs have two distinct metabolic LD pools: an "original" pool in quiescent HSCs and a "new" pool emerging in HSC activation; this two-pool model provides a platform for analyzing LD dynamics in HSC activation. Besides lipolysis, LDs are degraded by lipophagy; however, the coordination between and relative contributions of these two pathways to LD removal are unclear. While induction of autophagy accelerates LD loss in quiescent HSCs and promotes HSC activation, blocking autophagy impairs LD degradation and inhibits HSC activation and fibrosis. This article is a critique of five decades of investigations into the morphology, molecular structure, synthesis, and degradation of LDs associated with HSC activation and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki M Mak
- Department of Medical Education and Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Catherine Wu
- Department of Medical Education and Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Christopher P Cheng
- Department of Medical Education and Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Ali E, Trailin A, Ambrozkiewicz F, Liška V, Hemminki K. Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Their Role as a Potential Target for Future Therapies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315292. [PMID: 36499616 PMCID: PMC9741299 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global healthcare challenge, which affects more than 815,000 new cases every year. Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) remain the principal cells that drive HCC onset and growth. aHSCs suppress the anti-tumor immune response through interaction with different immune cells. They also increase the deposition of the extracellular matrix proteins, challenging the reversion of fibrosis and increasing HCC growth and metastasis. Therapy for HCC was reported to activate HSCs, which could explain the low efficacy of current treatments. Conversely, recent studies aimed at the deactivation of HSCs show that they have been able to inhibit HCC growth. In this review article, we discuss the role of aHSCs in HCC pathophysiology and therapy. Finally, we provide suggestions for the experimental implementation of HSCs in HCC therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esraa Ali
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Andriy Trailin
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-377-593-862
| | - Filip Ambrozkiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Liška
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Department of Surgery University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 80, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 32300 Pilsen, Czech Republic
- Department of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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Yan J, Feng Y, Fang X, Cui X, Xia X, Li F, Luo W, Liang J, Feng J, Yu K. Anti-liver fibrosis effects of the total flavonoids of litchi semen on CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in rats associated with the upregulation of retinol metabolism. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1264-1277. [PMID: 35787093 PMCID: PMC9262366 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2086584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The litchi semen are traditional medications for treating liver fibrosis (LF) in China. The mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the anti-liver fibrotic mechanism of the total flavonoids of litchi semen (TFL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced LF were treated with TFL (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. The anti-liver fibrotic effects of TFL were evaluated and the underlying mechanisms were investigated via histopathological analysis, proteomic analysis and molecular biology technology. RESULTS Significant anti-LF effects were observed in the high-TFL-dose group (TFL-H, p < 0.05). Five hundred and eighty-five and 95 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the LF rat model (M group) and TFL-H group, respectively. The DEPs were significantly enriched in the retinol metabolism pathway (p < 0.0001). The content of 9-cis-retinoic acid (0.93 ± 0.13 vs. 0.66 ± 0.10, p < 0.05, vs. the M group) increased significantly in the TFL-H group. The upregulation of RXRα (0.50 ± 0.05 vs. 0.27 ± 0.13 protein, p < 0.05), ALDH2 (1.24 ± 0.09 vs. 1.04 ± 0.08 protein, p < 0.05), MMP3 (0.89 ± 0.02 vs. 0.61 ± 0.12 protein, p < 0.05), Aldh1a7 (0.20 ± 0.03 vs. 0.03 ± 0.00 mRNA, p < 0.05) and Aox3 (0.72 ± 0.14 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01 mRNA, p < 0.05) after TFL treatment was verified. CONCLUSIONS TFL exhibited good anti-liver fibrotic effects, which may be related to the upregulation of the retinol metabolism pathway. TFL may be promising anti-LF agents with potential clinical application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongyi Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- School of Health, Wuzhou Vocational College, Wuzhou, China
| | - Yinyi Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xuewan Fang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaojuan Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xing Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Fang Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Weisheng Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jianqin Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jianfang Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Kai Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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Merino-Casallo F, Gomez-Benito MJ, Hervas-Raluy S, Garcia-Aznar JM. Unravelling cell migration: defining movement from the cell surface. Cell Adh Migr 2022; 16:25-64. [PMID: 35499121 PMCID: PMC9067518 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2022.2055520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell motility is essential for life and development. Unfortunately, cell migration is also linked to several pathological processes, such as cancer metastasis. Cells' ability to migrate relies on many actors. Cells change their migratory strategy based on their phenotype and the properties of the surrounding microenvironment. Cell migration is, therefore, an extremely complex phenomenon. Researchers have investigated cell motility for more than a century. Recent discoveries have uncovered some of the mysteries associated with the mechanisms involved in cell migration, such as intracellular signaling and cell mechanics. These findings involve different players, including transmembrane receptors, adhesive complexes, cytoskeletal components , the nucleus, and the extracellular matrix. This review aims to give a global overview of our current understanding of cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Merino-Casallo
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Gomez-Benito
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Silvia Hervas-Raluy
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose Manuel Garcia-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical and Biological Engineering (M2BE), Aragon Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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赵 治, 董 辉, 李 兵, 沈 波, 郭 悦, 顾 天, 曲 颖, 蔡 晓, 陆 伦. [Hydroxynitone suppresses hepatic stellate cell activation by inhibiting TGF-β1 phosphorylation to alleviate CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in rats]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:1511-1516. [PMID: 36329585 PMCID: PMC9637497 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.10.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of hydronidone on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats and explore the possible mechanism. METHODS Sixty-six male SD rats were randomized into 5 groups, including a control group (n=10), a liver fibrosis model group (n=20), 2 hydronidone dose groups (100 and 250 mg/kg; n=12), and a pirfenidone (250 mg/kg) treatment group (n= 12). Rat models of liver fibrosis were established by subcutaneous injection of CCl4 in all but the control group. Hydronidone and pirfenidone were given daily at the indicated doses by intragastric administration for 6 weeks. After the treatments, serum samples were collected from the rats for detecting liver function parameters, and hydroxyproline content in the liver tissue was determined. Inflammation and fibrosis in the liver tissue were observed using HE staining and Sirius Red staining. In the cell experiment, human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 was stimulated with TGF-β1 and treated with hydronidone or pirfenidone, and the expression levels of α-SMA, collagen type I and phosphorylated Smad3, phosphorylated p38, phosphorylated ERK1/2 and phosphorylated Akt were detected with Western blotting. RESULTS In the rat models of liver fibrosis, treatment with hydronidone obviously improved the liver functions, reduced the content of hydroxyproline in the liver tissue, and significantly alleviated liver fibrosis (P < 0.05). In LX-2 cells, hydronidone dose-dependently decreased the expression levels of α-SMA and collagen type I. In TGF- β1-stimulated cells, the phosphorylation levels of Smad3, P38, ERK, and Akt increased progressively with the extension of the treatment time, but this effect was significantly attenuated by treatment with hydronidone (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Hydronidone can inhibit the phosphorylation of the proteins in the TGF-β signaling pathway, thereby preventing TGF-β1-mediated activation of hepatic stellate cells, which may be a possible mechanism by which hydronidone alleviates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- 治彬 赵
- 南京医科大学附属上海一院临床医学院消化科,上海 200080Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
- 江苏省泰州市人民医院消化科,江苏泰州 225300Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou People's hospital, Taizhou 225300, China
| | - 辉 董
- 南京医科大学附属上海一院临床医学院消化科,上海 200080Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - 兵航 李
- 南京医科大学附属上海一院临床医学院消化科,上海 200080Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - 波 沈
- 南京医科大学附属上海一院临床医学院消化科,上海 200080Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - 悦承 郭
- 南京医科大学附属上海一院临床医学院消化科,上海 200080Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - 天翊 顾
- 南京医科大学附属上海一院临床医学院消化科,上海 200080Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - 颖 曲
- 南京医科大学附属上海一院临床医学院消化科,上海 200080Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - 晓波 蔡
- 南京医科大学附属上海一院临床医学院消化科,上海 200080Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - 伦根 陆
- 南京医科大学附属上海一院临床医学院消化科,上海 200080Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai 200080, China
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Biswas S, Yadav N, Juneja P, Mourya AK, Kaur S, Tripathi DM, Chauhan VS. Conformationally Restricted Dipeptide-Based Nanoparticles for Delivery of siRNA in Experimental Liver Cirrhosis. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:36811-36824. [PMID: 36278038 PMCID: PMC9583317 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c05292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is a major health problem with multiple associated complications. The presently available drug delivery systems showed moderate site-specific delivery of antifibrotic molecules to the diseased liver; therefore, research on more effective and selective delivery systems in the context of liver cirrhosis remains a necessity in clinical investigation. The aim of the present study was to develop a peptide-based targeted nanocarrier to deliver an oligonucleotide to the hepatic sinusoidal and perivascular regions of the cirrhotic liver. We have synthesized and characterized a conformationally restricted targeted pentapeptide (RΔFRGD), which contains an unnatural amino acid, α,β-dehydrophenylalanine (ΔF). The RΔFRGD self-assembled into spherical nanoparticles (NPs) and was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Next, we investigated the delivery potential of the pentapeptide-based NPs to make a stable complex with a well-established small interference RNA and studied its site-specific delivery in experimental liver cirrhosis. We used siNR4A1 of the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1), a well-known regulatory checkpoint for controlling liver fibrosis. Peptide NPs and their complex with siNR4A1 showed high biocompatibility against various mammalian cell lines. Hepatic tissue biodistribution analysis illustrated that targeted NPs predominantly accumulated in the cirrhotic liver compared to normal rats, specifically in sinusoidal and perivascular areas. A significant downregulation of the NR4A1 mRNA expression (-70%) andlower levels of the NR4A1/GAPDH ratio (-55%) were observed in the RΔFRGD-siNR4A1 nanocomplex-treated group in comparison to the RΔFRGD-vehicle group (RΔFRGD-Veh) at the gene and protein levels, respectively. In addition, in vivo inhibition of NR4A1 produced a significant aggravation in hepatic fibrosis compared with siRNA-vehicle-treated rats (+41% in the MT stain). The novel pentapeptide-based targeted delivery system can be further evaluated and validated for therapeutic purposes in various pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Biswas
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Nitin Yadav
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
| | - Pinky Juneja
- Institute
of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India
| | | | - Savneet Kaur
- Institute
of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi 110070, India
| | | | - Virander Singh Chauhan
- International
Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, New Delhi, Delhi 110067, India
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Niu X, Meng Y, Wang Y, Li G. Established new compound IMB16-4 self-emulsifying drug delivery systems for increasing oral bioavailability and enhancing anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113657. [PMID: 36942601 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113657] [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: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from the chronic liver injury and no specific medical therapy is approved so far. Recently, new compound, N-(3,4,5-trichlorophenyl) - 2 (3-nitrobenzenesulfonamido) benzamide, referred to as IMB16-4, was developed to resist liver fibrosis. However, IMB16-4 displays poor aqueous solubility and poor oral bioavailability. To increase the dissolution rate, improve the oral bioavailability and enhance the anti-hepatic fibrosis action of IMB16-4, IMB16-4 self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) with negative charge or positive charge were prepared using simple stirring, respectively. Their stability, oral bioavailability and anti-liver fibrosis effect were evaluated. The results showed IMB16-4 SEDDS in simulated gastric juice were nearly spherical with the diameter of 100~200 nm and possessed good stability in 30 days. The oral bioavailability of IMB16-4 SEDDS with negative charge and positive charge were increased to 33 folds and 58 folds compared with that of pure IMB16-4, respectively. In bile duct ligation (BDL) rats, IMB16-4 SEDDS attenuated the degree of liver damage and decreased collagen accumulation. In addition, IMB16-4 SEDDS with negative charge easily accumulated in the liver and alleviated hepatic fibrosis by TGF-β/Smad signaling. These findings indicate that IMB16- 4 SEDDS may be a potential therapy for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Niu
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yanan Meng
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yucheng Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Guiling Li
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
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Zhao Y, Yu Y, Wang S, Li J, Teng L. Small extracellular vesicles encapsulating lefty1 mRNA inhibit hepatic fibrosis. Asian J Pharm Sci 2022; 17:630-640. [PMID: 36382306 PMCID: PMC9640367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajps.2022.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the liver caused by persistent chronic injury, which can lead to more serious diseases such as cirrhosis or cancer. Blocking the effect of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), one of the most important cytokines in liver fibrosis, may be one of the effective ways to inhibit liver fibrosis. As a kind of natural nano-scale vesicles, small extracellular vesicles (sEvs) have displayed excellent delivery vehicle properties. Herein, we prepared hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-derived sEvs loading left-right determination factor 1 (lefty1) mRNA (sEvLs) and we wanted to verify whether they can inhibit fibrosis by blocking the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. The results showed that sEvLs had effective cell uptake and reduced activation of HSCs. Rats that were injected with CCl4 by intraperitoneal injection for 6 weeks exhibited obvious symptoms of liver fibrosis and were treated with systemically administered sEvLs and free sEvs for 4 weeks. Rats injected with olive oil alone served as sham controls. Administration of sEvLs significantly reduced the area of fibrosis compared with free sEvs. We demonstrated that sEvLs inhibited HSCs activation and ECM production, and promote ECM degradation by downregulating α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) -1 and upregulating matrix metalloprotease (MMP) -1. In summary, as an endogenous delivery vehicle, sEvs could deliver mRNA to attenuate hepatic fibrosis by blocking the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway.
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Devaraj E, Perumal E, Subramaniyan R, Mustapha N. Liver fibrosis: Extracellular vesicles mediated intercellular communication in perisinusoidal space. Hepatology 2022; 76:275-285. [PMID: 34773651 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ezhilarasan Devaraj
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Elumalai Perumal
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Raghunandhakumar Subramaniyan
- Department of Pharmacology, The Blue Lab, Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology Division, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai, India
| | - Najimi Mustapha
- Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, IREC Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
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Kim KR, Kim J, Back JH, Lee JE, Ahn DR. Cholesterol-Mediated Seeding of Protein Corona on DNA Nanostructures for Targeted Delivery of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics to Treat Liver Fibrosis. ACS NANO 2022; 16:7331-7343. [PMID: 35500062 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c08508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The protein corona is a protein layer formed on the surface of nanoparticles administered in vivo and considerably affects the in vivo fate of nanoparticles. Although it is challenging to control protein adsorption on nanoparticles precisely, the protein corona may be harnessed to develop a targeted drug delivery system if the nanoparticles are decorated with a ligand with enhanced affinity to target tissue- and cell-homing proteins. Here, we prepared a DNA tetrahedron with trivalent cholesterol conjugation (Chol3-Td) that can induce enhanced interaction with lipoproteins in serum, which in situ generates the lipoprotein-associated protein corona on a DNA nanostructure favorable for cells abundantly expressing lipoprotein receptors in the liver, such as hepatocytes in healthy mice and myofibroblasts in fibrotic mice. Chol3-Td was further adopted for liver delivery of antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting TGF-β1 mRNA to treat liver fibrosis in a mouse model. The potency of ASO@Chol3-Td was comparable to that of ASO conjugated with the clinically approved liver-targeting ligand, trivalent N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc3), demonstrating the potential of Chol3-Td as a targeted delivery system for oligonucleotide therapeutics. This study suggests that controlled seeding of the protein corona on nanomaterials can provide a way to steer nanoparticles into the target area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoung-Ran Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Junghyun Kim
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Ji Hyun Back
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Ji Eun Lee
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Dae-Ro Ahn
- Center for Theragnosis, Biomedical Research Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Division of Biomedical Science and Technology, KIST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Hwarangno 14-gil 5, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea
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Chen L, Kong D, Xia S, Wang F, Li Z, Zhang F, Zheng S. Crosstalk Between Autophagy and Innate Immunity: A Pivotal Role in Hepatic Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:891069. [PMID: 35656309 PMCID: PMC9152088 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.891069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a repair process of chronic liver injuries induced by toxic substances, pathogens, and inflammation, which exhibits a feature such as deposition of the extracellular matrix. The initiation and progression of liver fibrosis heavily relies on excessive activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The activated HSCs express different kinds of chemokine receptors to further promote matrix remodulation. The long-term progression of liver fibrosis will contribute to dysfunction of the liver and ultimately cause hepatocellular carcinoma. The liver also has abundant innate immune cells, including DCs, NK cells, NKT cells, neutrophils, and Kupffer cells, which conduct complicated functions to activation and expansion of HSCs and liver fibrosis. Autophagy is one specific type of cell death, by which the aberrantly expressed protein and damaged organelles are transferred to lysosomes for further degradation, playing a crucial role in cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is also important to innate immune cells in various aspects. The previous studies have shown that dysfunction of autophagy in hepatic immune cells can result in the initiation and progression of inflammation in the liver, directly or indirectly causing activation of HSCs, which ultimately accelerate liver fibrosis. Given the crosstalk between innate immune cells, autophagy, and fibrosis progression is complicated, and the therapeutic options for liver fibrosis are quite limited, the exploration is essential. Herein, we review the previous studies about the influence of autophagy and innate immunity on liver fibrosis and the molecular mechanism to provide novel insight into the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Siwei Xia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhanghao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Liu XY, Li D, Li TY, Wu YL, Piao JS, Piao MG. Vitamin A - modified Betulin polymer micelles with hepatic targeting capability for hepatic fibrosis protection. Eur J Pharm Sci 2022; 174:106189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Zhou L, Li Y, Liang Q, Liu J, Liu Y. Combination therapy based on targeted nano drug co-delivery systems for liver fibrosis treatment: A review. J Drug Target 2022; 30:577-588. [PMID: 35179094 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2022.2044485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the hallmark of liver disease and occurs prior to the stages of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Any type of liver damage or inflammation can result in fibrosis. Fibrosis does not develop overnight, but rather as a result of the long-term action of injury factors. At present, however, there are no good treatment methods or specific drugs other than removing the pathogenic factors. Drug application is still limited, which means that drugs with good performance in vitro cannot achieve good therapeutic effects in vivo, owing to various factors such as poor drug targeting, large side effects, and strong hydrophobicity. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the primary effector cells in liver fibrosis. The nano-drug delivery system is a new and safe drug delivery system that has many advantages which are widely used in the field of liver fibrosis. Drug resistance and side effects can be reduced when two or more drugs are used in combination drug delivery. Combination therapy of drugs with different targets has emerged as a novel approach to treating liver fibrosis, and the nano co-delivery system enhances the benefits of combination therapy. While nano co-delivery systems can maximize benefits while avoiding drug side effects, this is precisely the advantage of the nano co-delivery system. This review briefly described the pathogenesis and current treatment strategies, the different co-delivery systems of combination drugs in the nano delivery system, and targeting strategies for nano delivery systems on liver fibrosis therapy. Because of their superior performance, nano delivery systems and targeting drug delivery systems have received a lot of attention in the new drug delivery system. The new delivery systems offer a new pathway in the treatment of liver fibrosis, and it is believed that it can be a new treatment for fibrosis in the future. Nano co-delivery system of combination drugs and targeting strategies has proven the effectiveness of anti-fibrosis at the experimental level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qiangwei Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Xu Q, Xia W, Zhou L, Zou Z, Li Q, Deng L, Wu S, Wang T, Cui J, Liu Z, Sun T, Ye J, Li F. Determination of Hepatic Iron Deposition in Drug-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats by Confocal Micro-XRF Spectrometry. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:3738-3745. [PMID: 35128282 PMCID: PMC8811927 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the intermediate process and inevitable stage of the development of chronic liver disease into cirrhosis. Reducing the degree of liver fibrosis plays an extremely important role in treating chronic liver disease and preventing liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. The formation of liver fibrosis is affected by iron deposition to a certain extent, and excessive iron deposition further induces liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Herein, confocal microbeam X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) was used to determine the intensity and biodistribution of iron deposition at different time points in the process of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. To our best knowledge, this is the first study using confocal μ-XRF to analyze hepatic iron deposition in hepatic fibrosis. The results showed that there are minor and trace elements such as iron, potassium, and zinc in the liver of rats. Continuous injection of TAA solution resulted in increasing liver iron deposition over time. The intensity of iron deposition in liver tissue was also significantly reduced after bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were injected. These findings indicated that confocal μ-XRF can be used as a nondestructive and quantitative method of evaluating hepatic iron deposition in hepatic fibrosis, and iron deposition may play an important role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis induced by TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Xu
- College
of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular
Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering
of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Wenjing Xia
- College
of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular
Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering
of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Lazhen Zhou
- College
of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular
Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering
of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Zhengwei Zou
- Key
Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular
Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering
of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Sub-center
for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First
Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qiuxia Li
- College
of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Lijun Deng
- College
of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Sha Wu
- College
of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Tao Wang
- College
of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
| | - Jingduo Cui
- College
of Nuclear Science and Technology, Beijing
Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhiguo Liu
- College
of Nuclear Science and Technology, Beijing
Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Tianxi Sun
- College
of Nuclear Science and Technology, Beijing
Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Junsong Ye
- Key
Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular
Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering
of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Sub-center
for Stem Cell Clinical Translation, First
Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fangzuo Li
- College
of Medical Information Engineering, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular
Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan
Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Key
Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication in Tissue Engineering
of Jiangxi Province, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
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Costunolide Loaded in pH-Responsive Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles for Increased Stability and an Enhanced Anti-Fibrotic Effect. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14100951. [PMID: 34681175 PMCID: PMC8539632 DOI: 10.3390/ph14100951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis remains a significant public health problem. However, few drugs have yet been validated. Costunolide (COS), as a monomeric component of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Saussurea Lappa, has shown excellent anti-fibrotic efficacy. However, COS displays very poor aqueous solubility and poor stability in gastric juice, which greatly limits its application via an oral administration. To increase the stability, improve the dissolution rate and enhance the anti-liver fibrosis of COS, pH-responsive mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were selected as a drug carrier. Methacrylic acid copolymer (MAC) as a pH-sensitive material was used to coat the surface of MSNs. The drug release behavior and anti-liver fibrosis effects of MSNs-COS-MAC were evaluated. The results showed that MSNs-COS-MAC prevented a release in the gastric fluid and enhanced the dissolution rate of COS in the intestinal juice. At half the dose of COS, MSNs-COS-MAC still effectively ameliorated parenchymal necrosis, bile duct proliferation and excessive collagen. MSNs-COS-MAC significantly repressed hepatic fibrogenesis by decreasing the expression of hepatic fibrogenic markers in LX-2 cells and liver tissue. These results suggest that MSNs-COS-MAC shows great promise for anti-liver fibrosis treatment.
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Meng F, Khoso MH, Kang K, He Q, Cao Y, Jiang X, Xiao W, Li D. FGF21 ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by multiple mechanisms. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7153-7163. [PMID: 34536190 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06707-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous study reports that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis, but its mechanisms have not been fully investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, three models were used to investigate the mechanism by which FGF21 alleviates liver fibrosis. Hepatic fibrosis animal models were respectively induced by CCL4 and dimethylnitrosamine. Our results demonstrated that liver index and liver function were deteriorated in both models. Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's staining showed that the damaged tissue architectonics were observed in the mice of both models. Treatment with FGF21 significantly ameliorated these changes. ELISA analysis showed that the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly elevated in both models. However, administration of FGF21 significantly reduced these inflammatory cytokines. Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis showed that treatment with FGF21 significantly decreased mRNA and protein expressions of collagenI, α-SMA and TGF-β. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) stimulant was used to establish the experimental cell model in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Real-time PCR and Western blot analysis demonstrated that the expression of collagenI and α-SMA were significantly upregulated by this stimulant in model group. Interestingly, our results showed that mRNA and protein expressions of leptin were also significantly induced in PDGF-BB treated HSCs. Administration of FGF21 significantly reduced leptin expression in a dose dependent manner and these effects were reversed in siRNA (against β-klotho) transfected HSCs. Furthermore, the leptin signaling pathways related protein p-ERK/t-ERK, p-STAT3/STAT3 and TGF-β were significantly downregulated by FGF21 treatment in a dose dependent manner. The expressions of SOCS3 and Nrf-2 were enhanced by treatment with FGF21. The underlying mechanism may be that FGF21 regulates leptin-STAT3 axis via Nrf-2 and SOCS3 pathway in activated HSCs. CONCLUSIONS FGF21 ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by multiple mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanrui Meng
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Mir Hassan Khoso
- Department of Biochemistry, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana, Pakistan
| | - Kai Kang
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Qi He
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yukai Cao
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | | | - Wei Xiao
- Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical CO. LTD, Jiangsu, Lianyungang, State Key Laboratory of New-Tech for Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Process, Jiangsu, 220000, China.
| | - Deshan Li
- Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.
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Kumar V, Xin X, Ma J, Tan C, Osna N, Mahato RI. Therapeutic targets, novel drugs, and delivery systems for diabetes associated NAFLD and liver fibrosis. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 176:113888. [PMID: 34314787 PMCID: PMC8440458 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) associated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the fourth-leading cause of death. Hyperglycemia induces various complications, including nephropathy, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are several etiological factors leading to liver disease development, which involve insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Free fatty acid (FFA) accumulation in the liver exerts oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses. Hepatocyte injury induces release of inflammatory cytokines from Kupffer cells (KCs), which are responsible for activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). In this review, we will discuss various molecular targets for treating chronic liver diseases, including homeostasis of FFA, lipid metabolism, and decrease in hepatocyte apoptosis, role of growth factors, and regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and HSC activation. This review will also critically assess different strategies to enhance drug delivery to different cell types. Targeting nanocarriers to specific liver cell types have the potential to increase efficacy and suppress off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Xiaofei Xin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jingyi Ma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Chalet Tan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | - Natalia Osna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Cranberry (Vacinium macrocarpon) phytochemicals inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis. FOOD BIOSCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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The role of let-7b in the inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation by rSjP40. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009472. [PMID: 34161325 PMCID: PMC8221521 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are one of the main cell types involved in liver fibrosis induced by many factors, including schistosomes. Previous studies in our lab have shown that recombinant P40 protein from Schistosoma japonicum (rSjP40) can inhibit HSC activation in vitro. Let-7b is a member of the let-7 microRNA family and plays an inhibitory role in a variety of diseases and inflammatory conditions. In this study, we investigated the role of let-7b in the inhibition of HSC activation by rSjP40. METHODS Expression of let-7b was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. A dual luciferase assay was used to confirm direct interaction between let-7b and collagen I. We also used western blot to assess protein levels of TGFβRI and collagen type I α1 (COL1A1). RESULTS We found that rSjP40 up-regulates expression of let-7b in HSCs. Let-7b inhibits collagen I expression by directly targeting the 3'UTR region of the collagen I gene. Furthermore, we discovered that let-7b inhibitor partially restores the loss of collagen I expression caused by rSjP40. CONCLUSION Our research clarifies the role of let-7b in the inhibition of HSC activation by rSjP40 and will provide new insights and ideas for the inhibition of HSC activation and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Liu M, López de Juan Abad B, Cheng K. Cardiac fibrosis: Myofibroblast-mediated pathological regulation and drug delivery strategies. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 173:504-519. [PMID: 33831476 PMCID: PMC8299409 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis remains an unresolved problem in heart diseases. After initial injury, cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) are activated and subsequently differentiate into myofibroblasts (myoFbs) that are major mediator cells in the pathological remodeling. MyoFbs exhibit proliferative and secretive characteristics, and contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, collagen deposition. The persistent functions of myoFbs lead to fibrotic scars and cardiac dysfunction. The anti-fibrotic treatment is hindered by the elusive mechanism of fibrosis and lack of specific targets on myoFbs. In this review, we will outline the progress of cardiac fibrosis and its contributions to the heart failure. We will also shed light on the role of myoFbs in the regulation of adverse remodeling. The communication between myoFbs and other cells that are involved in the heart injury and repair respectively will be reviewed in detail. Then, recently developed therapeutic strategies to treat fibrosis will be summarized such as i) chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy with an optimal target on myoFbs, ii) direct reprogramming from stem cells to quiescent CFs, iii) "off-target" small molecular drugs. The application of nano/micro technology will be discussed as well, which is involved in the construction of cell-based biomimic platforms and "pleiotropic" drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrui Liu
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, NC, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, USA
| | - Blanca López de Juan Abad
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, NC, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, USA
| | - Ke Cheng
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, NC, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University, USA.
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Lucantoni F, Martínez-Cerezuela A, Gruevska A, Moragrega ÁB, Víctor VM, Esplugues JV, Blas-García A, Apostolova N. Understanding the implication of autophagy in the activation of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis: are we there yet? J Pathol 2021; 254:216-228. [PMID: 33834482 DOI: 10.1002/path.5678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs as a result of persistent liver injury and can be defined as a pathologic, chronic, wound-healing process in which functional parenchyma is progressively replaced by fibrotic tissue. As a phenomenon involved in the majority of chronic liver diseases, and therefore prevalent, it exerts a significant impact on public health. This impact becomes even more patent given the lack of a specific pharmacological therapy, with LF only being ameliorated or prevented through the use of agents that alleviate the underlying causes. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are fundamental mediators of LF, which, activated in response to pro-fibrotic stimuli, transdifferentiate from a quiescent phenotype into myofibroblasts that deposit large amounts of fibrotic tissue and mediate pro-inflammatory effects. In recent years, much effort has been devoted to understanding the mechanisms through which HSCs are activated or inactivated. Using cell culture and/or different animal models, numerous studies have shown that autophagy is enhanced during the fibrogenic process and have provided specific evidence to pinpoint the fundamental role of autophagy in HSC activation. This effect involves - though may not be limited to - the autophagic degradation of lipid droplets. Several hepatoprotective agents have been shown to reverse the autophagic alteration present in LF, but clinical confirmation of these effects is pending. On the other hand, there is evidence that implicates autophagy in several anti-fibrotic mechanisms in HSCs that stimulate HSC cell cycle arrest and cell death or prevent the generation of pro-fibrotic mediators, including excess collagen accumulation. The objective of this review is to offer a comprehensive analysis of published evidence of the role of autophagy in HSC activation and to provide hints for possible therapeutic targets for the treatment and/or prevention of LF related to autophagy. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Lucantoni
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Aleksandra Gruevska
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ángela B Moragrega
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Víctor M Víctor
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan V Esplugues
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Blas-García
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nadezda Apostolova
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
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Khurana A, Sayed N, Allawadhi P, Weiskirchen R. It's all about the spaces between cells: role of extracellular matrix in liver fibrosis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:728. [PMID: 33987426 PMCID: PMC8106070 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-2948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the leading complications of a variety of chronic liver disorders, including the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis and liver failure. The progression of liver fibrosis is driven by chronic inflammation, which activates the secretory fibroblasts to the myofibroblast phenotype. These specialized liver cells are called as hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) secretion creates a large number of complications. Fibrosis is the result of imbalance between the matrix synthesizing and matrix degrading factors. The major ECM proteins include the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), lysyl oxidases (LOX), lysyl oxidase-like (LOXLs) enzymes, tenascins and others. These ECM proteins present novel avenues for the therapeutics of liver fibrosis. The current review highlights the major role played by these critical matrix proteins in liver fibrosis. Further, some of the targeted formulations used against these proteins are discussed and suggestions are provided to select the course of research for successful clinical translation of basic research findings for the amelioration of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Khurana
- Center for Biomedical Engineering (CBME), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India.,Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Nilofer Sayed
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Prince Allawadhi
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry (IFMPEGKC), RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Novel IMB16-4 Compound Loaded into Silica Nanoparticles Exhibits Enhanced Oral Bioavailability and Increased Anti-Liver Fibrosis In Vitro. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26061545. [PMID: 33799909 PMCID: PMC8000840 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26061545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis, as a common and refractory disease, is challenging to treat due to the lack of effective agents worldwide. Recently, we have developed a novel compound, N-(3,4,5-trichlorophenyl)-2(3-nitrobenzenesulfonamide) benzamide (IMB16-4), which is expected to have good potential effects against liver fibrosis. However, IMB16-4 is water-insoluble and has very low bioavailability. Methods: Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) were selected as drug carriers for the purpose of increasing the dissolution of IMB16-4, as well as improving its oral bioavailability and inhibiting liver fibrosis. The physical states of IMB16-4 and IMB16-4-MSNs were investigated using nitrogen adsorption, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), HPLC, UV-Vis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results: The results show that MSNs enhanced the dissolution rate of IMB16-4 significantly. IMB16-4-MSNs reduced cytotoxicity at high concentrations of IMB16-4 on human hepatic stellate cells LX-2 cells and improved oral bioavailability up to 530% compared with raw IMB16-4 on Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. In addition, IMB16-4-MSNs repressed hepatic fibrogenesis by decreasing the expression of hepatic fibrogenic markers, including α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) in LX-2 cells. Conclusions: These results provided powerful information on the use of IMB16-4-MSNs for the treatment of liver fibrosis in the future.
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Exosomes Secreted from Amniotic Membrane Contribute to Its Anti-Fibrotic Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22042055. [PMID: 33669673 PMCID: PMC7922650 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Amniotic membranes (AM) have anti-fibrotic activity. Exosomes (nano-sized vesicles) function as conduits for intercellular transfer and contain all the necessary components to induce the resolution of fibrosis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the anti-fibrotic activity of AM is mediated by exosomes. AM-derived exosomes or amniotic stromal cell-derived exosomes were isolated and characterized. Anti-fibrotic activity of exosomes was evaluated using human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2), an in vitro model of fibrosis. Exosomes isolated from AM tissue-conditioned media had an average size of 75 nm. Exosomes significantly inhibited the proliferation of TGFβ1-activated LX-2 but had no effect on the proliferation of non-activated LX-2 cells. Exosomes also reduced the migration of LX-2 in a scratch wound assay. Furthermore, exosomes reduced the gene expression of pro-fibrotic markers such as COL1A1, ACTA, and TGFβ1 in LX-2 cells. Interestingly, exosomes isolated from AM tissue under hypoxic conditions seemed to show a stronger anti-fibrotic activity than exosomes isolated from tissue under normoxic conditions. Exosomes released by in vitro cultured AM stromal cells were smaller in size compared with tissue exosomes and also showed anti-fibrotic activity on LX-2 cells. In conclusion, AM-tissue-released exosomes contribute to the anti-fibrotic activity of AM. This is the first report of isolation, characterization, and functional evaluation of exosomes derived from amniotic tissues with the direct comparison between tissue-derived exosomes and cultured cell-derived exosomes.
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Klemm P, Huschke S, Rodewald M, Ehteshamzad N, Behnke M, Wang X, Cinar G, Nischang I, Hoeppener S, Weber C, Press AT, Höppener C, Meyer T, Deckert V, Schmitt M, Popp J, Bauer M, Schubert S. Characterization of a library of vitamin A-functionalized polymethacrylate-based nanoparticles for siRNA delivery. Polym Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1039/d0py01626h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A 60-membered library of vitamin A-functionalized P(MMA-stat-DMAEMA)-b-PPEGMA block copolymers was synthesized by RAFT polymerization. From these, nanoparticles containing genetic material were formulated and fully characterized.
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